What Size Ukulele Should I Get?

Sizes of Ukuleles compared to a Guitar - Baritone | Tenor | Concert | Soprano | Guitar
Sizes of Ukuleles compared to a Guitar – Baritone | Tenor | Concert | Soprano | Guitar (source: Wikipedia.org)

There are 4 basic sizes of Ukuleles and a number of variations. 

Of the four, three are tuned alike (G | C | E | A). If three people each play a different size they will all sound good together (IF each is in tune). The pitch (or note) sounded for each is the same. The only difference is the tone of each (from treble to bass like turning the ‘Tone’ button on a stereo)

The Baritone is tuned like the top strings of a guitar (D | G | B | E). The chord shapes are the same as on a guitar (minus two strings).  The chord shapes are also the same as on the other ukuleles BUT the names/letters are not the same – examples:

  • a G chord on a Baritone is the same shape as a C chord on the other 3 ukes.
  • A C chord on a Baritone is the same shape a F chord on the other 3 ukes.
  • A D chord on a Baritone is the same shape as a G chord on the other 3 ukes.

Confused? If so, it is okay. I suggest that you start with one of the other 3 and when you have that down pretty good, you can consider branching out to a Baritone.

The following ukes are easier to master because the strings are based on Middle C (the middle C of a piano) and the Key of C. In fact, the range is similar to that of a ‘Recorder’ that is often taught in elementary schools. More and more schools are switching to Ukuleles instead of Recorders in music classes.

  • Sopranos – the smallest and the traditional one that most people think of when they hear of the word, ‘ukulele’.  Sopranos are usually the best choice for small children. Makala Sharks and Dolphins are great choices for children because they come in bright colors, are very durable and sound very good.
  • Concert – a little larger offers a few more inches of wood at the bottom to tuck under your arm and has a few more frets to expand the range of notes that you can play up the neck.  From my current observation the Concert is the most popular size.  Concerts are great for anyone from growing kids to adults.
  • Tenor – a little larger than the concert the Tenor is about half the size of a guitar. I sense that it is becoming more and more popular.  It is particularly popular with Guitar players because it is not such a reduction in size from the Guitar.  Many Ukulele professionals play Tenors.