\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 6,386 times. Check your bridge as well and clean any dust or dirt that might have accumulated there. Changing the string set on your ukulele can make a significant difference in the sound of your instrument. It's usually recommended to not change your strings the day of a big performance as it does take some times for the strings to settle. The pegs on the top of the fretboard are provided to maintain the string tension by simply rotating the pegs clockwise or counterclockwise. In this episode of Uke Minutes, we're going to teach you how to restring your ukulele. Once the bottom piece is free, you can start unwinding the wire from the rest of the tuning board. One other point I am often asked about is what to do if you move from geared pegs to frictions and leave a screw hole from the geared peg. Thank you so much! Attach and wind the strings to the tuning pegs 4. For a tie bar bridge, please watch the video to see the exact way to tie the string to your ukulele. When you pick the first string (A), it should sound the same as the A on the G string. finishing up the string slots: at this point it's a good idea to check that everything will fit nicely, especially if you're using another ukulele than the bugs gear or the makala dolphin. It helps to give your tuning pegs a turn so the holes are lined up with the string. Simply play a note in unison with the ukulele string you’re tuning, then turn the tuning peg until the pitch matches your reference. To refer to the strings on your ukulele correctly, hold it with the fret board pointing up. Your email address will not be published. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. The peg has a little notch so you can tell if you've got it in securely. You have to slip the string to the metal pin hole of the first tuning … This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Your email address will not be published. Then loosen and untie … A high-g is traditional and is tuned to the G above middle C (called “re-entrant”). Tie the knot as close as possible to the end of the string, then press the bridge peg in place snugly over the knot. The two most common types of ukulele headstock types. If you're a beginner or casual player who plays less frequently, replace your strings every 8 months to a year, or when one of them breaks. You need to loop it to the back of the string end and lead it to the hole. 18 Brass Frets with Fret position Marks at 5th,7th,10th,12th and 15th frets on neck and top of fingerboard. Locate the tuning pegs. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You can also tune by ear using your own strings as reference notes for one another. replacement within a short interval.These type of strings are available like the other plain, non-wound strings. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The extra C string is often tuned to a higher or lower octave than the original C string. You can tighten and loosen ukulele strings by turning the tuning pegs on the instrument's headstock. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Tune the open 1 st string to the 2 nd fret of the 4 th string . The six-string instrument is tuned to G, C, C, E, A and A. Steps to Carry Out Restringing of Ukulele. There are an abundance of tuning apps for ukuleles, some of them included in regular guitar tuning apps. If you're a seasoned, regular performer, replace your strings every 1-3 months. You can tighten the strings by turning the tuner once the strings are safely fastened on the tuning peg. Place your finger just behind the second fret on the G string (fourth string). This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-8.jpg\/aid12278395-v4-728px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. For the strings on the 2 pegs that face down toward the floor, turn the pegs counter-clockwise. When you want to change your strings with this design, you must “pop” the instrument’s peg. Insert the string in the tuning peg. How to Change Your Ukulele Strings. While the baritone ukulele with a high-D has a lower starting pitch, the same pattern of frets and strings can be applied. Secure the new strings to the bridge 3. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-5.jpg\/aid12278395-v4-728px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Tie a knot at the end of each string if you have bridge pegs. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-2.jpg\/aid12278395-v4-728px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This keeps the string from slipping. Pull the long end of the string across the fretboard and up the center of the headstock. On a friction ukulele tuning peg, the standard solution to slipping of the peg (not holding the tuning tension) is to tighten the screw at the end of the peg button. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This makes the strings sound high-lo… © 2008-2021 Ukulele Underground LLC. Stringing Your Ukulele Tie a knot at the end of each string if you have bridge pegs. What are the four strings of a standard ʻukulele tuned to? And, if you're serious about taking your ukulele playing to the next level, you can join us in UU+, our premium membership service which is a combination of our premium courses as well as access to exclusive live classes and coaching from our teachers. A uke is usually tuned: G C E Afrom the top string (closest to the ceiling) to the bottom string (closest to the floor). The standard tuning of a ukulele is crucial to maintain the performance of the ukulele and get the perfect sound output. Get it snug around the base of the bridge, then wrap the excess under the string once, then twice. If you have a hard time getting the strings out of the tuning pegs, use nail clippers to clip them off. Now I can replace my strings with confidence. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. https://ukuguides.com/maintenance/how-to-change-ukulele-strings/, https://liveukulele.com/lessons/strings/changing-strings/, https://www.ukuleleworld.com/ukulele-care-maintenance/, https://www.fretexpert.com/how-often-change-ukulele-strings-why-you-should/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Now on to the actual restringing of the ukulele. Detach the old strings 2. Depending on how the strings were last strung and the type of tuning pegs on your ukulele, you may have to experiment and see which way equals “loosen.” If the string pitch continues to get higher, you’re definitely NOT turning it in the “loosen” direction. For a ukulele with pegs at the bridge, the knot at the end of the string simply keeps the string from slipping past the peg. Pull the string taught, and begin tightening it with the tuning peg. By using our site, you agree to our. wikiHow's. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I tell my students who have a hard time remembering this to think of it like, “Goats Can Eat Anything.” The G-string can either be a “high-g” or a “low-G”. There are also two styles of bridges, one where you tie a knot in the string and use either the bridge or pins to lock the string into place, the other style is a tie bar bridge, where you tie the strings to the bridge itself. Tune the 4 th fret of the 3 rd string to the open 2 nd string . This article has been viewed 6,386 times. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If you have a bridge with bridge pegs, gently pull the peg out to free the string. For the standard bridge style, you'll just want to tie a knot near the end of the string and slide it into the hole or lock it in with the peg. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. This means that every string should exit its turn on the tuning peg towards the center of the heastock. Required fields are marked *, Growing the next generation of Ukulele Players around the world. The basic features will be free, but they usually charge you for the bells and whistles. How to String a Ukulele In Five Steps Removing Strings from Tuners. What Ukulele Strings You Should Use Choose strings according to your skill level. If you have a hard time getting the strings out of the tuning pegs, use nail clippers to clip them off. Unwind each string from its tuning peg at the top of the ukulele. Of course, if you decide to go back to smaller pegs that's a much bigger job to reverse if you want to shrink the holes, but thankfully I knew from the start I wanted these UPT pegs, so don't plan to. For a tie bar bridge, on the other hand, untuck the ends of the strings from underneath first. Ukulele tuning sorted. As they stretch, you'll need to consistently retune your ukulele to help the strings settle in. High Quality at Low Price,it is your best choice.Easy to learn and play Solid Wood Ukulele.Perfect for beginners,kids,and adults,easy to carry and hold. Pull the string through the hole in the tuning … Other things to check are to be sure your string has enough turns around the post so that the string itself is not slipping on the tuning post as well as a proper knot at the bridge to be sure the string is not slipping there. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Many others require a special knot that we'll explore below. If you're having a hard time untying the knots, clip at them with your nail clippers until you can get the string off your ukulele. There is only one thing that should have been addressed: In what placement the strings should be. The lower left of the 4 tuning pegs tunes the G string, the peg above it tunes the C string, the upper right peg tunes the E string, and the peg below it tunes the A string. The second step is to remove the string from the Standard Bridge or Tie-bar Bridge. Slip the other end of the string through the metal hole in the tuning peg or slot, pulling most of the excess string through the hole. Once you have the string secured, you will insert the other end to the corresponding tuning peg hole and tighten the string. Got A Ukulele guide to swapping tuning pegs. Just be careful not to scratch the finish of your ukulele. They're not necessary, but they do help, especially if you're not used to restringing ukuleles. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-6.jpg\/aid12278395-v4-728px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}. It can help to press the string down with your finger in the space between nut and the … 4. High-quality strings tend to hold a knot better than cheaper strings, so if you continue to have a problem with this, consider an upgrade. Most players use electronic devices to assist their ukulele tuning . If you're not yet experienced in tuning your ukulele, take it to an experienced technician to have it restrung rather than attempting to do it yourself. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-4.jpg\/aid12278395-v4-728px-Put-Strings-on-a-Ukulele-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Select the one you want, place the Roadie 2 on the tuning peg, and boom. The first step to restringing your ukulele is to remove your strings. For pegs, you simply remove the peg and remove the string. 1. While putting new strings on a ukulele can take a little practice to get right, after getting the hang of it you might find you look forward to the task. The six-string ukulele gives the original soprano ukulele a fuller sound by adding extra strings tuned to A and C, literally doubling up the sound produced by those strings. Last Updated: December 21, 2020 Methods of Tuning: Pedal Tuners: The ukuleles that offer an electronic pickup option can be tuned by this method. Most ukuleles come with a high G string as standard. You'll be amazed sometimes with how much gunk builds up under there while you are playing. Tune your ukulele Go through the guide below to learn how to restring a ukulele: That will give us enough string to wind onto the peg. From the side, the string will now look like a candy cane or barber pole as it winds down the string post. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Just be careful not to scratch the finish of your ukulele. 1. Adjust the fourth string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until the two strings sound the same. 2. You may also cut the strings with string cutters and then remove it easily. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. But, like any other stringed instrument, sooner or later you'll need to change the strings. You’ll start this step o nce each string is secured at the bridge. to do so, check with a ruler that each string has enough space to go to its spot on the nut (where you just made a mark), without crossing another string so another string's tuning peg. Also, choose carefully between nylon strings and metal strings. Hold the straight taunt with … The string should be wound downwards from where it enters the tuner hole. If the knot keeps coming undone, try a double-knot. Then, you can just slide the string right in. References. Make sure to keep one hand on the knots at the bridge just to make sure they don’t unravel. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Insert the long end of the string through the hole and pull it 2 or 3 frets back. Once the strings are attached to the bridge, you can now fasten them to the tuning pegs. Tie the knot as close as possible to the end of the string, then press the bridge peg in place snugly over the knot. Tune the 5 th fret of the 2 nd string to the open 1st string . Ukulele strings are relatively inexpensive, as they're made from nylon or nylon-like material like fluorocarbon, both of which stand up against the oils and grease on your fingertips. With new strings, you might find that you have to adjust them more often to keep them in tune. Once the string is loose enough you can slip it off of the tuning peg. Start with the 2 pegs that face up when you play, turning them clockwise to unwind the strings. Pull the end of the string that is not attached to the bridge towards the top of the ukulele. Thank you again! Most strings come with a ball on the end to help with the installation process. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you’re a beginner, you don’t need expensive strings, but you should avoid low-quality, cheap ones; they won’t make the same sweet sounds that expensive ones do. The next step in how to string a ukulele is to insert each string into its corresponding tuning peg hole. Note how the strings are wound on the inside of the tuning pegs, on both sets of pegs (this applies to ukes with solid heads, with tuning pegs arranged on the sides in two's). Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow.