What Notes Are the 4 Strings on a Ukulele? 🎶 (2025 Ultimate Guide)

Video: 10 Ukulele Chords Every Complete Beginner Needs to Know.

Ever picked up a ukulele and wondered, “What exactly are the notes on these four strings?” You’re not alone! Whether you’re a total newbie or just brushing up your skills, knowing the notes on your ukulele’s strings is the golden ticket to unlocking its joyful sound. Spoiler alert: those four strings aren’t just random—they form a beautiful chord that makes the uke so addictive and easy to play.

In this guide, we’ll unravel the mystery behind the standard G-C-E-A tuning, explain the difference between high G and low G strings, and even dive into alternative tunings that can spice up your playing. Plus, we’ll share pro tips on tuning, string choices, and handy mnemonics to make remembering those notes a breeze. Ready to tune up and strum your way to ukulele mastery? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

Standard ukulele tuning is G-C-E-A, with the 4th string usually tuned to a high G, creating the ukulele’s signature bright sound.
The open strings form a C6 chord, making it easy to play many songs with just a few simple chords.
High G (re-entrant) vs. Low G (linear) tuning affects the ukulele’s tone and range; both have their unique charm.

Baritone ukuleles use a different tuning: D-G-B-E, like the top four guitar strings.
Using a clip-on digital tuner is the easiest way to stay in perfect pitch.
Choosing the right string material and gauge can dramatically impact tone and playability.

Mnemonics like “Good Cows Eat Alfalfa” help you remember string notes effortlessly.

Ready to get your ukulele singing? Check out our recommended tuners and strings to start your journey:

Tuners: Snark SN6X | D’Addario Micro Headstock

Strings: Aquila Nylgut | D’Addario Fluorocarbon

Dive deeper with our full guide and become the ukulele hero you were meant to be!

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

🎶 The Ukulele’s Voice: A Brief History of Its Tuning
Unraveling the Mystery: What Notes Are the 4 Strings on a Ukulele?
Tuning Your Ukulele: Essential Tips for Perfect Pitch
Exploring Alternative Ukulele Tunings: Beyond G-C-E-A
String Gauges and Their Impact on Ukulele Tone
Troubleshooting Common Ukulele Tuning Issues

🧠 Mnemonics to the Rescue! Remembering Ukulele String Notes
Choosing the Right Strings for Your Ukulele: A Deep Dive
The Joy of Playing: Why Ukulele is So Accessible

💡 Our Final Thoughts on Ukulele String Notes and Tuning
Conclusion
🔗 Recommended Links for Ukulele Enthusiasts

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
📚 Reference Links

Here is the main body of the article, crafted by the expert team at Guitar Brands™.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’ve got a ukulele, you’re ready to make some sunshine-infused music, but you’re staring at those four strings thinking, “What in the world am I supposed to do with these?” Don’t you worry. We’ve all been there. Here’s the essential info you need, right now. For a deeper dive, check out our complete guide to ukulele tuning.

String (from top to bottom)	Note	Nickname / Mnemonic
4th String (closest to you)	G	Good
3rd String	C	Cows
2nd String	E	Eat
1st String (closest to the floor)	A	Alfalfa

✅ Standard Tuning is G-C-E-A. This is the magic formula for Soprano, Concert, and Tenor ukuleles.
✅ This is called “re-entrant” tuning because the top G string is higher in pitch than the C string below it. This gives the ukulele its classic, happy, jangly sound!

❌ Not all ukes are the same! Baritone ukuleles are tuned differently, like the top four strings of a guitar: D-G-B-E. We’ll get to that!
✅ Get a tuner! Your ears will thank you, your family will thank you, and your dog will stop howling. A simple clip-on tuner is a ukulele player’s best friend.

🎶 The Ukulele’s Voice: A Brief History of Its Tuning

Ever wonder why this little four-stringed wonder sounds so unique? Its voice is woven into its history. The ukulele, whose name translates to “jumping flea” in Hawaiian (likely a nod to the players’ fast-moving fingers), evolved from a small, guitar-like instrument called the machete de braga, brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants in the late 1870s.

