Is the LOW G STRING right for me? | The Pros + Cons | Ukulele Questions

[@MikeDavid_Davideos]

James Hill has a great idea about choosing between a high G stringed 'ukulele and with a low G one. Also choosing between tabletures or standard music notations. He used a parallelism: "Is it a Vehicle or is it the Destination?" - If the 'ukulele is your destination, then use high G stringed 'ukulele. Destination here means you only want to play the 'Ukulele. So you should use high G and use tablatures. If it's a Vehicle, meaning, you want to play other musical instruments, then use a low G stringed 'ukulele. Also, use standard notations in playing if the uke is your vehicle in learning more profound music (like classical) so you could translate music you learned in the uke in other musical instruments... You have to answer, Is the 'Ukulele the Destination or It's the Vehicle?

[@dovahkiin2835]

Great analogy! I play other stringed instruments and have been thinking about changing to low g so I can play more styles on my uke, this helped!

[@victorzurdo6516]

I play guitar so when I got my first uke, I thought ... This is interesting but ... I could do with a low G, so I could completely pretend this is like a guitar with a capo on the 5th fret i am playing. Now with this video I have seen the light. Altho hi g is interesting to play and offers another sound. Fun fact: Change your 4th guitar string for a 1st string and tune it to D. It's so interesting. You kind of get a 6 sting ukelele type of instrument. And when you strum chords sounds amazing. A whole new sound. This is used in a music from Congo called "soukus" you want to check it out. I love the sound. Thank for the video!

[@stanleysokolow]

Another feature of the low-G string is that with a low-G, the pitch ratios between the strings is the same as in a guitar. This allows you to watch a guitar player or look at a guitar tablature to see what frets are being played in a particular melody or chord on the guitar and transferring those positions to your ukulele while ignoring strings 5 and 6 of the guitar. Many guitar songs have their melodies and little riffs on their strings 1 through 4.

[@ricardolopezrago1688]

So true! I think I am going to try the low G.

[@m.g.6788]

thanks stanley for the tips. ı read 'em all

[@evas4192]

Well, isn't that cool! :)

[@heyamkareem6109]

I just switched to low G and I was experiencing all what you mentioned in this video. I feel better now. Thank you.

[@stevemiserable-yorkshirema8777]

I use ukes with low g mainly for finger picking and high g mainly for strumming. A big part of the traditional Ukulele sound is down to the close harmony you can achieve with the high g - that is four notes within one octave. Many strumming instruments, such as quattros, use re-entrant tuning for this reason and to reduce the difference in sound between up strums and down strums.

[@pammartin4527]

I personal love the Low G, all my ukes have low G except for one concert. I do have a 5 string tenor that has both a high G and low G and sounds incredible- I use Living Water Strings, just love the sweet sounds of these strings and easier on my fingers.

[@AllForUke]

Thanks for sharing! Kevin | www.allforuke.com/lessons

[@stanleysokolow]

Aquila makes a low-G that has a different kind of plastic which has more density so it can be tuned to low-G without being wound and without being any fatter than the C string. This is called the Aquila Red series. You can buy a single low-G Aquila Red. When you change from a thin string to a thicker string, you'll probably need to widen the slot in the nut so the string fits down to the same height above the frets as the original string did. You can do that with some cheap wire-like files that are sold online from China as nut files. Also, I found that the Aquila Red tends to wear down plastic fret ridges on ukuleles that have molded all-plastic fretboards. The wound low-G may do that too. So avoid that.

[@Mark-sj3xb]

Aquila Reds are crap. They break too easily. I bought several and they all broke within a day of installing them. Some even as I installed them

[@odontomatix]

@@Mark-sj3xb I've only used the Red low G string. It didnt break. After installing, I tightened gradually giving the string a few minutes to stretch before tightening again. I also widened the G slot of the nut with a cheap Chinese nut-file wire to fit the thicker string. In a KZbin video, someone recommends prestretching by hand before installing the strings. I didn't do that though.

