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Free Online Ukulele Tuner · Standard GCEA
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Standard GCEA Tuning Reference
Free Online Ukulele Tuner – Standard GCEA Tuning
Welcome to UkeTune – a free, browser-based ukulele tuner that works directly with your microphone. No app download, no signup, no ads. Simply click Start Tuner, pluck a string, and let real-time pitch detection guide you to perfect tuning in seconds.
How Ukulele Tuning Works
When you pluck a ukulele string, it vibrates at a specific frequency measured in Hertz (Hz). Every musical note corresponds to a precise frequency — for example, the open A string on a standard ukulele vibrates at exactly 440 Hz. Our tuner captures sound through your device microphone, converts it to a digital signal, and runs an autocorrelation pitch detection algorithm to identify the dominant frequency in real time.
The detected frequency is then compared to the nearest chromatic note. The cents offset — displayed numerically and shown on the visual needle — tells you how far off you are. One cent equals 1/100th of a semitone. If you're within ±10 cents, your string is considered "in tune" for practical playing purposes.
The tuner needle swings left (flat ♭) when your string is too loose and needs tightening, and right (sharp ♯) when it's too tight and needs loosening. Aim for the needle to rest at center with a green "In Tune" indicator.
Standard GCEA Ukulele Tuning Explained
The most common ukulele tuning is GCEA — also called "standard" or "C tuning." Reading from the 4th string (closest to your chin) to the 1st string (closest to the floor), the open strings are tuned to:
G (4th string) – 392 Hz
C (3rd string) – 261.63 Hz
E (2nd string) – 329.63 Hz
A (1st string) – 440 Hz
One of the most distinctive features of the ukulele is its re-entrant tuning. Unlike a guitar where strings go from lowest to highest pitch, the G string on a soprano/concert/tenor uke is actually higher in pitch than the C string. This gives the ukulele its characteristic bright, cheerful sound and is an important factor to remember when tuning by ear.
Soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles all use the same GCEA tuning. Baritone ukuleles use DGBE tuning, similar to the top four strings of a guitar — our tuner will still detect notes correctly for baritone players, but the target string labels won't apply.
Beginner Tuning Tips
Tune Up, Not Down
When tuning, always approach the correct pitch from below — loosen the string slightly past the target, then tighten up to it. Strings settle better when brought up to pitch, reducing the chance of going out of tune quickly.
Tune in a Quiet Environment
Background noise can confuse pitch detection. Move away from TVs, fans, or music. Our autocorrelation algorithm is robust, but a quieter room always improves accuracy, especially for softer plucks.
Stretch New Strings
New ukulele strings — especially nylon — go out of tune rapidly at first because they stretch under tension. After restringing, gently pull each string away from the fretboard a few times, re-tune, and repeat. Expect 20–30 minutes of playing before they stabilize.
Check Tuning Before Every Session
Temperature and humidity cause wood and nylon to expand and contract, pulling strings out of tune. Make it a habit to check tuning at the start of every practice session, especially if your ukulele has been sitting in a bag or exposed to weather changes.
Use the String Tabs Above
Click the G, C, E, or A string button at the top of the tuner before plucking that string. The highlighted target helps you focus on one string at a time and makes the cents reading more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my ukulele G string higher in pitch than the C string?
A: This is intentional! Standard GCEA tuning uses re-entrant tuning, where the 4th string (G) is tuned to a higher octave than the 3rd string (C). This creates the ukulele's distinctive bright, banjo-like tone. It's completely normal — don't try to tune it down an octave unless you specifically want a "low-G" setup.
Q: My tuner isn't picking up sound — what should I do?
A: First, check that you clicked "Allow" when your browser asked for microphone permission. If you accidentally denied it, go to your browser's site settings (usually a lock icon in the address bar) and re-enable the microphone. Also make sure no other app is using the microphone simultaneously. On mobile, ensure your browser app has microphone permission in your phone's Settings app.
Q: How accurate is an online ukulele tuner?
A: Browser-based tuners using the Web Audio API are surprisingly accurate — typically within ±1–2 cents under good conditions. That's more than sufficient for practice, recording, and live performance. Professional chromatic tuners operate in the same range. The main variable is microphone quality; most built-in phone and laptop mics work well for ukulele frequencies.
Q: Can I use this tuner for a baritone ukulele?
A: Yes — the tuner will detect whatever pitch you play. Baritone ukuleles use DGBE tuning (same as the top four guitar strings: D=146.83 Hz, G=196 Hz, B=246.94 Hz, E=329.63 Hz). The string-label buttons are optimized for soprano/concert/tenor GCEA, but the note display and needle meter will still work correctly for baritone — just ignore the string-button labels.
Q: Should I tune my ukulele every time I play?
A: Absolutely yes, especially as a beginner. Ukuleles — particularly those with nylon strings — go out of tune with changes in temperature, humidity, and simply from playing. Developing the habit of tuning before every session trains your ear, ensures you're ingraining correct pitch relationships, and simply makes playing more enjoyable. Professional musicians check tuning before every performance, often multiple times.
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