A musical instrument is to be tuned properly before it is played. This way, it brings about the right sound that you are after. The right tuning is essential for playing the ukulele. This is true to say considering ukulele players who are not familiar with the ukulele and its sound.
When the ukulele is out of tune, the wrong sound is associated then to the corresponding chords and notes. Thus, learning is made much more difficult on your part. Good thing, there are the best ukulele tuners in 2020 that you could use as an aid.
How to Tune a Ukulele With a Tuner?
A tuner is essentially needed in tuning your ukulele. This is found in most local music and online shops. This is not that expensive that makes things easier on your part. Follow the standard tuning method or relative tuning. This involves tuning the 4 strings relevant to each other.
This method is perfect when it comes to playing on your own. The strings should sound well together. The first step involved is to use the (A) as the first string. This is a reference used in tuning the other 3 strings. This is good when playing with friends.
The second step involves placing your finger behind the 5th fret of the 2nd string or E string. This is an A note. Adjust the 2nd string using tuning pegs. Wait until they finally achieve the same sound.
The third step involves the finger placed at the back of the 4th fret of the C string. This is called the E note. The same sound should come up upon picking the second string or (E). Adjust the 3rd string with the headstock’s tuning pegs.
Some more practice is needed upon training your ear. Master knowing your fretboard notes to come up with good combinations.
How to Tune a Ukulele Without a Tuner?
Tune a ukulele without a tuner but with a reference pitch. This is about turning a ukulele by ear against a set or single of notes. This can be in the form of notes from an instrument or a piano. Choose for the notes. Tune your ukulele matching the plucked string.
Purchase pitch pipes or a tuning fork. This comes in handy without using a tuner or right throughout a gig. Utilize a G type or tuning fork. Tune the string (G). Hold the string at its fifth fret. Pluck it to hear the C note. This is the reference pitch for your next string like the C string. Pluck at the fourth fret of the C string. This goes on and so forth.
Be careful as a beginner. Tune by ear although it is difficult to master. Do this as much as possible as a beginner. Excellently practice it to help you play and understand the sound of the strings.
How Do You Know If Your Ukulele is Tuned?
Bear in mind that your ukulele must be as always tuned. It must be regularly tuned as it is prone to fall out of tune. This is true to say its extra-stretchy strings. You will know if the ukulele is tuned if the strings finally settle in. It stayed in tune when you play it more often.
What Are the 10 Best Ukulele Tuners in 2019?
| Name | Item Weight | Battery Required | |
| Fender FT-0004 Clip-On Chromatic Tuner | 1.3 ounces | 1 by 3 volts 2032 battery | Price |
| Snark Ukulele Clip-On Tuner | 0.6 ounces | 1 Lithium Metal Battery | Price |
| Planet Waves PW-CT-12 NS Micro Headstock Tuner | 0.32 ounces | 1 Lithium Metal Battery | Price |
| KLIQ UberTuner Clip-On Tuner | 0.81 ounces | 1 Lithium Metal Battery | Price |
| KLIQ MetroPitch Metronome Tuner | 3.17 ounces | 2 AAA batteries needed | Price |
| Snark ST-2 All Instrument Clip-On Chromatic Tuner | 2.4 ounces | 1 Lithium Metal batteries | Price |
| D’Addario NS Micro Tuner | 0.32 ounces | 1 Lithium Metal Batteries | Price |
| Snark SN6 | 0.16 ounces | 1 Lithium Metal Batteries | Price |
| So There Rechargeable Tuner | 0.776 ounces | 1 Lithium Metal Batteries | Price |
| Planet Waves Universal Chromatic Tuner | 1.44 ounces | 1 CR2 Batteries | Price |
1. Fender FT-0004 Clip-On Chromatic Tuner— One-of-a-Kind Choice for Being Compact and Small
Editor’s Rating: 4.3 out of 5
This Fender FT-0004 Clip-On Chromatic Tuner is a one-of-a-kind choice for being compact and small. This comes with tuning modes of bass, guitar, violin, chromatic, and ukulele. It has its tuning range of B0-B7. It also demands 1 by 3 volts 2032 battery.
The best thing about it is that it is easy for you to operate. This is true during such a darkened stage condition. It is highlighted by its vibration sensor built for it. Thus, accurate tuning is promised especially in noisy areas.
It also comes in the large size of an LCD. Plus, it has its needle that easily shows up when it comes out of tune. This is produced for tuning acoustic guitars. Truly, this is the tuner you ever need for its great performance.
