Choose your ukulele size based on comfort, sound, and your goals. Soprano is compact with the classic bright ukulele tone. Concert is the best all-around size for most beginners and adults. Tenor gives more fret space and a fuller sound. Baritone is larger with a deeper voice and is often tuned like the top four guitar strings. Bass ukulele delivers true low-end for groove and accompaniment, with a feel closer to bass playing than standard ukulele strumming.
The 5 main ukulele sizes, explained simply
Ukuleles come in five main sizes. Each one changes the feel, tone, and what the instrument is best suited for.
1. Soprano ukulele
Best for: kids, smaller hands, classic ukulele sound
Feel: smallest body and shorter neck
Sound: bright, light, traditional “island” tone
Why people love it: portable and beginner-friendly
Soprano Ukeleles is the size most people picture when they think “ukulele.”
2. Concert ukulele
Best for: most beginners, students, adults who want comfort
Feel: slightly larger, more fret space
Sound: fuller than soprano, still very “ukulele”
Why people love it: easier chord spacing without losing the classic tone
If you are unsure what to buy, Concert Ukeleles is usually the safest choice.
3. Tenor ukulele
Best for: adults, fingerstyle players, performers, bigger hands
Feel: longer neck, more room for complex chords
Sound: deeper, louder, richer
Why people love it: great projection and comfortable playability
Tenor Ukeleles is a popular step up for students who stick with the instrument.
4. Baritone ukulele
Best for: guitar players, warm accompaniment, lower tones
Feel: larger body, longer scale
Sound: deep and mellow, closer to a small guitar
Tuning: usually D–G–B–E (same as the top 4 guitar strings)
Why people love it: familiar transition from guitar and a rich tone for singing
Baritone ukeleles is still a ukulele, but it behaves differently because of its common tuning.
5. Bass ukulele
Best for: bass lines, ensemble playing, low-end support, groove-focused music
Feel: compact body but built for low frequencies
Sound: deep bass range, designed to fill the role of an electric bass
Strings: often thick polyurethane or specialized bass strings for low tuning
Why people love it: you get real bass sound in a small, portable instrument
Bass ukuleles are not the typical “strum a few chords” ukulele. They are made for playing bass parts in a band, a classroom ensemble, or at home with backing tracks.
Quick comparison: which ukulele size should you choose?
|
Size |
Best for |
Tone |
Comfort |
Tuning (most common) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Soprano |
kids, small hands, classic sound |
bright |
compact |
G–C–E–A |
|
Concert |
most beginners, students |
balanced |
very comfortable |
G–C–E–A |
|
Tenor |
adults, fingerstyle, performers |
fuller, louder |
more space |
G–C–E–A |
|
Baritone |
guitar players, warm tone |
deep, mellow |
larger |
D–G–B–E |
|
Bass |
bass lines, ensembles |
very deep |
compact body, thick strings |
E–A–D–G (often) |
Which size is right for you?
If you are buying for a child
Choose soprano for younger kids. Choose concert for older kids who need more fret space.
If you are an adult beginner
Choose concert as the easiest all-around option. Choose tenor if you want more room for your fingers.
If you want to sing and strum
Choose concert for a bright accompaniment. Choose tenor for more warmth and projection. Choose baritone if you want a deeper voice under your singing.
If you already play guitar
Choose tenor if you want standard ukulele tuning with more comfort. Choose baritone if you want familiar tuning (D–G–B–E) and a guitar-like feel.
If you want to play bass lines
Choose a bass ukulele if you want to play grooves, basslines, and low-end support in a band or ensemble. It is a great option for students in school music programs who need a bass role, and for multi-instrument players who want a portable bass option.
How to compare ukuleles beyond size
1. Playability
Look for smooth frets, comfortable neck shape, and low string action. A well-set instrument is easier to learn on.
2. Materials
Many beginner ukuleles use laminate or composite materials for durability. Solid wood often gives a richer tone but needs more stable humidity.
3. Tuning stability
Good tuning pegs and quality strings matter. Beginners quit faster when the instrument won’t stay in tune.
A simple buying checklist
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Choose your size first. Soprano or concert for most beginners.
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Add the essentials. A clip-on tuner, spare strings, and a gig bag or case.
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Learn faster with a method book or beginner songbook.
FAQ: Ukulele sizes
Is concert better than soprano for beginners?
For most adults, yes. Concert offers more comfort and fret space. Soprano is great for kids and classic tone.
Is tenor too big for a beginner?
Not necessarily. If you have larger hands or want more room to learn comfortably, tenor is a great option.
Does baritone use the same chords as ukulele?
The chord shapes are the same, but baritone is usually tuned differently, so the chords sound in different keys than standard ukulele tuning.
Is a bass ukulele the same as an electric bass?
It fills a similar musical role, but the feel is different. Bass ukuleles are smaller, use thicker strings, and are designed for portability while still delivering low-end sound.
Choose the size that matches your hands and your music
If you want the safest choice, go with a concert ukulele. If you want the compact classic feel, choose soprano. If you want more space and a fuller sound, tenor is a great upgrade. If you want a deeper, guitar-friendly option, pick baritone. If you want to play bass lines and build grooves, the bass ukulele is the right tool.
Browse our ukulele collection to compare sizes, then complete your setup with ukulele accessories, a protective ukulele case, and beginner-friendly ukulele sheet music to start playing with confidence.