How to Tune a Ukulele

Here is the quickest way to get a ukulele in tune, whether you use a tuner or your ears.

Know your strings

Hold the uke in playing position. The string nearest your face is G (string 4), then C, E and A (string 1, nearest the floor).

Step by step with a tuner

1. Open the ukulele tuner and press Start.
2. Pluck the G string. If the needle is left of centre, tighten its peg. If right, loosen it.
3. Repeat for C, E and A.
4. Check all four again. Tuning one string can nudge the others.

Which way do I turn the tuning peg?

It depends on which side of the headstock the peg sits. The safe method: pluck the string and turn a small amount. If the pitch rises, that direction tightens. Always approach the note from below, then stop, because strings hold their tuning better that way.

Tune by ear with the relative method

1. Get the A string right first.
2. Press the E string at the 5th fret. It should match the open A.
3. Press the C string at the 4th fret. It should match the open E.
4. Press the C string at the 7th fret. It should match the open G.

New strings will not stay in tune

That is normal. Nylon and fluorocarbon strings stretch for several days. Tune, gently stretch each string, tune again, and repeat a few times.

Frequently asked questions