D Tuning Ukulele Tuner
D tuning is A D F# B: A4 at 440.00 Hz, D4 at 293.66 Hz, F#4 at 369.99 Hz and B4 at 493.88 Hz. Every string is a whole step (two semitones) above standard G C E A tuning, and the A string is re-entrant. It is mostly used on soprano ukuleles. The tuner below is set to D tuning.
D tuning tuner
The tuner needs JavaScript and a microphone. The tables and guides below work without it.
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Press Start tuner and allow the microphone
String (Auto finds it for you)
Reference pitch: A4 = 440 Hz
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Tap the icon to the left of the web address, open Permissions, and turn on Microphone. Then reload the page.
Mic not working at all? Test it at testthemic.app.
D tuning reference tones
Reference tones need JavaScript.
Press a string to hear its note, played as a plucked string. Press it again to stop.
How to use it
- Press Start tuner and allow the microphone when your browser asks.
- Hold the ukulele near the microphone and pluck one string. Let it ring.
- Read the note and the needle: left of center is too low, right is too high.
- Turn the tuning peg slowly until the needle is in the green zone and the screen says In tune.
- Repeat for the other three strings, then check them all once more.
D tuning notes
| Tuning | String 4 | String 3 | String 2 | String 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D tuning A D F# B | A4 440.00 Hz | D4 293.66 Hz | F#4 369.99 Hz | B4 493.88 Hz |
| Standard G C E A | G4 392.00 Hz | C4 261.63 Hz | E4 329.63 Hz | A4 440.00 Hz |
String 4 is nearest your chin when you hold the ukulele, string 1 nearest the floor. Frequencies use equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz.
Because every string goes up two semitones, the same finger shape gives a chord two semitones higher. The shape you know as C in standard tuning is D in D tuning, which is how the tuning got its name.
Who uses D tuning?
D tuning appears in many older ukulele songbooks and is still liked by some soprano players for its brighter sound. If a songbook shows the strings as A D F# B, or uses the "My Dog Has Fleas" tune starting on A, it is written for D tuning.
Is it safe for my strings?
Raising every string by two semitones adds tension. Many soprano strings handle it well, but some are made only for G C E A. Tune up slowly, and if a string feels very tight, check what your string maker recommends. Concert and tenor ukuleles usually stay in standard tuning.
Frequently asked questions
What is D tuning on a ukulele?
D tuning is A4 D4 F#4 B4. Each string is two semitones higher than in standard G C E A tuning. The same chord shapes then give chords two semitones higher, so the C shape becomes a D chord.
Why would I use D tuning?
Mainly to play from songbooks written for it, or for a brighter, livelier sound on a soprano ukulele. You can also use it to play songs in a higher key with the shapes you already know.
Can I use standard strings for D tuning?
Often, on a soprano ukulele, but the strings will be under more tension. If the strings feel too tight or the maker says they are for G C E A only, look for strings made for D tuning.
How do I convert chords from D tuning to standard?
The finger shapes stay the same; only the names change by two semitones. A shape called D in a D tuning songbook is called C in standard tuning. Play the shapes as written and you will be in the right key for that tuning.
What does F# mean?
F sharp is the note one semitone above F. On the ukulele in D tuning, it is string 2. The tuner shows it as F# with the octave number, F#4, at about 370 Hz.
Last updated: October 15, 2026