Quick Answer
The right ukulele strings depend first on your ukulele’s size and tuning. Soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles don’t all use the same string sets, and baritone ukuleles are typically tuned differently from the other common sizes.
We make dedicated ukulele strings for soprano/concert, tenor low G, and baritone ukuleles. Our Soprano/Concert and Baritone sets are available in clear nylon, black nylon, and titanium, giving you different material options once you’ve identified the correct set for your instrument.
For tenor players, tuning is especially important. Standard tenor ukuleles are commonly played with re-entrant high G tuning, while some players prefer a low G for a linear G C E A tuning. Our Tenor Low G set is built specifically for the latter and includes a wound low G string.
What Size Ukulele Do You Have?
Ukuleles come in several common sizes. Size affects scale length and string fitment, while baritone ukulele also typically uses a different tuning from soprano, concert, and tenor.
Soprano ukulele. The smallest of the common ukulele sizes. Soprano ukuleles are typically tuned g C E A using re-entrant tuning, meaning the G string is tuned higher than the C string.
Concert ukulele. Slightly larger and longer in scale than a soprano. Concert ukuleles are also commonly tuned to re-entrant g C E A.
Tenor ukulele. Larger and longer in scale than soprano and concert. Tenor ukuleles are commonly tuned g C E A, but low G tuning is also an option. With low G, the G string is tuned an octave below the traditional high G, creating a linear G C E A tuning.
Baritone ukulele. The largest of these common sizes and typically tuned D G B E. Those are the same four pitches as the highest four strings of a guitar in standard tuning, arranged from low to high.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Ukulele Size | Common Tuning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soprano | g C E A | Commonly re-entrant high G |
| Concert | g C E A | Commonly re-entrant high G |
| Tenor | g C E A | Commonly re-entrant high G |
| Tenor Low G | G C E A | Linear tuning with a lower G |
| Baritone | D G B E | Linear tuning |
These are common reference tunings, not rules that every ukulele has to follow. Alternate tunings and setups exist, so identify both your instrument and intended tuning before choosing strings.
Not Sure Which Size You Have?
Scale length is a useful way to identify a ukulele because body dimensions can vary between manufacturers and models. Soprano generally has the shortest scale, followed by concert, tenor, and then baritone.
Tuning can provide another clue. If your ukulele is tuned D G B E, there’s a good chance you’re working with a baritone. Soprano, concert, and standard tenor ukuleles are more commonly associated with g C E A.
If you’re unsure, identify the instrument before ordering rather than choosing a set based only on how large the body looks.
High G vs. Low G Ukulele Tuning
One of the distinctive features of traditional ukulele tuning is the high G.
In re-entrant g C E A tuning, the fourth string is not the lowest-pitched string. Instead, the G is tuned above the C, which gives the instrument its characteristic re-entrant string order.
With low G tuning, that G is lowered an octave. The result is G C E A arranged from low to high.
Neither setup is inherently better. They provide different ranges and different playing experiences.
A high G maintains the traditional re-entrant relationship associated with ukulele. A low G extends the instrument’s range downward and creates a linear low-to-high string order.
Low G strings can be made in different ways, so a low G does not universally have to be wound. Our Tenor Low G set uses a wound low G specifically designed for that application.
Choosing Your Ukulele String Material
Once you’ve identified the correct set for your instrument and tuning, material becomes another consideration.
For our Soprano/Concert and Baritone sets, we make clear nylon, black nylon, and titanium options.
Clear Nylon
Our clear nylon strings are a good starting point for players looking for a traditional nylon ukulele response, with a warm, mellow tonal character.
Black Nylon
Our black nylon strings provide another nylon option with a different feel and tonal response. They’re designed for a rich, balanced character with a softer feel under the fingers.
Titanium
Our titanium strings are designed for a brighter, clearer response than our nylon options, making them worth considering when you’re looking for more presence and clarity from the instrument.
Material is a separate decision from instrument size. First choose a set that fits your ukulele and tuning, then compare the material options available for that set based on the tone and feel you want.
How to Choose Ukulele Strings
Choosing ukulele strings becomes much easier if you work through the decisions in the right order.
Start with your ukulele size. Determine whether you’re stringing a soprano, concert, tenor, or baritone.
Next, determine your tuning. This is especially important for tenor players choosing between a traditional high G setup and a low G setup. Baritone players also need a set designed around the instrument’s lower D G B E tuning.
Once you know the correct size and tuning, consider material. Where we make multiple material options for the same application, clear nylon, black nylon, and titanium let you choose based on the tonal response and feel you’re looking for.
Fit comes first. Tone and feel come next.
S.I.T. Ukulele String Options
We make seven ukulele string sets covering soprano/concert, tenor low G, and baritone applications.
Soprano/Concert Clear Nylon (UK110S)
Good starting point for: soprano and concert players looking for a traditional nylon feel and warm, mellow response.
This set is designed for standard soprano and concert ukulele applications.
Soprano/Concert Black Nylon (UK110S-BK)
Good starting point for: soprano and concert players who prefer our black nylon material and its rich, balanced response.
It provides an alternative material while maintaining the same intended soprano/concert application.
