
Ukuleles come in a variety of sizes, each offering its own unique sound and feel. While most ukuleles are tuned to G-C-E-A, baritone ukuleles and certain hybrid instruments feature alternate tunings (which we'll explore below). One thing to remember is that anyone, regardless of age or size, can play any ukulele size! There’s a common misconception that soprano ukuleles are only for children, but the reality is that the best ukulele size is simply the one that feels most comfortable to you.
Soprano: The soprano ukulele is the classic, traditional ukulele size. It has a small, compact body and typically offers 12-15 frets on the neck. Known for its bright, lively sound, it is often the first choice for beginners. Soprano ukuleles usually have a "peanut" shape, resembling a small guitar, but you may also find them in a rounder “pineapple” shape, which adds a unique aesthetic and can slightly alter the tone.
Concert: A step up from the soprano, the concert ukulele has a slightly larger body and around 15-20 frets. This size offers a fuller, deeper tone with more volume and projection, making it a great option for players who want a bit more sound without moving to a much larger instrument. Many players find the concert ukulele to be the “Goldilocks” size—just right for balance between portability and sound quality.
Tenor: The tenor ukulele is often favored by more experienced players, especially guitarists, due to its longer scale length of about 17 inches. This extra length provides more space between the frets, making it easier to play more complex chords. The tenor produces more volume and projection than both the soprano and concert, making it ideal for performances.
Baritone: The largest of the ukulele family, the baritone has a deeper, richer sound. Unlike the others, it is tuned to D-G-B-E, similar to the bottom four strings of a guitar. This tuning gives it a tone that’s closer to a guitar’s, which is why it’s often chosen by players interested in guitar-like sounds. The baritone ukulele offers even more volume and a deeper bass, making it an excellent choice for certain musical genres.
No matter which size you choose, the most important thing is finding the one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style!
Hybrid instruments are a fun way to explore new sounds, as they combine features of different instruments to create something unique. Just like a mixed-breed puppy, these hybrids can vary in appearance and tone, depending on how the two instruments are blended.
Electric Ukulele: While technically not always considered a “hybrid” in the traditional sense, electric ukuleles combine the body and structure of a traditional ukulele with electric guitar-style pickups. This allows players to plug the instrument into an amplifier, enabling them to play at higher volumes and experiment with effects commonly used for electric guitars.
Guitalele: The guitalele is a hybrid between a guitar and a ukulele. It has six strings, like a guitar, but is tuned higher, typically A-D-G-C-E-A, which is the same tuning as a ukulele, but a fourth higher than a guitar’s standard tuning. This gives the guitalele a bright, ukulele-like sound, but with a bit more depth and resonance due to the added strings. It’s a great option for guitar players who want to try a smaller, more portable instrument without sacrificing the familiarity of a guitar’s tuning.
Banjolele: A banjolele combines the traditional ukulele with the distinctive sound of a banjo. It typically has four strings, tuned like a regular ukulele (G-C-E-A), but it features a metal rim and drum head like a banjo. This design creates a unique "twangy" tone that’s brighter and more percussive than a standard ukulele. The banjolele is perfect for players who want a fun, lively sound with a bit of banjo flavor.
U-Bass: The U-Bass combines elements of the ukulele with the deep, resonant tone of a bass guitar. It has the same tuning as a regular ukulele (G-C-E-A), but with much thicker strings, which allow it to produce a much lower pitch, similar to a bass guitar. It’s ideal for players looking for a compact, portable bass instrument.
Resonator Ukulele: The resonator ukulele is inspired by resonator guitars, often used in blues and bluegrass. It incorporates a metal resonator cone (similar to that of a Dobro guitar) in the body of the ukulele, which amplifies the sound and gives it a bright, metallic tone with a distinctive "twang."
These hybrids are an exciting way to experiment with new sounds and explore the crossover between different musical traditions.

Standard Ukulele Tuning
Most ukuleles are tuned G-C-E-A, regardless of size. Baritones are usually tuned D-G-B-E.
