12-String Bass Tunings
There are many different ways to tune a 12-string bass. Most players use the standard E-A-D-G tuning but the possibilities are almost endless. Here are some of the tunings commonly found. All of these diagrams are based upon the Standard string arrangement.
WARNING: Some of these tunings may require truss rod adjustment to prevent neck warping or bowing. Consult a qualified luthier before changing from the Standard tuning!
Standard Tuning
This is the "normal" way a 12 is tuned, with the high octave strings both tuned exactly one octave up. The vast majority of 12-string basses are tuned this way, usually to the 440 pitch even though there are other possibilities.
Drop D
The E strings have been dropped down to D. Many songs that have been recorded in Drop D so this tuning is now much more commonly used. Other possibilities certainly exist, such as dropping the E strings down to C#, C or B.
Drop D / Drop G
The E strings have been dropped down to D and the A strings are dropped to G.
Raised G
This tuning was used by Tom Petersson when he played the song "You're All Talk" live so he could play the G in the open position and not have to fret the G throughout the entire song. He had a Hiroshi Kid’s 12-string bass tuned this way and it was only used for the one song.
Low B
This tuning uses the same configuration as the lowest four strings typically found on a 5-string bass.
Low C
This tuning uses standard configuration except the low ‘E’ has been dropped to ‘C’.
Drop C
Larger string gauges are required.
Low C Dropped to A#
Tim King of SOiL describes this tuning, which is a C tuning with the lowest string dropped to A#. Larger string gauges are used.
Low A#
Ian Ringler used this tuning with Section 16.
Low C#
Another tuning used by Ian Ringler.
Full Fifths
The Full Fifths tuning creates a 1-5-1 chord within each group of three strings. This can give a thicker sound but eliminates the ability to play a single note in octaves. It also requires that single positions be played instead of chording, since chords played are going to have extraneous notes.
Split Fifths
The Split Fifths tuning keeps the E and A strings as octaves and only the D and G strings use the 1-5-1 chord. Chris Squire of YES stated that he tuned his 8-string Rickenbacker bass in fifths.
Paul Chandler's G in Fifths
In his Interview, Paul Chandler stated that he uses this tuning to add a "power chord" to his 12-string Chandler Royale bass.