Understanding Ukulele Sizes: Soprano, Concert, Tenor, and Baritone

One of the first decisions every ukulele buyer faces is choosing the right size. Unlike guitars, which largely come in one standard size with minor variations, ukuleles are available in four distinct sizes, each with its own character, sound, and feel. Understanding these differences is crucial to finding an instrument that suits your playing style, physical comfort, and musical goals.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore each ukulele size in detail, comparing their dimensions, sound characteristics, playability, and ideal use cases. By the end, you'll have the knowledge to confidently choose the size that's right for you.

The Four Standard Ukulele Sizes

From smallest to largest, the four standard ukulele sizes are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Each step up in size brings a fuller tone, more fret access, and a different playing experience.

Soprano Ukulele

The soprano is the original ukulele size and what most people picture when they think of the instrument. It's the smallest and produces the quintessential bright, punchy sound that made ukuleles famous worldwide.

Sound Character

Sopranos have a cheerful, tinkly quality that's instantly recognisable. The smaller body produces less bass and volume, but the bright, sweet tone cuts through nicely in group settings. This is the sound you hear in classic Hawaiian recordings and in songs like "Over the Rainbow."

Playability

The compact size makes sopranos extremely portable and comfortable for players with smaller hands, including children. However, the narrow fret spacing can feel cramped for adults with larger hands, especially when playing chords higher up the neck. Typically offering 12-15 frets with 12 accessible to the body, sopranos have the most limited range.

Best For

• Children and players with smaller hands
• Travel and portability (fits in overhead bins, backpacks)
• Traditional Hawaiian sound
• Casual strumming and sing-alongs
• Players on a tight budget (sopranos are often the most affordable)

Concert Ukulele

The concert ukulele emerged in the 1920s as musicians sought a slightly larger instrument with more volume and range. Today, it's arguably the most popular size, offering an excellent balance of traditional sound and modern playability.

Sound Character

Concerts produce a fuller, warmer tone than sopranos while retaining the characteristic ukulele brightness. The larger body provides increased volume and sustain, making them more versatile for different playing situations. Many players find the concert strikes the perfect balance between the soprano's character and the tenor's depth.

Playability

The extra length provides wider fret spacing that most adult players find comfortable. With 15-18 frets and more accessible above the body, concerts offer extended range for more complex playing. The body size remains manageable for most players while offering better ergonomics for extended practice sessions.

Best For

• Adult beginners wanting comfortable playability
• Players who want traditional sound with modern ergonomics
• Those who find sopranos too small but tenors too large
• General-purpose playing across multiple styles

Tenor Ukulele

The tenor ukulele is the choice of many professional players. Its larger size produces a rich, resonant tone with excellent projection, while providing ample room for advanced techniques.

Sound Character

Tenors have the deepest, warmest tone of the standard-tuned ukuleles. The larger body produces more bass and volume, with longer sustain and greater dynamic range. Some describe the tenor sound as approaching a small guitar while maintaining ukulele character. This size is particularly favoured for solo performance and recording.

Playability

With 17-19 frets and generous fret spacing, tenors accommodate complex fingering and chord voicings comfortably. The extended scale length allows for more precise intonation and easier bending of notes. However, the larger body may feel unwieldy for players with smaller frames or those accustomed to smaller instruments.

Special Consideration: Low G Tuning

Many tenor players use "low G" tuning, replacing the standard re-entrant G string with one tuned an octave lower. This provides a wider tonal range similar to a guitar's highest four strings, making tenors particularly versatile for fingerpicking, solo arrangements, and jazz playing.

Best For

• Professional performers and recording artists
• Fingerpicking and complex arrangements
• Players wanting maximum volume and projection
• Those transitioning from guitar
• Jazz and classical ukulele styles

Baritone Ukulele

The baritone is the largest standard ukulele and differs significantly from its smaller siblings. Importantly, it uses different tuning (D-G-B-E, matching the guitar's highest four strings), which affects chord shapes and how it integrates with other ukuleles.

Sound Character

Baritones produce a deep, mellow tone that's closer to a classical guitar than a traditional ukulele. They lack the bright, punchy character of smaller ukuleles but offer rich bass response and warm sustain. Some players find baritones don't have the "ukulele personality" they're seeking, while others appreciate the guitar-like quality.

Playability

The baritone's scale length and body size are comparable to a small guitar. This makes it an excellent transition instrument for guitarists wanting to try ukulele, as chord shapes transfer directly. For ukulele players, the different tuning means learning new chord shapes, which can be confusing if you play multiple sizes.

Best For

• Guitarists wanting a portable, travel-friendly instrument
• Players seeking a deeper, more guitar-like tone
• Solo players who don't need to match standard ukulele tuning
• Those who find even tenor ukuleles too bright

How to Choose Your Size

Consider these factors when deciding:

Hand Size

If you have smaller hands, a soprano or concert may be most comfortable. Larger hands typically find concert or tenor more playable. However, don't let hand size alone determine your choice—many professional players with large hands play sopranos, and children can learn on concerts.

Sound Preference

Listen to recordings of each size if possible. Do you prefer the bright, traditional sound of smaller ukuleles, or the fuller, warmer tone of larger ones? Your sound preference is perhaps the most important factor.

Playing Style

Strumming and singing? Any size works well, but sopranos and concerts are traditional. Fingerpicking and solo arrangements? Consider a tenor. Playing with guitarists? A baritone might blend better.

Portability

If you'll travel frequently with your ukulele, sopranos and concerts are easier to manage. Tenors still fit in overhead bins but take more space. Baritones may face airline restrictions.

Budget

At any quality level, sopranos are typically the most affordable, with prices increasing through concert, tenor, and baritone. Consider getting a higher-quality smaller ukulele rather than a lower-quality larger one.

Final Thoughts

There's no objectively "best" ukulele size—only the best size for you. Many dedicated players eventually own multiple sizes, appreciating each for its unique characteristics. If possible, try different sizes at a music store before buying. Pay attention to how each feels in your hands and how the sound resonates with you personally.

If you're a complete beginner, a concert ukulele is often recommended as a versatile starting point. But if your heart is set on the traditional soprano sound or you're drawn to the tenor's richness, trust your instincts. The best ukulele is one you'll enjoy playing.