What the Hawaiians did was pure genius. They took the tuning of the machete and adapted it, creating what we now know as standard G-C-E-A re-entrant tuning. That high G string, instead of a low bass note, was a game-changer. It created a bright, cheerful, and compact sound that was perfect for accompanying vocals and capturing the spirit of the islands. As the Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum notes, this instrument quickly became a symbol of Hawaiian culture.

When the ukulele craze hit the mainland United States in the early 20th century, that unique tuning is what made it stand out in jazz and pop ensembles. It wasn’t just a tiny guitar; it was an instrument with its own distinct, joyful personality.

Unraveling the Mystery: What Notes Are the 4 Strings on a Ukulele?

Video: Learn The Ukulele FretBoard Quick and Easily | How To Remember All Ukulele Notes.

So, you’re ready for the grand reveal. You’ve held the suspense long enough. Let’s break down those notes one by one, so you can finally get in tune and start strumming.

Standard Ukulele Tuning: G-C-E-A Explained

For the vast majority of ukuleles you’ll encounter—Soprano, Concert, and Tenor models—the standard tuning is G-C-E-A.

When you hold your ukulele to play, the string closest to your chin is the 4th string, and the string closest to the floor is the 1st string. It’s a bit counter-intuitive, but as the experts at Kadence point out, string instruments are numbered from the highest pitch to the lowest.

Here’s the breakdown from your perspective:

String Position & Number	Note	Pitch Description
Top String (4th)	G	The high, quirky one! (in standard tuning)
Second from Top (3rd)	C	The lowest-pitched string.
Third from Top (2nd)	E	The “middle” note.
Bottom String (1st)	A	The highest-pitched string.

High G vs. Low G Tuning: A Crucial Distinction

Now, here’s a plot twist that often trips up beginners. That “G” in G-C-E-A can be one of two things:

High G (Re-entrant Tuning): ✅ This is the standard, default tuning. The G string is tuned to the G above middle C. It’s higher in pitch than the C and E strings next to it. This is what gives the uke its signature bright, jangly sound.

Low G (Linear Tuning): 🧐 This is a popular modification. The G string is replaced with a thicker, often wound string and tuned to the G below middle C. This gives the ukulele a fuller, deeper sound with more bass response, making it sound a bit more like a small guitar. It’s fantastic for fingerstyle playing and getting a wider melodic range.

You can’t just tune a standard High G string down to a Low G—it’ll be floppy and sound terrible. You need to buy a specific Low G string set.

Re-entrant vs. Linear Tuning: What’s the Difference?

Think of it like this:

Re-entrant tuning is like a conversation where someone with a high voice suddenly chimes in. It’s unexpected and grabs your attention! The notes don’t go in a straight line from low to high.
Linear tuning is like walking up a staircase. Each step (string) takes you progressively higher in pitch (D-G-B-E on a baritone, or Low G-C-E-A).

Neither is “better”—they’re just different flavors! We recommend starting with standard High G to learn the classic ukulele feel and sound.

Why G-C-E-A? The Logic Behind Standard Ukulele Tuning

Why those specific notes? It’s not random; it’s musical brilliance! The open strings G-C-E-A, when strummed, form a beautiful C6 chord. This is a C major chord (C-E-G) with an added 6th (A).

This “built-in” chord is the key to the ukulele’s accessibility. It means that many of the most common chords in popular music are just a one or two-finger press away. For example:

C Major: You’re already playing most of it! Just press the 3rd fret on the A string.

A Minor: Press the 2nd fret on the G string.
F Major: Press the 2nd fret on the G string and the 1st fret on the E string.

This clever tuning makes it one of the easiest instruments to pick up and play a song on within minutes.

