If you want to sound like a professional, tuning your instrument is a mandatory part of your routine.
Luckily, with so many wonderful tuners out there that provide you with extra options, staying in tune became much easier than ever before.
Stay with us to find out more.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Ukulele Tuners
- OUR TOP PICK: JOWOOM T2
- RUNNER-UP: KLIQ UberTuner
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Donner Guitar Tuner Clip on
Table of Contents
- What is Ukulele Tuning?
- What is Standard Ukulele Tuning?
- What Does a Ukulele Tuner Do?
- Why Did These Ukulele Tuners Make Our List?
- Comparison of the Best Ukulele Tuners
- Review of the Best Ukulele Tuners
- Types of Ukulele Tuners
- How to Tune a Ukulele With a Tuner
- How to Tune a Ukulele Without a Tuner
- Conclusion
- People Also Ask
What is Ukulele Tuning?
Ukulele Tuning is defined from the notes that are generated when you play open strings on your Ukulele.
What is Standard Ukulele Tuning?
Depending on the Ukulele type there are two standard tunings.
If you have Soprano, Concert or Tenor Ukulele, standard tuning is called GCEA. It is also referred to as C tuning.
For a Baritone Ukulele, the tuning is a little bit different and it is called a DCBE tuning. This string tuning is very similar to the one found at the acoustic guitar. That’s why the Baritone Ukulele is a more convenient instrument for guitar players.
What Does a Ukulele Tuner Do?
Staying in tune is a very important feature for all acoustic instruments, especially if they are performing with other instruments.
Simply put, Ukulele Tuner helps you to maintain the tuning of your strings. Whether the Ukulele is completely out of tune, or there are some fine tunings needed, Tuners are capable of fixing it.
It shows you if the specific string on your ukulele is beneath or above the required note and it also tells you when you have tuned it properly by either sending a sound signal or showing visual confirmations in terms of color or the note name with specific indicators.
Why Did These Ukulele Tuners Make Our List?
Some of these tuners have some traits in common so let’s break down the reason why we have picked these specific models:
Compact
Some of these tuners were so small you couldn’t even notice them on Ukulele on a first glance. This will ensure that you always stay in tune without trading the flexibility or the design of your Ukulele.
Precision
Not all tuners tune-up your Ukulele with the same precision, so if you have an important gig or recording coming up, it might be wise to invest a little bit more so you are certain you’re perfectly in tune.
Unique
Just like your favorite Ukulele guitar, tuners can also look very interesting and unique. Some are both precise and real eye candy.
Additional Features
Checking your pitch is one task. But, some tuners extend their purpose and provide you with the metronome options as well, which will come very useful for practicing and building up technique.
Versatile
Tuning up Ukulele is one task. But it doesn’t mean that the same tuner couldn’t tune your banjo, mandolin, acoustic or electric guitar as well and nowadays there is no need to have a separate tuner for every instrument.
JOWOOM T2
Comparison of the Best Ukulele Tuners
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Review of the Best Ukulele Tuners
These are the Best Ukulele Tuners on the market. Most of them are not just Ukulele tuners, but they could be used for other acoustic instruments as well, so this article may come handy even if you’re looking for a guitar tuner as well!
Best Overall:
JOWOOM T2
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
They comment that it really feels sturdy and well built. For players who have tried it after using regular tuners for years, it was almost like a revelation. If we disregard the fact that some guitar tunings aren’t supported properly, we can’t find any real complaint about this product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It’s hard to find an automatic tuner at this price and when we say automatically we mean that all you have to do is to select a preset for Ukulele, set it on Auto mode and it will do the rest for you. It even has a dedicated preset for low G tuning and it allows you to set up a custom tuning as well.
It will work on probably every stringed instrument so we find it’s a very good investment if you’re playing more than just a Ukulele, and the way it tunes up your instrument will save you an incredible amount of time.
Bottom Line
If you would like to get a preview of how a professional tuner looks and works like, try Jowoom T2. It is precise, affordable, versatile, and incredibly easy to use so you might end up using it on a daily basis.
Runner-up:
KLIQ UberTuner
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love the display and report that the clamps are stronger compared to other similar models. The tuning functionality tests say that this model is more responsive.
They also recommend you to use 2032 batteries instead of 2024 if you plan to replace it as it will remove problems with the dimmed display.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We believe this is the smallest chromatic tuner on the market. It comes with features that will satisfy professionals and still remains intuitive for beginners. It has dedicated profiles for other instruments as well, so you may use it for your violin, guitar, or bass, for example.
High sensitivity piezo sensor provides ultra-fast and accurate tuning and its full-color display can be tilted and rotated so you can adjust your viewing angle in any situation.
The small format allows you to leave it on your headstock even during the performance and its clips are polished so it won’t leave any dents on your instrument.
