Ukulele Questions – Which Ukulele Size Is Best for a Beginner?
Folkstrings.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission.
Choosing the right ukulele size as a beginner can seem daunting with various options available, from soprano to baritone.
Each size offers a distinct tone and feel, catering to different musical preferences and hand sizes. Soprano is the smallest and the standard size, making it a popular choice due to its classic ukulele sound and suitability for smaller hands.
Key Points
- Soprano ukuleles are small and ideal for beginners with smaller hands.
- Concert ukuleles balance size and sound, suitable for a variety of beginners.
- Tenor and baritone ukuleles offer deeper tones and larger fretboards for those seeking fuller sounds or have larger hands.
Table of Contents
Ukuleles for Beginners – 3 Great Picks!
Selecting the right ukulele as a beginner can be a fun adventure but also a bit overwhelming given the multitude of options. I’ve found that the following three models are excellent choices for those just starting out:
- Kala KA-15S Soprano Ukulele
- Size: Soprano
- Features: Mahogany body, satin finish
- Why It’s Good for Beginners: The Kala KA-15S offers a user-friendly size and produces a warm classic ukulele sound. It has a reputation for staying in tune, which is essential for new players.
- Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany DUC-1
- Size: Concert
- Features: Mahogany body, smooth fretboard
- Why It’s Good for Beginners: A step up in size from the Soprano, the Donner DUC-1 provides a slightly fuller sound and more space between frets, which can be helpful for those with larger hands.
- Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Ukulele
- Size: Concert
- Features: Mahogany body, unique tattoo design
- Why It’s Good for Beginners: This ukulele not only sounds great but also looks distinctive with its Polynesian tattoo. It’s a well-built instrument with a comfortable neck profile for easy playing.
What’s the Best Size Ukulele for Beginners?
I suggest you start with a soprano or concert ukulele because they’re approachable and more compact, which helps beginners get comfortable with the instrument.
Each of the models I suggested above offer a quality introduction to the delightful world of ukulele playing, and you’re sure to find one that resonates with your personal style and comfort.
Ukulele Sizes Explained: Soprano, Concert, Tenor, and Baritone
Just like the acoustic guitar, ukuleles come in different sizes, and each one offers a unique sound. There are multiple sizes of ukuleles, but we will discuss the four most common. Each of these offers a unique sound experience. The one you choose will depend on your experience and the type of music you want to play.
Soprano
Soprano ukuleles are the most common. They are also the smallest. This instrument is twenty-one inches in length, and its standard tuning is G-C-E-A. You will find this size of the ukulele to be the most plentiful.
Concert
The next size up from the soprano is the concert size of the ukulele. This instrument is twenty-three inches in length and goes up by two inches in scale. The standard tuning for a concert ukulele is G-C-E-A. With its slightly larger size, comes additional tuning options.
Tenor
This size of ukulele is twenty-six inches in length. It goes up two inches in scale over a concert ukulele. The standard tuning for a tenor ukulele is G-C-E-A. As with the concert ukulele, the increased size leads to alternative tuning options.
Baritone
The baritone ukulele is about thirty inches in length. This size of ukulele is slightly wider than a tenor ukulele, and it sounds much deeper. The standard tuning of a baritone ukulele is D-G-B-E.
Which Ukulele Size Is Best for a Beginner?
With so many sizes to consider, it can often be difficult to purchase a new ukulele when you are a beginner. The answer to which is the best for beginners lies in a couple of factors.
Many people first reach for the soprano ukulele. It is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel. Because it is so readily available, new musicians seem to naturally gravitate towards this size, and there is nothing wrong with that.
However, there is a drawback to consider. Those who are transitioning from other stringed instruments may find the smaller neck and body to be a hassle for larger hands.
There is also a problem with the strings on some sopranos. Without a hefty amount of string tension, new players are prone to accidentally bending the strings and creating sounds that seem out of tune.
If you need a larger neck but want the sounds of the soprano ukulele, consider purchasing a concert size. This size gives you a bigger neck, with the small body size and lightweight feel of the soprano ukulele.
Once musicians learn the ukulele, they often progress in size. The tenor is a favorite among professional musicians because of its warmer tones.
No matter which size of ukulele you purchase, carry out research, and learn as much as possible.
By being an informed consumer, you will not have buyer’s regret when you learn how to play your new instrument.
What Are the Best Sounding Ukuleles Size Wise?
Now that you have had a taste of some sound qualities, it is time to delve a little deeper into the topic. Every new player and old one alike wants to create the best sound possible with their instrument.
As discussed above, the sound a ukulele produces is in direct correlation with its size.
Before discussing size and sound, it is important to note that the same song can be played on each of the four ukulele sizes and it will sound different with each one. The soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone each have unique sounds.
When it comes to sound and size, the bigger the ukulele, the deeper the sound. Smaller ukuleles produce soprano sounds, which are higher and loftier. When most people think of the iconic sounds of the ukulele, the soprano is what they have in mind.
There is no best sound because each size brings its own beauty to the table. The larger the resonating space, the deeper the sound. The smaller the space, the higher.
Many professional ukers love the way the tenor ukulele sounds, but if you are expecting iconic, this instrument may not give you the same vibe as a soprano.
Do not be afraid to try different sizes and match them with the ukulele music you love.
You can create a beautiful sound with any of these sizes, but it just boils down to what you desire to play.