From Top to Bottom: Understanding Ukulele String Order

Let’s hammer this home one more time, because it’s crucial. As our friends at UkuleleGo state, “Starting at the top the strings are G, C, E and A (A being the closest string to the ground when you’re playing).”

G (Your chin’s best friend)
C

E
A (Closest to your knee)

Memorize this. Tattoo it on your brain. It’s the secret handshake of the ukulele world.

Tuning Your Ukulele: Essential Tips for Perfect Pitch

Video: How to tune a UKULELE for total beginners.

I’ll never forget my first ukulele. I was so excited I ripped it out of the box and started strumming… producing a sound that could only be described as a bag of cats falling down a staircase. It was horribly out of tune. As the folks at Mahalo Ukuleles wisely say, “It therefor makes good sense to check your tuning every time you play or practice.” New strings stretch, temperature changes things, and vigorous strumming can knock you out of tune. Tune up every single time!

1. Using a Digital Tuner: Your Best Friend

This is the easiest, fastest, and most accurate way to tune. We can’t recommend it enough, especially for beginners. A clip-on headstock tuner works by feeling the vibrations directly from the wood, so it’s not distracted by other noises in the room.

How to use it (it’s simple!):

Clip it on to the headstock of your ukulele.
Turn it on. Most have a ‘Ukulele’ setting (which will look for G, C, E, A) or a ‘Chromatic’ setting (which will detect any note). Chromatic (‘C’) mode is more versatile.
Pluck the top string (G). The tuner’s screen will tell you what note you’re playing.

Adjust the tuning peg for that string. If the tuner says you’re “flat” (b), you need to tighten the string to make the pitch higher. If it says you’re “sharp” (#), you need to loosen it to make the pitch lower.
Keep adjusting until the tuner’s needle is perfectly in the middle, and the screen usually turns green.
Repeat for the C, E, and A strings. Voilà!

Some of our favorite, reliable clip-on tuners are the Snark SN6X, the super-discreet D’Addario Micro Headstock Tuner, and the bright and clear KLIQ UberTuner.

👉 Shop for a great tuner:

Snark SN6X: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

D’Addario Micro Headstock Tuner: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater
KLIQ UberTuner: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

2. Tuning by Ear: The Old-School Cool

Once you’re more comfortable, tuning by ear is a fantastic skill to develop. You’ll need a reference pitch. You can use a piano, another instrument you know is in tune, or an online tuning tool.

Play the reference G note.
Pluck your G string and turn the peg until the two sounds match perfectly. When they’re close, you’ll hear a “wobbling” sound that gets slower and disappears as you get perfectly in tune.
Repeat for C, E, and A.

3. Relative Tuning: Playing It Smart

What if you’re on a desert island with no tuner or piano? No problem! You can tune the ukulele to itself. This won’t put you in perfect concert pitch, but it will make sure all your chords sound correct.

Let’s assume your A string (1st string, bottom) is in tune. (You can also tune this one string to a reference pitch if you have one).
Place your finger on the 5th fret of the E string (2nd string). This note should be an A. Pluck it, then pluck your open A string. Adjust the E string’s tuning peg until they match.

Place your finger on the 4th fret of the C string (3rd string). This note should be an E. Pluck it, then pluck your open E string. Adjust the C string’s peg until they match.
Place your finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (4th string). This note should be an A. Pluck it, then pluck your open A string. Adjust the G string’s peg until they match.

Exploring Alternative Ukulele Tunings: Beyond G-C-E-A

Video: Daniel Ward Ukulele Lesson: Explore Alternate Tunings.

Once you’ve mastered G-C-E-A, a whole new world of sound opens up with alternate tunings. This is where you can really start to customize your sound and explore different musical textures.

1. D-G-B-E (Baritone Ukulele Tuning): The Guitar’s Little Cousin

This is the standard tuning for the larger Baritone ukulele. As Mahalo Ukuleles notes, this tuning “will also give you the same root notes as the top four strings on a guitar.” This makes it an amazing transitional instrument for guitar players looking to get into ukulele, or vice-versa. The chord shapes are different from a standard uke, but identical to their counterparts on a guitar. If you’re a guitarist, you already know how to play a baritone uke!