Bottom Line
Tuners are accessories that always come handy. Having something tiny, but yet affordable, reliable, and precise is something you’re going to really appreciate in any circumstances, especially while you’re waiting for your next big show to start.
Best for the Money:
Donner Guitar Tuner Clip on
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People love the simplicity of this unit and its size so they can carry it anywhere. They like how intuitive it is while the tuning precision is more than acceptable and often comment that it works as good as some models they have paid two or three times more.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Sometimes there is no reason to reinvent the wheel and this clip-on tuner is just a true example of such an approach. It works in one button mode with a clear monochrome display that can be rotated into any direction you may need it and it has a very compact and lightweight design.
It works in 4 keys mode and you can even use it to tune wind instruments. For the string instruments such as Ukulele or Guitar, Chromatic mode is recommended.
Beginners won’t have a hard time using it while it may be useful for professionals as well.
Bottom Line
If you need a basic tuner with a clear display that does what it should for a price less than a regular meal, look no further. Donner is well known for delivering budget products that work properly and this tuner is no different.
Best Snark Ukulele Tuner:
Snark SN6X
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It works like they would expect it without any real complaint.
However, some users comment that it might be too sensitive so watch out for any unwanted connection with the body of your instrument while setting up the tune.
Also, we need to warn you, this tuner doesn’t have a metronome function.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This clip-on tuner comes with the large clamps and a nicely colorized display that supports full rotation and it uses vibrations to detect the string pitch. This way it will suit both left-handed and right-handed players and the clip stays quite firmly on your instrument.
Also, due to its chromatic nature, both low G and high G tunings are supported, so it’s probably one of the most versatile clips on tuners on the market.
It has a nice proper design so even complete beginners can see what it needs to do to set their instrument in tune.
Bottom Line
Snark tuners are probably the most famous Ukulele tuners on the web currently and SN6X is our favorite model from them. It’s plain, versatile, precise, and affordable so you can’t go wrong if you pick one.
Best Ukulele Tuner With Metronome:
LEKATO 3in1 Guitar Tuner
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
They love the full-color display and how easy you can read all the information you need. It is also reported that it worked for both guitars and basses, too.
Unfortunately, there is no option to control the volume of the metronome and some users have found it to sound too loud for them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This chromatic clip-on tuner is one of the larger models that comes with the full-color display and it works on 2 x AAA batteries. These batteries are much easier to find than the CR2, for example.
Besides clip-on mode, it also can generate a sound for you via an internal microphone. It’s one of the rare tuners that also supports Bass and Violin tuning besides Chromatic, Guitar, and Ukulele mode.
The metronome on board provides you with a dedicated display for BPM value and eight rhythm modes so it may be suitable for more time signatures than just the regular quarter beats.
Bottom Line
This is probably one of the most versatile tuners on the market. Tuning features are precise, while the metronome and sound mode will come handy for both beginners and professionals at the price that’s hard to refuse.
Best Ukulele Chromatic Tuner:
Snark Tuner SN4
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers report that it works properly on Ukulele instruments. They love its simplicity and the fact that it comes with the input jack so they can use it on other instruments as well. But they also wished for a bigger display, kickstand support, and a bit more functionality from a metronome.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a plain good tuner made that can be used either by a built-in microphone or via input jack. Input can be used for electric Ukuleles or to plug in an auxiliary tuning pickup.
It supports an extended frequency range so you can use it on not just string instruments but woodwinds and reed as well.
It provides you with the Metronome that plays the basic 4 on 4 rhythms in a tempo you assign by either tapping the tempo or using the up and down buttons.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a simple but effective metronome, Snark SN4 will keep up to the task. It’s both affordable and versatile thanks to the input jack and the metronome feature will come handy for your practicing purposes.
Best Ukulele Strobe Tuner:
Peterson StroboClip HD
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This tuner was mostly bought by people who wanted something more precise than a regular tuner and they got what they asked for.
However, the button's ergonomy is not the best - some users say they couldn’t “feel” the button press so maybe it’s best used in the studio than on stage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The tuning resolution is extraordinary. It registers even the pitch shift of 1/1000th fret so you can be sure it will detect if your current tuning has any kind of deviations. It also handles any kind of transpositions you may need for your capo settings as well.
The clamp’s jaw has an extended width so it will fit probably any kind of instrument you may have and the display is large and very unique - if your tune is sharp, the screen will move to the right and left if you’re flat. Once it slows down and completely stops, your string is in tune.
Bottom Line
All players that have tried Strobe tuners say it’s probably the most precise tool for tuning virtually any acoustic instrument. It’s a game-changer, so, if you want to invest in a professional tuner, then we have a winner for you.