What Ukulele Accessories Do I Need to Get Started?
Most beginning ukers want to be sure they have all the right accessories to get started.
Thankfully, there are not a lot of extra things to purchase. With just your instrument and fingers, you can begin creating beautiful music, but some accessories will make learning to play the ukulele easier.
· A ukulele tuner is critical for keeping your instrument tuned properly. Purchase a clip-on version, and clip it on the headstock for the best results.
· A ukulele bag will help to keep your instrument beautiful and prevent it from becoming damaged. A backpack gig-style bag is perfect for transporting your ukulele.
· Although you do not need a pick to play the ukulele, you may want to try one. Felt picks are perfect for the ukulele because they help to mellow out the sound.
· When you are first starting, fret mapping stickers are lifesavers. These stickers help you ensure your fingers are in the correct positions.
· A ukulele strap will help to keep your instrument protected, so it does not fall out of your grasp while playing. If you plan to stand while playing, a strap is a sound purchase.
The above are the basics of what beginners should consider purchasing when they are first learning to play the ukulele. Do not get caught up in the fancy bells and whistles when purchasing accessories. You can always buy pricier options as you gain skill.
Personal Tutoring Vs. YouTube Videos: Which One Is Better?
Before the Internet, the only way to learn an instrument was by teacher, book, or trial and error. Today, there are multiple options for new ukers to pursue.
When it comes to deciding on YouTube videos or a local teacher, it is important to first examine your learning style.
Some new ukers feel intimidated playing in front of a teacher. They will first gain basic skills with videos and then realize the learning curve is a little too tough and opt for in-person instruction.
Both have their positives and negatives. Consider the following before deciding.
Teacher
Pros:
· Students can ask questions.
· They can gain personal insight.
· Students can be sure they are receiving accurate training.
Cons:
· Lessons are typically short and scheduled only once a week.
· There is no way to “rewind” the lesson for better understanding.
YouTube
Pros:
· Lessons can be carried out anytime and anywhere.
· The lessons can be paused and resumed at any time.
Cons:
· Students obviously cannot ask the video questions or receive insight.
· New ukers may not receive the right training.
No matter which option you choose, carry out research and get training from the best. Many people find it beneficial to use both training options when learning the ukulele.
All About The Ukulele – Conclusion
Now, you know all about the ukulele and what makes it such a fabulous option. The ukulele is a forgiving instrument that will bring you joy each time it is played.
By following the advice you have received, you should be able to find the perfect size and training. The ukulele is an instrument you will never want to stop playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right ukulele size is crucial for beginners. I’ll cover the common questions to help you find the best fit for you.
What are the differences between ukulele sizes?
Ukulele sizes range from small to large – soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Each size offers a distinct sound and feel, with soprano being the smallest and highest-pitched, and baritone being the largest with lower tones.
Is a soprano or concert ukulele better for a beginner?
Soprano ukuleles, due to their smaller size and lighter weight, are often recommended for beginners. However, concert ukuleles provide a slightly larger fretboard which can be more comfortable for some players.
What is the easiest type of ukulele to play for beginners?
The soprano ukulele is generally the easiest for beginners. It’s light and small, making it easier to handle, especially for younger players with smaller hands.
How does ukulele size affect playability and sound?
Ukulele size significantly affects its playability – smaller ukuleles are easier to navigate for quick learning. The size also impacts the volume and tone; larger ukuleles usually produce a warmer, fuller sound.
What should I look for when choosing my first ukulele?
When choosing your first ukulele, look for comfortable size and weight, easy-to-press strings, and a smooth fretboard. Make sure the ukulele stays in tune and has a pleasant sound quality to your ear.
Are there advantages to starting with a larger ukulele?
Starting with a larger ukulele, like a concert or tenor, can be advantageous for those with bigger hands. It can also benefit players looking for a fuller sound and more space between frets. This allows more room for finger placement.
Author Profile
-
Daniel Johnstone is an English writer with a love for stringed instruments from around the world.
He shares his love for these instruments through his writing for folkstrings.com, a website dedicated to all things related to folk string music.
Daniel's passion for music started at a young age, and he has since become an accomplished musician, playing guitar, cavaco, and recently, the harp.
His dedication to learning and sharing his knowledge of stringed instruments is evident in his insightful and engaging blog posts. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner, Daniel's writing is sure to inspire and entertain you.
When he's not playing music or writing, you can find Daniel exploring new instruments and seeking out new sounds to share with his readers.
Latest entries
AutoharpApril 4, 2024What Is the Autoharp Made Of: Exploring Its Materials and Craftsmanship
AutoharpApril 4, 2024Is Autoharp Easy to Play? Unveiling the Truth for Beginners- AutoharpApril 4, 2024What Is an Autoharp Worth? Your Guide to Pricing and Value
AutoharpApril 4, 2024Are Autoharp and Zither the Same Thing? Unraveling String Instrument Myths
Affiliates:
This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, the site may earn a small commission. We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed on this site are our own.
Accuracy Advice:
While we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate information, the content in this article may not reflect the most current research or medical guidelines. We encourage readers to do further research and consult with professionals for more personalized advice.
Our Recommendations:
The products and services mentioned in any of our articles are recommended based on our independent research and personal experience. We are not sponsored by any company. We aim to suggest products and services we believe are of high quality and could be beneficial to our readers.