[@stanleysokolow]

@@Mark-sj3xb Check your nut and bridge saddle for sharp edges where the strings rest as they pass over. I recently bought an 8-string ukulele and found that the high c string broke where it rests against the saddle. It's not an Aquila Red. Comments online show me that this is a frequent problem with this particular ukulele. Looking closely, I see that the edge of the saddle where the string touches is very sharp, almost knife edged. This edge cut into the high c string, which is the thinnest of the set and within a few hours after tuning it the first time, the string snapped right there at the saddle. The same could happen if a nut slot isn't properly tapered. I'm going to round-over that sharp edge with a fine file slightly, just enough to get rid of the sharpness before I install a new string. Aquila Reds are not as tough as other string materials, but they don't necessarily break without an underlying reason.

[@yahuchanonyakov]

Those Aquila reds are my favorites....bright and snappy with a lot ot tonal definition...

[@yahuchanonyakov]

@@Mark-sj3xb did you stretch them by hand first before you installed them? it is highly recommended by the makers to do that first....

[@jarmoharjunmaa9285]

Hi! I prefer low G, especially playing with my friend. Perhaps it's because I am also a bass player and I use the low notes more like bass player. I use D'Addario strings. They have fluorocarbon set with low G. Thank's ,Kevin, for this and many other videos! Very useful material you have indeed! Greetings from Finland!

[@alenaadler8242]

I had been thinking about eventually trying a low G, but that ‘eventually’ became ‘now’ when I ordered the low-G Aquila Red Series instead of the high-g by mistake. I took my time putting them on as they seemed like they wanted some pampering on their way up to in-tune, and now my concert seems like a completely different instrument. I’ll keep my soprano in gCEA re-entrant tuning, and enjoy experimenting with the new low-G sound on the concert. Thanks for your helpful video!

[@maldoc6517]

I like a low G unwound (Aquila Red). The wound always sounds a bit overpowering. Great demo - thanks.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Ernie Ball makes Ball End Low G Ukulele Strings which make restringing a Snap plus it lets the strings come out of the bridge at a steeper angle over the saddle

[@rogerfischer2533]

I added the low G-string on my Tenor Uke because I wanted to play notes lower than a C and I love it.. Thanks for the video love your channel,,,and greetings from Nebraska,,,

[@giannagarda7598]

A good thing about the low G is that placing a capo on the 5th fret of an acoustic guitar, we have a uke tuned low G 😉. Thanks so much for the tips on worn strings!

[@pepito2327]

Thank youuuuuu a lot for the tip 😄😄😄

[@BobWestWA8YCD]

I've been playing guitar for 50+ years, so coming into the Uke world the high G has been my major annoyance. I think Ill try it. I like the idea of having a second instrument with standard and one with the low G. Thanks for the advice.

[@georgejohnson7591]

Have you had a look at a Baritone ukulele? DGBE tuning like the four higher strings of a guitar

[@deeman524]

I just put a low G on my tenor and as I get used to it I love it, especially for songs that I play on more than one instrument, and when I'm playing popular songs. But at the same time the high G sounds more traditional and sounds more ukuleleish. So I will be playing more than 1 uke

[@yeoyongkee163]

You are a fantastic and caring teacher. Thanks

[@epicmage82]

I have a baritone ukulele that I just ordered some flourocarbon strings for, and a low g set for my comcert ukulele I just got. Pretty excited. I'm not too fond of the wound strings, and the high g on the other was a bit much for me. I like warmer to somber tones.

[@stanleysokolow]

By the way, writers are often a little sloppy about naming the low-G and high-g strings. Officially, the lower case "g" is the proper name for the high-g string, and the capital "G" is the proper name for the low-G string. Therefore, to be 100% technically correct, people should refer to the standard high-g tuning as "gCEA" but most of the time, unless someone is making a particular point about high versus low-G, they'll simply call the standard tuning "GCEA". When the tuning has the high-g, it's called "re-entrant", and when it has the low-G it's called "linear" tuning because all of the notes go in a steadily increasing (or decreasing) pattern without jumping back into the sequence to re-enter it.

[@ekaterinaS2409]

Thank you so much for information

[@corriecrazy]

You explained that very well, Stanley. Thanks!

