A ukulele has four strings and one twist: the string nearest your chin isn't the lowest note. Once that makes sense, tuning a ukulele takes a minute.
This guide covers standard G C E A tuning, the string order, how to tune with a tuner or by ear, low G, baritone ukulele tuning, and which of our sets fit each.
Ukulele Tuning (Quick Answer)
Standard ukulele tuning is G C E A, from the string nearest your chin to the string nearest the floor. Soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles all use it.
The G is tuned high, above the C next to it. That's called re-entrant tuning, and it's what gives the ukulele its bright, close-voiced sound. The lowest note on a standard ukulele is the C.
| Ukulele | Standard tuning | Lowest note |
|---|---|---|
| Soprano, concert, tenor | G C E A (high G) | C (3rd string) |
| Tenor, low G | G C E A (low G) | G (4th string) |
| Baritone | D G B E | D (4th string) |
A common way to remember G C E A: Good Cooks Eat Apples.
Ukulele String Order
Strings are numbered from the one nearest the floor:
| String | Note | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | G (high) | Nearest your chin |
| 3rd | C (lowest note) | Next to the G |
| 2nd | E | |
| 1st | A (highest note) | Nearest the floor |
The G string sits where you'd expect the lowest string to be, but it's tuned between the E and the A. See what is the string order on a ukulele?
Why is the G string tuned high?
Re-entrant tuning keeps all four notes close together, so chords ring with a tight, bright sound and fingerpicked melodies can move across strings smoothly. Tuning the G an octave lower (low G) gives a deeper range instead.
Is this guide for your instrument?
- Soprano, concert and tenor ukulele: yes. All use G C E A.
- Baritone ukulele: yes, see its own section below. It's tuned D G B E and takes its own strings.
- Bass ukulele and guitalele: no. Both are tuned differently and need their own strings.
- Banjo ukulele: tuned like a ukulele, G C E A, but check that your strings fit its tailpiece.
Not sure which size you have? Scale length is the best guide. See how do I know what size ukulele I have?
How to Tune a Ukulele with a Tuner
- Clip a tuner on the headstock and set it to A = 440 Hz.
- Tune the 3rd string to C.
- Tune the 2nd string to E and the 1st string to A.
- Tune the 4th string to G. On a standard ukulele, it's the G just above the C, not the one below.
- Go around again. Tuning one string changes the pull on the neck, so the others move slightly.
Always tune up to the note. If you go past it, drop below and come back up.
How to Tune a Ukulele by Ear
Get the 3rd string (C) in tune from a piano, a tuner tone or another instrument, then:
- 3rd string at the 4th fret matches the open 2nd string (E).
- 2nd string at the 5th fret matches the open 1st string (A).
- 2nd string at the 3rd fret matches the open 4th string (G), on a high-G ukulele.
On a low-G ukulele, check the 4th string the other way: the 4th string at the 5th fret matches the open 3rd string (C).
Low G Ukulele Tuning
Low G uses the same notes, G C E A, with the G tuned an octave lower. The 4th string becomes the lowest note, so the tuning runs low to high like a guitar.
- What changes: a deeper low end and a wider note range. Low G removes the re-entrant string arrangement, giving you a linear tuning, low to high.
- Strings: a low G needs a thicker 4th string. In our tenor low G set it's a wound string.
- Fit: check that a low G string fits your nut slot before switching.
See should I use high G or low G on a tenor ukulele?
Baritone Ukulele Tuning
Baritone ukulele tuning is D G B E, low to high. Those are the same notes as the top four strings of a guitar, so guitar chord shapes work on it. It's tuned linearly, with the 4th string as the lowest note.
- Tune the 4th string to D.
- Tune the 3rd string to G. The 4th string at the 5th fret should match it.
- Tune the 2nd string to B. The 3rd string at the 4th fret should match it.
- Tune the 1st string to E. The 2nd string at the 5th fret should match it.
The same chord shapes work on a baritone ukulele, but they produce different chords. Because baritone tuning is a perfect fourth lower than standard G C E A, a shape that plays C major on a standard ukulele produces G major on a baritone. See how do I tune a baritone ukulele?
Other Ukulele Tunings
| Tuning | Notes | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (high G) | G C E A | Nothing |
| Low G | G C E A, G an octave lower | 4th string down an octave |
| D tuning | A D F# B | Every string up a whole step |
| Baritone | D G B E | Its own instrument and strings |
D tuning raises every string a whole step above standard G C E A, which tightens every string. Not every set is made for this tuning, and our soprano/concert sets are made for G C E A. Check that your strings suit A D F# B before tuning up, and don't force a string that feels too tight.
What Our Ukulele Strings Are Made Of
- Clear nylon: warm and soft, with a mellow attack.
- Black nylon: a little warmer and mellower than clear, with a softer top end.
- Titanium: a denser monofilament than nylon, which we describe as brighter, with a crisper attack.
The material changes the voice and feel. It doesn't change the tuning. See nylon vs titanium ukulele strings.
