Plucked & fretted · Plucked (fretted) · Guitar family
Ukulele
Standard re-entrant tuning G4 C4 E4 A4 ('My Dog Has Fleas').
Quick facts
| Family | Plucked & fretted — Plucked (fretted) |
|---|---|
| Hornbostel–Sachs | 321.322-5 |
| Pitched in | C |
| Transposition | Sounds as written (non-transposing) |
| Written range | C4 – C6 |
| Sounding range | C4 – C6 (261.63 – 1047 Hz) |
| Clef | Treble |
| Inventor | Manuel Nunes |
| Other names | Ukulélé, uke, ukelele |
Player's notes
- Standard re-entrant tuning G4 C4 E4 A4 ('My Dog Has Fleas').
- Sizes: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone (tuned D G B E).
About the ukulele
The ukulele ( YOO-kə-LAY-lee; Hawaiian: [ʔukulele]), also called a uke (informally), is a member of the lute (ancestor of the guitar) family of instruments. The ukulele is of Portuguese origin and was popularized in Hawaii. The tone and volume of the instrument vary with size and construction. Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
Ukuleles generally have four nylon strings tuned to GCEA (except baritone, which is normally tuned DGBE). They have 16–22 frets depending on the size.
Text adapted from the Wikipedia article “Ukulele”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Listen
Recordings from Wikimedia Commons, found via Openverse.
Frequently asked questions
What is the range of the ukulele?
The practical written range of the ukulele is C4 to C6, which sounds C4 to C6 (261.6 Hz to 1047 Hz at A4 = 440 Hz).
Is the ukulele a transposing instrument?
No. The ukulele sounds at written pitch (concert pitch).
What clef does the ukulele read?
The ukulele reads treble clef.
How is the ukulele classified?
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system the ukulele is classified as 321.322-5.
Related instruments
Guitar
Standard tuning E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4; written an octave higher than it sounds.
Bass Guitar
Tuned like the double bass (E1 A1 D2 G2) and also written an octave higher.
Mandolin
Four pairs of strings tuned like a violin: G3 D4 A4 E5.
Banjo
Five-string banjo in open G: g4 D3 G3 B3 D4, with a short drone string.
Harp
47 strings tuned diatonically; seven pedals set each pitch class flat, natural or sharp.