How do I tune a ukulele for beginners?

Select the string you want to tune (G, C, E, or A), pluck it, and watch the tuner display. If the needle or display shows flat, tighten the tuning peg (turn it away from you). If it shows sharp, loosen it (turn toward you). Make small adjustments and pluck again until the display shows 'In Tune'. Always tune up to the note rather than down — this helps the string hold tune longer.

What tuning does a baritone ukulele use?

A baritone ukulele uses D-G-B-E tuning — the same as the top four strings of a guitar. This is different from the G-C-E-A tuning used by soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles. This means chord shapes learned on a soprano don't transfer directly to a baritone.

Online Ukulele Tuner

Free microphone-based ukulele tuner — tune to standard G-C-E-A in seconds. Works on any device, no app or download needed.

Tuning

Select String

—

pluck a string to begin

Waiting

— Hz

Microphone access required

💡 Tip: Pluck the string and let it ring — don't mute it. Tune in a quiet room for best accuracy. Always tune each string up to pitch rather than down, so it holds longer.

✅ How to tune your ukulele

Click Start Tuner and allow microphone access when prompted.
Select the string you want to tune — G (4th), C (3rd), E (2nd), or A (1st).
Pluck that string and let it ring freely. The display will show the detected note.
If the needle shows flat ↓, tighten the tuning peg. If sharp ↑, loosen it.
Make small adjustments and re-pluck until the display shows In Tune ✓.
Always tune the last few turns upward to pitch — this helps the string stay stable.

Common Questions

How does an online ukulele tuner work?

When you pluck a string, your microphone captures the sound wave. The tuner analyses this signal in real time using autocorrelation — a mathematical technique that identifies the repeating pattern in the waveform and calculates its fundamental frequency (the lowest, loudest pitch). It compares that frequency to the target note for the selected string and reports whether you're sharp (too high), flat (too low), or in tune. The whole process happens in your browser — no audio is sent to any server.

What is standard ukulele tuning?

Standard ukulele tuning is G-C-E-A (strings 4 to 1). String 4 (G4, 392 Hz) is the string closest to your chin. String 3 is C4 (261 Hz — middle C). String 2 is E4 (329 Hz). String 1 (A4, 440 Hz) is closest to the floor. The G string is "re-entrant" — tuned higher than the adjacent C — which is the defining characteristic of the classic ukulele sound.

What is the difference between high-G and low-G tuning?

High-G (standard) uses a G4 string (392 Hz) — higher pitched than the C string next to it. This re-entrant tuning creates the bright, chimey sound associated with traditional Hawaiian ukulele. Low-G replaces this with a G3 string (196 Hz), extending the instrument's bass range and giving it a warmer, more guitar-like sound. Low-G is popular with fingerstyle players and those who want a wider melodic range. The chord shapes are identical — only the bass response differs.

Why won't my ukulele stay in tune?

New strings — especially nylon — need time to stretch and settle. A brand new ukulele may need re-tuning several times per day for the first 1–2 weeks. Speed up the process by gently stretching each string: tune to pitch, pull the string gently upward along its length, then retune. Repeat 3–4 times. Temperature and humidity changes also affect tuning, as nylon expands and contracts with the environment. Store your ukulele in a stable environment and away from direct sunlight or air conditioning vents.

The tuner isn't detecting my string — what should I do?

Make sure you've allowed microphone access in your browser. Tune in a quiet room — background noise (TV, music, conversation) can confuse the pitch detector. Hold the ukulele close to your device's microphone when plucking. Pluck firmly and let the string ring freely — don't mute it with your strumming hand. If the string is very out of tune, it may take a moment for the autocorrelation algorithm to lock on — be patient and pluck again.

Ukulele Tuning — Complete Guide

Getting your ukulele in tune is the single most important step before playing — even a beautifully played chord sounds wrong on an out-of-tune instrument. Here's everything you need to know about ukulele tuning, from the standard notes to alternative tunings used by advanced players.

Standard Tuning: G-C-E-A

Standard ukulele tuning — G-C-E-A — applies to soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles. The four open strings, from the string nearest your chin to the string nearest the floor, are tuned to these notes and frequencies:

String 4

392 Hz

G4 · high G

String 3

261 Hz

C4 · middle C

String 2

329 Hz

String 1

440 Hz

Tuning by Ukulele Type

Different ukulele sizes use different tunings. Here's a complete reference:

Size	Tuning	Notes	Notes
Soprano	G-C-E-A	High-G standard	Traditional Hawaiian sound
Concert	G-C-E-A	High-G standard	Same as soprano, slightly warmer
Tenor	G-C-E-A	High-G or Low-G	Low-G popular with advanced players
Baritone	D-G-B-E	Different tuning	Same as top 4 guitar strings
Soprano (D tuning)	A-D-F♯-B	One step up from standard	Traditional in UK, older recordings
Bass Ukulele	E-A-D-G	Like a bass guitar	Polyurethane strings, very deep

Alternative Tunings

Beyond standard G-C-E-A, advanced players use alternative tunings to access different keys and sounds without a capo:

Low-G (G3-C4-E4-A4): The most common alternative. Replaces the re-entrant G4 with a wound G3 string for deeper bass. Chord shapes are identical; only the G string sounds an octave lower.
Slack-key / Open G (G-C-E-G): Tune the A string down to G. Creates an open G major chord when strummed open. Popular in Hawaiian slack-key style.
D Tuning (A-D-F♯-B): Everything tuned one whole step higher than standard. Traditional in older British and European uke playing. Brighter, more nasal tone.
Dropped G (F♯-C-E-A): Tune the G string down a half step for access to certain bass notes without restringing.

Tips for Staying in Tune

New strings: Stretch them in by tuning to pitch, gently pulling each string upward along its length, and retuning. Repeat 3–4 times per string. New nylon strings can take 1–2 weeks to fully settle.
Always tune up: When tuning, approach pitch from below (flat side). If you overshoot, drop below pitch and tune up again. This reduces string slippage at the tuning peg.
Temperature and humidity: Nylon strings expand in heat and contract in cold. A ukulele left in a hot car can go drastically out of tune. Always tune before playing.
Tuning pegs: Friction pegs (found on many sopranos) can slip over time. Apply a small amount of peg compound or chalk to keep them holding. Geared tuners are more stable and worth upgrading to.
Intonation: If your ukulele sounds in tune on open strings but out of tune higher up the neck, you may have an intonation problem — the nut or saddle position may need adjusting by a luthier.