Free Online Ukulele Tuner
Tune your ukulele instantly with our free online ukulele tuner. 7 tuning presets, size selector, re-entrant tuning support, left-handed mode, and mnemonic tips. All in your browser with zero downloads.
Ukulele Tuner
Free - Microphone - A440
Why Use This Ukulele Tuner?
Most tuner apps treat the ukulele like a tiny guitar. This one is built specifically for ukulele players. It understands re-entrant tuning, it knows the difference between Soprano and Baritone setups, and it gives you visual feedback designed around four nylon strings instead of six steel ones.
Size-Aware
Pick your ukulele size and the tuner auto-selects the correct default tuning. No guessing required.
Re-Entrant Ready
Visual diagram explains the high-G concept for beginners. The "Which string am I on?" helper shows you exactly where you are.
Mnemonic Tips
Each tuning comes with a memory aid ("Good Children Eat Apples" for gCEA) and per-string tips for common issues.
How to Tune Your Ukulele
- Select your size. Tap Soprano, Concert, Tenor, or Baritone above the tuner. This auto-loads the best tuning for your instrument.
- Click Start Tuner and allow microphone access when your browser asks.
- Pluck the G string (4th string, closest to your chin when holding). Watch the gauge needle and the "Which string am I on?" diagram below.
- Turn the tuning peg. If the needle leans left (flat), tighten the peg. If it leans right (sharp), loosen slightly.
- Goal: green "In Tune" badge. When the needle centers and the badge turns green, move to the next string.
- Repeat for C, E, and A. Work from 4th string to 1st string. Then go back and double-check G, because tuning one string can slightly shift the others.
Ukulele Sizes and Their Tunings
The four main ukulele sizes each have their own character and tuning. Here is how they compare:
Soprano
gCEAScale length: 21"
The smallest and most traditional size. Bright, punchy tone with the classic ukulele sound. Uses re-entrant gCEA tuning.
Concert
gCEAScale length: 23"
Slightly larger body and longer neck than Soprano. Warmer tone with more volume. Same gCEA tuning. More room for adult fingers.
Tenor
gCEAScale length: 26"
Fuller, deeper tone with more sustain. Popular with professional players. Can use re-entrant gCEA or Low G tuning for extended range.
Baritone
DGBEScale length: 30"
The largest ukulele. Tuned like the top four strings of a guitar (DGBE). Deeper voice. Great for guitarists transitioning to ukulele.
What is Re-Entrant Tuning?
Re-entrant tuning is what gives the ukulele its distinctive bright, happy sound. Unlike a guitar, where strings go from lowest to highest pitch, the ukulele's 4th string (G) is tuned higher than the 3rd string (C). This means the pitch sequence is not linear: G4-C4-E4-A4 instead of G3-C4-E4-A4.
This "jumping" pitch pattern is called re-entrant because the pitch re-enters the higher range on the 4th string. It gives ukulele strumming its characteristic jangly quality, since every string sits within the same octave range.
Pro tip: If you want more bass range for fingerpicking or solo arrangements, switch to Low G tuning. This replaces the re-entrant high G4 with a linear low G3, giving you a full octave of extra low-end. The tradeoff is you lose some of that classic "uke jangle" on strummed chords.
Common Ukulele Tuning Problems
Strings keep going flat
New nylon strings stretch for 1 to 2 weeks. Stretch them manually: pull each string gently away from the fretboard, retune, and repeat 5 to 10 times per session.
G string keeps going sharp
The G string on re-entrant tunings is under higher tension. Make sure you are tuning to G4 (392 Hz) and not G3 (196 Hz). Check that the string is properly seated in the nut slot.
Tuner detects the wrong string
Make sure only one string is vibrating. Mute the other strings with your fretting hand. Pluck closer to the bridge for a cleaner fundamental tone with fewer harmonics.
Strings sound buzzy after tuning
Buzzing usually means the action is too low or a fret is uneven. Check that strings are seated properly in the nut and saddle. If buzzing persists, a setup by a luthier can fix it.
Intonation is off higher up the fretboard
If open strings are in tune but fretted notes are sharp or flat, your ukulele may need a saddle adjustment. This is more common on cheaper instruments and can be improved with a proper setup.
Who Is This Ukulele Tuner For?
Total beginners
Size selector picks the right tuning for you. Mnemonic tips help you remember string order. Visual diagram shows you which string to tune next.
Casual players
Quick, one-tap tuning with 7 presets. Tap any string for a reference tone if you prefer to tune by ear. Works on your phone at a jam session.
Hawaiian musicians
Slack Key tuning (gCEG) built in. Re-entrant tuning explained and visualized. Per-string tips for each tuning mode.
Guitarists picking up uke
Baritone DGBE tuning matches your existing guitar muscle memory. Left-handed mode available. D Tuning and Canadian aDF#B for alternative voicings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this online ukulele tuner really free?
Yes. This ukulele tuner is 100% free with no sign-up, no ads blocking the interface, and no feature limits. It runs entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API and your device microphone.
How accurate is this ukulele tuner?
The tuner uses an autocorrelation algorithm for pitch detection, which is accurate to within plus or minus 1 cent. It displays your pitch deviation in cents so you can fine-tune precisely. For best results, tune in a quiet environment.
What tunings does this ukulele tuner support?
This tuner includes 7 preset ukulele tunings: Standard gCEA (re-entrant), Low G GCEA, Baritone DGBE, D Tuning aDF#B, Slack Key gCEG, Half Step Down, and Canadian aDF#B. Select your tuning from the dropdown menu.
What is re-entrant tuning on a ukulele?
Re-entrant tuning means the strings are not ordered from lowest pitch to highest pitch. In standard ukulele tuning (gCEA), the 4th string (G4) is actually higher in pitch than the 3rd string (C4). This creates the bright, cheerful sound ukuleles are known for.
Which tuning should I use for my ukulele size?
Soprano, Concert, and Tenor ukuleles typically use Standard gCEA tuning. Baritone ukuleles use DGBE tuning, which matches the top four strings of a guitar. Use the size selector buttons to auto-select the right tuning for your instrument.
Should I use Low G or High G tuning?
Standard High G (re-entrant) tuning gives the classic bright ukulele sound and is recommended for beginners. Low G tuning replaces the high G string with one tuned an octave lower, extending your range for fingerpicking and more complex arrangements.
Can I hear a reference tone for each string?
Yes. Tap any string in the string panel to hear its reference pitch. The tuner plays a warm sine tone with a gentle harmonic that mimics the nylon string character, making it easy to tune by ear.
Does this work on my phone?
Yes. The tuner works on iOS and Android devices in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Hold your phone close to the sound hole and reduce background noise for the best results.
Why does my ukulele go out of tune so quickly?
New ukulele strings (especially nylon) stretch significantly during the first 1 to 2 weeks. This is normal. Stretch your strings gently by pulling them away from the fretboard, then retune. Repeat this process several times to speed up settling. Temperature and humidity changes also affect tuning stability.
How do I tune a ukulele for the first time?
Start with Standard gCEA tuning. The strings from top to bottom when holding the ukulele are G-C-E-A. Use the mnemonic "Good Children Eat Apples" to remember the order. Click Start Tuner, pluck each string, and adjust the tuning pegs until the gauge shows green.
Can I use left-handed mode?
Yes. Click the L/R button in the top corner to toggle between right-handed and left-handed string display. This mirrors the string order so it matches how you see your ukulele when playing left-handed.
What is Slack Key tuning on ukulele?
Slack Key tuning (gCEG) is a Hawaiian open tuning where the strings form an open C major chord when strummed without fretting. The 1st string is tuned down from A to G. This tuning is popular in traditional Hawaiian music and makes simple chord accompaniment effortless.