Have you taken a good look at your ukulele strings and noticed that each string is a slightly different size? Your eyes are not deceiving you, they are indeed different sizes. But why? Does it matter what order they go on the ukulele?
Keep reading to find out more about ukulele string size and you’ll be an expert in no time!
All About Ukulele Strings
The four strings on a ukulele are unique to the instrument. They may be similar to a guitar, mandolin, banjo, or violin, but there is nothing quite like ukulele strings. They are commonly made from nylon, fluorocarbon, gut (or nylagut), and steel. Nylon strings have a mellow, warm sound and fluorocarbon strings are brighter.
There are also wound nylon which have a nylon core and wound metal strings which have a metal core. Here is a great video on the Uke Like the Pros YouTube Channel that explains the difference between new nylagut and fluorocarbon strings by Terry Carter. You’ll be able to decide which might be a good fit for your ukulele. (Be sure to subscribe to the channel to keep up to date on all sorts of ukulele information!)
Read more: How to Chuck on the Ukulele
String Order
Ukulele strings are tuned to the notes G-C-E-A. The two inside strings (C and E) are thicker than the two outside strings (G and A). It might be handy to take a look at your ukulele right now. Can you feel and see the difference? This will be true of ukuleles that are tuned in High G tuning.
You will have a difference in string sizes and order if you are using Low G tuning. These are usually used on tenor and baritone-sized ukuleles.
Gauges and Tensions
String gauge depends on the scale and length of your ukulele. Gauge is described as the thickness or diameter of the strings. They are usually measured in thousandths of inches (or millimeters in some cases). The gauge plays a crucial role in how the ukulele sounds.
Light gauge strings have thinner diameters. They are easier to press down on the fretboard, making them suitable for beginners with weaker fingers. They generally have a brighter and sweeter tone with less sustain. They require less tension to reach standard GCEA tuning which can be gentler on the ukulele’s neck and bridge.
Medium gauge strings are a middle-of-the-road option in terms of thickness. They offer a nice balance between playability and tone. They have a nice sound that suits a variety of playing styles including strumming and fingerpicking. They are a nice blend of the brightness of a lighter gauge string and the warmth of a heavier gauge string.
Heavy gauge strings have thicker diameters. They can be more challenging to press down and fret, and often require stronger fingers (not necessarily good for beginners). They tend to have a warm, full sound and are more resonant in tone with a more pronounced sustain. They require higher tension to reach standard tuning, which can affect the ukulele’s setup and intonation. It’s essential to ensure the ukulele can handle the added tension.
Some ukulele players like to mix and match their strings and create a custom setup. This usually occurs after much experimentation. You can create just the right tone you are looking for by mixing and matching. Some players might use a heavier gauge for the G and C strings and a lighter gauge for the E and A strings, which can make it easier to solo.
Changing Ukulele Strings
One way to get more familiar with your ukulele string sizes is to change your ukulele strings. I know that may sound scary if you’ve never done it before. But I assure you, it’s not as hard as you think, and it’s actually fun to change them (and empowering). Terry Carter has a great video on changing your ukulele strings on the Uke Like the Pros YouTube Channel here.
You might have to watch the video a couple of times, but I’m confident you’ll be able to change them. Physically touching the strings and feeling the different thicknesses can help in your general understanding of them. And if I can change ukulele strings, anyone can!
Experiment with Different Brands
There are so many great ukulele strings of different sizes and gauges you can experiment with. D’Addario makes a great “Titanium” string which is made of a dense monofilament material that has a translucent purple hue and a polished, smooth feel similar to nylon. This unique material is particularly beneficial to ukuleles due to its slightly brighter tone and increased projection, resulting in more volume, clarity, and dynamics. I have played them on one of my tenors and the sound was amazing. You can find these strings in the Terry Carter Music Store.
Conclusion
Ukulele string sizes are different, depending on the scale and length of your ukulele. Experiment with different brands and ukulele sizes to see which kind compliments your playing style the best. Do you primarily strum or fingerpick? Some of both? You can ask other players about their string size preferences in the Uke Like the Pros Community Forum. It’s a fun and friendly community of ukulele players of varying experience levels who can offer advice. We offer a variety of membership packages that can suit your needs, too!
