How to Tune?
How to Tune a Ukulele Properly
Feb 7, 2025
Comprehensive Ukulele Tuning Tutorial with Tips for Staying in Tune for Beginners using Ukulele Tuner
Tuning your ukulele properly is essential for getting a great sound and making your practice sessions enjoyable. One of the easiest and most effective ways to tune your ukulele is by using the Perfect Tuner App, which automatically detects the pitch of the string and guides you in adjusting them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to learn how to tune a soprano ukulele in C6 standard tuning (G4, C4, E4, A4) step-by-step. This ukulele tuning is also commonly used for concerts and tenor ukuleles. If you prefer, you can also use a clip-on tuner or even a tuning fork for tuning. Make sure to pluck each string gently to ensure accuracy during the process. Keeping your ukulele in tune is key to enhancing the quality of your practice sessions.
What You Need to Tune a Ukulele
Your ukulele (soprano, concert, tenor, baritone, bass, or contrabass).
Note: This guide uses the soprano ukulele as an example, as it is the most popular size. However, the steps can also be applied to other types of ukuleles by selecting the appropriate settings in the app.
A smartphone or tablet with the Perfect Tuner app installed.
Standard C6 Tuning for Ukulele Strings (G4, C4, E4, A4)
In standard C6 tuning, your ukulele strings should be tuned as follows:
4th string (top) – G4 (high G)
3rd string – C4
2nd string – E4
1st string (bottom) – A4
(Note: "High G" tuning means the 4th string (G4) is tuned to a higher pitch than the 3rd string (C4).)
In the premium version of Perfect Tuner, you can access several additional ukulele tunings for different ukulele types. Additionally, there is a "Custom" option that allows you to create your own tuning setup.
Step 1: Understand the Parts of Your Ukulele
Before tuning, it’s important to know the key parts of your ukulele:
Tuning Pegs: The small knobs located on the headstock of your ukulele. These are used to tighten or loosen the strings on your ukulele, ensuring proper standard ukulele tuning.
Tightening the Peg (clockwise) raises the pitch of the string (the sound gets higher).
Loosening the Peg (counterclockwise) lowers the pitch (the sound gets lower). This is a common way to tune and adjust your soprano ukulele or other types of ukuleles.
Strings: Ukuleles have four strings, numbered from the top (4th string) to the bottom (1st string). Each string corresponds to a specific note, such as G-C-E-A in popular ukulele tuning.
Step 2: Open the Perfect Tuner App and Tune Your Ukulele
Download and open the Perfect Tuner app on your smartphone or tablet.
The app will automatically enable your microphone to detect the sound of each string on the ukulele in real-time, providing real-time feedback to help you tune accurately. This makes it an excellent way of tuning for both ukulele players and those who are a complete beginner.
If prompted, grant the app permission to use your microphone.
The Tuner screen will automatically appear, showing the string layout, pitch meter, and features of the electronic tuner for precise detection.
Check that the app is in "Auto" mode (the toggle switch in the upper right corner is green). This ensures that the app will automatically detect which string you’re playing and help you stay in tune effortlessly.
If the app opens in a different mode, tap the Tuner icon at the bottom left of the screen to return to the main tuning interface.
In the settings, make sure that the Soprano Ukulele (C6 tuning) is selected to ensure you’re tuning to the standard tuning pitch.
For beginners, the app is so simple and intuitive that it feels like a step-by-step tutorial, offering useful tuning tips to help you tune your ukulele with ease. It’s also a great tool for a quick lesson, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your tuning skills.
Step 3: Start Tuning Your Ukulele
1. Tune the 4th String (G4 – High G)
Pluck the 4th string (G4) (the top string) with your finger or pick.
Watch the app’s display:
If the app shows that the note is too low (flat), turn the tuning peg clockwise to tighten the string slightly.
If the app shows that the note is too high (sharp), turn the tuning peg counterclockwise to loosen the string.
Always finish tuning by tightening the tuning peg (raising the pitch) rather than loosening it, as this helps the string on the ukulele stay in tune longer.
Adjust until the app shows that the note is perfectly in tune (usually indicated by a green "Great!" label or a centered pitch marker).
For additional accuracy, you can use the app’s real-time feedback to make precise adjustments, ensuring the ukulele string stays in perfect standard tuning.
2. Tune the 3rd String (C4)
Pluck the 3rd string (C4) and watch the app’s display.
Follow the same steps as for the 4th string until the app indicates that the string is perfectly tuned.
3. Tune the 2nd String (E4)
Pluck the 2nd string (E4) and check the app.
Adjust the tuning peg until the app confirms the note is accurate.
4. Tune the 1st String (A4)
Finally, pluck the 1st string (A4) (the bottom string) and adjust it until the app shows the correct note.
Step 4: Check the Overall Tuning
Once you have tuned all four strings:
Play a few open chords, such as C major or F major, and listen to how they sound.
If any chord sounds slightly off, check the individual string using Perfect Tuner.
Additional Tips for Accurate Tuning
Pluck lightly: Don’t strike the string too hard when tuning, as this can cause inaccurate readings.
Tune slowly: Make small adjustments to the tuning pegs to avoid overtightening and snapping the strings.
Re-check each string: After tuning all the strings, some may have slipped slightly out of tune. Re-check each string once more.
Why Use Perfect Tuner for Ukulele Tuning?
Accurate Detection: The app provides precise feedback for each string, ensuring that the tuning pitch is correct. It even alerts you if the string is too low or too tight, helping you avoid damage to the headstock or tuning pegs on your ukulele.
Beginner-Friendly: The app’s interface is simple and intuitive, making it a great way for beginners to learn how to tune more effectively.
Multiple Ukulele Types: Whether you have a soprano, concert, tenor, baritone, bass, or contrabass ukulele, the app allows you to choose the correct instrument type in the settings. IIt also supports different tunings, including popular ukulele tuning standards like G-C-E-A, which are ideal for common ukulele types with 4 strings.
Free to Use: No additional equipment is required – just your phone and your ukulele. You can quickly turn the pegs clockwise or lower the pitch based on the app’s suggestions, ensuring that the g is tuned perfectly every time.
Final Words
Tuning your ukulele with Perfect Tuner ensures that your instrument will sound clear and harmonious. Whether you’re using a ukulele tuner or tuning without a tuner, Perfect Tuner provides a reliable way to achieve accurate tuning.
Once you’re comfortable with the process, you can even practice tuning by ear to improve your musical skills further. If you’ve just picked up a new ukulele, taking the time to tune it properly will enhance your experience when you play your ukulele.
Enjoy your perfectly tuned ukulele, and happy strumming!