The tuner says every string is spot on – and yet the chords sound off? Annoying, but almost always harmless. Work through the list from top to bottom: the most common causes come first.
1. New strings stretch
Ukulele strings made of nylon or similar plastics stretch a lot during the first days, sometimes even weeks. You tune – and ten minutes later the string is low again. That’s completely normal. What helps: tune the string, gently pull it a few centimetres away from the fretboard, retune and repeat a few times. After that the tuning holds much better.
2. A string is an octave off
Many tuners only show the note name – G is G, high or low. If a string is tuned an octave too low, it’s floppy and buzzes. If it’s an octave too high, it’s extremely tight and may snap. This happens most often with the G string: normally it’s thin and sounds higher than the C string next to it. On a low-G ukulele it’s thicker and sounds lower.
- Check for high G: the E string at the 3rd fret sounds exactly like the open G string.
- Check for the C string: the C string at the 4th fret sounds like the open E string.
- Check for the A string: the E string at the 5th fret sounds like the open A string.
If your ukulele has a low G, set the app’s tuner to “Low G” under “Other tuning …”. More in Low-G ukulele.
3. Pressing too hard
If you press a string very hard or pull it sideways while fretting, it gets stretched and sounds sharp. The open strings are in tune, but fretted chords aren’t. Press only as hard as needed for a clear note, with your fingertip straight down. More tips in String buzzing or sounding dull?.
4. Checking the intonation
Fret a string at the 12th fret. The note must be exactly one octave above the open string – same name, just higher. Compare by ear or with a tuner that shows any note (the app’s tuner only knows the open strings). If the 12th fret is clearly sharp, the action is often too high: the strings sit far above the fretboard and get stretched when you press. If even the first frets are sharp, it’s usually the nut, which is often too high on very cheap instruments.
5. Basic strings, slipping pegs, weather
- Very cheap ukuleles often come with basic strings. A good set costs little and clearly improves the sound and how well it stays in tune.
- Some ukuleles have simple friction pegs without gears. If they slip back, tighten the small screw at the end of the peg a little.
- Cold, heat and dry heating air put any wooden instrument out of tune. After carrying the ukulele around, give it a few minutes in the room before you tune.
In the “Chords” tool, the “Check me!” button listens and tells you which string in the chord isn’t right yet. That way you quickly find out whether it’s a string or your grip.
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