This is a linear tuning (low to high), giving the baritone a deep, mellow, guitar-like voice. Check out some fantastic baritone models in our Acoustic Guitars section or from renowned uke brands like Kala and Lanikai.

2. A-D-F#-B (D-Tuning): A Brighter Sound

This tuning was very popular during the “Roaring Twenties” ukulele boom. It’s simply the standard G-C-E-A tuning, but with every string tuned up one whole step. This makes the ukulele sound even brighter and more punchy. It’s a fantastic choice for smaller Soprano ukuleles, as the increased string tension can often improve their volume and tone.

3. Slack Key Tuning (Open C, Open G, etc.): Island Vibes

Borrowed from the world of Hawaiian slack-key guitar, “slack-key” or “open” tunings involve tuning the open strings to a complete chord. For example:

Open C Tuning: G-C-E-G
Open G Tuning: D-G-B-D

Strumming the open strings gives you a beautiful, resonant major chord. This is fantastic for slide ukulele and for creating lush, ringing melodies. It’s a more advanced technique, but incredibly rewarding.

4. Other Niche Tunings: Experimentation is Key!

The sky’s the limit! Players experiment with all sorts of tunings to achieve unique sounds. Don’t be afraid to play around once you’re comfortable. The only rule is that it should sound good to you.

String Gauges and Their Impact on Ukulele Tone

Video: Ukulele String Types Explained – Find the Right Sound for You!

Ever wonder why some ukulele strings feel different or sound bolder than others? It’s all about the gauge (thickness) and material. While ukulele strings aren’t marketed with numbered gauges as obsessively as guitar strings, the principle is the same.

Lighter Gauge Strings: Generally produce a brighter, quieter tone and are easier to press down.
Heavier Gauge Strings: Offer more volume, a warmer tone, and more sustain, but require a bit more finger pressure.

The biggest difference you’ll notice is with Low G strings. These are almost always “wound” strings—a nylon core wrapped with a thin metal wire (like bronze or silver). This allows a thin string to produce a much lower note. Your standard G, C, E, and A strings are typically a single material, like nylon or fluorocarbon.

Troubleshooting Common Ukulele Tuning Issues

Video: Why Won’t My Ukulele Stay In Tune? Got A Ukulele Beginners Guides.

Is your uke giving you grief? Let’s play detective. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Problem 😩	Likely Cause & Solution ✅
My uke won’t stay in tune!	New Strings: This is the #1 cause. New nylon strings need a few days to stretch and settle. Tune it, play for 10 minutes, and you’ll notice it’s flat again. Retune. Repeat. This is normal! Slipping Tuners: Check the little screws on your tuning pegs. If they’re loose, a gentle tightening can sometimes help them hold pitch better.
I hear a weird buzzing sound.	String Seating: Make sure the string is properly seated in the slot on the nut (by the headstock) and the saddle (on the bridge). Fret Buzz: You might be pressing too lightly, or a fret might be slightly too high. If it persists, a trip to a local guitar tech is a good idea.
The tuner says “E” but it sounds way too high/low.	Wrong Octave: You’re likely an octave off. For example, you might have tuned the E string to E5 instead of E4. Use an online tuner with audio to hear the correct pitch and match it by ear to get into the right ballpark, then fine-tune with your clip-on.

🧠 Mnemonics to the Rescue! Remembering Ukulele String Notes

Video: Learn the Names of the ‘Ukulele Strings (“Gee Sea Eat Eight”).

How are you ever going to remember G-C-E-A? With a silly sentence, of course! Mnemonics are a musician’s best friend. The goal is to find one that sticks in your head. As UkuleleGo says, it’s worth spending “60 seconds of your time to commit them to memory.”

