Ukulele tuning: G C E A

Soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles tune to G C E A. Choose standard, low G or baritone, then tap a string to hear its note.

Standard (G C E A)

Standard ukulele tuning is re-entrant: string 4, the G, is higher than string 3, the C.

Standard (G C E A), A4 = 440 Hz
StringNoteFrequency
String 4G4392.00 Hz
String 3C4261.63 Hz
String 2E4329.63 Hz
String 1A4440.00 Hz

Low G (G C E A)

Low G drops string 4 an octave, to G3, for a fuller low end.

Low G (G C E A), A4 = 440 Hz
StringNoteFrequency
String 4G3196.00 Hz
String 3C4261.63 Hz
String 2E4329.63 Hz
String 1A4440.00 Hz

Baritone (D G B E)

A baritone ukulele uses the same notes as the top four strings of a guitar.

Baritone (D G B E), A4 = 440 Hz
StringNoteFrequency
String 4D3146.83 Hz
String 3G3196.00 Hz
String 2B3246.94 Hz
String 1E4329.63 Hz

1. Start with the A string

Tune string 1, the A nearest the floor. It is the easiest to hear.

2. Then E and C

Tune string 2 to E and string 3 to C. The C is the lowest note in standard tuning.

3. Finish with the G

In standard tuning the G is higher than the C. If it sounds too low, check you are not tuning to low G.

Measured, not claimed

In our benchmark, 100% of ukulele clips settled within 5 cents, in a median of 63 ms, with a median error of 0.20 cents. The full results and method are on the accuracy page.

What are the notes of standard ukulele tuning?

G4, C4, E4 and A4, from string 4 (nearest your face) to string 1. Soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles all use it. “My dog has fleas” is the classic way to sing it.

Why is the G string higher than the C string?

Standard tuning is re-entrant: the G on string 4 is tuned above the C on string 3. That gives the ukulele its bright, close-voiced sound.

What is low G tuning?

The same notes with string 4 tuned an octave lower, to G3. It needs a thicker, low G string. Tenor ukulele players use it most.

How is a baritone ukulele tuned?

D3, G3, B3 and E4, the same as the top four strings of a guitar. Chord shapes you know from guitar work on it.

Why won’t my new ukulele strings stay in tune?

Nylon and fluorocarbon strings stretch a lot for the first few days. Tune up often and they settle down.