Online double bass tuner
In standard tuning, the open strings of double bass, from string 4 to string 1, are E1 A1 D2 G2, with concert A (A4) at 440 Hz. The lowest note is E1, at 41.20 Hz, and the highest is G2, at 98.00 Hz.
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— Hz — cents
Tap “Turn on tuner” and allow the microphone.
Standard tuning
Standard double bass tuning, in fourths: E, A, D, G, the same notes as a 4-string bass guitar. Double bass music is written an octave above the actual sound.
Notes: E1 A1 D2 G2.
How to tune the double bass
The double bass is tuned in fourths: E, A, D, G (E1 A1 D2 G2), the same notes as a 4-string bass guitar. The strings are under very high tension and, unlike the violin and the cello, it has geared machine heads: turn slowly, without forcing, and check that the bridge is still upright. Double bass music is written an octave above the actual sound; the tuner shows the actual sound, so the lowest string reads as E1. With notes this low, bring the phone close to the instrument and let the string ring for half a second before reading.
Notes and frequencies of each string
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | E1 | 41.20 Hz |
| 3 | A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| 2 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 1 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
How to use it
Tap “Turn on tuner”, allow the microphone and play one open string at a time. The tuner recognises the string and shows whether to tighten it (it is flat) or loosen it (it is sharp). Tap a string name to lock onto it and hear the reference note.
Frequently asked questions
What are the open-string notes of double bass in standard tuning?
From string 4 to string 1: E1 A1 D2 G2.
What is the frequency of the lowest note in this tuning?
It is E1, at 41.20 Hz (with concert A at 440 Hz). The highest is G2, at 98.00 Hz.
How do I tune the double bass?
The double bass is tuned in fourths: E, A, D, G (E1 A1 D2 G2), the same notes as a 4-string bass guitar. The strings are under very high tension and, unlike the violin and the cello, it has geared machine heads: turn slowly, without forcing, and check that the bridge is still upright. Double bass music is written an octave above the actual sound; the tuner shows the actual sound, so the lowest string reads as E1. With notes this low, bring the phone close to the instrument and let the string ring for half a second before reading.
Does the tuner work offline?
Yes. After the first visit (or once installed as an app), the pages open without a connection and pitch detection happens on your device.
What are cents?
A cent is one hundredth of a semitone. Up to 5 cents off is barely audible; the needle turns green in that range.
Can I change the reference A?
Yes: the − and + buttons set A4 anywhere from 430 to 450 Hz, to play along with a piano or a recording tuned differently. Your choice is saved.
Does the microphone record what I play?
No. The sound is analysed on the fly, inside the browser, and is never recorded or sent anywhere.