The ukulele is compact, lightweight and surprisingly versatile. From songwriting and home recording to live performance and travel use, it fits effortlessly into many musical environments.
Whether you are looking for a first instrument, a portable songwriting tool or a new tonal colour for your setup, choosing the right ukulele depends on size, sound character, playability and — if needed — onboard electronics.
The ukulele is easy to learn, immediately rewarding and sounds great in many genres. Chords are simple to grasp, and the shorter scale length makes playing more comfortable than on many guitars.
This makes the ukulele an ideal choice for beginners, songwriters, teachers and musicians looking for a creative, portable instrument.
Ukuleles come in different sizes, each offering a distinct feel and sound. Smaller models are compact and bright, while larger ukuleles deliver more volume, bass response and fretboard space.
As a guideline: Soprano Ukulele for classic tone and easy entry, Concert Ukulele for versatility, Tenor Ukulele for fingerstyle and projection, and Baritone Ukulele for a warm, guitar-like sound.
The Soprano Ukulele is the traditional ukulele size. With a scale length of around 35 cm, it is compact, lightweight and instantly recognisable in sound.
The typical re-entrant tuning g'–c'–e'–a' gives the soprano its bright, airy character, ideal for strumming, accompaniment and fast learning progress.
If you are new to the ukulele or need a portable instrument for travel and lessons, the Soprano Ukulele is a reliable starting point.
The Fame Roundbody Soprano Ukulele Bocote is a compact Soprano Ukulele with ABS body and laminated bocote top.
The Concert Ukulele offers more fretboard space and a slightly fuller sound than a soprano, while remaining compact and comfortable.
With a scale length of about 38.5 cm and the same standard tuning, it feels familiar but more relaxed to play — especially for larger hands.
The Concert Ukulele is often considered the most versatile size, suitable for beginners, songwriting and everyday playing.
The J & D CS-3 Concert Ukulele features a solid spruce top and a warm-sounding mahogany body.
The Tenor Ukulele provides more volume, stronger bass response and generous fret spacing. Its scale length of around 43 cm makes it ideal for fingerstyle and solo playing.
Many tenor models keep the standard tuning, but deliver a more powerful and defined sound that cuts through in ensemble or live situations.
If you want projection, comfort and expressive playing, the Tenor Ukulele is a popular upgrade.
The Ortega RU5-TE Tenor Ukulele combines elegant looks with a rich, full tenor sound.
The Baritone Ukulele delivers the deepest and warmest tone of all ukulele sizes.
It is usually tuned d–g–b–e, identical to the lower four strings of a guitar, making it especially appealing to guitarists.
For recording, accompaniment and arrangements requiring more depth and sustain, the Baritone Ukulele is an excellent choice.
The Fame Mahogany Baritone Ukulele offers warm tone thanks to its solid top and mahogany body.
If you plan to perform live or record directly, a ukulele with a built-in pickup is a practical solution. For home use, lessons or studio recording, a purely acoustic ukulele or microphone setup is often sufficient.
Comfort matters: clean frets, smooth tuners and a good string action make learning and playing far more enjoyable. A proper setup can also improve intonation and tone, especially on entry-level instruments.
Soprano Ukulele, Concert Ukulele and Tenor Ukulele are commonly tuned g–c–e–a (re-entrant). Baritone Ukulele is typically tuned d–g–b–e, which feels familiar to guitar players.
Useful accessories include a gig bag or case, tuner, strap, capo, spare strings and learning materials. You can find matching gear in our accessories selection.
Martin Guitars, Furch, Richwood, Guild, Gibson, Fame, Ortega, Fender, Epiphone, Leho, Sigma, Jack & Danny, Ibanez, Peavey
Soprano Ukulele and Concert Ukulele are ideal for beginners: easy to play, affordable and well suited for lessons and self-learning.
The differences are mainly size, sound and feel. Soprano Ukulele is bright and compact, Concert Ukulele more balanced, Tenor Ukulele fuller and louder, Baritone Ukulele warm and guitar-like.
Concert Ukulele and Tenor Ukulele are popular for fingerstyle thanks to their larger fretboard and richer sound.
For children, a Soprano Ukulele is usually the best choice because it is lightweight, compact and easy to hold.
Most ukuleles are tuned g–c–e–a with a high g-string. Baritone Ukulele is typically tuned d–g–b–e, like the lower four strings of a guitar.
Re-entrant tuning means the top string is tuned higher than expected, not lower. This is what gives Soprano Ukulele, Concert Ukulele and Tenor Ukulele their characteristic bright sound.
A pickup is useful for live performance and recording. For home playing or practice, an acoustic Ukulele is usually sufficient.
Good entry-level Ukuleles are available at affordable prices. Higher-priced models offer better materials, craftsmanship and sound quality.
Common tonewoods include mahogany, spruce, koa and maple. The choice of wood influences tone, sustain and overall character.
Tenor Ukulele and Baritone Ukulele are popular with guitar players. Baritone Ukulele feels especially familiar due to its guitar-like tuning.