How to Tune a Bass Fiddle

The bass fiddle is like a gentle beast. The more you tame it, the better it performs. Like all stringed instruments, tuning is crucial to becoming a better bassist. Although it's big, tuning your bass fiddle can be easy if you follow a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bass fiddle
• Electronic tuner or a tuned piano

Tuning the Bass Fiddle

1. 
   Bass strings (from left: E, A, D, G)

   The bass fiddle has four strings, starting with the E string (the lowest), the A string, the D string and the G string (the highest). Each string is wound around a machine head on the head (top) of the bass. The strings run along a finger board, over a bridge, and connect to a tailpiece at the bottom of the bass. Each string can be tuned higher or lower by turning the machine heads on the head.

2. Tune the A string. Most stringed instruments are tuned to A440, a standard tuning frequency. Using an electronic tuner, find the A note and play the tone. Once your ear is accustomed to the A note played on the tuner, begin turning the A string machine head on the bass with one hand while you pluck or bow the A string with your other hand until the tone played on the string matches the tone played by the tuner. If you have a tuned piano, play the A above middle C as your guide tone.

3. Next, tune the bottom E string. If your electronic tuner has an E note, play it. Once your ear is accustomed to the E note played on the tuner, begin turning the E string machine head on the bass until the tone played on the string matches the tone played by the tuner (or, play a low E note on a piano to locate the tone).

4. Next, tune the D string. Locate a D note on your electronic tuner (or piano) and play it. Once your ear is accustomed to the tone, begin turning the D string machine head on the bass until the tone of the string matches the tuner.

5. Finally, tune the high G string. Locate a G note on your electronic tuner (or piano) and play it. Once your ear is accustomed to the tone, begin turning the G string machine head on the bass until the tone of the string matches the tuner.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you grow accustomed to tuning your bass fiddle, it might not be necessary to use an electronic tuner for every string. Always begin with the A string, tuning it to A440. Your ear will learn how to distinguish a perfect 4th between each string. For instance, when you play an A note on the bottom E string, it should perfectly match the A string.
• Bass fiddles can be finicky when it comes to tuning, especially in different climates. Be sure to humidify your bass if you live in a particularly dry climate (bass humidifiers can be purchased at music shops or online).

Resources

• "Double Bassist" magazine
• DoubleBass discussion group