Pros
- Easy to read
- Solid
- Accurate
Cons
- Not Intended for Bass Players
2. Snark SN6— An Imported Ukulele Tuner
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5
This plastic-made Snark SN6 is an imported ukulele tuner. This comes with a complete color display. Its display also best rotates to about 360-degrees. This paves way for ease of viewing. Its likable features include a sensitive vibration sensor.
The tuner is useful on the front of the back part of the headstock. This is valuable to use provided the troubleshooting tips and instructions are followed. What sets it apart is that it works with the baritone ukulele. It does the 4 thin guitar strings accurately.
This does have no microphone onboard. Thus, the tuner is already immune to noise from the background. Tune the ukulele all you want in a noisy environment. Plus, it comes with an off-button facet. There are no snazzy functions to find from here.
Pros
- Easy to read
- Easy to change
- Sturdy
Cons
- None, so far
3. Planet Waves PW-CT-12 NS Micro Headstock Tuner—Easy to Read and Precise Ukulele Tuner
Editor’s Rating: 4.3 out of 5
This tuner is very much precise. This is discrete, lightweight, and compact. The tuner is found at the back of the headstock. It blends into the instrument perfectly. It is also small enough when kept and stored in a case.
This is also extremely accurate as it picks up the vibration of an instrument. Its calibration ranges from 410 Hz to 480 Hz. This is enough in guaranteeing precise performance. This is also powered by the CR2032 battery already included in it.
Moreover, this provides an optimal viewing angle. This is a good fit for the right-handed or left-handed instrument. This is also great when used for electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins, basses, ukuleles, and banjos.
For years, D’ Addario Accessories is the leading provider in the industry for problem-solving and innovative products. Musicians are continuously being served around the world.
Pros
- Small
- Reliable
- Superb
- Nice
Cons
- Slightly frustrating when used
4. KLIQ UberTuner Clip-On Tuner—Perfect for Different Instruments
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5
This tuner is not only a fit for a ukulele. This is an all-instrument tuner, too. This is perfect to use for violin, guitar, bass, and chromatic modes of tuning. This is amazing in the sense that it is accurate and fast.
More time is spent in playing than in tuning. Its sensitive Piezo Sensor and advanced Micro Processor ensure you of accurate tuning. Plus, it comes with a super bright type of display. See if you are sharp, flat, and dead-on from the angle through its display.
One more thing is that it is easily turned on and clipped on. The tuner monitors the pitches from the vibrations. No worries about the noise from an ambient room.
This is amazing for its durable and strong design. Truly, this is intended to last a lifetime. The good thing is that it comes with a three-year guarantee from a manufacturer.
Pros
- Beautiful
- Solid
- Strong
- Bright
Cons
- Somehow slow when switched on
5. KLIQ MetroPitch Metronome Tuner— Such A Versatile Tuner
Editor’s Rating: 4.4 out of 5
This metronome tuner is perfect to use for different kinds of instruments. This is very much versatile. This is also already a three-in-one device. This already is a combination of a metronome, tuner, & tone generator.
Such accurate and fast tuner is impressive for its A0-C8, transposition settings, different tuning modes, & pitch calibration. This also has its range of about thirty to two-hundred-fifty beats every minute. Moreover, this comes in with different rhythm patterns and beats and tap tempo.
Improve more of timing in different musical styles. This allows you to dial in the tempo desired. This is done easily and quickly. The selection of pitch is done swiftly, too.
Pros
- Fantastic
- Accurate
- Compact
- Easy to use
Pros
- Faulty Audio
6. Snark ST-2 All Instrument Clip-On Chromatic Tuner— Promises Smart Tuning
Editor’s Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Tune your ukulele, bass, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar. This all-instrument tuner allows you to choose between the vibration sensor and internal mic. This lets you accurately tune your instrument. Plus, its bright display & 360-swivel head lets you tune at different angles.
Get the perfect tune in no time. This one is so simple and easy to use. Learn more about how to keep your ukulele in tune. Get also only the amazing sound from it. It also boasts nothing but simplicity.
It does behave better than any other model. It is just okay for any purpose it may serve. This has got a “wow” factor. This clips right on top of the guitar. Thus, you can begin plucking the strings.
Use it in tuning instruments. It is small and sturdy. This is a big plus already making it a recommended one.
Pros
- Great Speed
- Accurate
- Excellent
Cons
- Requires ASIC or firmware modification
7. D’Addario NS Micro Tuner— Easy to Read and Precise Tuner
Editor’s Rating: 4.3 out of 5
This tuner of a ukulele is highly-precise being a clip-on type. This is discrete, lightweight, and compact. This is also kept on an instrument while it is stored in the case. What also these promises is extreme accuracy.
