8-string ukulele tuner
An eight-string GCEA ukulele has four double courses. This preset uses G3+G4, C4+C5, E4+E4 and A4+A4. The first two courses contain octaves; the last two contain unisons.
Open-string notes and frequencies
8-string ukulele: G/C octaves · E/A unison. Eight physical strings in four double 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) | G3 + G4 | 196.00 + 392.00 |
| C course (3) | C4 + C5 | 261.63 + 523.25 |
| E course (2) | E4 | 329.63 |
| A course (1) | A4 | 440.00 |
How to use it
- Confirm the instrument is an eight-string GCEA model and identify its four pairs.
- Begin with the G course button, which plays both octave targets.
- Rest a finger on the partner you are not measuring and pluck the other string.
- Repeat for its partner, then work through C, E and A in the same way.
- Play each finished pair together, followed by a chord, and revisit any course with beating.
Help and explanations
Kala and Kanileʻa describe this stringing for their eight-string ukuleles. A paired G course contains both the high-G and low-G voices. It is not a choice between two tunings: both are present on the same instrument.
Octaves and unisons need different checks
A G3/G4 pair should sound as an octave, not as two identical pitches. Its targets are 196 Hz and 392 Hz at A440. C4/C5 behaves the same way, at about 261.63 Hz and 523.25 Hz. Treat the lower and upper members separately even though their letters match.
E4/E4 and A4/A4 should agree in both note and octave. With either unison course, a slow pulse between the strings helps reveal a small remaining difference. First get stable individual readings, then listen to the combined course. Strumming all eight strings gives the microphone several competing notes, so it cannot reliably tell you which one needs attention.
Match the preset to the instrument
An eight-string baritone can use DGBE rather than GCEA. Its octave partners and string gauges require its own maker’s chart; this tenor-style GCEA setup should not be forced onto it. Other custom layouts are also possible, so check the label on the string package when the existing string thicknesses do not match these octave and unison roles.
There are four course buttons because the strings are played in pairs. Each physical string must still be tuned. After the open-string pass, fret a chord with relaxed pressure across both members. If a pair sounds disagreeable only when fretted, check finger pressure and setup instead of repeatedly changing otherwise correct open notes.
Tips
- Trace each partner to its own tuning machine before turning it.
- Do not tune a low G3 partner to G4 because both display the letter G.
- After new strings settle, make another full pass through all eight strings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the usual eight-string GCEA tuning?
This arrangement is G3+G4, C4+C5, E4+E4 and A4+A4, ordered by course.
Which pairs are octave-strung?
G and C are octaves in this setup. E and A are unison pairs.
Why does my tuner jump when I play a pair?
Two pitches reach the microphone together. Mute one member and check the other before listening to both.
Can I use four-string ukulele chord shapes?
Yes. The four course names remain GCEA, so the chord positions remain familiar.
Is baritone eight-string tuning the same?
No. Baritone models can use DGBE and need their own stringing and octave chart.