6-string ukulele tuner
This page is for a six-string ukulele with four courses: one G string, two C strings, one E string and two A strings. The opening setup uses G4, C4+C5, E4 and A3+A4.
Open-string notes and frequencies
6-string ukulele: High G · octave C and A. Six physical strings in four courses. Equal-tempered frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz; the live targets follow the selected A reference.
| String / course | Sounding note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| G course (4) | G4 | 392.00 |
| C course (3) | C4 + C5 | 261.63 + 523.25 |
| E course (2) | E4 | 329.63 |
| A course (1) | A3 + A4 | 220.00 + 440.00 |
How to use it
- Count four playing courses and check the maker’s six-string stringing chart.
- Choose high G or low G to match the G string fitted to your instrument.
- Tap a course to hear its target; for an octave pair, listen for both pitches.
- Mute the neighbouring partner and pluck only one C or A string at a time.
- Tune its partner in the specified octave, then play the course together and recheck.
Help and explanations
Kanileʻa documents this arrangement, including high-G and low-G options. The C and A partners are an octave apart. Six tuning machines alone do not identify it: a guitalele also has six strings, but uses six separate ADGCEA targets.
The low A is part of the first course
The A course contains A3 at 220 Hz and A4 at 440 Hz when the reference is A440. They share a note name but are separate targets. The thicker partner usually supplies the lower octave; identify it from the string set rather than tightening until both show A4. The C course similarly contains C4 and C5.
Buttons follow G, C, E, A course order. There are only four buttons because a course is played as one group; six physical strings still need six checks. If the display keeps finding the other partner, keep it muted and lock the course with its button.
High G, low G and other six-string layouts
The low-G option changes the single fourth-course string from G4 to G3. It leaves both octave pairs intact. Fit a suitable low-G string instead of loosening a high-G string by an octave. Some manufacturers use unison A partners or other layouts. Confirm that chart before using this octave-A preset; the number of strings does not make every six-string ukulele interchangeable.
Fret a familiar GCEA chord after tuning. The paired strings preserve the usual four-course fingering, while their octave voices change its texture. A sour pair after all open pitches agree may point to fretted intonation or uneven pressure on its two strings.
Tips
- Tune the heavier A partner to A3, not to its neighbour’s A4.
- Touch both members evenly when checking a fretted chord.
- Give each newly fitted string time to settle, then revisit both paired courses.
Frequently asked questions
How is a six-string ukulele tuned?
In this four-course setup: G4, C4+C5, E4, A3+A4. A low-G version replaces G4 with G3.
Why are there four buttons for six strings?
The C and A courses each contain a pair. The other two courses contain single strings.
Are both A strings tuned in unison?
Not in this preset: they are A3 and A4. Some other string sets use unison A, so check your instrument’s chart.
Can I play normal ukulele chords?
Yes. The four course names remain GCEA, so familiar chord positions still apply.
Does this work for a six-string guitalele?
Use the guitalele page for six single strings in ADGCEA; the instrument and targets are different.