Low G Tuning on Soprano, concert or tenor ukulele
Low G tuning is G3 C4 E4 A4, written GCEA (linear). Replace the 4th string with a heavier one tuned an octave lower, G3 instead of G4. The other three strings are unchanged.
Every frequency is computed from the MIDI number, not typed in. Each one links to its own reference page.
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Why guitarists use Low G tuning
Dropping the 4th string an octave makes the tuning linear, so the strings finally run low to high and the instrument gains a fifth of extra range at the bottom. Chord shapes are identical, but the voicing changes: what was a tight cluster now has a real bass note under it.
Where you will hear it: fingerstyle, solo ukulele, jazz. 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.
Low G 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) | Low G | Low G (Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th | G4 | 392.00 | G3 | 196.00 | -12 semitones (-196.00 Hz) |
| 3rd | C4 | 261.63 | C4 | 261.63 | unchanged |
| 2nd | E4 | 329.63 | E4 | 329.63 | unchanged |
| 1st | A4 | 440.00 | A4 | 440.00 | unchanged |
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 Low G, string by string
- Play the 4th open and adjust until the tuner reads G3 at 196.00 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 3rd open and adjust until the tuner reads C4 at 261.63 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 2nd open and adjust until the tuner reads E4 at 329.63 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 1st open and adjust until the tuner reads A4 at 440.00 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 Low G tuning on a soprano, concert or tenor ukulele?
Low G is G3, C4, E4, A4, written GCEA (linear). Replace the 4th string with a heavier one tuned an octave lower, G3 instead of G4. The other three strings are unchanged.
What are the frequencies of Low G tuning?
G3 is 196.00 Hz, C4 is 261.63 Hz, E4 is 329.63 Hz, A4 is 440.00 Hz, all in twelve tone equal temperament with A4 at 440 Hz.
How many strings change compared to standard tuning?
1 of 4. the 4th goes from G4 to G3 (down 12 semitones).
What is the lowest note in Low G tuning?
G3 at 196.00 Hz, MIDI note 55. 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, concert or tenor 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: .