Different tunings for ukuleles
Regular G-C-E-A
This is the standard and most common ukulele tuning called C-tuning. In the regular C-tuning, the 4th string (G-string) is tuned one octave higher than the C-string. This is also known as the ‘re-entrant tuning’. This gives an interesting effect compared to guitars as it produces a high note both at the top and bottom of a strum. However, it restricts the range of notes giving you only two or less octaves to play with.
G-C-E-A with Low G
An alternative to the re-entrant C-tuning is to have a Low-G string. This gives your ukulele a wider range of bass notes as it spans more octaves than the re-entrant tuning. This tuning is suitable for fingerstyle solos, jazz and classical music which sometimes require a wider octave of notes.
A-D-F#-B
This tuning also known as D-tuning is tuned 2 frets higher than the C-tuning. This brings out a sweeter tone in some ukuleles. It was more commonly used in the early 20th century and many sheet music were written with this tuning.
A-D-F#-B with Low A
This is also known as the ‘Canadian tuning’ as it is used commonly in Canadian schools on bigger ukulele. Similar to the C-tuning with low G, this tuning is suitable for players who play fingerstyle solos, jazz and classical music.
