Bass Guitar 101: Understanding the Number of Strings and How to String Them

Bass Guitar 101: Understanding the Number of Strings and How to String Them

At Strings and Beyond, we regularly get two questions from new bass guitarists: “What are the bass string numbers?” and “How do I change bass guitar strings?” Today, we’re going to answer both. These are two things every bassist should know, and this guide will kick-start your new musical adventure.

How Are Bass Strings Numbered?

A standard bass guitar has four strings which are E1-A1-D2-G2, or simply E-A-D-G. They are one octave beneath the four lowest strings on a six-string guitar. The G-string is one, the D-string is two, the A-string is three and the E-string is four. This is based (rim shot) on the traditional practice of numbering instrument strings where the highest-pitched string is the one string and you count up from there.

A five-string bass adds a low B-string (B0). It’s positioned above the E-string and is considered string #5. With the rare six-string bass, you also get a high C-string (C3). As the new highest-pitched string, this becomes the one string, with the G now being the two string and so on.

How to String a Bass Guitar

While putting strings on a bass guitar is a lot like an electric guitar, there are a couple of notable differences. Here’s how you string a bass guitar step by step:

• 1.Place a large towel on a flat surface and set the bass on it. Use a guitar headstand or book to support the neck.
• 2.Remove the lowest (highest number) string by unwinding the tuning peg until all the tension is gone, then pulling it out of the tuning post and the bridge entry hole. (This hole may be on the back of some bass guitars.) You can use a string winder to go faster.
• 3.Take the replacement string out of its packaging, insert the tip into the bridge hole and pull the string through the hole until the ball end catches.
• 4.Clip the tip of the string with wire cutters so it extends 4-5 inches beyond the appropriate tuning post. (You can also match it to the length of the old string.)

1. Push the tip into the hole in the center of the tuning post. Bend the string so that it sets in the groove and sticks out the top of the post.

• 6.Hold the string with one hand and slowly turn the tuning peg with the other to increase tension. The string should wind down the post, which reinforces the bend and helps the string sit properly.
• 7.As you turn, make sure the string is resting in the correct bridge saddle and headstock nut slot.
• 8.Tune the new string using a bass tuner.
• 9.Repeat steps two through eight for each string. The thinnest strings may have a string retainer near the headstock that you need to run the string beneath.
• 10.Once all strings are changed, tune the bass again. Note the strings will likely take a few days to finish stretching and settling.