Yamaha
Yamaha GL1 Guitalele – Natural
Six nylon strings and guitar chord shapes in a take-anywhere size
- Six-string guitalele with a compact 433 mm (17") scale
- Tuned A-D-G-C-E-A, a fourth above standard guitar tuning
- Familiar guitar chord shapes in a ukulele-style body
- Spruce top with a matte Natural finish and black binding
- Yamaha gig bag included for easy carrying
Taxes included.
Yamaha GL1 Guitalele - Natural
The Yamaha GL1 Guitalele is a ukulele-sized, six-string nylon-string guitar with a 433 mm (17") scale and an overall length of just 698 mm. It is tuned A-D-G-C-E-A, a fourth higher than a standard guitar, so the string intervals and chord shapes stay the same as on a guitar while the pitch sounds brighter.
It is a natural fit for guitarists who want a small instrument for travel, the sofa or songwriting, and for curious players who want ukulele-like portability without learning a new set of chord shapes. With a Yamaha gig bag included, it is ready to take anywhere.
Key Features
Six Strings in a Guitalele Body
Unlike a four-string ukulele, the GL1 has six nylon strings arranged with the same intervals as a guitar. Any chord shape or scale pattern you know from the guitar works on it straight away. It simply sounds higher because of its shorter scale and A tuning.
A-D-G-C-E-A Tuning
Yamaha pitches the GL1 up a fourth, to A-D-G-C-E-A from the lowest string to the highest. That is the same relationship as a standard guitar with a capo at the fifth fret. A familiar E-shape chord therefore sounds as A, which gives you a bright, sparkling register for accompaniment and melody.
433 mm Scale and Compact GL1 Dimensions
With a 433 mm (17") scale, the GL1 measures 698 mm long overall, with a body 319 mm long, 229 mm wide and 70 mm deep. Next to a full-size classical guitar it is dramatically smaller. That makes it easy to carry, store and pick up for a few minutes of practice.
Spruce Top and Tonewood Body
The GL1 has a spruce top with back, sides and neck made from locally sourced tonewood. Yamaha uses various tonewood species according to availability to minimise waste and support sustainable procurement. The Natural model has black body binding and no soundhole inlay or pickguard.
48 mm Nut and Flat Rosewood Fingerboard
A 48 mm (1 7/8") nut and a flat-radius rosewood fingerboard give the GL1 a classical-style neck. String spacing at the bridge is 10.2 mm. There is room to fingerpick and form chords cleanly despite the small size.
Matte Finish and Chrome Tuners
Both the body and the neck have a matte finish, which keeps the look understated and the neck smooth under the hand. Chrome RM-1252X tuners sit on a slotted headstock, with a maple bridge and a urea nut and saddle. The guitalele is strung with medium nylon strings.
Yamaha Gig Bag Included
Yamaha supplies the GL1 with its own gig bag, so you can carry it straight from the box. The instrument is purely acoustic, with no electronics, controls or output jack. That keeps it light, simple and ready to play wherever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a guitalele?
A guitalele is a small, ukulele-style nylon-string guitar with six strings. Yamaha describes the GL1 as a 433 mm scale ukulele-style nylon-string guitar, tuned up a fourth to A-D-G-C-E-A.
Can I use guitar chord shapes on the GL1?
Yes. The six strings keep the same intervals as a standard guitar, so all your chord shapes and scale patterns work. Everything sounds a fourth higher, just as it would on a guitar with a capo at the fifth fret.
How does the GL1 compare with the Yamaha CS40 3/4-size guitar?
The CS40 is a 3/4-size classical guitar with a 580 mm scale, made by Yamaha for young learners, and Yamaha does not list a case with it. The GL1 is far smaller, with a 433 mm scale and a 698 mm overall length, is tuned a fourth higher to A-D-G-C-E-A, and comes with a gig bag.
What is included with the GL1?
Yamaha includes a gig bag with the GL1. The instrument comes strung with medium nylon strings.
Does the GL1 have a pickup?
No. The GL1 is a purely acoustic instrument with no electronics, controls or output jack.
Why Buy from YMS?
- Authorised Yamaha Premium Retailer
- Genuine stock with full manufacturer warranty
- Demo units at our Bengaluru and Mangaluru stores
- Secure delivery across India
- Free domestic shipping on all orders
Specifications
Overview
| Model | Yamaha GL1 |
|---|---|
| Type | Six-string nylon-string guitalele |
| Series | Guitalele |
| Body Shape | Guitalele (original small body) |
| Tuning | A-D-G-C-E-A (up a fourth from standard guitar tuning) |
| Colour | Natural |
Dimensions
| Scale Length | 433 mm (17") |
|---|---|
| Body Length | 319 mm (12 9/16") |
| Total Length | 698 mm (27 1/2") |
| Body Width | 229 mm (9") |
| Body Depth | 70 mm (2 3/4") |
| Nut Width | 48 mm (1 7/8") |
| String Spacing | 10.2 mm |
Body
| Top | Spruce |
|---|---|
| Back | Locally sourced tonewood |
| Sides | Locally sourced tonewood |
| Body Binding | Black |
| Soundhole Inlay | None |
| Pickguard | None |
| Body Finish | Matt |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Neck | Locally sourced tonewood |
|---|---|
| Neck Finish | Matt |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | Flat |
Hardware
| Bridge | Maple |
|---|---|
| Nut | Urea |
| Saddle | Urea |
| Bridge Pins | None |
| Tuners | Chrome (RM-1252X) |
Electronics
| Electronics | None |
|---|---|
| Controls | None |
| Connections | None |
Strings & Accessories
| Strings | Medium (nylon) |
|---|---|
| Accessories | None |
| Case | Gig bag |
Specifications from Yamaha India's Guitalele (GL1) overview and specifications pages, cross-checked with Yamaha USA; subject to change by Yamaha.
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