How to Tune a Ukulele
To tune a ukulele, play one string at a time and compare it with its target note: G, C, E and A in standard tuning. Use a tuner, which shows if the string is too high or too low, or match reference tones by ear. Tighten the peg to raise the pitch, loosen it to lower it.
Step by step
- Hold the ukulele with the strings facing out and find string 4 (G), nearest your chin.
- Open the tuner, press Start tuner and allow the microphone.
- Pluck the G string and read the needle.
- If it is too low, tighten the peg; if too high, loosen it past the note and tighten back up.
- Tune C, E and A the same way.
- Play a C chord (0003) to check that it sounds right, and tune again if needed.
1. Know your strings
| Tuning | String 4 | String 3 | String 2 | String 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard G C E A | G4 392.00 Hz | C4 261.63 Hz | E4 329.63 Hz | A4 440.00 Hz |
| Low G (G3 C4 E4 A4) | G3 196.00 Hz | C4 261.63 Hz | E4 329.63 Hz | A4 440.00 Hz |
| Baritone D G B E | D3 146.83 Hz | G3 196.00 Hz | B3 246.94 Hz | E4 329.63 Hz |
| D tuning A D F# B | A4 440.00 Hz | D4 293.66 Hz | F#4 369.99 Hz | B4 493.88 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.
Most beginners have a soprano or concert ukulele in standard tuning. If your G string is thick and sounds low, you have low G. A large ukulele with metal-wound bass strings is probably a baritone.
2. Choose a way to tune
- Microphone tuner: this site’s online tuner works on a phone or laptop. Best in a quiet room.
- Clip-on tuner: clips to the headstock and senses vibration. Good for noisy rooms and groups.
- By ear: match reference tones, or tune the strings to each other with the fret method.
3. Turn the pegs the right amount
A small turn changes the pitch a lot, especially on the thin strings. Turn a quarter turn or less, pluck again and look. Always finish by tuning up to the note: if you overshoot, go below and come back up. That way the string settles against the peg and holds its pitch.
4. New strings need patience
New strings stretch for a few days. Tune up, then gently pull each string a little away from the fretboard along its length, and tune again. Repeat until the tuning stays put. After that, a quick check before each session is enough.
5. Check with a chord
Play a C chord (only the A string at the 3rd fret) and a G chord. If they sound sour though each string reads in tune, check the tuning once more: tuning one string can change the tension on the neck and pull the others slightly.
Troubleshooting
- The tuner shows a note an octave off: check the tuning mode (standard or low G).
- The needle jumps around: pluck once, let it ring, and keep other strings quiet.
- The microphone does not work: follow the steps the tuner shows, or test it at testthemic.app.
- A string will not stay in tune: it may still be stretching, or slipping at the peg or the bridge.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I tune my ukulele?
Every time you play. Even a well-settled ukulele moves a little with temperature and humidity. With new strings, you may need to retune several times in one session for the first days.
Which way do I turn the tuning peg?
It depends on which side the peg is and how the string is wound. Turn a little while the string rings and watch the tuner: if the pitch goes up, you are tightening. Small turns are enough.
Why do new ukulele strings go out of tune?
Nylon and fluorocarbon strings stretch a lot when they are new. Each time they stretch, the pitch drops. Tune up, gently pull each string away from the fretboard, and tune again until it holds.
How do I know which string is which?
With the ukulele in playing position, string 4 is nearest your chin and string 1 is nearest the floor. In standard tuning they are G, C, E and A, in that order.
Is a clip-on tuner better than a phone tuner?
A clip-on tuner senses vibration through the headstock, so background noise does not disturb it. A microphone tuner like this one needs a quieter room but nothing to buy. Both are accurate enough for playing.
What if my string breaks while tuning?
Strings usually break when tuned far too high, often by mistake to the octave above. Check that you are tuning to the right note and octave. The tuner shows the octave number, such as G4 or G3.
Last updated: October 15, 2026