Bass to Guitar Chart
Compare standard bass and guitar strings, tuning, note names, and octave relationships in a quick visual reference.
Bass and guitar tuning at a glance
Use this chart to see which bass strings match guitar strings, which strings are guitar-only, and why the same note name may sound in a different octave.
4 strings, lowest to highest.
6 strings, lowest to highest.
Chart Features
Everything you need to understand bass and guitar string relationships.
String Comparison
See how each bass string compares to the corresponding guitar strings with tuning information.
Note Relationships
Understand how the same note names appear on both instruments but in different octaves.
Tuning Reference
Get a complete reference for standard bass tuning (E A D G) and guitar tuning (E A D G B E).
Octave Information
Learn which bass strings are one octave lower than their guitar counterparts.
Bass and Guitar String Relationships
A detailed comparison of how bass and guitar strings relate to each other.
Bass E String and Guitar E Strings
Bass E string (lowest) = Guitar E string (one octave lower). Both use the same note name but different octaves. Guitar also has a high E string for treble range.
Bass A String and Guitar A String
Bass A string = Guitar A string (one octave lower). This is one of the four strings that match between bass and guitar.
Bass D String and Guitar D String
Bass D string = Guitar D string (one octave lower). The third matching string between the two instruments.
Bass G String and Guitar G String
Bass G string (highest) = Guitar G string (one octave lower). The fourth and final matching string pair.
Guitar B String - No Bass Equivalent
Guitar B string is unique to guitar and has no direct equivalent on standard bass. It fills the gap between G and high E in guitar's harmonic range.
Guitar High E String - No Bass Equivalent
Guitar's high E string (treble) is the highest string and has no direct bass equivalent. It extends the guitar's range into higher frequencies.
Tuning Reference
Standard tuning for bass and guitar instruments.
Standard Bass Tuning
Bass uses 4 strings with standard tuning: E (lowest), A, D, G (highest). These strings provide the low-end foundation in music with clear, deep tones.
Standard Guitar Tuning
Guitar uses 6 strings with standard tuning: E (lowest), A, D, G, B, E (highest). The additional B and high E strings give guitar its characteristic harmonic range.
The Four Matching Strings
Bass strings E-A-D-G match guitar's four lowest strings. These shared strings make transitioning between instruments easier and help with understanding note relationships.
Octave Difference
When bass and guitar play the same string name (like E or A), the bass note is typically one octave lower. This is why bass has a deeper sound.
Why This Chart Matters
Understanding string relationships helps you convert between instruments.
Converting Bass Notes to Guitar
When you know how strings correspond, converting a bass note to guitar becomes straightforward. Find the note on bass, then locate the same note on guitar.
Learning Fretboard Navigation
Understanding the relationship between bass and guitar fretboards helps you navigate both instruments more effectively and transfer knowledge between them.
Playing Together
Musicians who understand these relationships can better support each other when bass and guitar play together, creating cohesive music.
Transitioning Between Instruments
If you're learning guitar after bass or vice versa, knowing these relationships accelerates your learning and makes the transition smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the bass to guitar chart.
Understand Bass to Guitar Relationships
Use our chart and tools to master the connection between these two instruments.