Ukuleles sound bright and happy when they are in tune, and rough fast when they are not. The good news: tuning a uke is quick once you know the string order and what "high G" means.
This guide covers:
- standard ukulele tuning (g C E A)
- low G tuning (G C E A)
- step-by-step tuning with an online tuner
- common ukulele tuning problems and fixes
Quick CTA:
Standard ukulele tuning: g C E A
Most soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles use standard tuning:
g - C - E - A
From the string closest to your face (top) to the string closest to the floor (bottom), it is:
- G string (often a high G)
- C string
- E string
- A string
The "g" is lowercase on purpose. On most ukes, the G string is tuned higher than you might expect. That is called re-entrant tuning.
Low G tuning: G C E A
Low G tuning keeps the same note letters, but changes the octave of the G string:
G - C - E - A
It gives you:
- a deeper bass note on the top string
- more linear scale patterns
- a fuller sound for fingerpicking
Not every uke is strung for low G. You usually need a specific low G string.
How to tune a ukulele with an online tuner (step by step)
Choose the preset that matches your strings:
- Standard: Ukulele standard tuner
- Low G: Ukulele low G tuner
1. Allow microphone access
- Tap the "Start listening" button.
- When your browser asks, allow microphone access.
If the tuner does not react, move closer to the mic and pluck one string at a time.
2. Tune one string at a time
Pick a string, pluck it, and adjust until the tuner centers on the correct note.
For standard ukulele tuning (g C E A), target:
- G string: G
- C string: C
- E string: E
- A string: A
Go slow. Small peg turns can change pitch a lot.
3. Recheck once more
New strings and nylon strings can slip. After you tune all four, do a second pass. You will usually need a few tiny corrections.
A fast "does this sound right?" check
After you tune, play:
- open strings one by one, then
- a simple C chord (0 0 0 3) and strum lightly
If the chord sounds sour but the tuner says you are centered, you may be squeezing too hard or the string is still settling.
If you want chord shapes that match your tuning, the chord library helps:
Common ukulele tuning problems (and fixes)
New strings will not stay in tune
This is normal, especially on ukulele. New strings stretch for days.
Fix:
- Tune up.
- Play for a minute.
- Retune.
- Repeat a few times.
You can also gently stretch the string by pulling it away from the fretboard slightly, then retune.
The tuner reads the wrong note
Ukulele notes are higher. Some tuners guess the wrong octave, especially for the G string.
Fix:
- Pluck cleaner and lighter.
- Mute the other strings.
- Move the uke closer to the mic.
- Use the correct preset (standard vs low G).
My pegs slip
Some ukuleles use friction pegs. If they slip:
- push the peg in slightly while turning
- tune up to pitch, not down from above
If the pegs always slip, a shop can adjust them.
FAQs: ukulele tuning
Which string is which on ukulele?
From top (closest to your face) to bottom (closest to the floor): G, C, E, A.
Is low G better than high G?
Neither is "better." High G gives classic ukulele bounce. Low G gives a deeper, more guitar-like range. Pick the sound you want.
Can I tune a ukulele with my phone?
Yes. Open the ukulele tuner, allow mic access, and tune one string at a time:
Do I need a special tuner for ukulele?
No. A chromatic tuner works. Presets help because they show the target notes and keep you from second-guessing string order.
Next step: open the preset that matches your strings
Tune once, recheck once, then start playing:
If you have a baritone ukulele, the tuning is different: