What Is Standard Ukulele Tuning? A Complete Guide to G-C-E-A

Standard ukulele tuning is the most widely used tuning for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles, setting the strings to G4, C4, E4, and A4 (from the string closest to the player’s head to the one nearest the floor). This re-entrant tuning, where the G string is pitched higher than the C string, produces the instrument’s signature bright, percussive tone and enables simple, open-voiced chord shapes that define much of ukulele music.

Etymology / Origin

The ukulele’s standard tuning traces its roots to the Portuguese machete and rajão, small guitar-like instruments brought to Hawaii by immigrants in the late 19th century. The rajão was typically tuned D-G-C-E-A (a five-string configuration), while the machete often used a four-string tuning similar to the modern ukulele. Hawaiian craftsmen adapted these instruments, reducing the number of strings and settling on the re-entrant G-C-E-A sequence by the early 20th century. The mnemonic “My Dog Has Fleas” (sung to the pitches G-C-E-A) became a popular way to remember the tuning, cementing its place in popular culture. The high G string—pitched above the C string—was likely retained from the rajão’s fifth string, giving the ukulele its distinctive voice and separating it from guitar-like linear tunings.

How It Works

Standard ukulele tuning is built on a series of intervals that create a compact, harmonious voicing. From the fourth string (G) to the first (A), the intervals are: a perfect fourth (G to C), a major third (C to E), and a perfect fourth (E to A). The re-entrant nature means the G string is actually a high G (G4), one whole step above the C string (C4). This arrangement places all four strings within a narrow pitch range, allowing chords to be played with minimal hand movement and producing a bright, chiming sound. The tuning is well-suited to the ukulele’s short scale length (typically 13–17 inches) and nylon strings, which require lower tension than steel strings. The open strings themselves form a C6 chord (C-E-G-A), making the key of C major particularly natural and resonant on the instrument.

Acoustically, the re-entrant tuning encourages close-voiced chords and a strong fundamental tone, with the high G adding a sparkling overtone that cuts through a mix. This is why the ukulele often sounds so cheerful and percussive, even when strummed simply. The tuning also facilitates a wide range of movable chord shapes, making it accessible for beginners while offering depth for advanced players.

Notation & Diagrams

In standard notation, the open strings of a ukulele in G-C-E-A tuning are written as:

String 4 (G): G4 (top space of the treble clef)
String 3 (C): C4 (middle C, one ledger line below the staff)
String 2 (E): E4 (first line of the treble clef)
String 1 (A): A4 (second space of the treble clef)

Below is a chord diagram for the C major chord, one of the first chords learned in standard tuning. The vertical lines represent the strings (from left to right: G, C, E, A), and the horizontal lines are frets. An “o” indicates an open string, and a number shows which fret to press.

A simple tablature for the C major scale in standard tuning would look like this:

A |—————–0-2-3-|
E |——-0-1-3———|
C |-0-2-3—————|
G |———————|

Step-by-Step / How to Play

Tuning a ukulele to standard G-C-E-A can be done with a clip-on tuner, a smartphone app, or by ear using relative tuning. Here is a reliable method:

1. Prepare your tuner. Use a chromatic tuner (not a guitar-only tuner) to ensure it can detect all notes. Clip it to the headstock.
2. Tune the third string (C). Pluck the C string (the second from the top) and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows C4 (middle C). This is your reference pitch.
3. Tune the second string (E). Press the C string at the 4th fret; this produces an E. Pluck both the fretted C and the open E string, and tune the E string until they match.
4. Tune the fourth string (G). Press the E string at the 3rd fret; this gives a G. Match the open G string to this pitch. Remember, this is a high G—it should sound higher than the C string.
5. Tune the first string (A). Press the G string at the 2nd fret to get an A. Tune the open A string to match this note.
6. Check and fine-tune. Strum all strings slowly and listen for any beats or dissonance. Re-check each string, as adjusting one can slightly affect the others due to changes in neck tension.

New nylon strings stretch significantly, so expect to retune frequently for the first few days. Always tune up to the correct pitch (tightening the string) rather than down, as this helps maintain tuning stability.

Common Variations

While G-C-E-A is the standard, several alternative tunings are popular among ukulele players:

• Low G Tuning (Linear Tuning): The fourth string is tuned down an octave to G3, creating a linear pitch progression from low to high. This extends the instrument’s range and is favored for fingerstyle and solo arrangements. It requires a thicker, wound string.
• Baritone Tuning (D-G-B-E): The baritone ukulele uses the same tuning as the top four strings of a guitar. It is not re-entrant and has a deeper, more guitar-like voice. Chord shapes are identical but sound a fourth lower.
• D Tuning (A-D-F#-B): Sometimes called “Canadian tuning,” this raises each string by a whole step. It was common in early 20th-century vaudeville and produces a brighter, more penetrating tone. Some vintage sheet music is written for this tuning.
• Slack-Key Tunings: Inspired by Hawaiian slack-key guitar, these open tunings (e.g., G-C-E-G or C-G-E-A) allow for lush, ringing chords and are used in traditional Hawaiian music.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often encounter these pitfalls when working with standard ukulele tuning:

• Confusing string order. The string closest to your head is the fourth string (G), not the first. Numbering goes from top to bottom: 4-3-2-1.
• Over-tightening strings. Because the G string is high, players may mistakenly try to tune it an octave lower, leading to excessive tension and possible breakage. Always use a reference pitch.
• Not stretching new strings. Nylon strings stretch considerably. Gently pull each string away from the fretboard after installation and retune repeatedly until they stabilize.
• Using a guitar tuner without chromatic mode. Many guitar tuners only recognize E-A-D-G-B-E. A chromatic tuner is essential for the ukulele’s C and high G.
• Ignoring intonation. If the ukulele plays out of tune up the neck, the saddle or nut may need adjustment. Always check tuning at the 12th fret harmonic and fretted note.

Notable Examples in Songs

Countless songs leverage the bright, open sound of standard ukulele tuning. Here are a few iconic examples:

• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole
• “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
• “Riptide” – Vance Joy
• “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley (popularized on ukulele by many artists)
• “Hey Soul Sister” – Train
• “Lava” – Kuana Torres Kahele (from the Pixar short)