Ukulele tuning · also GCEA, My Dog Has Fleas
Ukulele Standard gCEA (re-entrant) Tuning
The classic soprano/concert/tenor tuning. The 4th string is tuned high, so strummed chords sit in a bright, close voicing.
String pitches & frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | MIDI | Interval to next | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | G4 | 392.00 Hz | 67 | perfect fifth down | |
| 3 | C4 | 261.63 Hz | 60 | major third | |
| 2 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | 64 | perfect fourth | |
| 1 | A4 | 440.00 Hz | 69 | — |
Strings listed 4 → 1 as they sit on the instrument (top to bottom when playing). Frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz, equal temperament.
Fretboard note map
| String | Open | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A |
| 2 | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E |
| 3 | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C |
| 4 | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G |
How to tune to Standard gCEA (re-entrant)
- Open the chromatic tuner (or play each reference tone above).
- Start from the lowest string and tune each one to G4, C4, E4, A4.
- Tune up to each pitch: if you overshoot, drop below and come back up so the string settles.
- Check every string once more — changing the tension of one string slightly pulls the others.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of Standard gCEA (re-entrant) tuning?
G4 (392.00 Hz), C4 (261.63 Hz), E4 (329.63 Hz), A4 (440.00 Hz).
How do I tune a ukulele to Standard gCEA (re-entrant)?
Tune each string to the pitches above with a chromatic tuner, starting from the lowest string; then re-check, because changing one string's tension slightly detunes the others.