Relative Ukulele Tuning Method
With relative ukulele tuning all four strings are tuned relative to each other and can be used when you have no other means of tuning your ukulele. This is a good method if you are playing on your own and you want to have all your strings sound good together, but it isn’t that accurate and might cause issues if you are playing with other people. The relative ukulele tuning method can be broken down in four steps.
1. You will use the first string (A) as a reference to tune the other three strings, which is why this method isn’t that accurate. You won’t notice any problems if you are playing alone, but you will if you play along with songs or with your friends.
2. Place your finger just behind the fifth fret on the E string (second string). That note is an A. When you pick the first string (A), it should sound the same. Adjust the second string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until the two strings sound the same.
3. Now place your finger just behind the fourth fret on the C string (third string). That note is an E. When you pick the second string (E), it should sound the same. Adjust the third string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until it sounds the same as the second string. By now you will have noticed that tuning a ukulele is kind of fun.
4a. Most ukuleles come with a high G string as standard. Place your finger just behind the second fret on the G string (fourth string). That note is an A. When you pick the first string (A), it should sound the same as the A on the G string. Adjust the fourth string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until the two strings sound the same.
4b. To tune a ukulele with a low G string, place your finger on the fifth fret on the G string (fourth string). That note is a C. When you pick the third string (C), it should sound the same. Adjust the fourth string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until the two strings sound the same.
It might take some practice to train your ear, but this is actually an easy way to tune your ukulele quickly. If you know your notes on the fretboard you could also come up with other combinations.