Solo tuning on Double bass
Solo tuning is F#1 B1 E2 A2, written F#BEA. Every string up a whole step from orchestral tuning, using a dedicated lighter string set.
Every frequency is computed from the MIDI number, not typed in. Each one links to its own reference page.
Microphone tuner
Play a string, see exactly how far off it is
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Space start or stop 1 to 4 pick a string and hear it Esc stop the tone
Why double bass players use Solo tuning
Raising the whole instrument a tone brightens and projects the sound, which a soloist needs in front of an orchestra. Published solo repertoire is often written assuming this tuning, so the same written notes sound a whole step higher than in orchestral tuning.
Where you will hear it: solo classical repertoire. That list is deliberately limited to genres and playing traditions. Attributing a tuning to specific songs or players is the kind of claim that needs a source, and this page does not make claims it cannot back up.
Solo tuning compared with standard EADG tuning
This is the table that tells you how far to turn each peg, in semitones and in hertz. A negative semitone value means the string goes down.
| String | Standard | Standard (Hz) | Solo tuning | Solo tuning (Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th (lowest) | E1 | 41.20 | F#1 | 46.25 | +2 semitones (+5.05 Hz) |
| 3rd | A1 | 55.00 | B1 | 61.74 | +2 semitones (+6.74 Hz) |
| 2nd | D2 | 73.42 | E2 | 82.41 | +2 semitones (+8.99 Hz) |
| 1st (highest) | G2 | 98.00 | A2 | 110.00 | +2 semitones (+12.00 Hz) |
Notice that equal semitone steps are not equal hertz steps: the same whole step is worth about 9 Hz down at the bottom string and far more at the top. That is why tuners report cents, which are proportional, rather than hertz.
How to tune to Solo tuning, string by string
- Play the 4th (lowest) open and adjust until the tuner reads F#1 at 46.25 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 3rd open and adjust until the tuner reads B1 at 61.74 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 2nd open and adjust until the tuner reads E2 at 82.41 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 1st (highest) open and adjust until the tuner reads A2 at 110.00 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
Retune in two passes. Changing the tension on one string changes the pull on the neck, so the strings you set first will have drifted slightly by the time you finish the last one. That effect is larger the further the tuning sits from standard, so a tuning that moves four or more strings almost always needs a third pass.
Frequently asked questions
What notes is Solo tuning on a double bass?
Solo tuning is F#1, B1, E2, A2, written F#BEA. Every string up a whole step from orchestral tuning, using a dedicated lighter string set.
What are the frequencies of Solo tuning?
F#1 is 46.25 Hz, B1 is 61.74 Hz, E2 is 82.41 Hz, A2 is 110.00 Hz, all in twelve tone equal temperament with A4 at 440 Hz.
How many strings change compared to standard tuning?
4 of 4. the 4th (lowest) goes from E1 to F#1 (up 2 semitones), the 3rd goes from A1 to B1 (up 2 semitones), the 2nd goes from D2 to E2 (up 2 semitones), the 1st (highest) goes from G2 to A2 (up 2 semitones).
What is the lowest note in Solo tuning?
F#1 at 46.25 Hz, MIDI note 30. Low notes take longer for a pitch detector to lock onto, so play the string firmly and let it ring before trusting the cents reading.
More tuning references
Frequencies on this page are computed at build time from twelve tone equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz, using the twelfth root of two (about 1.059463) per semitone. Nothing is typed in by hand. See the full method and sources. Maintained by FusionStudios. Last reviewed: .