While the ukulele only has 4 strings, fewer than a 6 or 12 string guitar, tuning it can be difficult if you're just starting out. Tuning the ukulele can be done in several ways as follows.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Studying the Structure of the Ukulele Body
Step 1. Memorize the notes of the strings
The most common ukuleles, the soprano and tenor ukuleles, have 4 strings with a GCEA pitch: G below middle C (low G), middle C, E, and A. Each string can be tightened and loosened with a twist at the end of the strum..
Step 2. Get to know the player
To make it easier to identify the individual chord for each string, hold the ukulele with the stylus on top. The lower left tuning belongs to the G string, while the upper right twirl is connected to the C string. The upper right twister is connected to the E string, and the tweezer below is used to tune the A string.
- A dial is a tool that you can rotate to adjust the pitch of the strings. The direction of rotation varies with each instrument, so it's a good idea to learn that first. Usually, this direction of rotation will be the same for all rotating instruments in one instrument.
- Tighten the strings to raise the pitch. Loosen the strings to lower the pitch.
- Don't tune the strings too tight. This could damage your instrument, and the strings could break.
Step 3. Identify the location of the strings
The strings are numbered from farthest to closest to you when you play the ukulele right-handed (strumming the strings with your right and playing chords with your left). The first string is the A string, the second is the E string, the third is the C string, and the fourth is the G string.
Step 4. Get to know the frets
The frets are numbered from the near end of the dial to the echoboard. The fret closest to the turner is the first fret. Pressing the strings on the frets as you pluck them raises the pitch of the strings.
Method 2 of 3: Finding Tones
Step 1. Choose an instrument as your reference in tuning the ukulele
The easiest way to tune your ukulele is to match notes with other instruments. You can use a piano, online tuner, electronic tuner, or pipe tuner. You can tune just one string this way (then tune the others based on this one) or you can tune all the strings using a tuner.
Step 2. Tune using piano or keyboard
Press the keys on the piano or keyboard and tune the ukulele strings until they match the sound of the piano or keyboard.
Step 3. Tune using the tuner pipe
You can use a chromatic tuning pipe or a tuning pipe made especially for the ukulele. Blow the pipe to the pitch you need, pluck the string, and twist it until the sound the string makes matches the pitch the pipe makes.
Step 4. Tune using a tuning fork
If you have a tuning fork for each string, you can beat each fork and adjust the strings until the pitch matches. If you only have one fork, use it to tune one string and then tune the others with that one string as a guide.
Step 5. Tune in using the electronic tuner
There are 2 types of electronic tuners. The first plays a note for you to follow; the second analyzes the pitch of the strings and tells you whether the strings are too high or too low. This method is probably the most helpful for beginners who are still having trouble distinguishing notes.
Method 3 of 3: Tuning the Strings
Step 1. Tune the G string
Tune the G string (the string closest to you) until the pitch is just right.
Step 2. Play the A string
Place your finger on the second fret (second open space from the top) pressing the tuned G string. This is the note of A, the same as the note of the string farthest from you.
Step 3. Tune the A string
Tune the A string based on the note you play on the G string.
Step 4. Play the G note on the E string
Place your finger on the third fret pressing the E string. This is a G note and it's the same as the G string. If they don't sound the same, chances are your E string isn't exactly matched.
Step 5. Tune the E string
Tune the E string until it is the same pitch as the G string.
Step 6. Play the note E on the C string
Place your finger on the fourth fret pressing C. This is an E note.
Step 7. Tune the C string
Tune the C string until it is the same pitch as the E string.
Tips
- Changes in room temperature can affect ukulele mates. Your ukulele may change its mate when you take it outside.
- Some ukuleles don't last as long as their friends. If this happens often, you may need to fix it.
- When tuning the strings, try to tighten more often than loosen the strings.
- When playing the ukulele with other people, determine the "master" ukulele and tune the other ukulele according to the master's ukulele, so that everything sounds harmonious with each other.
- You can use a humidifier to keep the ukulele in tune.
Warning
- Don't pull the strings too tight. This can damage the ukulele.
- After tuning all the strings on the ukulele, the first string may change mates slightly and may need to be re-tuned. This happens because tightening the other strings makes the body of the ukulele a little more interesting so that the strings that are tuned first will loosen up a bit.
