When I started my initial search for a ukulele, I was coming from a past season where I had done a bit of dabbling with a guitar. I dabbled just enough to have lots of supplies like strings on hand. Which is why one of the first things I wanted to know was if I could use my guitar strings on my ukulele. I figured if they’re the same on both instruments, I was going to be set on strings for quite some time. But, if not, then I was going to need to know what kind of strings a ukulele had sooner rather than later.
You in a similar situation? We’ve got you covered!
Standard ukuleles have their own variety of strings that are not commonly shared with other instruments. The materials used by most ukulele players are nylon, nylgut, and fluorocarbon. A standard set comes with four strings comprised of an: A string, E string, C string, and G string.
There are certainly other elements to discuss, so let’s dive in and send you out armed with all you need to know to make your first string purchase. Or if you’re not in the market for a set, enough to curb your curiosity.
More On Strings
If you aren’t aware, there are actually four types/sizes of ukuleles. When referring to a standard ukulele most folks are speaking about the soprano or the concert ukulele which make up the two smallest sizes. The soprano being the smaller of the two. These two are what most people are likely starting out on. However, there are two larger sizes (still pretty small) that often have different sets of strings.
Those two larger ukuleles are the tenor and baritone. Each of which is commonly strung with the two top strings wound in steel (something similar to a guitar string). This allows for a louder and deeper range of notes. These two instruments are often tuned differently as well.
We’ll primarily be referring to the standard or smaller size ukuleles and/or the strings and tuning for those in this article. For more on alternate tunings for the tenor and baritone, you can check out our article here.
Let’s compare the three most common types of strings first, and then I’ll touch on a few other common questions.
Nylon, Nylgut, and Fluorocarbon
| NYLON | NYLGUT | FLUOROCARBON | |
| PRICE | $2-5 | $6-12 | $6-12 |
| SOUND | Soft – Warm | Loud but not the level of Fluorocarbon – Blend of Warm and Bright | Loud – Bright |
| ACCESSIBILITY | Easily found online | Easily found online | Easily found online |
| DURABILITY | Stretch out quickly – Needs to be tuned often – Less lifespan | Little Stretching – Less tuning needed – Long lasting | Very little stretching – Less tuning needed – Long lasting |
Keep in mind, for the chart above I’m comparing the volume for ukulele strings, not other instruments. These are not going to rival a guitar’s volume. Additionally, each of those strings will get you a fairly quintessential ukulele sound.
Nylon strings are probably the most common strings due to their price point. Manufacturers of entry-level ukuleles put nylon strings on their ukes to save a few pennies. Hitting the entry-level price point isn’t easy, at around $50 to $100 they’re looking to save money where they can. To keep the uke at a playable quality, strings are an easy place to save.
Nylon will do you well as a beginner. If you’re just looking to dabble in the ukulele they quite possibly will be all you’ll ever want. However, the endless tuning will likely drive many folks mad if they play regularly. If you’re really going for it, you’ll likely upgrade to the next two options.
*Note that the lowest-priced entry-level ukes will come with VERY cheap strings that just aren’t playable. If you went that route, consider upgrading strings from the beginning.
Nylgut is a special type of nylon material that was designed to feel and play more like traditional ukulele strings. They are an upgrade over standard nylon in many ways but share some of the same qualities. You’ll find that they carry the more soft and loose feel of nylon with the durability and brighter louder sound that comes with fluorocarbon.
Fluorocarbon is as the name sounds, a carbon-based string. They are louder and brighter strings that give your uke something that pushes toward an acoustic guitar sound. Keep in mind, for a standard uke you’ll still employ the re-entrant tuning (not sure what that is, you can check out our post on it here) so don’t think I’m saying they’re the same. It’s just pushing closer to that spectrum of stringed instruments. Additionally, the strings play a bit more stiff (not taught) than nylon and nylgut.
There are several other varieties that are less common, which we’ll not discuss here, but you can see our full take on strings over on our gear page if you’d like.
What Are the Best String Types?
I like to jokingly say that the best strings to play are the ones on your ukulele. As long as they’re not warn out, enjoy them. Have fun with them and learn on them. But if you’re a level up on this whole uke thing, then you’ll likely want to graduate out of nylon. Regular nylon strings are considered entry-level while the other two are suitable for extended play and and a wide range of skill levels.
Of the two string types, nylgut or fluorocarbon, which one you choose to play tends to fall into personal preference. Ten different players will likely influence you in 10 different directions here.
Nylgut and fluorocarbon are quality strings, you’ll not go wrong with either of them. Try both of them out and find your style and feel. If you’ve already tried all three of them out, and haven’t landed yet, check out our full string suggestions over on our gear page.
How Long Do Ukulele Strings Last?
This is a nearly impossible question to answer, as it has a lot to do with the strings you have, the ukulele you have, how often you play, and the style of your play. However, a safe estimate with one of the two quality suggestions from above (nylgut or carbon) is a few months of regular to high use. If you play less, that can go much longer and if you play hours every single day, you’ll get less time on them.
Do You Need To Break Ukulele Strings in?
Yes, you will need to break your strings in. This has to do with some initial stretching that takes place once they have been brought to pitch. Expect your new strings to need to be re-tuned almost immediately after playing. Just tune it up as needed. It shouldn’t be more than a few rounds of this before they’re able to stay in tune.
You can also choose to break in your strings without playing, which is a bit more efficient. The process is simple.
- Remove your old strings and replace them with the new set.
- Give the new strings a quick tuning. Don’t fuss with being super accurate here. You’ll need to repeat this a few times anyway.
- Pull up on each of the strings slightly, being careful not to use too much force. You might want to put your hand on the bridge and saddle (where your strings end on the body of the uke) of your ukulele to avoid tearing it away. Take extra concern here if your ukulele is on the lower end of the entry ukes.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your uke stays in tune.
Related Questions
Are Baritone Ukulele Strings Different?
Yes baritone ukuleles along with tenors typically have different types of strings. The top two are often wound with steel, and tuned differently. But we have a complete look at this difference in our post in which we compare the baritone and tenor ukuleles. Check it out here.