How to Change Ukulele Strings: Step-by-Step Guide

Dull, stretched out or broken strings cost tone and tuning stability. Changing ukulele strings takes about fifteen calm minutes and is well within reach for beginners. This guide walks you through it step by step, from choosing the right set to tying the bridge knot to the break-in phase.

One thing up front: ukulele strings are size specific. A soprano, concert and tenor set is a separate set each, even though the standard G-C-E-A tuning is the same for all three. Baritone (D-G-B-E) and bass have their own sets. So reach for the set that matches your body size.

01Choosing the Right Set

First the right set. Soprano, concert and tenor are classically tuned re-entrant in G-C-E-A (high G string), and each size has its own length-matched set. Baritone is tuned lower in D-G-B-E and needs its own set, a baritone set is available on request. If you prefer a linear tenor, reach for a Low-G set.

Material decides the tone you want: Aquila Nylgut is the warm, traditional near-standard and stays in tune well. Fluorocarbon sounds brighter and more precise at a thinner gauge. Our guides on choosing strings and on materials go deeper. You will find an overview of all sets in the Ukulelen - Saiten category.

Aquila Ukulelensaiten Satz 7U Konzert

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Martin Fluorcarbon Ukulele Saiten Sopran/Konzert - Musik-Ebert Gmbh

Martin M600 Fluorcarbon Ukulele Saiten Sopran/Konzert

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02Tools and Preparation

You do not need much. A tuner (clip-on or app) is essential, and a small wire cutter helps trim the string ends cleanly. Change the strings one at a time rather than all at once, so neck tension stays even and you do not lose track of the order.

Lay out the new string and check its position. From the high A string to the G string, each string has a fixed position.

03Removing the Old Strings

First relax the string by turning the tuner until it is loose. That keeps a tensioned string from snapping back. Then unwind it from the tuner and undo the knot at the bridge.

Most ukuleles have a tie-bar bridge, where the string threads through the bridge and is knotted. Some models use bridge pins instead, fixing the string with a pin. Check which bridge type yours has before pulling out the old string.

04Tying at the Bridge

On a tie-bar bridge, thread the string from the front through the hole in the bridge so a short end sticks out the back. Fold that short end back over the bridge and pass it under itself once or twice to form a loop. For thin fluorocarbon strings, make two loops so the knot does not slip.

Pull the knot tight before adding tension. It should sit behind the bridge edge, not on top of the bridge. On a ukulele with bridge pins, push the string end with the pin into the hole and pull the string lightly until the pin holds.

05Winding onto the Tuners

Thread the free end through the hole in the tuner post and leave some slack so you can wind three to four turns. Wind so the string lays downward toward the headstock on the post. After a few turns the windings press against the threaded end and clamp it in place.

Now slowly bring the string up to roughly pitch. Trim the excess ends with the wire cutter, leaving a few millimeters.

D'Addario EJ87T Titanium Ukulelensaiten Satz, Tenor

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06Breaking In and Retuning

New strings stretch over several days and go noticeably out of tune at first. That is normal, not a fault. Tune the ukulele to G-C-E-A with the tuner and gently pull each string a few millimeters away from the fretboard to speed up the stretch.

Then tune again and repeat play and retune over the next few days. After a short break-in the ukulele holds tune and the fresh set shows its full tone.

A string change becomes routine once you have done it. With the right set, a clean knot and a little patience during break-in, your ukulele sounds fresh again and holds its tuning.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change ukulele strings?

With regular playing about every six to twelve months, or as soon as the tone goes dull, the tuning stops holding or a string shows signs of wear.

Can I put tenor strings on a concert ukulele?

We advise against it. Sets are matched in length and tension to each size. Use the set that fits your body: soprano, concert, tenor, baritone or bass.

Why does my ukulele keep going out of tune after a change?

New strings stretch for days and lose tension as they do. Retuning several times and lightly stretching by hand shortens this phase, after which the tuning stays stable.

Which material should I pick?

Aquila Nylgut is the warm, traditional near-standard and stays in tune well. Fluorocarbon sounds brighter and more precise. Titanium offers more projection and a smooth feel. It comes down to taste.

Do I need special tools?

No. A tuner and a small wire cutter are enough. Changing strings one at a time keeps tension and order easy to manage.