Choosing the right ukulele size can make all the difference when starting your musical journey. With four main sizes—soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone—each one offers a unique feel, tone, and level of comfort. The best ukulele for beginners depends on factors like hand size, comfort, and preferred sound.
Quick Answer: Start Here
For most beginners, the concert ukulele is the perfect place to start. It’s slightly larger than a soprano, giving your fingers more room to move while maintaining that classic Hawaiian tone. Plus, it shares the same G–C–E–A tuning as soprano and tenor ukes, making it easy to follow along with lessons or song tutorials.
At Terry Carter Music Store, beginners can choose from top-quality concert ukuleles by trusted brands like KoAloha, Kanile’a, and aNueNue—each professionally set up and ready to play.
Top Reasons to Choose Terry Carter Music Store
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Expert Setup: Every ukulele is inspected and adjusted by skilled technicians for perfect playability
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Wide Selection: From compact sopranos to deep-toned baritones, all major sizes and styles are available.
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Trusted Brands: Top-quality instruments from Martin, Kanile’a, KoAloha, and aNueNue.
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Electric Options: Many ukes come in acoustic-electric or fully electric versions for easy amplification.
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Beginner Guidance: The expert staff helps match each player to their ideal size and comfort level.
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Fast, Secure Shipping: Carefully packaged and shipped nationwide.
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5-Star Service: Hundreds of glowing customer reviews praising tone, quality, and support.
Understanding Each Ukulele Size
Soprano Ukulele: The Classic Starter
The soprano is the smallest and most traditional ukulele size. It’s usually around 21 inches long and produces that bright, cheerful tone often associated with Hawaiian music. Because of its short scale length (about 13 inches), the frets are close together—making it great for younger players or people with smaller hands.
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Tuning: G–C–E–A (standard)
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Tone: Bright, happy, traditional ukulele sound
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Playability: Ideal for smaller hands or travel use
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Variations: Some soprano models are available in electric or pineapple body styles
Concert Ukulele: The Beginner’s Sweet Spot
The concert ukulele is slightly larger—about 23 inches long—with a fuller tone and more finger space. Many players find it to be the perfect balance between comfort and sound projection, which makes it one of the most recommended sizes for beginners.
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Tuning: G–C–E–A (standard)
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Tone: Warm and balanced with a bit more volume
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Playability: Great for most hand sizes, especially adults
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Variations: Available in both acoustic and acoustic-electric models.
Tenor Ukulele: The Performer’s Choice
The tenor ukulele is around 26 inches long and offers a deeper, richer sound that many performers love. Its longer neck provides more frets, which means more room for fingerpicking and chord variations. Players with medium-to-large hands often find this size the most comfortable.
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Tuning: G–C–E–A (standard)
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Tone: Fuller, more resonant sound with enhanced sustain
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Playability: Ideal for adult beginners or those who plan to perform
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Variations: Commonly available as acoustic-electric; some models offer 8-string or 6-string versions for a layered tone.
Baritone Ukulele: The Guitarist’s Friend
The baritone ukulele is the largest of the group—around 30 inches long—with a tuning similar to the top four strings of a guitar. This makes it a popular choice for guitar players transitioning to ukulele or anyone who prefers a rich, mellow tone.
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Tuning: D–G–B–E (different from standard G–C–E–A)
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Tone: Deep, warm, and guitar-like
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Playability: Best for players with larger hands or those familiar with guitar chords
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Variations: Available in acoustic-electric and cutaway body styles for enhanced playability
Ukulele Size Comparison Summary
| Ukulele Size | Scale Length | Tuning | Sound | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | ~13" | G–C–E–A | Bright, traditional | Younger players or small hands | Most portable and classic |
| Concert | ~15" | G–C–E–A | Warm, balanced | Most beginners | Comfortable and versatile |
| Tenor | ~17" | G–C–E–A | Full, rich | Medium-to-large hands | Great for fingerstyle; stage-ready options |
| Baritone | ~19" | D–G–B–E | Deep, mellow | Guitarists or advanced players | Unique tuning; guitar-like tone |
Final Strum
Whether you prefer the cheerful soprano, balanced concert, full-bodied tenor, or rich baritone, finding the right size helps you play better and stay inspired. Terry Carter Music Store offers professionally set-up ukuleles in every size, style, and price range—so beginners can start strong with a reliable instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size ukulele should I start with?
A: Most beginners start with a concert ukulele because it balances comfort, tone, and ease of play.
Q: Does hand size affect which ukulele to buy?
A: Yes! Smaller hands usually prefer soprano or concert, while larger hands may find tenor or baritone more comfortable.
Q: Are all ukuleles tuned the same?
A: Soprano, concert, and tenor ukes share the same tuning (G–C–E–A). The baritone is tuned differently (D–G–B–E).
Q: Can I get an electric ukulele in any size?
A: Absolutely! Many soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone models come in acoustic-electric or fully electric options.
Q: What’s the price range for beginner ukuleles?
A: Quality beginner ukuleles typically range from $100–$400, depending on brand and build quality.
See Available Ukuleles at Terry Carter Music Store
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