Our Ukulele Sets Compared
| Set | Size and tuning | Material | Gauges |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK110S | Soprano/concert, G C E A | Clear nylon | .030 .030 .033 .041 |
| UK110S-BK | Soprano/concert, G C E A | Black nylon | .030 .030 .033 .041 |
| UK110S-TI | Soprano/concert, G C E A | Titanium | .030 .030 .033 .041 |
| UK130S | Tenor, low G | Clear nylon, wound low G | .028 .032 .040 .030W |
| UK120B | Baritone, D G B E | Clear nylon | .030 .033 .030 .037 |
| UK120B-BK | Baritone, D G B E | Black nylon | .030 .033 .030 .037 |
| UK120B-TI | Baritone, D G B E | Titanium | .030 .033 .030 .037 |
Nylon and titanium gauges aren't directly comparable to steel guitar gauges. Pick by size, tuning and material first.
Does a Heavier Gauge Mean More Tension?
Only when pitch, scale length and material stay the same. A tenor has a longer scale than a soprano, so the same string feels firmer on a tenor at the same note. Nylon and titanium also feel different at similar gauges.
That's why our sets are sized by instrument. Use the set made for your ukulele's size and tuning rather than going by gauge numbers alone.
How to Choose Ukulele Strings
- Confirm your ukulele size. Soprano, concert, tenor or baritone.
- Confirm the tuning. High G, low G or baritone D G B E.
- Choose the material. Clear nylon, black nylon or titanium.
- Check your bridge type so you know how the strings anchor. See how do I restring a ukulele?
- Expect new strings to stretch. Nylon settles over the first few days.
Our Ukulele String Options
Soprano/Concert Clear Nylon (UK110S)
Good starting point for: soprano and concert ukuleles in standard high-G tuning, with a warm, mellow voice.
- Gauges: .030 .030 .033 .041
Soprano/Concert Black Nylon (UK110S-BK)
Good starting point for: a slightly warmer, softer top end on soprano and concert.
- Gauges: .030 .030 .033 .041
Soprano/Concert Titanium (UK110S-TI)
Good starting point for: a brighter voice and crisper attack on soprano and concert.
- Gauges: .030 .030 .033 .041
Tenor Low G Clear Nylon (UK130S)
Good starting point for: tenor ukuleles in low G tuning.
- Gauges: .028 .032 .040 .030W (wound low G)
Baritone Ukulele Strings (UK120B, UK120B-BK, UK120B-TI)
Good starting point for: baritone ukuleles in D G B E, in clear nylon, black nylon or titanium.
- Gauges: .030 .033 .030 .037
Shop UK120B · UK120B-BK · UK120B-TI
See all of them in Ukulele Strings, or read our ukulele strings guide.
Keeping a Ukulele in Tune
- New nylon strings stretch a lot. Retune often for the first few days, and gently stretch each string after installing it.
- Temperature and humidity move the pitch. Let the ukulele settle to the room before tuning.
- Check intonation. The 12th-fret note should match the 12th-fret harmonic. If it doesn't, the setup may need adjusting.
- Change strings when they stop holding pitch, sound dull or show wear where you fret.
Final Thoughts
Ukulele tuning is G C E A with a high G, and the lowest note is the C, not the G. Learn that and the rest is quick: a tuner, or three fret checks by ear.
Low G and baritone change the sound and the strings you need. Match the set to your ukulele's size and tuning, then choose the material you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notes on a ukulele?
G C E A, from the string nearest your chin to the string nearest the floor. Baritone ukuleles are D G B E.
Why is the G string higher than the C?
Standard ukulele tuning is re-entrant: the G is tuned above the C to keep the notes close together. That's what gives the ukulele its bright sound.
What is the lowest string on a ukulele?
On a standard high-G ukulele, the 3rd string (C). On a low-G or baritone ukulele, the 4th string.
Are soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles tuned the same?
Yes, all three use G C E A. They take different strings because the scale lengths differ.
What is a baritone ukulele tuned to?
D G B E, the same notes as the top four strings of a guitar.
What is low G tuning?
G C E A with the G tuned an octave lower, so it becomes the lowest note.
Can I tune a soprano ukulele to low G?
Only with a low G string that fits the instrument and its nut slot. Our low G set is made for tenor.
How do I tune a ukulele without a tuner?
Tune the C string to a reference note, then use the fret checks above: 4th fret of C to E, 5th fret of E to A, and 3rd fret of E to G.
Why won't my new ukulele strings stay in tune?
New nylon strings stretch for the first few days. Stretch them gently after installing, and retune often until they settle.
Can I use guitar strings on a ukulele?
No. Steel guitar strings are wrong for a ukulele, and classical guitar strings are gauged for a different instrument and scale length. Use a set made for your ukulele's size.
Is ukulele tuning the same as the top four guitar strings?
Not for soprano, concert or tenor. G C E A is the top four guitar strings (D G B E) moved up a fourth, with the G raised an octave. A baritone ukulele does match the guitar.
What is D tuning on a ukulele?
A D F# B, every string a whole step above G C E A. It tightens every string, so check that your set suits it before tuning up.
