4-string bass · Low D1

Drop D bass tuner: D A D G

Tune a four-string bass to D1, A1, D2 and G2. The preset opens with the low D target ready, while the three upper strings keep their Standard bass pitches.

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Tuning target±5 cents

D1A1D2G2

FlatIn tuneSharp

01D1 A1 D2 G2 bass targets

02Low D1 kept separate from D2

03Drop D versus D Standard comparison

Know the target

Extend the low string without retuning the whole bass

Bass Drop D lowers the fourth string from E1 to D1 by a whole step. A1, D2 and G2 do not move. You gain two lower semitones while preserving the notes and fingering on the upper three strings. The new open D1 sits one octave below the existing D2 string.

Pluck the low string with moderate force and damp the other strings. The initial attack and the quieter sustain can produce different-looking readings, especially when a phone microphone hears a strong harmonic. Select D1 in Auto mode before adjusting it and wait for a stable reading rather than chasing every movement at the start of the note.

Four clear steps

How to tune accurately

1Open the Bass Drop D preset, allow microphone access, and select the low D1 card.
2Mute A1, D2 and G2. Lower the fourth string gradually from E1 to D1 with one clear pluck at a time.
3Check A1, D2 and G2 without lowering them. Hold each reliable reading in the green ±5-cent zone for one second.
4Play D1 and D2 separately to check the octave relationship, then recheck the full set after the strings settle.

Reference: A4 = 440 Hz

Notes and frequencies

Physical string	Target	Frequency
String 4	D1	36.71 Hz
String 3	A1	55.00 Hz
String 2	D2	73.42 Hz
String 1	G2	98.00 Hz

Changing the tuner calibration recalculates every target from A4 = 415–450 Hz. The values above use the common 440 Hz reference.

Drop D is not D Standard

These names can lead to different targets on three strings. Check the complete sequence before turning any peg.

Four-string bass tunings, lowest to highest
Setup	String 4	String 3	String 2	String 1
Standard	E1	A1	D2	G2
Drop D	D1	A1	D2	G2
D Standard	D1	G1	C2	F2

When the low string feels too loose

Lowering pitch reduces tension on the same string. If Drop D is part of your regular setup, choose strings and action suited to your scale length and playing style. The tuner measures the pitch it hears; it cannot correct fret buzz or intonation caused by the physical setup.

Practical answers

Frequently asked questions

Is bass Drop D the same as guitar Drop D?

Both lower their lowest Standard E string to D. The four-string bass targets are D1 A1 D2 G2, while guitar Drop D has six targets starting at D2, an octave higher.

Why does the tuner sometimes show D2 for the low string?

It may be hearing a harmonic or another ringing string. Mute the higher D string, keep D1 selected and pluck the low string again before changing its tension.

Does tuner.love upload my microphone audio?

No. Pitch analysis runs locally in your browser. Microphone audio is not uploaded to a backend and is never replayed through your speakers.

4-string bass · Low D1

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