Getting the standard tuning right is the essential first step for every ukulele player. The question of what ukulele strings should be tuned to has a direct answer based on the instrument's size, and following this standard ensures your ear develops correctly and your songs match the intended musical key. While alternative tunings exist for creative expression, the foundational reference for any beginner or intermediate player is the classic re-entrant or linear tuning assigned to each of the four strings.
Standard Tuning by Ukulele Size
The answer to what ukulele strings should be tuned to changes depending on whether you are playing a soprano, concert, tenor, or baritone instrument. Each size traditionally uses a different note for its highest and lowest strings, and understanding this prevents frustration when you are trying to learn chords or songs. Below is a summary of the most common standard tunings, presented in scientific pitch notation where G4 represents the G above middle C.
Re-entrant vs. Linear (Low G) Tuning
For soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles, you will encounter two variations of the standard tuning: re-entrant and linear. In re-entrant tuning, the highest string (A4) is tuned above the middle C and E strings, creating a bright, bouncy sound that defines the classic ukulele voice. In linear tuning, the strings ascend in perfect fourths, meaning the low G4 replaces the high G4, resulting in a deeper, more guitar-like tone with a broader range. Whether you choose re-entrant or linear depends on the musical genre you wish to play, but the fundamental notes for the other strings remain C4, E4, and A4.
Why Accuracy Matters for Chords and Scales
If you ignore the question of what ukulele strings should be tuned to and play with loose or incorrect tension, your hard work learning chords will fail you. A chord requires specific intervals between notes, and even a slight detuning on one string will turn a clean C major into a dissonant mess. Accurate tuning allows the shapes your fingers create to produce the intended harmony, making it easier to switch between songs and jam with other musicians. Using an electronic tuner or a reliable tuning app is the most efficient way to verify that each string matches the correct frequency.