[@natebrown7765]

Amazing video. Wow. You’re literally so helpful and educational!! Gonna try out the low G string and based on all of your examples, i think it’s gonna be something I’ll like

[@brianrevell8413]

Very much enjoyed this theory type of lesson, I've just ordered a Aquila Red low G to give it try on my tenor uku. Would be very happy to watch more of this type of theory content,many thanks Kevin. (from the UK)

[@lyndagibson9699]

I put Aquila Red Low G on my uke 2 months ago. Love them!!!! They transformed the sound of my uke from a beginners model to a fine sounding instrument. 👍👍👍

[@brianrevell8413]

@@lyndagibson9699 Thats really good to know Thanks

[@brianrevell8413]

Lynda, did you have to adjust the nut slot for the low G i.e deeper or wider ?

[@kevinmalloy2180]

Thanks. This was very useful to me a uke beginner. I am going to put a low-G string on one of two tenor ukes to try it out.

[@AllForUke]

Glad it was helpful! For more learning resources such as practice tracks, song sheets, and exclusive content, drop by the AllForUke community site and have a look around. All the best - Kevin | allforuke.com

[@tb-gy2rx]

This was a great comparison video thank you for providing will apply when practicing

[@AllForUke]

Glad it was helpful! If you're interested in more resources including practice tracks, worksheets and charts, drop by my site and have a look. All the best - Kevin | allforuke.com

[@georgefrench1907]

Good vid. I’m a low-G guy. For the reasons you mentioned. 👍

[@57terrih]

Loved the video. Very helpful. Thinking about getting a low G, especially now after hearing the difference. Thanks 👍👍

[@AllForUke]

Great to hear! All the best - Kevin | www.allforuke.com/lessons

[@sylviepiacente4147]

I have Aquila Lava low G made Italia on my tenor. I like the sound very much!

[@jefersonmuller2162]

I had those too but the low G boke some 2 months after I changed them. the others are fine tho

[@lorivanbuuren3406]

Thanks Kevin, great information, I started with a high g string, as I learned more, I found I preferred the low G sound, so my favourite uke was strung with a low G. Then I discovered the beautiful Campanella style of playing, and I am back to playing a high g frequently. My favourite uke is not happy! Ideally, two ukes strung differently is the way to go!

[@organjoe]

Great Job - nice explanation and demo -THANKS!

[@jadenhazelman319]

I love both high G and Low G and so i have a low G tenor and a high G concert...i use high G for a lot of classic tunes like brown eyed girl and kaau crater boys songs and trying to imitate Jake Shimabukuro😂😅 and i use the low G for playing more contemporary music so if possible, its great to have one low g uke and one high g uke to use for different situations and to add variety to your playing style

[@aelearlyup3222]

Hey, thanks for the super interesting video! As I am a uke newbie, I was wondering if the nut has to be adjusted permanently in some way due to the thicker G string or do both G and g strings usually fit through the same nut slit? Best wishes and thanks in advance!

[@davidrees570]

Cheers Kevin it was helpful , or was it ? Enjoyed it . It was helpful , but need to try it myself as you said . I’m brand new to the Uke so won’t be doing any comparison’s just yet , but great to have that insight

[@neverstoplearning2]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a high G is good if you like Clawhammer/Overhand like I do as it is closer to a banjo 5th string. I'm thinking of getting a banjolele later, and then putting a low g string on my uke. Best of both worlds. :)

[@lorenzosignorini3288]

I got a banjolele and added a low G on it, and I agree, I prefer it with the high G for that distinctive sound

[@merriryan6343]

Hi Kevin I have an eight string ukelele has both high and low g and C strings best of both worlds

[@AllForUke]

That has to sound super cool - who is the maker? All the best - Kevin | www.allforuke.com/lessons

[@merriryan6343]

@@AllForUke tiki by timber ridge has tuner and pick up etc

[@carlbuick]

Nice video. Fremont has a "squeakless" wound low G string in the Soloist line. It's flat wound and should last longer than the normal round wound. About $4.00, on line.

[@tntbrig]

That's the one I have and really like it. I have found though it is slightly deeper sounding than the Aquila wound but not as deep as the monofilament low G string and it's been on my Uke for about a year and still showing no wear.

[@georgejohnson7591]

That's the string I use, nice and smooth and definitely squeakless

[@Nixlplix]

I probably nearly broke my uke trying to tune the G string as high as most videos say. It got super tight and would just not tune that high. So apparently it's a low G string...thanks!

[@ekaterinaS2409]

Kevin, thank you so much for this really useful video. I wanted to watch yesterday, but my Internet "said" no. I liked the sound of low G string, but I might try when I have 2 ukes. I have 1 now. I think for some of songs low G is not a perfect decision. I don't know what to choose. How to tune low G string? 1/2 down? Anyway,thank you so much.Love you so much.

[@TheIronDuke9]

I have heard that you can use a gCEA set and put the C string as the low G and then the rest of the strings from thickest to thinest - anyone tried this? I might give it a shot, I tried a wound low G and didn't like it, it was too over powering

[@waterflame3454]

I'm not sure if I still can get an answer on my question. Do I have to play different using low-g than using high-g? I mean like chord-shapes. For example an E-Minor Chord (0-4-3-2) sounds weird with low-g. The third in the base is a little too dominant I think. Thanks for answers.

[@lestorhaslam]

Thanks, Kevin.

[@lynnokane5199]

I'd purchased a set of low-g strings and your video was just the encouragement I needed to finally put them on. I like them better with some songs and not others. I purchased Aquila strings made from sugar cane. The C, E, and A strings squeak some. I do like their sustain especially when finger picking.

[@zaxmaxlax]

Just buy a D string for a classical guitar. If you cut it the right way you will have 2 Low G strings for a tenor size ukulele. The "soft" floppy end of the guitar strings goes into the tunning pegs.

[@ukelokadepaixaomarcianogue299]

I have a tenor with Low G Aquila Red Series. Love it!!!🤎

[@AllForUke]

Ooh I want to try the red!

[@Joe-pc1ju]

i just put low g on my uke for thje last 2 yrs luv it!!

[@MissingLink001]

Hi Kevin, hi guys, I'm a complete beginner, i.e. I bought a really mega cheap 21” uke today just to practice chords on until I feel it's time to get a “real” uke, I'm quite impressed with the low G string setup, as when I tuned it up I wondered why the high g string didn't flow with the other strings, like why does it go high lower lower higher, I see it in my head like a tick ( ✔ ) and couldn't get my head around it, the low G seems a more natural progression to me, maybe it's just me? Constructive criticism gladly accepted.

[@ronthedon5317]

Did you ever upgrade your ukulele?

[@MissingLink001]

@@ronthedon5317 No not yet, unfortunately I've had a few important things to sort out, I will eventually get round to it though

[@ronthedon5317]

@@MissingLink001 I actually refurbish and sell instruments. If you're interested, I can hook you up with a ukulele between excellent and professional-grade for cheap, with new strings and all, for the low. Honest.

[@mariontl6764]

Hi Kevin. Thinking of getting a low G string put on my Kala SMHT (tenor solid mahogany). It currently has the strings it came with, D'Addario titanium. Have had the uke about 2 yrs. When I get the low g put on, should I get all new strings at the same time, and what brands/types of strings would you recommend please ? Also, wound or unwound low G ? Thanks.- Marion

[@dianaloria6883]

Loving your topics!

[@hobbycow5346]

The true answer is to have at least 2 ukes….nd have at least one uke with a Low G. I prefer high G overall, but some songs sound awful unless I use the Low G. A perfect example is Sounds of Silence. Nearly impossible to sound good played with a High G. So the debate is split into personal preference and what might best suit the song being played.

[@elijahsabree1677]

Thank you

[@aceofhearts9834]

On a clip on tuner using a low g tenor do you just tune the G to - 50 is that what an Octave down is I cant find anything on you tube or google

[@johncraft9793]

Im a new ukulele player. Can you recomend a tuner that can tune the low G. Mine doesn’t seem to have that option.

[@joephillips7612]

whats best for electic uke? i put a red aquila on there and it barely comes through the amp compared to the other 3 white aquilas. thanks.

[@patriciamoomaw2675]

Thank you for this informative video!

[@flukyreview9128]

I’m a guitar player, played for 23 years. I want transition to the ukulele. I understand there are four types of ukuleles, soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. I was also told they are not tuned the same, standard 440 guitar tuning is low E, A, D, G, B, high E. So coming from a guitar what ukulele to get for an easy, smooth transition?

[@VictorReyes-hk1ex]

the easiest would be baritone, because it is tuned like the 4 highest strings on a guitar. the other ones are tuned like a guitar with a capo on the 5the fret

[@idk...9690]

I only have one uke, should i go for low g or stay on high g?

[@gordevanoff8047]

have you ever talked about changing Baritone Ukes to Uke tuning! I have 2 baritones one high G and onr low g and love both ...but run into flak from the "community" for doing this....any pros on cons thx

[@lilianarodriguez734]

Thanks a lot!

[@tbedgood]

I just purchased a Ggum uke which has a soundhole inlay that looks like your Kala brand.Are you familiar with Ggum ukes?

[@corriecrazy]

I have a question for you. :) Can I use a G string from a baritone ukulele and put it on a tenor uke? I have an extra one. Thanks!

[@gregcummins6]

So, If I buy a set of low G strings, do I change all four of my strings or just change the high G to a low g?

[@danielchampagne8360]

What a great video!

[@terrymcnamara4408]

Hi Kevin, I am a newish player. I got a concert ukulele with a low G string. When I tried to play songs with the same finger placement, E7 or chord with a G fingering, the chord changed completely. It didn’t sound good at all to me. Would you talk about that? Thanks

[@Myra1959]

I’m going to consider the low g sometime.

[@AllForUke]

Awesome - let me know how you like it when you try it out. Thanks for learning with me! - Kevin | www.allforuke.com/lessons

[@moveabledo]

How many folks filed open the nut when switching to low G?

[@wylancslass]

Hi Kevin, first of all, I have to say, love the shirt! I have a question if you don't mind. I love the sound of a low G. I love the warmer sound. I tried to fit a low G string to a Concert Ukulele that I have. After fitting it, I noticed it wasn't sitting right. It was sitting on top of the notch on the nut instead of within it. The string was too fat! On the Uke that you have with the low G, did you fit that yourself and did you alter the nut? I would do that but it makes me nervous and I don't want to ruin the nut on my Uke. Thank you for your awesome videos!

[@odontomatix]

I used this kind of nut file to widen the g-string slot: www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Guitar-Nut-Slotting-File-Kit-Saw-Rods-Slot-Filing-Set-Luthier-Tool/303101987141?epid=579821443&hash=item4692494945:g:DuoAAOSwTYFedAWQ . Just pick the wire file that is slightly thicker than the new string. It cuts the nut very gradually, so you have to use plenty of strokes. Stop when the file reaches the bottom of the original slot or perhaps a little before that so you can allow for bigger vibration amplitude of the low-G string without buzzing against the fret wires.

[@wylancslass]

@@odontomatix Thank you so much for your help. Very kind of you to take the time to do that. I appreciate it.

[@annajones1426]

The Southern Ukulele Store has a full KZbin clip comparing low G strings. One of the strings is ok if you don’t want to alter the nut groove. I just can’t remember which. But check out their clip.

[@wylancslass]

@@annajones1426 Thank you Anna. I have actually seen that video and bought the set that Alex mentioned in the video but the string is still too thick for the slot. Thank you though. Appreciate you trying to help. Kind regards.

[@heyamkareem6109]

So, can I play any melody with low G as with high G? Thanks

[@nichole.m]

Can any ukulele be strung with a low g string?

[@markallen3564]

Hi Kevin, Would mind letting me in on which model Kala Uke you're using in this excellent demo. Regards. Mark

[@AllForUke]

Pau Ferro Tenor Specs here - www.allforuke.com/shop

[@IanRoberts-sz8nx]

Hi. Can I ask which model your tenor in GCEA is in this video please?

[@jeanhutchinson6198]

The low G appears to be a Kala KA-ASCP-T, based on the rosette around the sound hole.

[@charharrison2443]

I have a tenor Kala ukelele with low G and love it. What are those strings you mentioned, Kala elite series?..

[@AllForUke]

Yup, Kala Elite Series. Great strings! All the best - Kevin | www.allforuke.com/shop

[@hmbl-cb1be]

Do you have to put on a different low G string?

[@jorgequito9562]

I am a beginner, but I like to load you better and I just changed it to low G on my little Martin soprano

[@sherryroy3212]

What kind of uke is the one with the low g?

[@evas4192]

Do you think putting the D'addario Fluorocarbon low g on the Kala all solid maple will make it more mellow sounding? Looking at possibly buying this Tenor uke. Thanks!

[@AllForUke]

Good question Eva. Maple sounds very soft and subtle to me. The Low G may not make it more mellow, but should increase your volume level and body of sound. Good news is if you don't like the Low G the Kala set comes with both low and high g so you can try both. Thanks for learning with me - Kevin | allforuke.com

[@evas4192]

@@AllForUke Thanks for the comment. Ended up going with the Ohana Solid Spruce with laminate Rosewood back and sides and your suggestion of the Fluorocarbon low g. Awaiting it's arrival :)

[@stonkpuppets6393]

I only use low G. Sounds so much better in my opinion

[@rcracingwithjimi]

I have a Kala with a low and a High G

[@michaelstapleton2768]

Can you buy a uke with low g string?

[@LuciusFelix]

Yea, I like that

[@dannymilan6054]

Hi All I have a tenor ukulele with a solid spruce top and solid walnut back and sides. I have put a low g string on it I have tried various brands of low g with wound and non wound but I find it makes my ukulele sound very boomy in other word it is just too over powering for the instument. I would appreciate any suggestions.

[@TheIronDuke9]

I found the same thing with my spruce top. I just read somewhere that you can try a set of traditional high gCEA strings but use the C string tuned as a low G and string it where the G goes, then string the remaining three strings down from thickest to thinnest and tune the way you normally would. I haven't tried it yet but I'm going to give it a try

[@firdaussuadrif6676]

Hello sir. I have a question. Can I use low g string on concert ukulele?. Thankyou.

[@itchfrazee3832]

Yes

[@kimbeirl5336]

I'm looking for a tenor uke. Suggestions? I want to try low G and was told the tenor was better for low G??

[@AllForUke]

I have a few I’d recommend - www.allforuke.com/shop

[@gollymolly9555]

Love the low G string on my Kala tenor! Great info as always!

[@ollieb4921]

What string have you used? I’ve just put an Aquila wound low G on my Kala Tenor but it’s buzzing even with a gentle strum. I’ve wondering if it’ll work better with a different make or model of string. Thanks.

[@gollymolly9555]

@@ollieb4921 I use Pepe Romero Strings for my Tenor Uke with low G. Those strings really sing, Best strings ever!!!!!!

[@urbananimalz]

I'm sold

[@0713mas]

Is it true that when restringing you can just switch the 1st and the 4th strings and tune it to low G, everything else the same?

[@orionishi6737]

No you will need to get a low G string.

[@0713mas]

@@orionishi6737 Ty, that didn't sound right to me!

[@acterene1]

Thanks for clarifying this!!!

[@AnnaAnna-ch5ww]

I need my low G for finger style playing

[@willngrace3122]

I am very new to the Uke. I’m hoping no question is a bad question. I’d like to try the Low G string. When doing so, should I put all new strings on, all one “brand” or can I only put the Low G?

[@tntbrig]

I have 2 different brands on my Uke. Fremont low G and D'Addario but they went on at the same time. I believe as long as your C,E, and A strings are good I don't see why there would be an issue just changing the G string.

[@carol7303]

I wasn’t sure if I had a Low G or a high G now I know it’s a hi G but I think I’m going to change it to a low G

[@60saiten79]

Sehr gut und Dankeschön aus Deutschland

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Thank you! New sub here 😎👍💯

[@patrickkhaw2547]

Why not have both? :)

[@143jeg]

I had that same Kala cedar top tenor and the top cracked within a day or so of having in my house at 47% humidity. Had two replacements sent, one came with the frets pulling out, and another came with a cracked top. Loved the sound of the ukulele but Kala did little to make it right. The retailer offered a refund and I ultimately went with another brand.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The great iz kamakawiwoʻole used that tuning

[@usernamemykel]

I think that most folks coming from a guitar background, such as myself, prefer low G strings - my five ukes - pronounced as "ooks" (not "Yukes") have low G strings.

[@kawikadee9670]

To be honest the high g sounds better, the wounded string should always be on the c string.

[@seand7603]

oooook not youke. come on :)

[@vaadita]

I just got low g and sounds like shit