How to Tune the Upright Bass
The upright bass brings a wonderful sound to the orchestra. As the largest of the string instruments, the bass gives the lowest tones. All beginning bassists need to know how to tune their instrument. Tuning the 4 strings of the bass-E, A, D, G-keeps your bass sounding good.
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Instructions
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1
Know your strings. The thickest string is E, followed by A and D. The thinnest string is the G string.
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2
Make certain the bridge is in the correct position, straight and positioned at the center of the F holes. The taller side goes with the E string, meaning the shorter side goes with G. If you need to correct the position of your bridge, loosen your strings enough to manipulate it without harming the strings.
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3
Remember to take your time when tuning an upright bass, also known as a double bass. It's better to go slow and make minor adjustments to the pegs than to risk damaging your bass by tuning it too high.
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4
Tune the upright bass in fourths with each string a fourth step above the previous one, starting with the E string.
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5
Turn on your tuner, and make certain it is at the right setting for a bass. Particularly for beginning musicians, the electronic tuner provides the best way to tune a bass.
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6
Strum the lowest string, the E string. You want to see a straight line in the middle of your tuner window. A line on the left side of the window indicates your string is flat and needs tightening. Your string is sharp when you see a line on the right side of the window, meaning you need to loosen the knob a little.
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7
Repeat Step 6 with the other notes until all strings show a perfect pitch--a line down the center of the tuner window.
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Tips & Warnings
If your strings buzz, they are too close to the fingerboard.
Apply the graphite from a #2 pencil to the bridge and nut groove to decrease friction.
Some bassists tune by harmonics.
Tuning one string can affect the other strings because the tension changes. Plan to tune each string more than once.