Here are some popular ones, including a few from our competitors and some from our own jam sessions:

Good Cows Eat Alfalfa

A wholesome, classic choice.

Green Chili Every Afternoon

For the spicy food lovers out there.

Our Own Creative Mnemonics

Goats Can Eat Anything

Great Composers Earn Applause
Giant Cats Enjoy Attention

The best one is the one you create yourself. The sillier, the better!

Choosing the Right Strings for Your Ukulele: A Deep Dive

The strings on your ukulele are like the tires on a car—they have a massive impact on performance and feel. Choosing the right set can transform your instrument. For more general advice on instrument accessories, our Guitar Buying Guide is a great resource.

Here’s a look at the most common materials:

String Material	Sound Profile	Feel & Playability	Best For…
Nylon	Warm, mellow, gentle. The “classic” ukulele sound.	Soft and stretchy. Very easy on the fingertips.	Traditional Hawaiian music, folk, and players who want a soft, gentle tone.
Fluorocarbon	Bright, loud, and clear with excellent sustain.	A bit stiffer and thinner than nylon. Holds tune very well.	Players who want more volume and clarity. Great for fingerstyle and performing.
Nylgut	A patented synthetic material designed to mimic gut strings.	A great middle-ground. Stable like nylon but with the warm, rich complexity of gut.	All-around playing. It’s the standard on many high-quality ukuleles for a reason.
Wound Metal	Deep, resonant, and full-bodied.	Thinner with a textured feel, similar to an acoustic guitar string.	Low G strings and Baritone ukulele sets.

Some of the most trusted names in ukulele strings are Aquila (famous for their Nylgut strings), D’Addario (their fluorocarbon and titanium strings are fantastic), and Martin & Co. (their fluorocarbon strings are a player favorite).

👉 Shop for top-rated ukulele strings:

Aquila Nylgut: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater
D’Addario Fluorocarbon: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

Martin Fluorocarbon: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

The Joy of Playing: Why Ukulele is So Accessible

Video: How To Strum the Ukulele // Beginner Uke Tutorial.

Why has the ukulele captured so many hearts? It’s simple: joy. Pure, unadulterated joy.

Here at Guitar Brands™, we see people struggle with the steep learning curve of other instruments. But the ukulele is different.

It’s physically easy to play. The small body is comfortable to hold, and the soft nylon strings are a blessing on beginner fingertips—no calluses required!
It’s mentally easy to start. As we discussed, the G-C-E-A tuning makes basic chords incredibly simple. You can learn three chords (C, G, F) and play hundreds of popular songs.
It’s emotionally rewarding. The sound is inherently happy. It’s almost impossible to play a sad song on a ukulele and not crack a smile. It’s a social instrument, perfect for singalongs, beach bonfires, and just strumming on the couch.

One of our writers, who had only ever played bass, picked up a Kala tenor uke on a Friday and was confidently playing songs for his family by Sunday afternoon. That’s the magic of the uke. If you’re looking for your first one, our Guitar Brand Guides can help you choose a quality instrument from a trusted brand.

💡 Our Final Thoughts on Ukulele String Notes and Tuning

Video: Tuning your ukulele with Kala tuner.

So, after all this, what are the notes on the 4 strings of a ukulele?

They are G, C, E, and A.

But they’re also so much more. They’re the four pillars of a sound that has brought joy to millions. They are your starting point for a musical adventure. Understanding them, knowing how to tune them, and learning how to care for them is the most important first step you can take.

From the standard “My Dog Has Fleas” re-entrant tuning to the deep voice of a Low G or a Baritone, the way you tune these four simple strings defines your sound. So, embrace G-C-E-A. Get yourself a good tuner. And don’t ever be afraid to make some noise. Your journey is just beginning

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! The four strings on your ukulele sing the notes G, C, E, and A—a deceptively simple set that unlocks a world of musical magic. Whether you’re strumming the classic re-entrant High G tuning or experimenting with Low G or baritone tunings, understanding these notes is your first step toward mastering this joyful instrument.

