Bass Guitar Cases, Picks and Tuners

Tuners and picks for low strings

A four-string bass tunes E, A, D and G, an octave below the lowest four guitar strings, and a five-string adds a low B. A clip-on tuner senses vibration through the headstock, so it works in a loud room; for a five-string, check that the listing supports low notes. Picks are rated by thickness in millimeters. Bass players often prefer heavier picks, because thin ones flex and click against thick strings, while thinner picks suit lighter, brighter playing.

Why a guitar case seldom fits a bass

A bass is longer than a guitar, with a standard scale of 34 inches, and body shapes differ, so a guitar case or gig bag often cuts off the headstock or leaves the instrument loose. Padded gig bags are light and handy for short trips; hard cases resist knocks better for travel. Check the case's inside length and the body shape it was made for. Some listings here are mixed accessories, so read the title to confirm an item is for bass.

Questions about Bass Guitar Cases, Picks and Tuners

How is a four-string bass tuned?

From the lowest string up: E, A, D, G. These are the same note names as the four lowest guitar strings but an octave lower. A five-string adds a low B below the E, and a six-string also adds a high C.

Can a guitar tuner be used on a bass?

Usually yes if it is chromatic, because it reads any note. Low bass notes are harder to detect, so the tuner needs to track low frequencies reliably. A listing that mentions bass, or a low B, is safer for five-string players.

What pick thickness suits bass?

Medium to heavy picks give a firmer attack on thick strings and a rounder tone. Thin picks flex and sound brighter and clickier. Many bass players use their fingers instead, so a pick is a matter of taste and style.