Which size ukulele should I buy when I first start playing?
If you’re just starting your ukulele journey, choosing the right size is an important first step. With four main sizes—soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone—each offering different tones and playability, it’s worth considering which one suits your needs best.
Soprano – The Traditional Choice
The soprano is the smallest and most traditional ukulele size. Its compact body and short scale length give it that classic bright and cheerful ukulele sound. This size is perfect for younger players or those with smaller hands, but some adults may find the fret spacing a little tight for more complex chords.
Concert – A Great All-Rounder
Slightly larger than the soprano, the concert ukulele offers more room on the fretboard, making it easier to play while still maintaining a traditional ukulele sound. It has a slightly warmer tone and a bit more volume, making it a popular choice for beginners looking for a comfortable playing experience.
Tenor – More space, richer tone
The tenor is a step up in size from the concert and offers a deeper, fuller sound. The larger body produces more resonance, and the extra fretboard space makes it ideal for those with bigger hands or anyone wanting to explore fingerpicking techniques. It’s a great option for beginners who are serious about developing their playing skills.
Baritone – A different sound
The baritone is the largest of the four and is tuned differently from the others – DGBE – making it sound more like a small, classical guitar. While this can be appealing to some players, it means that standard ukulele chords won’t work in the same way, which may make it a less ideal choice for absolute beginners.
Why build quality really matters – even for beginners
While many beginners are tempted to go for the cheapest option, a well-built ukulele can make a huge difference in how enjoyable it is to play. Poorly made ukuleles often have issues with tuning stability, poor fretwork, and low-quality materials that impact both sound and durability. A good-quality instrument will not only sound better but also be easier to play, helping beginners stay motivated.
At Noah Ukuleles, all of my instruments are handmade by experienced luthiers in a small workshop, using all solid woods. Before leaving the workshop, each ukulele is carefully set up to ensure proper string height, fret accuracy, and smooth playability. Then, when it arrives with me, I carry out a second inspection—checking for any adjustments needed before sending it to the customer. This means that every Noah ukulele arrives ready to play, giving beginners the best possible start to their musical journey.
No matter which size you choose, a well-made ukulele will help you progress faster and enjoy playing more. If you’re unsure which size is best for you, feel free to get in touch—I’m always happy to help!