Low G Strings
Low G strings seem to be a mystery to most ‘ukulele players. While many artists still opt for using the reentrant tuning (high G), it seems that the low G string is becoming a popular option. Hopefully this article can shed some light on the fattest string of the bunch.
A low G string replaces a high G. You put a low G string on your ‘ukulele just like any other string, though sometimes you just might use only one wrap in the “tuning knot”. The only reason for this is because a low G string has a larger diameter than the other strings, and you might not be able to pull off the standard double wrap because of its thickness. A low G is tuned one octave below the high G – the 5th fret of the G will be the same as the C string. See all the details of how to put strings on an ‘ukulele.
The only tuner you might have trouble with is a pitch pipe, because it will be tuning the high G instead of the low G. You should be able to hear the note as an octave and tune to that. If you can’t hear the octave, just tune the rest of the strings to the pitch pipe and use the 5th fret on the G to tune to the C string.
Low G strings come in two types: wound and unwound. Wound strings are just like they sound: they are made with a nylon or metal strand in the middle and metal is wound around on the outside. Wound low Gs have a different tone than the rest, which might throw your overall sound off. They are a lot richer sounding than the unwound – you instantly know when someone is playing on a wound G. They also squeak when you slide you finger on them. Sometimes, if you are sliding a long ways, your finger will get caught and you will end up stranded in the middle of a slide. Worth makes the only unwound low G I know of. Unwound low G strings have to be a bit bigger in diameter than wound low Gs to have the same mass and tightness. To hear the difference in wound/unwound low G strings, listen to Herb Ohta Jr.’s “‘Ukulele Breeze” album which he uses a wound low G on, and then “‘Ukulele Journey” where he goes the unwound low G route.
Low G strings give the ‘ukulele a more rounded, even sound. Some claim that it makes it sound more like a guitar, I don’t think it makes the uke sound like a guitar, but it does give you 5 extra notes.
High G strings are best for the more treble oriented traditional Hawaiian rhythm sound. It also keeps the note spectrum tighter and usually doubles two notes (no octave) of a chord.
