Some of our best Ukulele options & size explained

 

Some of our best Ukulele options & size explained 

1.Soprano ukulele

The Soprano ukulele is probably the most common ukulele and probably the instrument you think of when you picture a ukulele in your mind. A soprano ukulele makes that traditional ‘plinky’ sound as it is a shorter scale and has a shallower body so the sound has less chance to resonate. The soprano ukulele is perfect for beginners as it is the ‘normal’ type of ukulele that most players start out with. The soprano ukulele has a bright yet soft tone and is the best beginner ukulele for those who want that classic uke sound.

• The Soprano has a standard tuning of G/C/E/A
• The average size of a soprano ukulele is 53cm long.

2. Concert Ukulele

The Concert ukulele is the next size up from a soprano in terms of size and projection of sound. A concert ukulele is somewhere in the middle between a soprano and tenor as it provides the soft yet bright tones of a soprano but offers a little more depth akin to the likes of a tenor. The scale is slightly longer which therefore allows for extra frets and extra spacing between them – ideal for adults and those with larger fingers. Thanks to the deeper body, the concert ukulele projects your sound more and makes the overall volume louder.

• The Concert has a standard tuning of G/C/E/A
• The average size of a concert ukulele is 58cm long.

 

3. Tenor ukulele 

The Tenor ukulele is bigger again at around 26 inches and offers a louder, more resonant sound overall. In fact, thanks to its size and projection, it provides a sound more akin to the likes of a classical acoustic guitar. Of course, it still sounds like a ukulele rather than a guitar, but this versatile sound and larger scale is why they are more appealing to players who finger-pick as they’re somewhat easier to play chords with. They do tend to be used by professional players, however they’re still entirely suitable for beginners and players of all levels as well as those who just want more space on the neck.

• The Tenor has a standard tuning of G/C/E/A
• The average size of a tenor ukulele is 66cm long.

 

 

4. Baritone ukulele

The Baritone ukulele is the largest ukulele in the family, clocking in at around 3” (10cm) longer than a tenor and has wider frets with wider fret spacing. This is like playing a small, classical guitar thanks to the fact the strings are tuned to D/G/B/E – just like the last four strings on a guitar and the size of the instrument. The body is deeper so the sound is more resonant, providing a deeper, fuller sound with plenty of bass. You’ll find a baritone ukulele allows for an easier transition to the world of ukulele if you’re a guitar player.

• The baritone has a tuning of D/G/B/E
• The average size of a Baritone ukulele is 76cm.