Back to tunerBEGINNER GUIDE

High-G vs Low-G Ukulele Tuning

High-G and Low-G use the same note names—G, C, E, A—but the first string sits in a different octave. That one octave changes the feel and melodic range of the instrument.

High-G: the traditional ukulele sound

High-G uses G4. The G string is higher than the C string, creating re-entrant tuning and the bright, compact sound many people recognize as ukulele.

Low-G: a wider, linear range

Low-G uses G3. The strings then rise in pitch from G to C to E to A, which feels more natural for scale runs, fingerstyle arrangements, and lower melodies.

Which should a beginner choose?

Stay with the strings already fitted to your instrument while learning the basics. Choose High-G for the classic sound or Low-G when you want deeper melody notes and more range.

Do not tune a High-G string down to Low-G

A High-G string becomes too loose when dropped an octave. Use a string made for Low-G and confirm that it suits your ukulele and bridge.

Now tune your ukulele

Use what you learned and begin with the first string.

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