Remember, tuning is not just a chore—it’s the gateway to sounding great. Invest in a reliable clip-on tuner like the Snark SN6X or D’Addario Micro Headstock Tuner, and tune before every session. Don’t shy away from alternative tunings once you’re comfortable; they’ll expand your sonic palette and keep your playing fresh.

If you’re just starting out, embrace the mnemonics, practice tuning by ear, and enjoy the journey. The ukulele’s charm lies in its accessibility and bright, happy voice. As one of our writers discovered, you can go from zero to playing songs in just a weekend!

So, tune up, strum along, and let those four strings carry you to musical bliss. Your uke adventure awaits!

🔗 Recommended Links for Ukulele Enthusiasts

Ready to get your ukulele sounding perfect? Check out these top picks for tuners and strings, plus some great books to deepen your knowledge:

Tuners:

Snark SN6X Clip-On Tuner: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater
D’Addario Micro Headstock Tuner: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater
KLIQ UberTuner: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

Strings:

Aquila Nylgut Strings: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater
D’Addario Fluorocarbon Strings: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

Martin Fluorocarbon Strings: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

Books:

Ukulele for Dummies by Alistair Wood — Amazon

The Daily Ukulele by Liz and Jim Beloff — Amazon
Ukulele Aerobics by Chad Johnson — Amazon

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the standard tuning notes for a ukulele?

The standard tuning for Soprano, Concert, and Tenor ukuleles is G-C-E-A. The 4th string (closest to your chin) is G, the 3rd string is C, the 2nd string is E, and the 1st string (closest to the floor) is A. This tuning is often called “re-entrant” because the G string is tuned higher than the C string, giving the ukulele its characteristic bright and cheerful sound.

How do I tune my ukulele to standard A tuning?

To tune your ukulele to standard A tuning (G-C-E-A), you can use a clip-on digital tuner set to ukulele mode or chromatic mode. Pluck each string individually and adjust the tuning pegs until the tuner shows the correct note. Alternatively, you can use an online tuner or tuning app, or tune by ear using a reference pitch. Remember to tune the 4th string to G (usually high G), 3rd to C, 2nd to E, and 1st to A.

What is the difference between a ukulele and a guitar in terms of string notes?

The ukulele typically has four strings tuned to G-C-E-A (standard tuning), whereas a guitar has six strings tuned to E-A-D-G-B-E. The ukulele’s tuning forms a C6 chord when strummed open, while the guitar’s tuning is designed for a wider range and more complex chord voicings. Additionally, the ukulele’s smaller size and nylon strings produce a brighter, softer sound compared to the guitar’s steel or nylon strings and larger body.

Can I use a guitar tuner to tune my ukulele strings?

Yes, you can use a guitar tuner to tune your ukulele, especially if it has a chromatic mode that detects all notes. However, some guitar tuners may not have a dedicated ukulele mode, so you need to ensure the tuner can accurately detect the ukulele’s higher-pitched strings, especially the high G string. Clip-on tuners designed specifically for ukulele often provide faster and more accurate tuning.

How do I know if my ukulele has high G or low G tuning?

You can tell by the pitch of the 4th string (G string). If it sounds higher than the 3rd string (C), it’s high G (re-entrant tuning). If it sounds lower, it’s low G (linear tuning). Low G strings are usually thicker and sometimes wound with metal. If you’re unsure, check the string packaging or consult your ukulele’s manual.

Why does my ukulele go out of tune so quickly?

New strings stretch and settle over time, so frequent tuning is normal during the first few days. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity changes also affect tuning stability. Additionally, loose tuning pegs or improper string winding can cause tuning issues. Regular maintenance and quality strings help keep your ukulele in tune longer.

📚 Reference Links

For further reading and verification, check out these authoritative sources:

We hope this comprehensive guide has tuned your curiosity and strummed your enthusiasm! Ready to make some music? Your ukulele awaits. 🎵✨