Today I’m going to explain why most ukuleles are tuned “out of order” in what is known as reentrant tuning.
As a ukulele player (as well as a clawhammer banjo player), I am no stranger to wacky reentrant tunings! They certainly take some getting used to, but they allow for some really fun playing styles and can even make learning easier.
Let’s jump (like a flea!) right into why ukuleles typically use reentrant tuning, how to tune your ukulele linearly if that’s more your speed, and why reentrant tuning is especially great for beginners.
Why Ukuleles Are Tuned the Way They Are (With Reentrant Tuning)
Most ukuleles are tuned to the reentrant tuning of High G (gCEA). This tuning uses a higher octave G which optimizes string pitch and gauge for a smaller instrument, gives the ukulele its unique bright voice, and simplifies chord shapes. Ukuleles can also be tuned linearly to Low G (GCEA) using a specialized G string.
High G vs. Low G Tuning
While there are many different tunings for ukuleles, the two most commonly encountered are High G and Low G.
High G Tuning
The most common ukulele tuning is High G tuning. This is also called standard tuning and is notated by the mixed case letters gCEA.
You’ll notice that the “g” is lowercase. This is to demonstrate that the g is different than the other three strings – it is tuned up an octave higher than what you would expect.
High G tuning is a type of reentrant tuning. Other instruments, like the five-string banjo, also use reentrant tunings.
Reentrant sounds complicated, but it really just means that the string pitches are mixed up when you play the strings in order (e.g. top to bottom) rather than progressing in the same order as the strings.
The sound produced by plucking each of the four strings forms the phrase “MY dog has FLEAS,” with the “MY” and “FLEAS” strings being higher in pitch than the middle “dog” and “has” strings. “Dog,” “has,” and “FLEAS” go in order of pitch, so it’s really that first “MY” that is the odd one out.
Rather than being the lowest pitch, as you would expect, the bottom G string (closest to your head when you are holding the uke) is the second highest in pitch (and second thinnest in diameter).
This means that a “re-entry” into the octave has occurred between the 3rd string (C) and the 4th string (g), hence the term “re-entrant.”
Low G Tuning
The opposite of reentrant tuning is linear tuning, which you are probably more familiar with. This is the standard tuning of the guitar, where the pitches progress in a linear fashion, that is, in the same order as the strings.
Low G tuning is a type of linear tuning that can be used on the ukulele. Rather than tuning the bottom G string an octave higher, you tune it down an octave so that it is deeper in pitch than the C of the 3rd string next to it.
This puts the string pitches (and gauges) in order and adds more bass tones. The notation for Low G tuning uses a capital “G,” but is otherwise the same as standard ukulele tuning. It is notated with the all-uppercase letters GCEA.
Low G tuning allows you to use the same chord shapes as you do in High G, but gives you a greater range (5 additional bass notes) resulting in chords that sound fuller, deeper, and more guitar-like.
In fact, if you capo a guitar at the 5th fret, the top four strings (closest to the floor if you’re holding the guitar) will be tuned like a ukulele in Low G tuning and the same chord shapes can be used. For this reason, tuning a uke to low G is a good way to start transitioning to guitar.
To use Low G tuning, you’ll need to buy a special set of strings where the G string is either thicker or wound. If you tune a standard ukulele G string that low it will be too loose.
Are Most Ukuleles High G or Low G?
Most ukuleles use the High G tuning. This reentrant tuning gives the ukulele its characteristic bright and lively voice and is closest to the original tuning of the instrument.
High G tuning keeps all the pitches (and string gauges) close together and results in a more balanced experience both in tone and feel.
The higher pitches and thinner strings perfectly fit the small body and short scale length of the ukulele and produce the cheerful mid-to-treble range “jumping flea” sound it is known for.
Reentrant tuning also gives ukes some of their most unique qualities, like closely-harmonizing chords that seem to ring out forever, and even allows them to be played clawhammer style.
Linear Low G tuning is less common, and really works best on tenor ukuleles as their longer scale lengths and bigger bodies really bring out the deeper tones of the lower tuning.
Why Ukuleles Are Tuned Differently Than Guitars
Ukuleles are tuned differently than guitars primarily as a result of their small size and their evolutionary history.
The ukulele first came about in the 1880’s, when Portuguese immigrants first brought their instruments to the Hawaiian Islands. Elements of these small-bodied stringed instruments, specifically the braguinha and rajão, were combined to produce the ukulele.
The rajão uses reentrant tuning, which was a common practice for stringed instruments going as far back as the Renaissance-era lutes. This tuning likely first came about to cope with the limitations imposed by string materials.
Historically, only strings made from animal intestines were available. Gut strings are less versatile than modern synthetics and it was difficult to reliably make strings thick enough to produce deep pitches on small-bodied, short scale instruments.
A creative way to get around this constraint and still produce similar chords was to tune the problematic G string’s note up to a higher octave. This kept the same collection of notes, just with a different voice. And thus, the ukulele’s reentrant tuning was born.
What Tuning Works Best for Ukulele (For Beginners)
Reentrant High G tuning is the ideal ukulele tuning for beginners for 3 main reasons.
1.) Easier Chords
High G tuning makes frequent use of open strings. This means you have to fret, or press, fewer strings to create chord sounds than you would on other instruments (or in other tunings).
All strings are also thinner in this tuning, which makes them gentler and easier to press down.
You can play the same chord shapes in Low G tuning, but they will sound very different and the G string will be thicker and slightly harder to fret.
2.) More Learning Material
Most instructional guides, online tutorials, books, and tablatures are geared toward standard gCEA tuning. For a beginner, it will be easiest to start on the same page.
That said, you can apply the same concepts to Low G tuning. Just keep in mind that the classic ukulele sound these materials are focused on will be altered.
3.) More Songs
High G reentrant tuning is optimized for the key of C. Conveniently, this is the most commonly used key in modern music.
As a result, you will already be in the right key to play most popular songs! This means finding melody notes and playing chords will be easiest in this tuning.
It’s very important to have a rewarding experience playing songs you want to play, especially for beginners!
