What size and how much should you spend?
There are four main sizes in ukuleles, namely soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. You may also stumble across smaller piccolo / sopranissimo / sopranino ukuleles. Beginners need only consider soprano, concert or tenor.
See and buy my ukulele recommendations here…
Soprano ukulele
The soprano ukulele is the most common size ukulele and has the traditional sound you expect from a ukulele. If you have large fingers it might not be for you.
Scale length: 13″ / 33cm
Tuning: g C E A
Sound: Classic sounding ukulele
Typical length: 21″ / 53cm
Frets: 12 to 15
Concert ukulele
Concert ukuleles are a good compromise between the soprano ukulele with its higher notes and the tenor ukulele which is easier to play.
Scale length: 15″ / 38cm
Tuning: g C E A
Sound: Classic sounding ukulele but louder
Typical length: 23″ / 58cm
Frets: 15 to 18
Tenor ukulele
The tenor ukulele has an extended bass range, this is a good complement in a ukulele duo or trio. You’ll find it easier to play if you have larger fingers.
Scale length: 17″ / 43cm
Tuning: g C E A
Sound: Deeper more like a classical guitar
Typical length: 26″ / 66cm
Frets: 17 to 19
Baritone
Baritone ukuleles are particularly popular choice for guitar players as they have a similar feel and are tuned the same as the first four strings on a guitar. The baritone ukulele is the least popular due to its guitar like size.
Scale length: 19″ / 48cm
Tuning: D G B E
Sound: Deepest tone even more like a classical guitar
Typical length: 29″ / 74 cm
Frets: 18 to 21
Piccolo / Sopranissimo / Sopranino
Piccolo, Sopranissimo or Sopranino ukulele are quite rare to see and not suitable for beginners. They are tricky to play with not much space for your fingers and intonation higher up. Great fun for an experienced player though!
Scale length: 11″ / 28cm
Tuning: g C E A (octave up from a soprano)
Sound: Higher than the classical ukulele sound
Typical length: 16″ / 41cm
Frets: 10 to 12
Which size should I choose?
Most beginners will choose between a soprano, concert or tenor ukulele. A soprano ukulele will be more difficult to play if you have larger fingers but they have that classic ukulele sound and are great to play solo. Their size makes them really portable too.
The concert ukulele gives you a little more space for your fingers and has more volume than the soprano. You still get a nice classic sound, so is a good compromise.
Tenor ukuleles are louder and can be easier for learners with their longer scale length. The downside is that more complicated chords can be more difficult to play due to the longer scale length.
How much should I spend?
Beginners need a ukulele that will play reasonably – a cheap one will go out of tune and maybe not sound very good. The key factors are the tuning heads, strings and build quality, if these are reasonable then you should get a decent enough sound. Look to spend around £30 to £40 mark for a good beginner ukulele. The starter kits are very good value since you have everything you need. If you find it’s not for you then you most likely can sell it on. See my ukulele recommendations here…
Playing together with different sized ukuleles
When playing together it sounds better if there is a range of ukulele sizes to get a more balanced sound from treble to bass. This works if you are in a ukulele duo, trio or much larger ensemble.