Verbal Analysis: The Sunny Sound of C6

This tuning, commonly known as C6 tuning, is the ubiquitous standard for concert and tenor ukuleles. While soprano ukuleles historically adopted a D6-tuning, the C6 variant has become widely recognized and loved. It's easily remembered with the playful mnemonic 'Goats Can Eat Anything' (G-C-E-A). A defining characteristic of this tuning is its re-entrant nature, meaning the 4th string (G) is tuned an octave higher than might be expected if compared to a 'Low G' tuning. This setup avoids a deep bass string, instead providing a bright, chiming, and often sparkling sound that is synonymous with the ukulele's cheerful character. This makes the instrument exceptionally well-suited for rhythmic accompaniment and melodic fills, where the high G adds shimmer rather than a deep foundation.

Technical Analysis: C6 Chord at Your Fingertips

With open strings tuned to G3-C3-E3-A3 (from 4th to 1st string), this tuning inherently presents a C6 chord (C-E-G-A) when all strings are strummed open. This provides an incredibly rich and harmonically complete foundation, making it easy to jump into playing many songs without complex fingerings. A simple C Major chord can be formed by strumming Strings 3, 2, and 4 (C3, E3, G3), while adding the 1st string (A3) completes the C6. The intervals from the lowest pitched string by actual pitch (C3, String 3) are: C to E (Major 3rd), E to G (minor 3rd, String 4), and G to A (Major 2nd, String 1). The re-entrant G3 (String 4) means that the lowest pitched string by actual sound is C3 (String 3), rather than the G string, which contributes to a compact, bright, and articulate sound, perfect for chord-melody playing or lively strumming. Many fundamental ukulele chords become highly accessible, such as an F Major (2nd fret G, open C, 1st fret E, open A), or G Major (open G, 2nd fret C, 3rd fret E, 2nd fret A).

How to Tune Your Ukulele to Classic C6 Re-entrant

To achieve the vibrant Classic Ukulele C6 Re-entrant tuning (G3-C3-E3-A3), please follow these precise string adjustments. It's important to approach these changes carefully, especially with significant pitch shifts.

• 4th String (G3): You will need to tune up 5 semitones. This is a substantial upward adjustment.
• 3rd String (C3): You will need to tune down 7 semitones. This large drop in pitch will significantly reduce string tension.
• 2nd String (E3): You will need to tune down 7 semitones. Similar to the 3rd string, this is a considerable downward adjustment.
• 1st String (A3): You will need to tune down 7 semitones. This final large downward adjustment will also decrease string tension.

Important Note on String Gauges: When adjusting strings by more than 4 semitones, either up or down, as is the case for all strings in this tuning, you are making a significant change to string tension. While your existing strings may accommodate this, for optimal playability, string longevity, and to prevent undue stress on your ukulele, it is highly advisable to consider a different string gauge specifically designed for this tuning, especially for permanent use. Tuning up 5 semitones on the 4th string, in particular, requires careful attention to avoid string breakage or damage to the instrument.

Here are the specific notes for each open string in the Classic Ukulele C6 Re-entrant tuning, from the 4th (lowest string number) to the 1st string:

• String 4: G3
• String 3: C3
• String 2: E3
• String 1: A3