1. HOW TO TUNE YOUR BASS GUITAR (using a digital Tuner)
Kevin Giron
EDIT Fall 2017

2. Step 1: Choose Your Tuner
Automatic/Digital
Acoustic (online source here)
You will have to match the sound of the guitar to the sound of the tuner for this option. Choose the 3rd option for the bass. Tuning this way can be accurate, but less accurate than the other option.

3. Step 2: Find the Guitar String You Want to Tune
The lowest (deeper sound) note is the “E” string up top. The “A” is 2nd lower and is the 2nd string. The “D” string is 2nd highest and the 3rd string. The 4th string is the “G” string and is the highest note on the bass. You will tune one string at a time.

4. Step 3: Pluck the String You are Tuning.
Play the string that you want to tune. This is how your bass guitar is off or on tune from the actual note. You will be matching the digital tuner to the string guitar you are plucking. For example, if you are playing the “E” string, you want the digital tuner to say “E” with no other symbol.

5. Step 4: Check to see if you are on the right note.
As you play, the tuner will tell you what note you are playing. The order of notes are “A, B, C, D, E, F, G”. Then, the order repeats.

6. Step 5: Find the tuning knob you will use.
All Basses are different, but if you follow the string, you will find the knob you are looking for. You can also tell by looking at the string. The “e” string is the thickest, “a” second thickest, “d” 2nd thinnest, and “g” the thinnest.

7. Step 6: Match the Notes
You need to make sure the note you are playing matches the string you are playing. Turn your tuning knob clockwise to go to higher notes (e.g. from “A” to “B”, turn knob clockwise).
Your note might be higher than what it is suppose to be. Turn your tuning knob counter- clockwise to go to lower notes (e.g. from “B” to “A”, turn knob counter-clockwise).

8. Step 8: When you get to your note, keep going until you just get your note.
You may see a sharp sign or a flat sign next to your note. If you are flat, you turn your tuner knob clockwise (this will tighten your string, which is what you want when your string is flat.
You want to get the arrow that will be moving right in the middle with your note on the screen.
You may see a sharp sign or a flat sign next to your note. If you are flat, you turn your tuner knob clockwise (this will tighten your string, which is what you want when your string is flat.
Sharp sign
Flat sign

9. Step 9: Repeat steps with the other notes.
Keep going until all your notes are at its most “natural”. You’re now perfectly tuned!