Bass D standard tuning (D G C F)
Bassists in bands tuned to D standard or Drop C.
D1G1C2F2
D standard on bass lowers all four strings a whole step: D G C F. It matches guitars in D standard or Drop C note for note, and keeps every bass shape where your fingers expect it.
The low D at 36.7 Hz is well within what a normal E string handles with a little slack; most players do not change strings for it.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | D1 | 36.71 Hz | −2 semitones from E1 |
| 3 | G1 | 49.00 Hz | −2 semitones from A1 |
| 2 | C2 | 65.41 Hz | −2 semitones from D2 |
| 1 | F2 | 87.31 Hz | −2 semitones from G2 |
From standard tuning
- String 4: lower E1 down a whole step to D1.
- String 3: lower A1 down a whole step to G1.
- String 2: lower D2 down a whole step to C2.
- String 1: lower G2 down a whole step to F2.
Tuning to D standard in TuneGlass
- Open Settings and choose 4-string bass.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose D standard 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
- All four strings move, so do a second pass; the first one you tuned will have crept up.
- If the E string feels floppy at D, a .110 or heavier gauge restores the tension.
Questions
What is D standard on bass?
D G C F: every string a whole step below standard E A D G.
D standard vs Drop D on bass?
Drop D lowers only the E string to D. D standard lowers all four.
Related tunings
English