Solo SR Style DIY Electric Bass Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved
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v1.02
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6. TUNING AND SETUP
The open strings of a regular bass guitar, from the thickest to thinnest, in standard tuning are:
•
B (1st octave) – the thickest (or lowest sounding) string - is the 5th string
•
E (1st octave) – is the 4th
•
A (1st octave) – is the 3rd
•
D (2nd octave) – is the 2nd
•
G (2nd octave) – the thinnest (or highest sounding) is the 1st string.
This tuning has one lower pitched string added to the standard 4-string tuning giving you 5 lower
notes.
Some people tune a 5-string bass adding a higher string instead:
•
E (1st octave) – the thickest (or lowest sounding) string - is the 5th string
•
A (1st octave) – is the 4th
•
D (2nd octave) – is the 3rd
•
G (2nd octave) – is the 2nd.
•
C (2nd octave) – the thinnest (or highest sounding) is the 1
st
string
This tuning has one lower pitched string added to the standard 4-string tuning giving you 5 lower
notes.
There are different methods to tune a guitar. Using a digital tuner is the easiest way. However, it is good to
learn tuning (and checking the accuracy of tuning) by ear with natural harmonics, unisons, octaves etc.
Guitar playability and intonation depends on its setup, so you may want to spend some time mastering the
necessary skills – be persistent in finding the optimal action (string height), neck relief and intonation
throughout the entire neck.
Adjusting Strings Height:
String height is adjusted by the bridge saddle screws (use included Allen key). Since the fretboard has a
radius, the heights of all strings should also match it. Thicker strings need more room for vibration without
“buzzing” (touching frets) and must be set up higher than thinner strings. Low action allows easier fretting
and faster playing. Recommended measurements for electric bass guitar with low action:
For the 1st String (the thinnest) – height at the 1st fret: 0.020” – 0.024” (0.5 – 0.6mm);
at the 12th fret: .094” – .1” (2.4 – 2.6mm).
For the4th String (the thickest) – height at the 1st fret: 0.022” – 0.025” (0.55 – 0.64mm);
at the 12th fret: .094” – .0110” (2.6 – 2.8mm).
