All tunes on this website unless stated otherwise are GCEA (Low G) tuning.
A lot of the sound of Flamenco music comes from the bass strings and these are obviously missing using the standard Ukulele high g tuning; so to compensate, the Low G tuning is used to give an extra string to help with the transposing of the music from guitar to ukulele.
How to achieve the Low G tuning
Low G strings are available for all sizes of Ukulele.
The strings you use are a personal choice and I can only give my opinion based on the strings I have used. I have tried as many Low G strings as I can find (I have a tenor ukulele) and the one that I find best for me is the Worth Clear Low G string.
There are a few reasons why I like the Worth string:
- The string has a slight slippery feel to it and my thumb/fingers slip off the string quickly which is useful for longer runs.
- The tone of it has a mellowness and a brightness (I know that sounds contradictory) but depending on the tune being played it can sound light or it can give a more profound sound.
- I like the sustain it has, some strings I have tried appeared to cut off the note as soon as the note was played but the Worth string carries the note for a nice length of time.
A good thing about the Worth string is that it is sold as a double length, you just cut it in half and have a spare.
Note: Since writing the above I have discovered the amazing Pepe Romero UT2 Low G Tenor Fluorocarbon Ukulele Strings.
The low G string is wound; I have tried wound strings in the past and was not a fan but the Pepe Romero string is in a different class.
If you want a strong flamenco sound I would recommend these strings. Notes played on the G string have a richness I have not encountered with any other brand.
The C, E and A strings are fluorocarbon and settle down within a few days of playing, they give a powerful sound and although not as smooth as Aquila they feel very responsive and fast runs are not hindered by them.
Developed by La Bella they are refined by Pepe Romero and I would encourage any serious flamenco ukulele enthusiast to try them - you'll not regret it.