5-string bass High C tuning (E A D G C)

Jazz, fusion and solo bassists who want range above the G more than a low B.

E1A1D2G2C3

Tune to High C in your browser

High C puts the fifth string above the G instead of below the E: E A D G C. The bottom four are a standard 4-string; the C adds a fourth of range on top for chords, soloing and melodic playing.

It is the tuning of many jazz and fusion 5-strings, and the top five strings of a 6-string bass.

Notes and frequencies

From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.

String	Note	Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz)	Change from standard
5	E1	41.20 Hz	+5 semitones from B0
4	A1	55.00 Hz	+5 semitones from E1
3	D2	73.42 Hz	+5 semitones from A1
2	G2	98.00 Hz	+5 semitones from D2
1	C3	130.81 Hz	+5 semitones from G2

From standard tuning

String 5: raise B0 up five semitones to E1.
String 4: raise E1 up five semitones to A1.
String 3: raise A1 up five semitones to D2.
String 2: raise D2 up five semitones to G2.
String 1: raise G2 up five semitones to C3.

Tuning to High C in TuneGlass

Open Settings and choose 5-string bass.
Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose High C from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.

Tips

The C string is thin (around .030) and a different nut slot from a B string; most players set a bass up for one layout or the other.
In TuneGlass pick 5-string bass and the High C preset so the fifth circle expects C3 rather than B0.

Questions

What is High C tuning on a 5-string bass?

E A D G C: a standard 4-string with a C string a fourth above the G.

High C or low B?

Low B extends the range down, High C extends it up. Players who solo and play chords often choose High C; rhythm-section players usually want the B.

Related tunings

English