Tuning your ukulele is the very first step in your musical journey, and while it might seem intimidating, it's a quick process that ensures every song you play sounds cheerful and bright. The ukulele's standard tuning is G–C–E–A , and while the instrument should arrive in tune, strings naturally shift due to temperature and stretching. Mastering a fast and accurate tuning routine is essential to becoming a confident player. This guide will walk you through the standard method, explain the two most popular custom tunings, and help you troubleshoot common beginner issues.
Standard Tuning Explained (G–C–E–A)
The standard tuning for most ukulele sizes, including Soprano, Concert, and Tenor, is G–C–E–A, which is the sequence read from the top string (the 4th string) down to the bottom string (the 1st string).
The notes, starting from the top, are G (the 4th string), C (the 3rd string, which is typically the thickest), E (the 2nd string), and A (the 1st string). To adjust the pitch, you use the tuning pegs located on the headstock: you must turn the pegs slowly, tightening them to raise the pitch and loosening them to lower it, continuing to check the note until it is perfectly in tune.
High G vs. Low G Tuning
While standard G–C–E–A is the default, two alternative tunings are commonly used by players looking for a different sound profile. High G Tuning (Re-entrant Tuning) is the standard tuning where the G string is tuned to a higher octave than the C string. This gives the ukulele its signature bright, cheerful, and bouncy sound. Most beginner ukuleles come with this tuning. Low G Tuning keeps the G–C–E–A notes, but the G string is tuned an octave lower. This provides a much deeper, richer, and more guitar-like sound. Low G tuning is popular for fingerpicking songs and Tenor ukuleles.
Using Apps vs. Tuners
There are two main tools for adjusting your pitch. Clip-On Tuners are small digital devices clip onto the headstock and read the vibrations directly from the wood. They are fast, highly accurate, and ignore background noise, making them ideal for quick, accurate tuning sessions. There are many free IOS and Android smartphone apps for ukulele tuning available and they are excellent for beginners. These apps use your phone's microphone to listen to the pitch, making them a cheap and convenient starting resource.
Troubleshooting Tuning Issues
If your ukulele won't hold its tune, don't worry. The problem is usually new strings, an issue with the tuning pegs or humidity. Nylon strings take time to stretch and "settle in" and will go out of tune often during the first few days. This is normal, not a sign of poor quality. Check the small screws on the back of your tuning pegs. If they are loose, your friction tuners may slip. You can try to tighten these parts. The wooden body of the instrument is sensitive to environmental changes. Always store your ukulele in a case, away from heat and sunlight, to keep the wood stable.
Ready to Learn the Ukulele?
Tuning is the very first step in making music. If you can troubleshoot your tuning, you are ready to tackle the full range of ukulele techniques. Tuning is just the beginning. Learn chords, posture, rhythms, and 20 beginner songs inside The Complete Ukulele Player eBook. This complete guide includes diagrams, resources, tips, troubleshooting, and 20 songs suitable for beginners and advanced players.
