D tuning on Soprano ukulele
D tuning is A4 D4 F#4 B4, written ADF#B. Every string up a whole step from standard GCEA, keeping the reentrant layout.
Every frequency is computed from the MIDI number, not typed in. Each one links to its own reference page.
Microphone tuner
Play a string, see exactly how far off it is
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Space start or stop 1 to 4 pick a string and hear it Esc stop the tone
Why ukulele players use D tuning
This was the common soprano tuning in early 20th century method books, before GCEA became the default, and a lot of old sheet music assumes it. On a short soprano scale the extra tension makes the instrument speak more brightly; on a tenor it is usually too much.
Where you will hear it: early 20th century ukulele repertoire, soprano ukulele. That list is deliberately limited to genres and playing traditions. Attributing a tuning to specific songs or players is the kind of claim that needs a source, and this page does not make claims it cannot back up.
D tuning compared with standard GCEA tuning
This is the table that tells you how far to turn each peg, in semitones and in hertz. A negative semitone value means the string goes down.
| String | Standard | Standard (Hz) | D tuning | D tuning (Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th | G4 | 392.00 | A4 | 440.00 | +2 semitones (+48.00 Hz) |
| 3rd | C4 | 261.63 | D4 | 293.66 | +2 semitones (+32.04 Hz) |
| 2nd | E4 | 329.63 | F#4 | 369.99 | +2 semitones (+40.37 Hz) |
| 1st | A4 | 440.00 | B4 | 493.88 | +2 semitones (+53.88 Hz) |
Notice that equal semitone steps are not equal hertz steps: the same whole step is worth about 9 Hz down at the bottom string and far more at the top. That is why tuners report cents, which are proportional, rather than hertz.
How to tune to D tuning, string by string
- Play the 4th open and adjust until the tuner reads A4 at 440.00 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 3rd open and adjust until the tuner reads D4 at 293.66 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 2nd open and adjust until the tuner reads F#4 at 369.99 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 1st open and adjust until the tuner reads B4 at 493.88 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
Retune in two passes. Changing the tension on one string changes the pull on the neck, so the strings you set first will have drifted slightly by the time you finish the last one. That effect is larger the further the tuning sits from standard, so a tuning that moves four or more strings almost always needs a third pass.
Frequently asked questions
What notes is D tuning on a soprano ukulele?
D tuning is A4, D4, F#4, B4, written ADF#B. Every string up a whole step from standard GCEA, keeping the reentrant layout.
What are the frequencies of D tuning?
A4 is 440.00 Hz, D4 is 293.66 Hz, F#4 is 369.99 Hz, B4 is 493.88 Hz, all in twelve tone equal temperament with A4 at 440 Hz.
How many strings change compared to standard tuning?
4 of 4. the 4th goes from G4 to A4 (up 2 semitones), the 3rd goes from C4 to D4 (up 2 semitones), the 2nd goes from E4 to F#4 (up 2 semitones), the 1st goes from A4 to B4 (up 2 semitones).
What is the lowest note in D tuning?
A4 at 440.00 Hz, MIDI note 69. Low notes take longer for a pitch detector to lock onto, so play the string firmly and let it ring before trusting the cents reading.
Other soprano ukulele tunings
More tuning references
Frequencies on this page are computed at build time from twelve tone equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz, using the twelfth root of two (about 1.059463) per semitone. Nothing is typed in by hand. See the full method and sources. Maintained by FusionStudios. Last reviewed: .