Best Clip on Ukulele Tuner:
Korg SHCS100 Sledgehammer Custom 100
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were using regular tuners before and once they have tried this one, they never went back to the old ones. It is often described as the most accurate tuner they have ever used. Even the grip of the clip is better and more firm.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you take a look at it, you’ll notice it’s different from anything you’ve probably ever seen. A beautiful illuminated 3D visual meter that is clearly visible in low-light conditions such as live shows thanks to the distinctive neon green light marker displaying when the string is in tune.
It works in three modes - Regular or more precise Strobe and Half-Strobe which will allow you to tune your Ukulele with the 0.1 cent precision if needed.
And, the whole unit is powered with a single AAA battery supplying your tuner with approx. hundred working hours in total.
Bottom Line
You could say this is a regular chromatic clip-on tuner with a really nice design. But, you would be wrong - its tuning precision is hard to find these days, so anyone who needs professional-grade pitch should consider this tuner.
Best Ukulele Tuner App:
iStroboSoft Musical Instrument Strobe Tuner
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People tend to compare the quality of this app with the real physical Strobe Tuner. They also say it’s much more reliable than any other app they have tried before.
But, due to the Android hardware and OS differences, we can’t guarantee it will work on all devices.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Modern smartphones can do a lot of things, so, having a reliable app for tuning your instrument is something that all players dreamed of, especially when you think of the average screen size and how big tuning indicators can be.
The most important thing that makes this app different from free apps on the market is that it’s bug-free. It’s so reliable that you could use it even for professional purposes. It supports Drop and Capo setups and it’s capable of transposing the notes up to the whole octave, so you can use it for Low G setups, too.
Bottom Line
We live in times where having a tuning app instead of the real-life accessory is something completely normal. But, unlike the other apps, the iStroboSoft app is working bug-free and its precision can easily compete with physical tuners.
Best Ukulele Tuner With Microphone:
Korg TM-60
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The reviews tell that the CM-200 comes really handy for noisy environments and they really love how accurate the LCD meter is. They even favor it when compared to the newer KORG models.
But, having a monochrome LCD might be too retro these days for some people.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This tuner can work with both any Ukulele model. Acoustic Ukuleles will use the bundled CM-200 clip-on microphone while Electric ones with the input jack so you can plug it directly. In both modes, you will have your tuning shown in cents scale at the large monochrome backlit LCD.
The dedicated headphones output may come handy if you want to practice in privacy anywhere, and the onboard metronome mode seems to be really functional as it includes 15 rhythms and a dedicated tap tempo button. The fact that you don’t have to toggle between Tuner and Metronome mode is also appreciated.
Bottom Line
So, if you want a retro accessory that will work as good as the new one, we would gladly recommend you to check this product from KORG. Its longevity is the best proof that it works exactly as it should.
Types of Ukulele Tuners
All Ukulele tuners have the same purpose, but quite a different approach to how they are mounted, used, or how they monitor string’s tuning.
Clip-on
A clip-on tuner is a very compact tuner that mounts on an instrument directly. They can be so small that they can remain on the instrument while you’re performing. The most convenient place to attach it is the headstock
They are not tuning your ukulele based on the sound you produce at all - they are monitoring tremors from your instrument. This makes them even more versatile because they can be used anywhere, even in the noisiest places.
Tuner With the Microphone
This type of tuner relies on the sound your instrument is generating. They are often equipped with some sort of the speaker so you can get an audio signal if you have the correct tune. They may also come with extra features such as a metronome or a tone generator or an auxiliary input so you can plug your instrument directly into the tuner to check your tune.
Most of the onboard tuners found in the preamp panels of the electronic models use this type of tuning.
Strobe Tuner
Strobe tuners are the most accurate tuners and even digital versions withhold such precision. They have a series of LEDs powered by amplified audio from the instrument. They strobe at the same frequency as the input signal and each disc rotation speed is set to a particular frequency of the desired note. Once the strobe pattern stops moving, this means the pitch is in tune.
How to Tune a Ukulele With a Tuner
As we already said, the standard ukulele tuning is GCEA, so this means you have to tune 1st string to G (either low G or high G, depending on your personal taste), 2nd string to C, 3rd string to E, and 4th string to A which is actually the highest string on the Ukulele.
But, based on what type of Ukulele tuner you have, the approach for this tuning might be different, so let’s check it out:
How to Tune a Ukulele With a Guitar Tuner
Depending on what type of guitar tuner you have some may work for your Ukulele as well. Of course, unless you’re using a pedal tuner, in that case, the only Ukulele you could tune is the electric one. Also, non-chromatic tuners won’t work as well because they were made to listen to the guitar strings notes only.
But, all the other tuners will work. All you have to do is to remember the notes you’re looking for, so don’t forget about GCEA tuning.
