4 String Bass
Overview
Tuning Steps
Sweetened Tunings
Products
More Info
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4 String Bass
Overview
The electric bass guitar is commonly tuned to EADG, but there are other tunings. Some bands use very low pitched standard tunings, some use open or alternate tunings. Many seasoned professional bassists “tweak” their tuning to improve their sound; we call this “Sweetened Tuning”.
If you are not familiar with this kind of tuning jargon, relax, because there is one tuner that does it all for you. Because of Peterson tuners unique “Sweetened Tuning” feature, each tuner has a host of tempered presets which you simply choose - the tuner then guides you automatically – just like using an ordinary tuner – but sweeter.
Its easy! Using your Peterson strobe tuner, your bass will sound much better than when tuned using an ordinary tuner.
How To Tune Your 4 String Bass
- Begin with the first string, it’s located nearest the ground when holding the bass in normal playing position.
- Pluck to sound the 1st string and observe the tuner display, check that the note “G” is displayed. With your left hand, adjust the tuning peg to stop the strobe pattern image from moving contuously in any one direction, continue to adjust until the strobe pattern is motionless.
- Repeat the above for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings until all strings are tuned.
- Having tuned the strings correctly, pluck the 1st string while fretting it at the 12th fret.
- If the fretted tone shows sharp on your tuner, the saddle needs to be moved a slight distance further away from the end of the neck, if it shows flat, it needs to be moved a slight distance closer to the end of the neck.
- Repeat this procedure with the 2nd , 3rd & 4th string. Open and fretted tones need to be in tune in each case.
- Tune a string at the 5th fret.
- Check the string at the 17th. If sharp, move the saddle back, thus lengthening the string. If flat, shorten the string by moving the saddle forward. Remember to fret the string using the pressure that you would normally apply while playing.
- Keep repeating this process until each string is in tune as much as possible at both the 5th and 17th frets.
Sweetened Tunings
Sweeteners For Electric Bass Guitar
Products With Electric Bass Guitar Sweeteners
StroboClip HDC
$79.99
StroboStomp Mini
$119.00
StroboStomp LE
$169.00
StroboPLUS HDC
$179.99
StroboStomp HD
$149.00
StroboClip HD
$59.99
StroboPLUS HD
$149.99
iStroboSoft™ (iOS)
$9.99
StroboSoft 2.0
$49.99 - $99.99
Things to check to get the most out of your instrument’s tuning
2. Tune UP - not down – when tuning to the pitch of a note on your bass.
3. Check intonation frequently, especially when changing strings and especially prior to recording.
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