Low G Ukulele Tuner
Low G tuning is G3 C4 E4 A4. It has the same notes as standard tuning, but the G string is an octave lower, at 196.00 Hz instead of 392.00 Hz. That makes it the lowest string and gives the ukulele a deeper bass. You need a thicker low G string. The tuner below is set to low G.
Low G 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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Chrome on a computer
Click the icon to the left of the web address, find Microphone, choose Allow, then reload the page.
Microsoft Edge
Click the lock icon to the left of the web address, open the permissions for this site, set Microphone to Allow and reload.
Firefox
Click the permissions icon in the address bar, remove the blocked microphone permission, reload the page and choose Allow when asked.
Safari on a Mac
Open Safari, Settings, Websites, Microphone, and set ukuleletuner.co to Allow or Ask. Then reload the page.
iPhone or iPad
Tap the page settings button in the address bar, open Website Settings and set Microphone to Allow or Ask. Then reload the page.
Chrome on Android
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.
Low G 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.
Low G and high G compared
| 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 |
String 4 is nearest your chin when you hold the ukulele, string 1 nearest the floor. Frequencies use equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz.
The only difference is string 4. In low G it is the G below middle C, so the strings go from low to high across the neck, like a guitar. It is called linear tuning.
Why the tuner needs to know
A tuner set to standard tuning expects G4. If you play a low G3 string, it is a full octave away from the target, so the needle would make no sense. Set the tuner to low G, and it expects G3. If the tuner on the home page hears a G3 in standard mode, it tells you to switch.
Do you need a special string?
Yes. A normal high G string tuned an octave down would be far too slack and buzz. Low G strings are thicker, often wound with metal. They are sold on their own or in low G sets. Many low G strings need a slightly wider slot in the nut, so check that the string sits well.
Low G is popular on tenor ukuleles, because the longer neck suits the thicker string. It works on concert and soprano ukuleles too.
Frequently asked questions
What is low G tuning?
Low G tuning is G3 C4 E4 A4. The G string is tuned an octave lower than in standard tuning, so it becomes the lowest string. The other three strings are the same as in standard G C E A tuning.
What is low G on a ukulele?
It is the fourth string tuned to G3, the G below middle C, at about 196 Hz. It gives a fuller bass and lets you play melodies that go lower. It needs a thicker string made for low G.
Can I tune my normal G string down to low G?
Not well. A normal high G string tuned an octave lower would be very loose and would buzz or flop. Buy a low G string, which is made thicker for that pitch, often with a wound outer layer.
Do chords change with low G?
No. You use the same chord shapes. The chords sound deeper and fuller because the G is lower. Some songs that use the high G for melody, or for the ringing open sound, can sound different.
Why does my low G tuner show the wrong octave?
Make sure the tuner is set to low G. In standard mode it expects the high G4 and will call a G3 far off. On this page the tuner is already set to low G, so it expects G3.
Last updated: October 15, 2026