Quick Summary of the Four Sizes of Ukuleles

With the new year rolling in, a lot of people want to get into ukulele lessons. However, most beginner musicians wonder what size they should get when purchasing one. Here is a basic guide for the four sizes of ukuleles.

 

• Soprano: The smallest and most common size, known for its bright, cheerful sound, is ideal for beginners, especially children, due to its compact size and easy playability.
  • Frets: Smaller frets, easier for little fingers to reach.
  • Sound: Bright, clear, and punchy.
  • Tuning: Standard GCEA tuning.
  • Fun: Highly portable and fun for all ages, but especially engaging for young children.
• Concert: Slightly larger than the soprano, offering a slightly deeper and richer sound. A good all-around choice for both beginners and more experienced players.
  • Frets: Slightly larger frets, comfortable for most hands.
  • Sound: Warmer and fuller than the soprano.
  • Tuning: Standard GCEA tuning.
  • Fun: Versatile and enjoyable for a wide range of players.
• Tenor: The largest of the standard ukuleles, producing a deeper, more resonant sound.
  • Frets: Larger frets, suitable for larger hands.
  • Sound: Deeper, richer, and warmer than the concert.
  • Tuning: Standard GCEA tuning.
  • Fun: Great for players who enjoy a fuller sound and have larger hands.
• Baritone: The largest size, tuned an octave lower than the tenor (DGBE).
  • Frets: Largest frets.
  • Sound: Deepest and most bass-heavy of the ukuleles.
  • Tuning: DGBE tuning.
  • Fun: Offers a unique sound and playing experience, often used for fingerstyle playing and exploring different tunings

Ukulele Size by Age

For 5 to 7-year-olds:

• Soprano: The best choice due to its small size, light weight, and easy playability.
• Concert: Can also be suitable, but may be slightly larger for some very young children.

For 8-year-olds to adults:

• Concert: A good all-around choice for most adults.
• Tenor: Offers a deeper sound and is comfortable for players with larger hands.
• Baritone: A great option for those who enjoy a deeper, more bass-heavy sound and are comfortable with a lower tuning.

What about Cutaways?

• Impact: Cutaways are cutouts in the body of the ukulele that allow easier access to the higher frets.
• Sound: Cutaways can slightly affect the overall tone, but generally have minimal impact on sound quality. I have never noticed a difference especially in the smaller ukes.
• Playability: Cutaways significantly improve playability, especially for reaching higher frets.

In Summary:

The best ukulele for you depends on your age, hand size, playing style, and preferred sound. Experimenting with different sizes is the best way to find the perfect fit. If you have any questions about what type of ukulele to purchase, feel free to contact us.