Bass EQ Settings for Different Genres: Rock, Jazz, Funk, and Metal
Dial in bass EQ for rock, jazz, funk, and metal. Covers frequency ranges, genre conventions, and how to sit in a mix without fighting the kick drum.
Bass EQ isn't about making the bass sound good solo. It's about making the bass sit in the mix with the kick drum, guitars, and vocals.
Rock
- Boost 80-100 Hz for low-end weight
- Cut 200-300 Hz to reduce mud
- Boost 700-1k Hz for pick attack
- The bass and kick drum should feel like one instrument
Jazz
- Flat or slight bass boost
- Roll off above 2-3k Hz — jazz bass doesn't need high-end presence
- The upright bass tone is the reference: warm, round, no sharp attack
Funk
- Boost 80 Hz for thump
- Cut 200-300 Hz for clarity
- Boost 1-2k Hz for slap and pop articulation
- The bass is a lead instrument in funk — it needs to cut through
Metal
- Boost 100-150 Hz for weight
- Heavy cut at 300-500 Hz (the "mud zone")
- Boost 1.5-3k Hz for pick attack and clank
- Compress heavily — metal bass needs consistent volume