Its piezo transducer is accurate, too. It picks up the vibration of the instrument. It also comes with a tri-color and easy-to-read backlit screen. It best displays a note in red as it is not tuned accurately. It is yellow once it is closed. It is green as it is tuned properly.
Enjoy more of its maximum battery. This is brought about by an auto-off function. It is also great for featuring a padded clamp and swivel mechanism. It is a great choice for electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins, basses, ukuleles, and banjos.
Pros
- Cool
- Nice
- Reliable
- Superb
Cons
- Refuses in locking-on
8. Snark SN6— Tuner That is Easy and Convenient to Use
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Snark SN6 is designed using plastic material. This model comes with a complete color display. It then rotates for about three-hundred sixty degrees. Thus, an easy viewing experience is brought to a player like you.
This is emphasized with a high-sensitivity type of vibration sensor. Use the tuner on the front of the backmost part of the headstock. Just also follow the manual for troubleshooting tips and instructions.
This is properly-packaged in a box. It is easy and convenient to use. It also is a perfect fit for non-standardized tunings. The tuner does read any of the notes you want to play.
Pros
- Superb
- Accurate
- Easy to Read
- Easy to Change
Cons
- Sexy matt is glossy and ABS plastic in effect
9. So There Rechargeable Tuner—High-Quality and Compact Tuner
Editor’s Rating: 4.3 out of 5
This lightweight, high quality, and compact ukulele tuner is ideal to use. This comes with a full and super-bright color display. This is also easy for you to read from an angle. Plus, this is snugly-padded not harming the instrument’s finish.
One more thing is that this is rechargeable. It easily charges using its USB cable. This promises performance that can be long-lasting. Thus, the tuner can be used for almost over five hours. This also saves energy using automatic power and down.
This does tuning effectively for all instruments. This comes in with 5 tuning modes of G, C, U, & V. This is great for its tuning experience on banjo, mandolin, electric or acoustic instrument. The only satisfaction is guaranteed to you by the product.
Pros
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Accurate
- Convenient
Cons
- Stopped from tuning after getting bumped
10. Planet Waves Universal Chromatic Tuner—Convenient and Portable to Store
Editor’s Rating: 4.3 out of 5
This tuner is fully chromatic perfect for electric and acoustic instruments. This also comes with easy to read LED and LCDs displays. This has a dual-operational mode. This is perfect for manual and auto-tuning of the pitches.
This can tune basses, guitars, & more brass and woodwind instruments. This also features LCD and LED displays (bold). This, therefore, tunes up dark or well-lit environments. This comes as well with a built-in microphone for electronic and acoustic instruments.
The thing that sets it different from the rest is its sleek and compact design. It is extremely convenient and portable to use. This is great to use by both professionals and beginners. This can tune woodwind, strung, & brass instruments. This features LCD graphics, note indicator, one-fourth inch input, and built-in microphone.
Easily tune it to any of your electric or acoustic instruments. This is also lightweight. This makes it convenient and portable to store. This is intended for musicians with excellent tuning accuracy.
Pros
- Accurate
- Ease of Tuning
- Simple interface
Cons
- None, so far
Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Ukulele Tuners in 2020
Below is a short but clear guide on how to choose for the best ukulele tuner.
1. Look for an Electronic Tuner
You can get your ukulele tuned better with an electronic tuner. This comes with a mode-matching up the strings. The clip-on model attached to its headstock is also good.
2. Look for the Quality in the Ukulele Tuners
Know that you can easily get your ukulele in tune. It depends upon the quality of the tuning machines or the tuning pegs. Plus, it concerns how the ukulele stays in tune. The majority of tuning machines feature set screws through the buttons. They are used in rotating the tuner.
3. Look to Buy a Gig Bag or Case Bag
Keep your instrument safe with the use of a gig bag or a case bag. This can keep it from any harm from the road. Thus, your investment will be safeguarded and protected.
Experiment as well using a standardized guitar pick or felt pick. This is even better than the use of your fingers. Experiment on the various sounds produced by the pick.
Final Verdict:
Get started learning to play the ukulele. Master the ukulele and easily play on it after tuning it completely. Let your ears and fingers still guide you to tuning the ukulele. From the ukulele tuners enlisted above, we want the Snark ST-2 All Instrument Clip-On Chromatic Tuner as the first and favored choice among them all for its great speed, accuracy, and excellence. The second of our best choice is the Snark SN6 that is easy and also convenient to use. Nevertheless, we want to encourage you that the best ukulele tuner that suits to your instrument’s needs.
