Once your G-string has been tuned up to A you can tune the other three strings up using G-string reference notes (see Tuning the Ukulele to Itself for more information on how to tune using this method). You can easily tune your ukulele to ADF#B from GCEA, by using your A-string to tune your G-string up to A. You will likely come across this alternative tuning for the soprano, especially if you delve in to playing traditional Hawaiian music. This is because the original Hawaiian ukuleles were a little smaller than the models available today, and so the strings on the earlier instruments were more often tuned ADF#B, as this produced better string-tension. It is thought that the slightly higher key produced by A4-D4-F#4-B4 tuning makes the ukulele sound more traditional or Hawaiian. In the A4-D4-F#4-B4 tuning, each string is tuned one tone higher than with the G4-C4-E4-A4 tuning.

Soprano ukuleles are technically supposed to be standard-tuned to A4-D4-F#4-B4, although it is more common these days to see the soprano tuned down to G4-C4-E4-A4 tuning. We encourage you to use our Adjustable Online Ukulele Tuner to help you tune your ukulele to these alternate tunings. It is probable that you will come across music that uses these alternative tunings if you play one of these ukulele types so it is good to become familiar with these tunings even if you are not planning on using them yourself anytime soon.

There are several different alternative tunings that are commonly used on the soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukuleles.

B flat uke