How to Tune a Six String Ukulele

Most ukuleles only have four strings.

Most ukuleles are soprano ukuleles and have four strings. However, you can purchase alto and tenor ukuleles, some of which have six strings. These types of ukuleles have a slightly deeper tone than the standard soprano ukulele. The first step toward playing the six-string ukulele is tuning it correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic tuner

Instructions

1. Pluck the first and highest string on the ukulele. This is the string farthest to the right as you face the instrument.

2. Watch the electronic tuner to see what pitch is registering for this string. The pitch that this string should be tuned to is A.

3. Tighten the tuning key that corresponds with the first string if the pitch is lower than A. Loosen the tuning key if the pitch is higher than A. The musical pitches in repeating order are A, A#/Bb, B, C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G, G#/Ab.

4. Make minor adjustments with the tuning key until the string registers an A pitch.

5. Tune the second string to the same exact pitch.

6. Tune the third string to E.

7. Tune the fourth string to C.

8. Tune the fifth string to C, but this C should be one octave lower than the C played by the fourth string.

9. Tune the sixth string to G.

References

• Easy Ukelele: 6 String Ukulele
• Easy Ukelele: Tips On Ukulele Tuning