English Tuning
Tune your ukulele to English — A4, D4, F#4, B4
About English Tuning
English tuning (A4-D4-F#4-B4) was the standard ukulele tuning in England from the instrument's arrival in the early 1900s through the mid-20th century. The notes are identical to D tuning — the ukulele is tuned one whole step above modern GCEA standard. English tuning is the reason why vintage British ukulele books use different chord names than modern resources.
The ukulele craze hit England in the 1920s and 1930s, brought by vaudeville performers and Hawaiian musicians touring Europe. English players adopted ADF#B as their standard, and icons like George Formby — the biggest ukulele star of the era — performed exclusively in this tuning. Formby's rapid split-stroke strumming technique became synonymous with the English ukulele style.
When the ukulele experienced its modern revival in the 2000s, GCEA had become the global standard, and most new players learned in C tuning. However, players interested in George Formby's music or vintage British ukulele repertoire need English tuning to play along with original recordings and period-correct arrangements. The brighter pitch also suits the punchy, rhythmic strumming style Formby popularized.
String Notes
Recommended Strings
Standard ukulele strings handle English tuning well on soprano ukuleles. The one-step increase from GCEA puts slightly more tension on the strings, which many players find gives a crisper attack — ideal for the percussive Formby strumming style. On larger ukuleles (concert or tenor), consider lighter gauge or dedicated D tuning strings to manage the extra tension.
How to Tune to English
- 1.Start from standard GCEA tuning and raise each string by exactly one whole step (two semitones).
- 2.Tune the 4th string from G4 up to A4. A4 at 440 Hz is concert pitch A — easy to find on any tuner or tuning fork.
- 3.Tune the 3rd string from C4 up to D4. Check by fretting the 4th string at the 5th fret — it should match the open 3rd string.
- 4.Tune the 2nd string from E4 up to F#4. Fret the 3rd string at the 4th fret to verify.
- 5.Tune the 1st string from A4 up to B4. Fret the 2nd string at the 5th fret to verify.
- 6.Test by playing a C shape — it should sound as D major. If you know any George Formby songs, try strumming along with a recording to verify you're in the right tuning.
Common Chords in English
D Major (C shape)
The C chord fingering gives D major — the home key for most Formby-style songs.
G Major (F shape)
F shape produces G major. Essential for the I-IV progression in the key of D.
A7 (G7 shape)
G7 shape sounds as A7 — the classic dominant seventh that leads back to D.
Em (Dm shape)
Dm shape produces Em. Adds a minor color that George Formby used frequently in his arrangements.