Choosing the right ukulele size for you

If you’re thinking about picking up the ukulele, or maybe you're ready to add a new one to your collection, you’ve probably noticed there are a few different sizes to choose from. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need to be overwhelmed! Choosing the right size ukulele is all about comfort, sound, and what kind of playing style you’re looking for.

In this post, we’ll take a look at the four main sizes of ukuleles—soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone—and help you figure out which one is best for you.

Soprano Ukulele: The Classic Choice

If you’re picturing a ukulele in your mind, chances are it’s a soprano. This is the classic ukulele size, and it has a bright, happy sound that’s instantly recognisable. The soprano is often seen as the "original" ukulele size, and it’s the one that musicians like George Formby and Tiny Tim played.

The soprano is the smallest of the four sizes, with a scale length (the distance between the nut and bridge) of around 13.5 inches. Its compact size makes it a great choice for younger players or anyone with smaller hands, but don’t let its small size fool you—many professional musicians still love the soprano for its unique, lively tone.

Best for: Beginners, kids, or players who prefer a traditional, bright ukulele sound.

Concert Ukulele: A Little More Room to Play

Next up is the concert ukulele, which is just a step up from the soprano in both size and tone. With a scale length of around 15 inches, the concert offers more space for your fingers to move, making it a good option if you’re looking for a little more comfort while playing.

It still uses the same standard G-C-E-A tuning as the soprano, but thanks to its larger body and longer scale, the concert ukulele has a fuller, deeper sound. It’s a great middle-ground choice for players who want something slightly bigger than a soprano but don’t want to go too big just yet.

Best for: Beginners who want a bit more room to play, or anyone looking for a ukulele with a deeper, richer sound without going up to a larger size.

Tenor Ukulele: More Room, More Tone

The tenor ukulele is the third-largest size in the ukulele family, and it’s a favorite among many intermediate and advanced players. With a scale length of around 17 inches, the tenor gives you even more space to stretch out your fingers, which is great for more complex chord shapes or intricate fingerpicking.

Not only does the tenor have more room, but it also delivers a deeper, fuller tone than the soprano or concert. Many tenor players also swap out the high-G string for a low-G string to get a deeper, richer sound. While the tenor can be a bit bigger to handle, it’s still pretty lightweight and portable compared to a guitar. If you’re someone who plays often and likes to experiment with different sounds, the tenor could be the perfect fit.

Best for: Players who are comfortable with a slightly larger instrument and want a fuller, richer tone.

Baritone Ukulele: The Guitar-Like Sound

The baritone ukulele is the biggest of the main ukulele sizes, with a scale length between 19 and 21 inches. It has a much deeper, fuller tone compared to the other sizes and uses a different tuning—D-G-B-E—which is the same as the top four strings of a guitar. This makes the baritone a popular choice for guitar players who are looking to try out the ukulele while still feeling familiar with the tuning.

Because of its larger size and guitar-like tuning, the baritone has a unique, almost mellow sound, which can be great for more laid-back, slower playing styles. However, because the baritone is the largest ukulele, it can take a little more getting used to if you’re a beginner.

Best for: Guitar players, players with larger hands, or anyone who wants a deeper, more mellow sound.

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Choosing the Right Ukulele for You

So, which size ukulele is right for you? It really depends on what you're looking for in your playing experience.

• If you're a complete beginner or buying a ukulele for a child, a soprano is a great place to start.
• If you want something that’s a little more comfortable to play with a fuller sound, the concert ukulele is a solid choice.
• If you're looking for a bigger, richer tone and more room to explore different techniques, you might want to go with the tenor.
• And if you’re a guitar player or you like a deeper, more mellow sound, the baritone might be the best fit.

No matter which size you choose, remember that the best ukulele for you is the one that feels the most comfortable and fun to play. And if you get a ukulele and find it’s not the right fit, don’t worry—many players end up owning multiple sizes to suit different playing styles.

Happy strumming!