The guitalele might look like a lovechild of a guitar and ukulele, but it’s not intimidating at all. It’s easy to learn and much easier to carry than a regular guitar! But, how do you tune this adorable string instrument? The answer might surprise you. Here’s everything you need to know about suitable tuning.
What Is a Guitalele?
For the past few years, guitalele has been a popular choice among musicians who want to get their hands on something that is significantly different from a ukulele. Because of its smaller size and unique body style, it has become quite popular in recent years. Guitalele tunings are just like songs, and they can often be found in the same intervals as a guitar. To capo them, you’ll want to place them on the fifth fret.
The guitalele has four steel strings that are tuned the same as a uke’s G string, except it is an octave lower on the ukulele. The reason for this ukulele-like sound is because of the standard guitalele tuning. It has a higher pitch than a guitar. How high? A 4th higher.
If you want to learn about guitalele tunings, this is the post for you.
What is the Standard Guitalele Tuning?
The six-string guitalele, much like the ukulele, typically has its top four strings tuned in the same way as a guitar. The first difference is that a ukulele’s G string is an octave lower.
Most guitar strings are made of nylon and are strung at standard tuning. The top three strings are thinner, and the bottom three strings are thicker for less tension and a smoother sound. You’ll need to move up three frets to play the same note on a guitalele instead of your guitar. So, if you play open E on your guitar and tune that string down to D, you will get the same musical note as playing 5th fret D.
What is the Guitalele Tuning With High G?
In this tuning, the D string has been replaced with a high G string and one octave above the highest E string on your guitalele. It’d also help if you tuned your high-E string up to an A to create a chord that resembles a D major seventh chord. Then, you’ll need to tune the E note down three frets before landing on an F. Then tune each note from there, going outward in fourths until you get back to standard tuning: B-E-A-D-G-B.
The high G guitalele tuning is a variation to standard tuning that incorporates a re-entrant string order. A high E on the first string usually remains a low E. What this means is that the strings are not requiring any special tuning and can be played in open tuning like EADGBe.
DADGAD: The Alternate Guitalele Tuning?
Tuning is a challenge at first, since this tuning doesn’t use the 6th string. You can use an electronic tuner or tune by ear. Start by tuning your guitar to the 7th fret on the low E-string.
When learning how to tune a ukulele, you first need to learn how DADGAD tuning is structured. There are two different bridges-one for the G string and one for the D string:
- a-string: Open A = 5th fret E-string
- d-string: Open D = 5th fret A-string
- g-string: Open G = 2nd fret D-string
- D string: Open D = 6th fret low E string
- E string: Open E = 7th fret high E string
While you can tune your ukulele down a half step to match guitar players playing in rock bands, this is not standard ukulele tuning. Standard ukulele tuning is tuned to the same note as the 6th Low G-String—standard tuning.
If you want to make the guitalele higher or lower in pitch, you’ll need to take off the high G string and put on a regular guitar E-string. You will first need to tune your instrument then retun it for two more times!
B-string: Open B = 7th fret F#
C-string: Open C = 2nd fret C
D-string: 4th fret D
E-string: There are no string 6 on a guitalele in the tuning. 8th fret E will be the same note as an open G on a standard guitar.
F-string: The 10th fret F on a guitar ukulele is the smallest string, so tuning down by an equal amount will help make it sound more full and rich.
G-string: Open G = 4th fret A , so it’s best to tune down from the f-string by ear.
High G-string: You can tune this string up or down depending on your preferences to various keys. You may also want it slightly higher or lower than the standard tuning string.
Can You Tune a Guitalele Like a Regular Guitar?
Yes, you can most definitely tune a guitalele like a regular guitar! So, what you want to do is tune all the strings down until you get E-A-D-G-B.
There is a drawback to AI writers that you should be aware of – the strings will be floppy or too loose. Expect your guitalele to sound muddy. there is a workaround, though. You can pick up a set of hanabach gauges and other small nylon strings.
Conclusion
This instrument is an excellent option for people who have always wanted to learn how to play a guitar. It also has features that are similar to that of a standard acoustic guitar, but it’s easier to learn. You can tune it right after you’ve installed it and enjoy the benefits of a top-notch guitar in no time. Remember, the standard guitalele tuning is A-D-G-C-E-a, just like a standard guitar, but the same six strings are used but are tuned an octave higher at GCEA.
FAQ for Guitalele Tuning Guide
What are the different tunings in guitalele?
Guitalele is a type of guitar that has been modified to have 6 strings. It includes the standard three strings of a guitar and 3 additional strings. This extra string is tuned to the same tone as the open E string on a standard guitar, which allows it to be played with the fingers.
The tunings for guitalele are different from those for regular guitars. The tuning for an A string on a guitalele is slightly higher than that of an A string on a regular guitar, which makes it easier for beginners to learn how to play this instrument.
What should I know before tuning my Guitalele?
Guitalele is a modern version of the guitar that uses a microphone and speakers. It is a combination of guitar and ukulele.
Nowadays, it has become easier for anyone to learn how to play the guitar because of its low-cost and high-quality features. However, before you buy your Guitalele, there are some things you should know about it so that you can make a smart purchase.
The first thing you should consider is whether or not this instrument will be compatible with your lifestyle. If you are an amateur musician who likes to practice at home on their own, then this instrument is perfect for you. If however, you want to play in live shows or with other musicians, then this instrument may not be ideal for your needs.
What is the best way to tune my guitalele?
The best way to tune your guitalele is by using a tuner. They are very easy to use and can be found in most musical stores.
What type of music can I play on a guitalele?
Guitalele is a small, portable and lightweight guitar that has been designed for children. It is a perfect instrument for beginners who are just starting to learn the basics of playing an acoustic guitar.
Some of the popular songs that you can play on a guitalele are: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Mary Had A Little Lamb”.
How long does it take to tune a guitalele?
There are many different types of instruments that are tuned in a different way. Guitaleles, for example, require tuning before they can be played. This is because the strings of these instruments are not evenly spaced and need to be adjusted to make them sound as good as possible.
The process of tuning a guitalele usually takes about 45 minutes for most beginners and 15-20 minutes for more experienced players. If you want to tune your own instrument, it’s recommended that you start with the lowest string and work your way up.