How to String a Ukulele With Pegs
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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String a ukulele with pegs by anchoring each string at the bridge, threading the free end through its peg, and winding the peg until the string holds pitch. Match each string to its peg by the number on the packet: 4th G, 3rd C, 2nd E, 1st A. Tune to GCEA, stretch the strings, and tune again.
Remove the old strings
Loosen each peg until the old string goes slack, then unwind it from the peg and free the other end from the bridge. Take the strings off one at a time if you want the neck to keep some tension, or take them off together to wipe the fretboard. Keep the old strings until the new set is on and tuned.
Anchor the string at the bridge
Thread the end of the new string through the bridge and tie a knot that will not pull through, then pull the string up toward the headstock. The D'Addario tenor set has a non-ball end, so the knot at the bridge holds the string in place. Leave the string long enough to reach its peg with slack to wind.
Wind the string onto its peg
Push the free end through the hole in the peg, pull it snug, and turn the peg so the coils stack down the post toward the headstock. Match the string to its peg by the number on the packet: 4th G on the top peg, then 3rd C, 2nd E and 1st A below it. Keep the coils neat and clear of the next peg.
Tune, stretch and tune again
Tune each string to GCEA with a tuner, then pull each string gently away from the fretboard and tune it again. New strings stretch and fall flat, so repeat the stretch and tune cycle until the pitch holds. The Martin strings hold tune-to-pitch tension with less stretch, and the D'Addario sets deliver tuning stability.
What you need
Martin Ukulele Strings
A 4-string fluorocarbon set for soprano or concert ukulele, made to hold tune-to-pitch tension with less stretch.
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Size: soprano
YOLOPLUS+ Ukulele Strings
A nylon set of 5 packs with 4 strings in each pack, labeled 1 to 4 for A, E, C and G, with 10 picks in the kit.
- Sets in pack: 5
- Material: Nylon
- Size: soprano
D'Addario Ukulele Strings Fluorocarbon Tenor EJ99TLG Low-G
A 4-string fluorocarbon tenor set for low-G tuning, with Pro-Arté Carbon trebles and a non-ball end.
- Size: tenor
D'Addario Ukulele Strings Nyltech Concert EJ88C
A 4-string Nyltech concert set for standard GCEA tuning, made in the USA with uncoated strings.
- Material: Nylon
- Size: concert
These come from our ranked list Best Ukulele Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Which string goes on which peg?
Match the number on the packet to the peg: 4th G on the top peg, then 3rd C, 2nd E and 1st A below it. The YOLOPLUS sets label the strings 1, 2, 3 and 4 for A, E, C and G, so the number tells you the note.
How do I keep new strings in tune?
Stretch each string gently and tune it again, and repeat until the pitch holds. The Martin strings hold tune-to-pitch tension with less stretch, so they settle sooner than a set that stretches more.
Do I need a string winder?
No. Turn each peg by hand to wind the string onto the post, and keep the coils neat as they stack down. A winder only turns the peg faster; it does not change how the string sits on the peg.
What tuning do ukulele strings use?
Standard tuning is GCEA, with the 4th string G on top and the 1st string A at the bottom. The D'Addario concert set is made for standard GCEA tuning, and the D'Addario tenor set is made for low-G tuning instead.
Ranked ukulele strings lists
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