Memorizing the notes of the ukulele fingerboard is not as hard as one would think. Although there doesn’t seem to be any pattern and the same letter can be found on every string. There is a systematic approach that can be used to help remember the notes.

There are four different sized ukuleles in common use today, using any one of three different tunings.

“C” Tuning

A ukulele can use any tuning as long as there is a string available and its construction can support the string tension when tuning to pitch.

Of the four common sizes of ukulele: the soprano, concert, and tenor ukulele can all be tuned using “C” tuning. The most common tuning currently in use is “C” tuning.

Finally, and really learning and knowing the names of the notes of the ukulele fingerboard is a liberating musical moment. A major breakthrough in most player’s learning and enjoyment of the ukulele.

Knowing the names of the notes of the fingerboard is separate from learning to read standard music notation. To learn to read music on the ukulele in “C” tuning, see my series of books and lesson: Reading Music on Ukulele.

C tuning, both low and high G variations, are common on the Soprano, Concert and Tenor ukulele. When string four, tuned to a low G, it is referred to as a Low G, C tuning.

Key Frets

In addition to the open strings and fret twelve, which most ukulele players seem to remember. There are two other frets with no sharp of flat notes, frets (3), (5) and (10). These are easy to remember.

These are reference or key frets. From theses frets, other frets can be derived.

Frets (1), (4), (6), (9) and (11) can be referenced relative to the open strings, fret (4), fret (6) and fret (11) by flatting or sharping all the notes of those frets.