How to Use a Clip on Tuner For Ukulele
Place your clip-on tuner on the headstock and play the note you want. The display will show you the current tune and depending on the model it may show you do you have to tune up or down from your current position, but eventually, once you do it properly, the display should turn into green.
How to Tune a Ukulele With a Digital Tuner
Using Digital Tuner isn’t so different compared to the clip-on tuner for the end-user. It works quite the same, only the method it detects if the Ukulele is in tune (sound, not vibrations) is different.
How to Use a Chromatic Tuner For Ukulele
Same as for digital tuners, the tuner isn’t so different for users compared to the clip-on. However, the advantage of this tuner type lies in the approach where all notes can be detected. This allows many instruments to be used.
How to Tune a 6 String Ukulele
The regular tuning for a 6-string Ukulele is quite unique and should not be mixed with the Guitalele tuning. It should be tuned much differently than just adding two strings beneath standard GCEA tuning.
The 2nd and the 4th string should be doubled so in short, we’re talking of GCCEAA tuning. But that’s not all - the C strings should be tuned in octaves, while A strings should remain unison.
How to Tune a Ukulele With a Keyboard
For this method, you will have to use your ears, but it’s possible. The 2nd string should sound the same as the note C4 on the keyboard - it’s the white key in the exact middle of the keyboard surrounded by three black keys on the left and lies right beneath two black keys on the right.
From this point, you can locate the E note if you move another two white keys on the right and note A three white keys further. String G will be left to the note A (for high G tuning) or three white keys to the left (for the low G tuning).
How to Tune a Ukulele Without a Tuner
KLIQ UberTuner
Sometimes, you may forget your tuner or battery may run out and you don’t have a spare. If you perform in solo, we have an easy way that could work and it only requires you to use your own Ukulele and your ears.
First, let’s assume that you want to create a standard C tuning with a high G string.
Then it requires an assumption that the one string is in tune that you want, so let’s say that the last string is the one. If you're an experienced player you will probably have a memory which of those four strings is the closest to the original tuning.
Anyway, if we presume that the 4th string is in tune, to tune the 3rd string, press the 5th fret on it and turn the heads until they sound unison (exactly the same) with the 4th string without any frets pressed.
Repeat the same process for the 1st string as well - but this time, use the 2nd fret on it - it should sound the same as the 4th string, so tune it up until you hear the exact same sound.
Once you’re done with those two, repeat the process for the remaining 2nd string while pressing the 4th fret and play the 3rd string without holding any frets.
However, bear in mind that this type of tuning is not recommended if you plan to record a song that includes other instruments as well as it will be hard to match your tuning. Also, if you have a colleague that plans to perform with you, the most important part is that both of you sound in tune respectively, so you can use his intonation to tune up your instrument.
But, if you would like to see a video about this whole process, check this link out:
Conclusion
Tuning a Ukulele may look like a complicated job, but it’s quite easy to master it and it's an inevitable part of playing an acoustic instrument.
Also, it’s probably recommended to learn this as soon as possible, because you will often come into situations where you have to correct your tunings.
People Also Ask
These are the most frequently asked questions we have found regarding Ukulele tuners, so you may find more info is it necessary to have a tuner, how to tune a Ukulele without a tuner, what causes ukulele to go out of tune, and what’s the difference between high G and low G Ukuleles:
Do I Need a Tuner For My Ukulele?
It’s not mandatory, but it will come handy. It’s the fastest way to tune up your and be sure it’s perfectly in tune. However, if you plan to perform in a duo or with more instrumental players, we strongly advise you to share the same tuner before performing.
Can You Tune a Ukulele Without a Tuner?
Sure thing. If you have any kind of digital instrument nearby you can hit the notes you need for every specific string and tune by ear. It may require some time to master it, but, in the long run, it’s recommended as you’re actually building up your ears.
Why Does My Ukulele Sound Out of Tune?
It uses strings made out of nylon or some similar material. Any, even the smallest turn on the heads can cause a detune effect. Even pressing the fret slightly afar or pressing the string too hard can cause microtonal detunes. Also, any drastic temperature or humidity changes may affect the tension on the strings.
How Much Does a Ukulele Tuner Cost?
The Ukulele tuner doesn’t have to be expensive as it does a very simple thing. But, some of those tuners can cover many other instruments or even detect more strings simultaneously so it ranges from a couple of bucks up to even a hundred.
Depending on your needs even the cheapest one may do the job.
What is the Difference Between Tuning in High G vs Low G For a Ukulele?
Most ukuleles are tuned in high G tuning where the lowest note is the 2nd string - C. But, with low G tuning, first strings go even lower providing you a wider tonal range. This type of tuning is convenient for most string instruments including guitars and violins.
