Yamaha GL1 Guitalele – Natural

Six Guitar Strings. Ukulele-Like Portability. A Bright Voice of Its Own.

The Yamaha GL1 Guitalele combines the familiar six-string layout and chord shapes of a guitar with the compact dimensions and bright character associated with a ukulele. Its 433 mm scale and 698 mm overall length make it easy to carry for travel, lessons, songwriting and relaxed playing anywhere.

The GL1 uses nylon strings and is normally tuned A–D–G–C–E–A, a perfect fourth above standard guitar tuning—similar to playing a regular guitar with a capo at the fifth fret. A spruce top, flat rosewood fingerboard, 48 mm nut and included gig bag complete this distinctive portable instrument.

Guitar chord shapes in a compact guitalele body

Unlike a four-string ukulele, the GL1 has six strings arranged in standard guitar intervals. Guitarists can use familiar chord shapes and fingering patterns while enjoying a smaller instrument with a naturally higher register.

A–D–G–C–E–A tuning, one fourth above guitar

The GL1’s standard tuning preserves guitar string intervals but raises every note by a perfect fourth. A familiar open C shape therefore sounds as F; players can transpose accordingly or use the instrument’s bright register as a creative colour.

Nylon-string feel with a 48 mm nut

Medium-tension nylon strings provide a softer feel than steel acoustic strings. The 48 mm nut and flat fingerboard offer classical-style spacing for clean chord voicing, fingerpicking and comfortable right-hand articulation.

Spruce top for a clear, lively response

The spruce soundboard supports the GL1’s bright and articulate voice, while locally sourced tonewood back and sides keep the compact body practical. Its matte finish gives the Natural model a simple, tactile appearance.

17-inch scale and ultra-portable dimensions

At 698 mm long, 229 mm wide and only 70 mm deep, the GL1 fits easily into travel plans and smaller living spaces. It is a convenient instrument for musical exploration, songwriting and spontaneous practice.

Original Yamaha gig bag included

A purpose-sized gig bag is supplied for everyday storage and convenient carrying. The GL1 has no onboard electronics, controls or output connection and is designed for natural acoustic playing.

Q. What is a guitalele?

A guitalele is a compact six-string nylon instrument that uses guitar-style intervals and chord shapes but sounds in a higher register. It combines aspects of guitar playability with ukulele-like portability.

Q. How is the Yamaha GL1 tuned?

Its standard tuning from the lowest to highest string is A–D–G–C–E–A. This is a perfect fourth above standard E–A–D–G–B–E guitar tuning.

Q. Can guitarists use the same chord shapes?

Yes. The chord shapes and string intervals remain guitar-like, but every chord sounds a perfect fourth higher. It behaves much like a standard guitar with a capo on the fifth fret.

Q. Is the GL1 a ukulele?

Not exactly. It has a ukulele-like compact body and bright register, but it uses six nylon strings and guitar intervals rather than the common four-string ukulele layout.

Q. Can steel strings be fitted?

No. The GL1 is designed for guitalele or compatible nylon strings. Steel strings can place unsuitable tension on the instrument and should not be used.

Q. Does the GL1 include electronics?

No. It is a purely acoustic instrument without a pickup, preamp, controls or output connection.

Q. Is a bag included?

Yes. Yamaha includes an original gig bag sized for the GL1.

Why Buy from YMS?

• ✓ Authorised Yamaha Premium Retailer: Buy a genuine India-market Yamaha instrument with official manufacturer warranty support.
• ✓ Expert instrument guidance: Our team can explain tuning, chord transposition, nylon-string care and the differences between a guitalele, guitar and ukulele.
• ✓ Support beyond the instrument: Ask us about tuners, stands, straps, replacement nylon strings and suitable accessories.
• ✓ Pan-India delivery: Order from anywhere in India, subject to serviceability for your location.
• ✓ Physical-store support: YMS teams in Bengaluru and Mangaluru are available for product enquiries and after-sales guidance.