About tuning the bass...

[Tupac]

Sorry if this is the wrong board, I wasn't exactly sure where to put this. So should the fifth fret always sound exactly like the previous string? So all I need to do is fine the correct tone for the G string, and then make sure it sounds exactly like the fifth fret on the next string?

[RBetoGT]

yeah, kinda, that is the same note.

easier with a tuner though

[tdub0199]

in standard A 440 tuning the answer would be yes...

[Papa Dangerous]

E string - Fifth fret = A
A string - Fifth fret = D
D string - Fifth fret = G

You can tune either by having a finely tuned E or a finely tuned G and work backwards.
Also, you can tune by harmonics.
I don't know the note values but:
Play a harmonic on the E string 5th fret, then play a harmonic on the A string 7th fret. THey should be the same. Repeat.. A String 5th fret, then D strong 7th.

Another trick.. pluck the E string, then play E - 12th fret. This helps determine if your intonation is set up well.. They should be the same note E, but different octaves. However.. I find this harder to identify.

[elgecko]

That's how I tuned when all I owned was a G tuning fork. I tended to tune with harmonics though.

[ThudThudThud]

^ what he said.
I always use the harmonics on the fifth and seventh frets. Easier to hear the 'wobble' when the two strings are not in tune. The 'wobble' will slow and disappear.

The harmonic at the twelfth fret against the open string and fifth fret harmonic I only use when intonating the bass.

Electronic tuners will also 'see' the fifth fret harmonic a lot clearer than an open string, in my experience.