There is something very upbeat about the sound associated with a ukulele. We have seen, within the past ten years, this tiny instrument with four strings gain immense popularity. It is very easy to transport and costs relatively little. If you’re considering where to start your musical journey, Pearland ukulele lessons can help guide you or your child through the fundamentals.
But with such ease associated with getting that first chord, we have noticed that most people get confused about the technical aspect associated with the instrument. Amongst the most frequently asked questions within our classes would be about strings. What they are made up of, and which ones go on first, and why the high string plays a higher note compared to the others.
To truly become proficient on your instrument, first you must learn about your instrument. Many beginners wonder, what are the strings on a ukulele? Whether you are learning about strings on your ukulele for the first thing or you are just wanting your instrument to be in tune so you can practice, learning about your strings can make your practice sessions easier. We want to be there as you learn about your strings and walk you through some things that might confuse you!
Varieties of Ukulele Strings
So, with your very first ukulele purchase, it would normally come with regular nylon strings. The reason why ukuleles have been made with nylon strings all these years is because it allows ukuleles to have that classic, warm and mellow sound that we all adore. We would highly recommend that our beginners learn on a nylon string instrument because it will be much easier on your fingertips compared to steel strings on a guitar.
Nevertheless, as you progress with your music, you may have come across fluorocarbon strings. Fluorocarbon strings are made from a polymer that is more dense compared to nylon. As a result, these strings produce a brighter, louder, and more punchy sound. Fluorocarbon strings would be an excellent option for you if your music requires you to play fingerstyle, or if you want your melodies to stand out against a background noise. These strings are thinner compared to nylon strings.
Lastly, there may be some wound strings. These strings have a core made from nylon, and they have a thin metal wrapping. These strings are very similar to what you would find on a classical guitar. We usually find these strings on the lower strings or on the C string on a tenor ukulele or on a baritone ukulele. The reason they have a metal wrapping is so that they will be heavy enough to make low notes but still not be too thick.
The Standard Ukulele Tuning
Once you know what the materials are, understanding the order and tuning becomes your next task. When it comes to strings on a ukulele, for most ukuleles – soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles – the tuning pattern follows G-C-E-A. When you are holding your ukulele, with your strings in front of you, the first string you would see with your own strings would be your fourth string, which is G. Going downwards, it would be your third string, which is C; then your second string, which is E. Finally, your first string, A, would be at the very bottom.
The thing that befuddles some of our students at Chara is that ukulele instruments are usually tuned “re-entrant.” That is, they don’t have a string pattern that goes from low note to high note. The string with the note G is actually higher-pitched than C. It’s because of that high G string that ukuleles have such a happy, ringing sound associated with traditional Hawaiian music.
The only ukulele that does not follow this pattern is the baritone ukulele. Since it is the biggest among all the ukuleles, it requires a special tuning scale because it has a baritone voice. It requires a D-G-B-E tuning scale. It should be noted that it is exactly like the first four strings of a guitar.
The strings on a baritone ukulele are arranged linearly. That is, the D string is the lowest note, and then it becomes higher as you proceed to E. If you’ve ever wondered, how many strings on a ukulele? Most have four strings, but understanding the exceptions adds depth to your knowledge as a player.
Start Your Musical Journey
We are aware that there might be some intimidation associated with learning about music from a technical perspective, but knowing your strings will make you a better musician with a better ear. By knowing about the difference between nylon and fluorocarbon strings or understanding more about the meaning of re-entrant tuning, you are already on your path to becoming a better musician. And if you are ready to learn more about making your strings sing, we are here for you at Chara!
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