Ukulele Tuning Guide
Standard GCEA tuning with Hz frequencies for every string, low G vs high G explained, and all major alternate tunings with a free chromatic tuner.
Standard GCEA Tuning
Standard ukulele tuning is GCEA from string 4 (closest to your chin) to string 1 (closest to the floor). The G string uses reentrant tuning, meaning it is pitched higher than the C string - this gives ukulele its distinctive bright, cheerful sound.
| String | Name | Note | Frequency (Hz) | MIDI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | G (reentrant) | G4 | 392.00 Hz | 67 |
| 3 | C | C4 | 261.63 Hz | 60 |
| 2 | E | E4 | 329.63 Hz | 64 |
| 1 | A | A4 | 440.00 Hz | 69 |
The Reentrant G String
Unlike guitar or bass, the G string (string 4) is tuned to G4 (392 Hz), which is HIGHER than the C string (C4, 261 Hz). This is called reentrant tuning. It means the strings do not go from lowest to highest pitch - instead they go: G (392 Hz), C (261 Hz), E (329 Hz), A (440 Hz). This gives ukulele its signature bright, bouncy character and is unique to soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles tuned in high G.
Free Chromatic Tuner
Tune your ukulele in any browser. No app download, no account. Allow microphone access and tune each string to the target note. Shows Hz value and cents deviation in real time.
How to Tune a Ukulele with a Chromatic Tuner
A chromatic tuner detects the pitch of each string and shows you how flat or sharp it is. Follow these steps for accurate GCEA tuning.
Open the Chromatic Tuner
Go to notes.beatkey.app/tuner in your browser. Click "Start" and allow microphone access when prompted.
Start with String 4 (G)
Pluck the G string. The tuner shows the detected note. Tune toward G4 (392.00 Hz). The G string is the thinnest string farthest from the floor.
Tune Strings 3, 2, 1
Tune C to 261.63 Hz (C4), E to 329.63 Hz (E4), A to 440.00 Hz (A4). The A string vibrates at the exact international pitch standard.
Check Cents Deviation
The tuner shows cents off from the target note. Green = in tune (0-5 cents), yellow = close (5-15 cents), orange/red = tune more. Aim for 0 cents.
Final Check - Strum a C Chord
Open strum (all strings open) produces an Am7 chord in standard tuning. For a C chord, press string 1 (A) at fret 3. If it sounds in tune with itself, you are good. Re-tune any string that drifted during tuning.
What Do Cents Mean?
There are 100 cents in one semitone (one fret on the ukulele). A positive cents value means the string is sharp (too high). A negative cents value means the string is flat (too low). To lower pitch: loosen the tuning peg. To raise pitch: tighten the tuning peg.
Alternate Ukulele Tunings
Beyond standard GCEA, these alternate tunings change the character and range of your ukulele for specific styles. Changed strings are highlighted in amber.
Low G Tuning
Fingerpicking, Jazz, Classical| String | 4 (G) | 3 (C) | 2 (E) | 1 (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | G3 | C4 | E4 | A4 |
| Hz | 196.00 | 261.63 | 329.63 | 440.00 |
Replace the high G string with a wound G3 string. Gives fuller low-end, guitar-like feel. No longer reentrant.
Baritone (DGBE)
Singer-songwriter, Folk, Blues| String | 4 (G) | 3 (C) | 2 (E) | 1 (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | D3 | G3 | B3 | E4 |
| Hz | 146.83 | 196.00 | 246.94 | 329.63 |
Same as the top 4 strings of a guitar. Great for guitarists learning ukulele - chord shapes are identical.
D Tuning (ADF#B)
Traditional Hawaiian, Old-school| String | 4 (G) | 3 (C) | 2 (E) | 1 (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | A4 | D4 | F#4 | B4 |
| Hz | 440.00 | 293.66 | 369.99 | 493.88 |
Historical tuning used in early Hawaiian ukulele. Tuned one whole step higher than GCEA. Brighter, more nasal tone.
Slack Key (GCEG)
Hawaiian Slack Key, Ambient| String | 4 (G) | 3 (C) | 2 (E) | 1 (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | G4 | C4 | E4 | G4 |
| Hz | 392.00 | 261.63 | 329.63 | 392.00 |
Lower the A string from 440 Hz to 392 Hz (G4). Creates an open C chord. Natural harmonics ring beautifully.
Open C (GCEC)
Slide ukulele, Experimental| String | 4 (G) | 3 (C) | 2 (E) | 1 (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | G4 | C4 | E4 | C5 |
| Hz | 392.00 | 261.63 | 329.63 | 523.25 |
Raise the A string from 440 Hz to 523.25 Hz (C5). Creates an open C chord shape. Great for slide playing.
