Tuning and checking the tuning on a UkuleleThis is a simple way to check your tuning and to tune your ukulele. With this method you have to get at least one of your strings in tune (preferably the low G string), because from that string you will tune the rest of your strings using that as a reference. If you don't have access to a tuning fork, keyboard, or other tuning device, then that's fine. You can get one string as close as you can by ear and then tune the rest of the ukulele to it. The ukulele will be in tune with it's self and will sound just fine, even if every string is a little sharp or flat. Just make sure if your playing with someone that your in tune with them.
Open Strings - Down below I will talk about playing Open Strings. To play an Open String means to play a string without fretting anything. So that's why it's called Open.
how to tune a ukulele
Use the picture as a reference, Assuming now that your 4th String(G string) is in tune....
- Fret the 5th fret on the 4th String(G String), If your ukulele is in tune or close, then if you pluck the fretted 4th string(G String) and the open 3rd String(C String), they should sound pretty close. Tune the pegs on your 3rd string(C string) until they match the 4th String(G String).
- Now that the 3rd String(C String) is in tune we can now tune the 2nd String(E String) to it. Fret the 4th fret on the 3rd string(C string) and play that string and the open 2nd String(E String), and then turn the pegs on the 2nd String(E String) till they match.
- Same process again, fret the 5th fret on the 2nd String(E String), and tune the open 1st String(A String) to the fretted 2nd String(E String).
Your ukulele should now be in tune.
Ukulele Tab to check tuning
This tab shows you quickly what frets and string to play to check your tuning.
A:--------0---:
E:-----0--5---:
C:--0--4------:
G:--5---------:
You can also you this free Online Ukulele Tuner to check the tuning on your Uke!
Congratulations on tuning your ukulele!
Note: Most ukuleles are constructed economically, meaning that the fretting isn’t always exactly perfect. That means you want to use the lower frets to tune. Check out another article called Tune the ukulele to itself using non-adjacent strings. This article teaches you a way to tune your ukulele fretting notes lower on the fretboard so the imperfections in the placement of the frets do not affect the reference note as much.
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