Soprano/Concert Titanium (UK110S-TI)
Good starting point for: soprano and concert players looking for a brighter, clearer response.
Our titanium option gives players another tonal and feel choice without changing the intended instrument size.
Tenor Low G Clear Nylon (UK130S)
Good starting point for: tenor players who want linear low G tuning rather than a traditional re-entrant high G.
Our Tenor Low G set includes a wound low G string and is designed around G C E A tuning with the G as the lowest-pitched string.
Baritone Clear Nylon (UK120B)
Good starting point for: baritone players looking for a traditional nylon response.
This set is designed around the scale and D G B E tuning commonly used on baritone ukulele.
Baritone Black Nylon (UK120B-BK)
Good starting point for: baritone players who prefer the feel and response of our black nylon strings.
It provides a black nylon alternative designed specifically for baritone.
Baritone Titanium (UK120B-TI)
Good starting point for: baritone players looking for a brighter, clearer response.
This gives baritone players a titanium option while maintaining the string configuration needed for the instrument.
You can see all of our current options on the Ukulele Strings page.
Baritone Ukulele Strings
Baritone ukulele deserves some additional attention because it’s different from the other common sizes.
Instead of the g C E A tuning commonly associated with soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles, baritone is typically tuned D G B E. This gives it the same pitch relationship as the highest four strings of a guitar in standard tuning.
Our baritone sets are built specifically around that application. The two lower strings are wound, while the two higher strings are unwound.
That doesn’t mean wound strings are exclusive to baritone ukulele. Our Tenor Low G set also uses a wound string for its low G. The important point is that string construction needs to match the intended instrument, tuning, and set design rather than assuming every ukulele uses four identical plain strings.
Final Thoughts
Choosing ukulele strings starts with identifying your instrument and tuning. Soprano and concert players can start with our Soprano/Concert sets, tenor players need to consider whether they’re using high G or low G, and baritone players need strings designed around the instrument’s D G B E tuning.
From there, material gives you another way to adjust the playing experience. We make clear nylon, black nylon, and titanium options for our Soprano/Concert and Baritone sets, while our Tenor Low G set provides a dedicated option for tenor players using linear G C E A tuning.
There isn’t one ukulele string material that’s right for every player. Start by getting the correct strings for the instrument and tuning, then choose based on the tone and feel you’re looking for.
Explore all of our ukulele strings to compare the available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What strings does a soprano ukulele use?
Soprano ukuleles are commonly tuned g C E A with a re-entrant high G. Our Soprano/Concert sets are designed to cover both soprano and concert ukuleles and are available in clear nylon, black nylon, and titanium.
Do soprano and concert ukuleles use the same strings?
They don’t have identical scale lengths, but our Soprano/Concert string sets are designed for use on both sizes. If you’re using strings from another manufacturer, check that specific set’s intended scale and application rather than assuming every soprano set is also a concert set.
What’s the difference between nylon and titanium ukulele strings?
Both give you different material options for the same basic instrument application. Our clear and black nylon sets are designed around warmer nylon tonal characteristics, while our titanium strings provide a brighter, clearer response.
The choice comes down to the tone and feel you prefer rather than one material being universally better.
Should I use high G or low G on a tenor ukulele?
Both are valid options.
High G uses re-entrant g C E A tuning, where the G is higher in pitch than the C string. Low G tunes that string an octave lower, producing a linear G C E A arrangement and extending the instrument’s range downward.
Our Tenor Low G set is specifically designed for players choosing the low G setup and includes a wound low G string.
Does a low G ukulele string have to be wound?
No. Low G strings can be made using different materials and constructions, so low G does not universally require a wound string.
Our Tenor Low G set uses a wound low G. If you’re changing an existing ukulele from high G to a different type of low G string, make sure the string is appropriate for the instrument’s scale length and that it fits the nut slot and other contact points properly.
Can I put a low G on a soprano or concert ukulele?
Low G isn’t exclusive to tenor ukulele, but compatibility depends on the particular instrument and string you’re using. Scale length, string construction, diameter, and nut-slot fit can all matter.
Our dedicated Low G set is designed for tenor ukulele, so we wouldn’t assume that particular set is the correct choice for a soprano or concert without checking the instrument and string requirements.
Are baritone ukulele strings the same as the other sizes?
No. Baritone ukulele is commonly tuned D G B E rather than g C E A and uses a different string configuration. Our baritone sets are designed specifically for that application and use two wound lower strings with two unwound higher strings.
Can I use tenor ukulele strings on a concert or soprano?
Don’t assume strings designed for tenor will be the right fit for a soprano or concert. Ukulele sizes have different scale lengths, and a string set is designed around a particular application and tuning.
Our Soprano/Concert sets are designed specifically to cover those two sizes. For tenor low G, we make a separate set designed around that application.
How do I know what size ukulele I have?
Scale length is one of the most useful measurements. Soprano generally has the shortest scale, followed by concert, tenor, and baritone.
Tuning can also provide a clue. A ukulele tuned D G B E is likely a baritone, while soprano, concert, and standard tenor ukuleles are commonly tuned g C E A.
If you’re unsure, identify the instrument or measure its scale length before ordering strings rather than relying only on body size.
