Low G Tuning
Tune your ukulele to Low G — G3, C4, E4, A4
About Low G Tuning
Low G tuning uses the same C-E-A notes as standard GCEA but replaces the re-entrant high G4 with a G3 tuned one octave lower. This single change gives the ukulele a wider range — adding five extra low notes below the C string — while keeping all chord shapes identical to standard tuning.
Fingerpicking players and solo ukulele arrangers gravitate toward Low G because the extended bass range allows for proper bass lines, walking bass patterns, and melody-plus-accompaniment arrangements. Players like Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill frequently use Low G tuning for their more complex solo pieces. Jazz ukulele players also prefer Low G for the deeper voicings it enables.
The trade-off is that you lose the characteristic re-entrant sparkle that defines the traditional ukulele sound. Strummed chords sound fuller and more guitar-like, which some players love and others miss. Many serious ukulele players keep two instruments — one in standard re-entrant and one in Low G — to cover both sounds.
String Notes
Recommended Strings
You'll need a dedicated Low G string — a standard re-entrant G string won't tune down an octave without going completely slack. Wound Low G strings (metal wrapped around a nylon core) are the most common choice and produce a clear, defined bass note. Unwound Low G strings (solid fluorocarbon) offer a more consistent tone across all four strings but less bass projection. Aquila Red Series and Worth Brown Low G sets are popular options.
How to Tune to Low G
- 1.If switching from standard GCEA, you'll need to replace the G string with a dedicated Low G string first. A re-entrant G4 string cannot safely tune down to G3.
- 2.Tune the C string (3rd) to C4, the E string (2nd) to E4, and the A string (1st) to A4 — exactly the same as standard tuning.
- 3.Tune the G string (4th) to G3 (196 Hz). This is one octave below the standard re-entrant G4. It should now be the lowest-pitched string on the ukulele.
- 4.Verify by fretting the Low G string at the 5th fret — it should match the open C string (C4).
- 5.Strum all strings. The chord voicings will sound the same as standard, but with a noticeably deeper, fuller bottom end from the low G.
Common Chords in Low G
C Major
Same shape as standard (3rd fret, 1st string). Now with a low G bass note, the chord sounds richer and more complete.
G7
Press the 2nd string at the 1st fret, 3rd string at the 2nd fret, and 1st string at the 2nd fret. The low G root note gives this chord real authority.
Am
Same one-finger shape (2nd fret, 3rd string). The low G adds a bass voice that makes arpeggios and fingerpicking patterns shine.
F Major
Same shape as standard. With Low G, fingerpicked F major has a warm, full voicing perfect for jazz and bossa nova.