How to Choose the Right Ukulele Size (and Why It Matters) | Matt Stead Ukulele

Matt Stead
5 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Not all ukuleles are the same size....

🎵 Why Ukulele Size Matters

If you’ve ever wondered why some ukes sound brighter, feel easier to play, or just look different — it all comes down to size.

In this post (and video!), I’ll walk you through the four main ukulele sizes — soprano, concert, tenor and baritone — and help you figure out which one suits you best.

This video has all the important details but below is a quick summary to help you choose quickly

🎵 The 4 Main Ukulele Sizes

1. Soprano Ukulele

The smallest and most traditional - scale length around 13-14".

GCEA tuning

✅ Bright, classic ukulele sound

✅ Wonderful for ragtime and Formby/Roy Smeck style playing

✅ Great for smaller hands

❌ Can feel cramped for adult beginners

2. Concert Ukulele

Slightly bigger than soprano — scale length around 15-16"

GCEA tuning

✅ Brilliant strumming machines!

✅ Easier finger spacing

✅ Ideal for beginners and all-rounders

❌ Some argue they have neither the best bits of a soprano or tenor

3. Tenor Ukulele

Around 17-18" with a deeper tone and longer neck.

GCEA tuning

✅ Great for fingerpicking

✅ More volume and sustain

✅ Preferred by many professionals (including me!)

❌ String tension can make it unforgiving for beginners

4. Baritone Ukulele

The biggest — from 19 - 21", tuned like the top 4 strings of a guitar.

DGBE tuning

✅ Deep, mellow sound

✅ Can be good for guitar players switching to uke

✅ More jazzy and warm in tone

❌ Not quite the “classic” uke sound

🤔 So... Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide (these are all, of course, generalisations: if you'd like all the detail have a watch of the video in the links below!!)

🎯 If you're just starting out – try a concert or tenor

🎯 If you want the most traditional sound – go for a soprano

🎯 If you have larger hands or want room to grow – tenor is your friend

🎯 If you're coming from guitar – consider a baritone

📦 Try Before You Buy (If You Can!)

I would recommend trying before you buy if you can. If you can't or you'd like some more buying advice make sure to go to a specialist ukulele supplier. They will set your ukulele up so it is comfortable to play. Some recommendations are below (I have no affiliation to any of these but have bought from them myself and personally recommend them):

UK: Southern Ukulele Store - World of Ukes - Eagle Music

USA: MIM's Ukes - The Ukulele Site - Uke Republic

Rest of the world: Ukulele Mania

For unbiased reviews check out Barry Maz's excellent Got A Ukulele review site.

If you're unsure, drop me a message and I’ll happily advise.