Alternate Tunings
Several string manufacturers make alternate tuning for instruments.
Low G tuning is the most common, which gives it a little depth to the sound and extends the usable range of the instrument a fourth. Requires replacing the plain G string with a wound G string.
Other common tunings include:
A-D-F#-B This is historically how ukuleles were tuned and can be accomplished by raising each strings up one whole step.
G-C-E-G Slack key tuning. This puts the ukulele into a major chord when you strum the open strings, allowing for easy VI-V-I chord progressions with simple barre chords. Simply tune your A down a whole step.
G-D-A-E This is Violin or Mandolin tuning, and requires an alternate set of strings.
G-C-E-A Baritone With an alternate set of strings, you can turn your Baritone Ukulele into regular ukulele tuning.
Ukuleles can be made from a variety of materials, and each one influences the instrument's sound, appearance, and durability. Here’s a quick overview of the most common materials you'll encounter:
Plastic: Some ukuleles are made from plastic, which is a budget-friendly option that’s lightweight and durable. Plastic ukuleles are often used for beginner models or for outdoor players because they’re resistant to changes in weather, such as humidity and temperature. While they may not have the same rich sound as wood, they’re great for young learners or casual players who need something sturdy and easy to maintain.
Laminate: Laminate ukuleles are made from layers of wood or other materials, glued together to form a strong, durable body. These instruments are generally more affordable than solid wood ukuleles, but they still produce a nice, clear sound. Laminate is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, making these ukuleles a great option for players in varying climates. While they may not offer the same depth of tone as solid wood, laminate ukuleles still deliver a quality sound for many players.
Solid Wood: Solid wood ukuleles are made from a single piece of wood or multiple solid pieces, and they offer the richest, most resonant sound. Popular woods include mahogany, spruce, koa, and cedar. These ukuleles are usually more expensive because of the craftsmanship involved and the superior tonal quality. The wood used can greatly affect the instrument's tone, with some woods producing a warmer sound and others offering a brighter tone. Solid wood ukuleles often require more care to maintain, as they’re sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature.
Each material has its own strengths, so the best choice depends on your budget, playing style, and the sound you’re looking for!
For more information about Tone Wood choice, HERE is another article on the topic!
How to shop for a ukulele
Playing Style: Different ukulele sizes suit different playing styles, so it’s important to choose one that matches your needs. For example, a soprano ukulele is a fantastic choice for beginners or players who enjoy a bright, classic ukulele sound. If you're after a warmer, fuller tone and plan to play more complex chords or melodies, a concert or tenor ukulele might be a better fit. A baritone ukulele offers a deep, rich sound and is perfect for those exploring more advanced techniques.
Physical Size: Your own size and comfort matter when selecting an ukulele. A larger player may feel more at ease with a bigger instrument, while a smaller player might prefer something more compact. Take into account the overall length, weight, and the distance between the frets, as well as the neck size, to find a ukulele that feels comfortable in your hands.
Musical Goals: Think about the type of music you want to play when choosing a ukulele size. For example, if you're interested in genres like jazz or classical, a tenor or baritone ukulele might be a better choice due to their deeper, fuller tones that suit these styles.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best ukulele size is the one that feels right to you. You may prefer the sound, feel, or playability of one size over another. To find what works best, try out different sizes—whether by visiting a music store or borrowing an ukulele from a friend—and see what feels most comfortable.
Consider the Materials: The materials used in an ukulele can influence its sound and durability. Traditional solid wood ukuleles tend to offer a warm, rich sound but can be more expensive and require more upkeep. On the other hand, laminate ukuleles—made from layers of wood or synthetic materials—are typically more affordable, durable, and less sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.
Decide on a Budget: When setting a budget for a ukulele, it’s important to factor in your level of experience and how serious you are about playing. If you're just starting out, you may want to choose a more affordable option, while more experienced players may be willing to invest in a higher-end ukulele that offers enhanced sound quality and craftsmanship.