Common `Ukulele Tunings

Exploring the three common ukulele tunings: C, G, and D.

Published: 02 Jan 2005 Updated: 11 Apr 2012Visits: 120Code: UL101

INSTRUMENTS: Tunings Main: Ukulele Others: Ukulele
Subjects: Beginner • Tunings

Common `Ukulele Tunings


Any tuning is possible on a ukulele as long as the ukulele’s construction supports it and a string is available.

There are three somewhat common tunings in popular use today, C, D and G tuning - with C tuning the most popular.

A dedicated page on Common and Not So Common Ukulele Tunings

Tune the Ukulele Like a Banjo

Tune string one down a whole step and you have a Banjo like tuning.

Tune the Ukulele Like Other Instruments

Mandolin

The standard mandolin tuning is tuned in Perfect Fifths G D A E. Aquila has a set of strings available to tune your ukulele like a mandolin.

Any tuning is possible on a ukulele as long as the ukulele's construction supports it and a string is available.

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End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for Common `Ukulele Tunings.

UL23

Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the `Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning

Updated: 19 Jun 2023

Standard music notation, the natural, sharp and flat notes of the ukulele fingerboard for C tuned ukuleles. Covers both high C and low G tuning variations.

UL23_d

Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the `Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning

Updated: 02 Jan 2005

The D Tuning comes in two versions where string four is either tuned to the "A", a major second below string one or low "A" where string fours is a perfect fifth below string three. The D tuning with a low A is the same as the thin four strings of a standard tuned guitar with a capo at fret (7).

UL23_g

Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the `Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning

Updated: 18 Oct 2016

The G Tuning comes in two versions where string four is either tuned to the "D", a major second below string one or low "D" where string four is a perfect fifth below string three. The G tuning with a low D is the same as the thin four strings of a standard tuned guitar.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for Common `Ukulele Tunings.

Common Ukulele Tunings

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

Any tuning is possible on a ukulele as long as the construction supports it and a string is available. There are three somewhat common tunings in popular use today, C, D and G tuning - with C tuning the most popular.

Related Songs

Related Songs for Common `Ukulele Tunings.

ANYSONG

Any Song Will Do

Updated: 07 Dec 2015

This is not really a song, but simply saying that for the purposes of a lot of the lessons and lesson series on this site ANY song will do for exploring the lesson's material and concepts presented in the lesson.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for Common `Ukulele Tunings.

ULUNN-C

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning

Updated: 18 Jan 2023

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard. Learning the notes of your instrument allows you the flexibility of not having to remember so many shapes. There are simply way too many chords, scale and notes patterns, and shapes to remember. It all comes down the notes.

ULUNN-D

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning

Updated: 23 Sep 2009

If your goal is to finally learn the names of the notes on the ukulele fingerboard. Then Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning is your answer. Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning, has a step by step approach to finally mastering the ukulele fingerboard.

ULUNN-G

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning

Updated: 23 Aug 2009

If your goal is to finally learn the names of the notes on the ukulele fingerboard. Then Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning is your answer. Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning, has a step by step approach to finally mastering the ukulele fingerboard.

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets

Related Assets for Common `Ukulele Tunings.

WEB_CONTENT_ONLY

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G

Updated: 11 May 2019

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G. Shows natural, sharp and flat notes for the ukulele fingerboard. This tuning can be used on a soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukuleles.

WEB_CONTENT_ONLY

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High D

Updated: 31 Dec 2016

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High D. Shows natural, sharp and flat notes for the ukulele fingerboard. This tuning can be used on a baritone or tenor ukulele.

WEB_CONTENT_ONLY

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for D Tuning, Low or High A

Updated: 31 Dec 2016

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for D Tuning, Low or High DG. Shows natural, sharp and flat notes for the ukulele fingerboard. This tuning can be used on a soprano, concert or tenor ukulele.

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