Ukulele slack-key tuning (G C E G)
Players exploring Hawaiian slack-key and anyone who wants an open C chord under their fingers.
Slack-key tuning on the ukulele lowers the first string from A to G, so the open strings sound a C major chord: G C E G. The name comes from the Hawaiian slack-key guitar tradition of loosening strings into open tunings.
With the open strings already a C chord, melodies on the top two strings ring over a constant drone, which is the heart of the slack-key sound.
Notes and frequencies
From the fourth string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | G4 | 392.00 Hz | as standard |
| 3 | C4 | 261.63 Hz | as standard |
| 2 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | as standard |
| 1 | G4 | 392.00 Hz | −2 semitones from A4 |
From standard tuning
- String 1: lower A4 down a whole step to G4.
The other 3 strings stay in standard.
Tuning to Slack key in TuneGlass
- Open Settings and choose ukulele.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose Slack key from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- Only the first string moves, down a whole step to G. Tune it against the open fourth string: both are G4 and should ring together with no beating.
- Barring across any fret gives a major chord, so slack-key is also a very easy tuning for beginners to strum in.
Questions
What is slack-key tuning on a ukulele?
G C E G: standard G C E A with the first string lowered a whole step. The open strings form a C major chord.
Is it the same as Open C?
On the ukulele, yes; slack-key and Open C describe the same G C E G tuning.
Related tunings
English