Ukulele tuning

Standard reentrant (G-C-E-A)

The standard tuning for soprano, concert and tenor ukulele is G-C-E-A, and it is reentrant: the fourth string (G) is not the lowest but is tuned high, above the C and E.

🎸 Open the tuner in this tuning

The tuner opens already preconfigured; you only need to allow microphone access.

Strings and frequencies

String Note Hz
String 1 A4 440.00 Hz
String 2 E4 329.63 Hz
String 3 C4 261.63 Hz
String 4 G4 392.00 Hz

How it sounds

That high, reentrant G is what gives the ukulele its bright, jumpy signature sound. With no clear low string, strums sound bright and even, perfect for accompaniment.

Styles and genres

Folk Pop Hawaiian Singer-songwriter

Recommended string gauges

Use a set made for your ukulele size (soprano, concert or tenor): the correct tension depends on the scale length. Nylon or fluorocarbon strings are the usual choice.

Tuning tip

Because it is reentrant, take care tuning by ear: the fourth string (G) sounds higher than the third (C). Check it with the tuner so you do not land an octave off.

Frequently asked questions

What notes is a ukulele tuned to?

The standard ukulele (soprano, concert and tenor) is tuned G-C-E-A, from the fourth string to the first. It is a reentrant tuning: the fourth string (G) is not the lowest but is tuned high, above the C and E.

Why is the fourth string higher than the third one?

Because standard ukulele tuning is reentrant: the fourth string (G) is tuned an octave higher than you would expect, above the third (C) and almost as high as the first (A). That high G is exactly what gives the ukulele its bright, jumpy sound. If you prefer the usual low-to-high order, there is the Low G variant, with that fourth string an octave lower.

Do soprano and concert ukuleles tune the same?

Yes. Soprano and concert (and tenor too) all tune the same, to reentrant G-C-E-A. The difference is size and scale length —the concert is a little bigger and sounds slightly fuller— but the notes are identical. Use a string set made for your size so the tension is right.

How do you tune a ukulele without a tuner?

By ear, with the relative method (different from the guitar because of the reentrant fourth string): fret the third string (C) at the fourth fret and match it to the open second string (E); fret the second (E) at the fifth fret and match it to the open first (A); and fret the third (C) at the seventh fret to match the open fourth string (G). You still need a reference note for the pitch, though; the easiest is this tuner, which is chromatic and detects each string directly.

How often should you tune a ukulele?

A ukulele drifts easily, especially when new: nylon or fluorocarbon strings take several days to settle, and at first you need to retune every time you pick it up, sometimes several times per session. Once settled, a quick check before playing is enough.

Which way do I turn the tuning peg?

It depends on how the string is wound around the peg, so watch as you turn: if the pitch rises you are going sharper, if it falls you are going flatter. Always turn slowly, in small amounts, checking with the tuner, because ukulele strings reach the note quickly and it is easy to overshoot. A tip: if unsure, loosen slightly first and come up to the note, so it holds better.

Related tunings

Updated