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6-String Bass
6-String Bass Tuner
6-string bass tuning notes:
B0E1A1D2G2C3
This tuner is preset for 6-string bass standard tuning (BEADGC). Tune B0-E1-A1-D2-G2-C3 from low B to high C.
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Learn 6-String Bass Standard After You Tune
Use this page as a short practice route: tune to B0-E1-A1-D2-G2-C3, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make 6-String Bass Standard useful.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Best approached as a intermediate 6-string bass tuning.
Songs
0
Start with chord shapes and related tunings while the song list grows.
Best for
6-string bass tuner, six-string bass tuning, B-E-A-D-G-C bass notes, low B high C setup
First practice targets
This tuning does not have a song list yet. Start by learning the target notes, then compare nearby tunings and chord shapes.
Open the chord libraryAbout 6-String Bass Standard Tuning (BEADGC)
6-string bass standard tuning is B-E-A-D-G-C from lowest to highest string. It extends the normal 4-string bass range in both directions by adding a low B below E and a high C above G.
Use this 6-string bass tuner as a BEADGC note check: 6th string B0, 5th string E1, 4th string A1, 3rd string D2, 2nd string G2, and 1st string C3.
The middle four strings are the same as standard bass tuning, so E-A-D-G fingerboard shapes still apply. The low B adds deep roots for modern rock, metal, gospel, and extended-range bass lines, while the high C helps with chords, melodies, and solo work.
A clean 6-string setup matters because the low B can sound unclear if the string is too light or the action is too low, while the high C can feel tight on longer-scale instruments. Tune slowly and check intonation after the instrument settles.
6-String Bass Tuning Notes (B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 C3)
From lowest to highest: B0-E1-A1-D2-G2-C3
6th string (low B)
30.87 Hz
Low B, the extended-range bass string below standard low E.
5th string (E)
41.20 Hz
E string, matching the lowest string on a standard 4-string bass.
4th string (A)
55.00 Hz
A string, part of the familiar E-A-D-G bass core.
3rd string (D)
73.42 Hz
D string, unchanged from standard bass tuning.
2nd string (G)
98.00 Hz
G string, the highest string on a normal 4-string bass.
1st string (high C)
130.81 Hz
High C, the added upper string for chords, melodies, and solo range.
Recommended Strings for 6-String Bass Tuning
6-string bass set (.032-.130)
Use a balanced 6-string bass set rather than combining random 4-string and single strings. A common set runs roughly .032, .045, .065, .085, .105, and .130 from high C to low B. Heavier low B gauges can tighten the bottom string, while lighter high C gauges can make melodic playing easier.
Common 6-String Bass Patterns
B-E-A-D-G Core
Use the lower five strings like a 5-string bass, then add the high C when you need melody or chord extensions.
E-A-D-G Standard Shapes
The middle four strings preserve normal bass patterns, so familiar scales and arpeggios still work.
Low B Root Patterns
Use the low B string for deeper roots in B, C, C#, and D without shifting as far up the neck.
High C Melody Range
Use the high C string for chord tones, double-stops, melodic fills, and solo lines above the normal G string.
How to Tune a 6-String Bass (B0-E1-A1-D2-G2-C3)
1
Select the 6-String Bass Standard preset so the tuner is locked to B0-E1-A1-D2-G2-C3.
2
Tune the 6th string to B0. Pluck gently and let the low B ring long enough for the tuner to read the fundamental.
3
Tune the 5th string to E1, then tune the 4th string to A1.
4
Tune the 3rd string to D2 and the 2nd string to G2. These are the same middle strings as standard bass.
5
Tune the 1st string to C3 for the added high range.
6
Play octaves across B, E, A, D, G, and C, then recheck the open strings. The low B may need a second pass after it settles.
6-String Bass Standard Tuning FAQ
Quick answers for choosing strings, learning songs, and practicing this tuning.
What notes are in 6-string bass standard tuning?
6-string bass standard tuning is B-E-A-D-G-C from lowest to highest string. With exact octaves, the notes are B0, E1, A1, D2, G2, and C3.
What are the 6-string bass tuning frequencies?
The target frequencies are B0 30.87 Hz, E1 41.20 Hz, A1 55.00 Hz, D2 73.42 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz, and C3 130.81 Hz.
Is 6-string bass tuning the same as BEADGC?
Yes. BEADGC is the compact way to write standard 6-string bass tuning: a low B below standard bass plus a high C above the G string.
How is 6-string bass different from 4-string or 5-string bass?
A 4-string bass is normally E-A-D-G. A 5-string bass adds low B for B-E-A-D-G. A 6-string bass keeps that low B and adds high C, giving B-E-A-D-G-C from lowest to highest.
Do I need different strings for 6-string bass tuning?
Yes. Use a dedicated 6-string bass set with a low B and high C string. A common range is about .032-.130, but the best gauge depends on scale length, playing style, and setup.
What is 6-String Bass Standard tuning best for?
6-String Bass Standard is especially useful for 6-string bass tuner, six-string bass tuning, B-E-A-D-G-C bass notes. It changes the way open strings and chord shapes feel, so spend a few minutes listening to the open strings before learning full songs.
Is 6-String Bass Standard tuning good for beginners?
6-String Bass Standard is an intermediate tuning. Beginners can use it, but it helps to learn the target notes first and start with slower songs before trying fast chord changes.
What songs use 6-String Bass Standard tuning?
6-String Bass Standard is used for a range of alternate-tuning arrangements. Start by practicing simple chord shapes and related tunings before moving to full songs.