High G vs Low G Ukulele Tuning
The most common tuning choice beyond GCEA vs DGBE is whether to use reentrant High G or linear Low G for the G string on tenor ukuleles.
High G (Reentrant)
- + Classic ukulele sound
- + Chiming, campanella effect
- + Bright chord strums
- - Limited bass range
- - Melodic runs skip across strings
Low G (Linear)
- + Full low-end range
- + Better for fingerstyle solos
- + More guitar-like feel
- - Loses classic uke chime
- - Requires wound string, different feel
Ukulele Sizes and Tuning Reference
Different ukulele sizes use different tunings. Soprano, concert, and tenor all use GCEA (with optional low G for tenor), while baritone uses DGBE.
| Size | Tuning | Scale Length |
|---|---|---|
| Soprano | GCEA (High G) | 13-14" |
| Concert | GCEA (High G) | 15" |
| Tenor | GCEA or Low G | 17" |
| Baritone | DGBE | 19-20" |
Ukulele Tuning Tips for Recording
Detect Key Before Recording
Use BeatKey to detect the key of your backing track before recording ukulele. Then tune your uke to match and use the correct key's chord shapes.
A String is Your Reference
The A string vibrates at exactly A4 = 440.00 Hz, the international standard pitch. Tune the A string first to a reliable reference, then tune the other strings relative to it.
Middle C is on the C String
The C string (string 3) is tuned to C4 = 261.63 Hz, which is Middle C. This is the same Middle C that is MIDI note 60 and the reference point of most piano chord charts.
Tune Up to Pitch, Not Down
Always approach the correct pitch from below (slightly flat). Tune up to the target Hz rather than down. This reduces string slippage and keeps the ukulele in tune longer.
New Strings Need Stretching
New nylon strings take time to settle. Gently stretch each string by pulling it away from the fretboard, then re-tune. Repeat 3-4 times. Strings will hold pitch much better after stretching.
Intonation Check at 12th Fret
Fret each string at the 12th fret. It should be exactly one octave higher than the open string. If it is sharp or flat, your ukulele's intonation may need adjustment by a luthier.
BeatKey Workflow for Ukulele Players
Ukulele Tuning FAQ
What is standard ukulele tuning? +
Standard ukulele tuning is GCEA: G4 (392.00 Hz), C4 (261.63 Hz), E4 (329.63 Hz), A4 (440.00 Hz) from string 4 to string 1. The G string is reentrant, meaning it is tuned higher than the C string. This gives ukulele its signature bright, bouncy sound. Use the free chromatic tuner at notes.beatkey.app/tuner to tune each string accurately.
What is the difference between high G and low G tuning? +
High G (reentrant) tunes the G string to G4 (392.00 Hz), which is HIGHER than the C string. This is the traditional ukulele sound with a bright, bouncy character. Low G tunes the G string to G3 (196.00 Hz), which is LOWER than the C string, giving a fuller, guitar-like range. Low G requires a wound string and is preferred for fingerpicking, jazz, and solo playing. High G is standard for strumming styles and traditional Hawaiian music.
How do I tune a baritone ukulele? +
Baritone ukulele uses DGBE tuning: D3 (146.83 Hz), G3 (196.00 Hz), B3 (246.94 Hz), E4 (329.63 Hz). This is the same tuning as the four highest strings of a standard guitar. Baritone ukulele uses linear tuning (no reentrant string) and has a deeper, warmer tone than soprano, concert, or tenor ukuleles. Guitarists often find baritone ukulele easier to pick up since the chord shapes are identical.
Why does my ukulele go out of tune quickly? +
Nylon and fluorocarbon strings (used on most ukuleles) stretch significantly when new and need breaking in. Gently pull each string away from the fretboard and re-tune several times. This stretching process can take a few hours to a few days of playing. Temperature and humidity changes also cause ukuleles to go out of tune. Always check tuning before playing with the free chromatic tuner at notes.beatkey.app/tuner.
Related Tuning Guides
Guitar Tuning Guide
Standard EADGBE tuning with Hz, Drop D, Open G, DADGAD, and more alternate tunings.
Free Chromatic Tuner
Tune any instrument in your browser. Works for ukulele, guitar, bass, violin, and more.
Note Frequency Chart
Complete Hz reference for all 128 MIDI notes. Includes all ukulele and guitar pitches.
A440 Hz Standard
Why A = 440 Hz is the international standard and how all ukulele tuning derives from it.
Hz to Note Converter
Convert any frequency in Hz to a note name, MIDI number, and cents deviation.
Chord Progression Generator
Generate chord progressions for any key. Works with ukulele chord shapes.