Canadian Tuning
Tune your ukulele to Canadian — A4, D4, F#4, B4
About Canadian Tuning
Canadian tuning (A4-D4-F#4-B4) is a re-entrant version of D tuning historically associated with the Canadian ukulele tradition. The notes are identical to D tuning — A, D, F#, B — with the 4th string A tuned as a high re-entrant A4 rather than a low A3. This preserves the bright, sparkling quality that re-entrant tuning gives the ukulele.
The Canadian ukulele community maintained D tuning longer than most regions, even as GCEA became the global standard. Canadian music festivals, clubs, and teaching methods continued using ADF#B well into the late 20th century. The re-entrant voicing was considered essential to the authentic ukulele sound — a view shared by many traditionalists.
In practice, Canadian tuning is functionally identical to D tuning with a high A. All chord shapes work the same as standard GCEA but sound one whole step higher. The re-entrant A4 ensures the characteristic ukulele jangle remains intact, unlike Low A versions of D tuning which produce a more guitar-like sound.
String Notes
Recommended Strings
Standard ukulele strings work well for Canadian tuning since the re-entrant string arrangement matches standard GCEA — just tuned one step higher. On soprano ukuleles, the shorter scale length means the tension increase is modest. On concert or tenor ukuleles, consider lighter gauge strings to keep the tension comfortable.
How to Tune to Canadian
- 1.Start from standard GCEA tuning. You'll raise each string by one whole step.
- 2.Tune the 4th string up from G4 to A4 (440 Hz). Since this is re-entrant, A4 should be a high note — the same octave as standard G4, just two frets higher in pitch.
- 3.Tune the 3rd string up from C4 to D4.
- 4.Tune the 2nd string up from E4 to F#4.
- 5.Tune the 1st string up from A4 to B4. Raise the pitch carefully and stop if the string feels excessively tight.
- 6.Strum open strings — the chord voicing should sound like standard GCEA but brighter and one step higher. All familiar chord shapes apply.
Common Chords in Canadian
D Major (C shape)
The standard C chord fingering produces D major in Canadian tuning.
G Major (F shape)
The F major shape from GCEA now produces G major — one of the most useful transpositions.
A Major (G shape)
Use the standard G chord fingering for A major. The dominant chord in the key of D.
Bm (Am shape)
The Am shape produces Bm. Pairs naturally with D and G for common folk progressions.