How to tune a ukulele online
Tuning your ukulele takes just a few moments with the online tuner. Here's how:
- Open guitartuner.dev on any device. The tuner works on desktop, iPhone, and Android without any app install.
- Allow microphone access when prompted. Your browser requests permission once. All audio processing is local — nothing is recorded or sent anywhere.
- Play each string. The tuner detects the pitch and shows how flat or sharp you are. Turn the tuning peg until the needle centres.
Standard ukulele tuning (GCEA)
Standard ukulele tuning is GCEA. The four strings from string 4 (closest to your chin when held normally) to string 1 are G, C, E, and A. Note that the G string is higher-pitched than the C string — this is called re-entrant tuning, and it surprises many beginners coming from guitar.
| String | Note | Octave | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | G | 4 | 392.00 Hz |
| 3 (C) | C | 4 | 261.63 Hz |
| 2 (E) | E | 4 | 329.63 Hz |
| 1 (A) | A | 4 | 440.00 Hz |
Ukulele tuning variations
Beyond standard GCEA there are two common alternatives worth knowing:
- Low G tuning — replaces the standard G4 string with a G3 string (a wound or thicker string). This gives the ukulele a fuller, guitar-like bass response and extends the lower range.
- D tuning (ADF#B) — every string raised by a whole step. Common in older repertoire and traditionally used in the UK and parts of Europe.
Soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukulele tuning
Different ukulele sizes generally use different standard tunings, but most of them share the same GCEA convention:
- Soprano ukulele — standard GCEA. The smallest and most iconic uke sound.
- Concert ukulele — standard GCEA. Slightly larger body, louder and warmer than soprano.
- Tenor ukulele — standard GCEA (sometimes Low G). Bigger body, more sustain and volume.
- Baritone ukulele — uses DGBE tuning, the same as the four highest strings of a standard guitar. If you play guitar already, baritone fingerings translate directly.
Tips for tuning a ukulele
Ukuleles — especially new ones — can be frustratingly difficult to keep in tune. These habits help:
- Expect new strings to need constant retuning for the first few days. Nylon and fluorocarbon strings stretch as they settle. This is normal, not a sign of a bad instrument.
- Stretch new strings manually. Gently pull each string away from the fretboard (not sideways), then retune. Repeating this several times per string speeds up the settling process.
- Always tune up to pitch. If you overshoot the target note, tune down below it and approach from below again. Tuning up to pitch keeps the string under consistent tension at the tuning peg.
- Check the tuning before every playing session. Ukuleles are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. A few seconds of checking saves you from playing out of tune.
Frequently asked questions
What tuning is a standard ukulele?
GCEA, from string 4 to string 1. The G string sits at G4 (392 Hz), C at C4 (261.63 Hz), E at E4 (329.63 Hz), and A at A4 (440 Hz).
Why does my ukulele go out of tune so fast?
New nylon strings need time to stretch and stabilise. Play for 15 minutes then retune, repeating over several days. After the strings settle, the ukulele will hold tune much better.
Can I use a guitar tuner for ukulele?
guitartuner.dev supports both. Select Ukulele from the instrument menu at the top of the tuner. The tuner will then display GCEA string targets and detect ukulele pitch ranges accurately.
What is low G tuning on ukulele?
Low G replaces the standard high G4 string with a G3 string (30.87 Hz lower). This gives the ukulele a fuller, guitar-like bass response and makes it easier to play melody lines with a wider range.
Is GCEA or DGBE better for ukulele?
GCEA is standard for soprano, concert, and tenor. DGBE is standard for baritone ukulele and sounds closer to a guitar. If you're starting out, GCEA is the right choice for most ukuleles.