The "Uke-O-Lin" tuning offers a refreshing and distinct voice for your ukulele, designed to emulate the bright, articulate sound of an electric mandolin. This makes it an excellent choice for players looking to expand their sonic palette, easily integrate effects, and explore genres like folk, country, or even rock with a unique, cutting tone.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D3, G3, A3, E4 (from the lowest to highest string). This configuration results in the following intervals:

• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (A3): A Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (E4): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

This unique interval structure, particularly the Perfect 5th between the second and first strings, gives it a strong affinity with mandolin tuning (which often utilizes perfect fifths), albeit with a different root string. While the open strings (D-G-A-E) do not form a single simple major or minor chord, they provide a bright, open sound that is highly conducive to melody playing, arpeggios, and mandolin-style double stops. Chords will primarily be formed by fretting, allowing for versatile harmonic exploration over a resonant open base.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Uke-O-Lin" tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string:

• 4th String (lowest, towards your face): Tune to D3. Keep as is; no change is required (0 semitones).
• 3rd String: Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change is required (0 semitones).
• 2nd String: Tune to A3. This string needs to be tuned down by 2 semitones.
• 1st String (highest, closest to the floor): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change is required (0 semitones).

Since none of the string adjustments exceed four semitones up or down, your standard ukulele string gauges should perform well with this tuning without issue. Always tune carefully and check intonation.

String 4: D3 (The lowest-pitched string)

String 3: G3

String 2: A3

String 1: E4 (The highest-pitched string)