4 vs 5 string uke-- what's the tuning?

captain-janeway

captain-janeway

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
1,352
Reaction score
458
Posted this on Facebook but wanted to try here
4 vs 5 string-- what's the tuning called? GCEA is reentrant. gCEA is linear. What do you call it on a 5 string uke as gGCEA? I like to fingerpick a lot of country ballads that are linear, but the low g really sounds jarring to me. I don't know if the 5 string would help. Anyone do this and what did you think? I've never actually been able to play a 5 string to try. I know, get a guitar,but I can barely play a concert with the size of my hands. Thanks.
 
I'm curious as well. I don't know if it's the same question, but I wonder: do 5 string ukes typically play linear or re-entrant arrangements?
 
I play linear, re-entrant, and 6-string ukes and have my preferences using each for different songs and playing styles. When I played a 5 string for the first time I also was confused and got the impression that they are ukes for people who are undecided. But if you watch performances of people who have them integrated into their style then it is obvious that there are ways to make them work. An example is Taimane: she seems to play leads and intricate stuff on the three high strings, but integrates the octave gs for powerful strumming that punches trough. For fingerpicking a low G is the way to go. If it sounds funny then possibly because it's a wound one. Try an Aquila Red for better balance with other strings.
 
Octave-G,CEA?

Lin-entrant?
 
Last edited:
merlin666 said:
They are mix with two G strings an octave apart.
Click to expand...

Arrangements meaning written music. For ukulele they are typically written specifically for high or low G. I'm curious which arrangement folks with 5-string ukes play: if it's one or the other, or if you can play either. I like playing both high and low G ukes, but for fingerstyle, I find much of the music is arranged for re-entrant ukes. If I'm using a low G instrument, I have to adapt it if I can. I'm wondering if 5-string uke players prefer high or low G arrangements, particularly for fingerstyle playing.

Do 5-string players usually pluck/play both high and low G strings together, or do they just play one, according to the arrangement, despite the two strings being so close? If I were to go out and get a 5-string uke, would I be looking to use it primarily with high or low G fingerstyle arrangements? Both? Would it not matter?
 
snowdenn said:
Arrangements meaning written music. For ukulele they are typically written specifically for high or low G. I'm curious which arrangement folks with 5-string ukes play: if it's one or the other, or if you can play either. I like playing both high and low G ukes, but for fingerstyle, I find much of the music is arranged for re-entrant ukes. If I'm using a low G instrument, I have to adapt it if I can. I'm wondering if 5-string uke players prefer high or low G arrangements, particularly for fingerstyle playing.

Do 5-string players usually pluck/play both high and low G strings together, or do they just play one, according to the arrangement, despite the two strings being so close? If I were to go out and get a 5-string uke, would I be looking to use it primarily with high or low G fingerstyle arrangements? Both? Would it not matter?
Click to expand...

For fingerstyle it would be a gamble but more likely to emulate low G. It requires more care for thumb technique to hit both strings at the same time with equal force. Five string is more suitable for strumming.
 
I could be wrong, but I believe Taimane plays her 5 string Kamaka with 2 low G's.
 
HMS had a couple of videos of, I think Corey, finger picking tenors with 5 or more strings. I think there was an 8-string as well as a 6-string. But it's been a while since I've seen them.

I was amazed that his picking was so accurate that he could choose which of the octave strings to play as he went. Just lovely.

I have my 8-string strung gGcCEA so I would imagine it wouldn't be too hard to just play the High-g with your thumb's down stroke. As long as you don't bend the string much. Playing only the Low-G will be tougher. But it can be done.

I'm going to have to experiment...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Alternate Tuning for Baritone Uke - String Recommendations?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Jim Hanks
Jim Hanks
SteveZ
Six-String Tenor Uke Tuning Experiment
Replies
2
Views
629
Camsuke
Camsuke
U
6 vs. 8 String Uke -- Different Voice/Tuning
Replies
14
Views
3K
SteveZ
SteveZ
greenie44
Tuning my steel string uke higher
Replies
5
Views
247
Wicked
Wicked
N
Help! A string slips off of the tuning peg (Risa Uke Solid Tenor - new :-( )
Replies
17
Views
4K
Louis0815
Louis0815
Top Bottom