How to Tune a Ukulele

Updated October 5, 2026

Standard ukulele tuning

Soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles are tuned G C E A from string 4 (nearest your face) to string 1: G4, C4, E4 and A4. The G is higher than the C. This is called re-entrant tuning, and it gives the ukulele its bright sound. Remember it with the phrase “My Dog Has Fleas”.

Tuning with a tuner

1. Open the ukulele tuner and allow the microphone.
2. Pluck one string at a time and let it ring.
3. Tighten the peg if the needle is left of centre (flat). Loosen it if the needle is right of centre (sharp).
4. Go through all four strings, then check them again.

Tuning by ear

First tune the A string to a reference note: A4 from a piano, a tuning fork at 440 Hz or the ukulele tuner’s reference tones. Then tune the other strings to it:

1. Press the E string at the 5th fret (A) and tune it until it matches the open A string.
2. Press the C string at the 4th fret (E) and tune it to the open E string.
3. Press the G string at the 2nd fret (A) and tune it to the open A string.

With low G tuning, the G string at the 2nd fret plays an A one octave below the open A string. The two notes have the same name and blend smoothly when they are in tune.

Low G and other tunings

Low G tunes the 4th string an octave lower for a fuller range, and it needs a thicker string. D tuning raises every string by a whole step (two frets). Baritone ukuleles are tuned D G B E, so use the baritone ukulele tuner.

Why your ukulele keeps going out of tune

Nylon and fluorocarbon strings stretch a lot during their first week. Retune often and gently stretch each new string along its length, and the strings will settle. Temperature changes also change the pitch, so tune after the ukulele has reached room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

What are the ukulele string notes?

G4, C4, E4 and A4 from string 4 to string 1 on soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles.

Which ukulele string do I tune first?

With a tuner, any order works. By ear, tune the A string to a reference first, then tune E, C and G to it.

Do soprano and tenor ukuleles use the same tuning?

Yes, both use G C E A. Tenor ukuleles more often use a low G string.