At first glance all ukuleles look alike. In fact there are four common sizes that differ in length, sound and the spacing of the frets. For children the size really matters: when the instrument fits the hand, the first chords ring clearly sooner and practising is simply more fun.
The four sizes
- Soprano: about 53 cm long, the smallest and most classic ukulele with a bright, typical sound. Ideal for most children from around 5 or 6.
- Concert: about 58 to 63 cm. A little more room between the frets and a fuller sound. Great for older kids, teens and adults.
- Tenor: about 66 cm. An even fuller tone, better suited to adults or teens with larger hands.
- Baritone: about 76 cm and tuned like the four highest guitar strings (D G B E). The same chord shapes produce different chords here, so it rarely suits a ukulele class.
Soprano, concert and tenor share the same tuning (G C E A), so chord charts, songs and school books work for all three.
Which size fits my child?
As a rule of thumb, a soprano ukulele is the best choice up to about age 10. From around 10 to 12, or with bigger hands, a concert ukulele feels more comfortable. A quick test: can your child wrap a relaxed hand around the neck and reach the 3rd fret with the ring finger without stretching the arm? Then the size is right.
What to look for in a first instrument
- Action: the strings should sit close to the fretboard. If they are high, your child has to press very hard, which gets frustrating fast.
- Tuning pegs: they should turn smoothly and hold the tuning.
- Frets: nothing should stick out or feel sharp along the edges of the neck.
- New strings: they stretch during the first days and need frequent retuning. That is completely normal.
A pricey instrument is not necessary to start. What matters much more is that it tunes easily and feels comfortable to play. If you can, have it tuned and try a few chords before buying. Then off you go: learn to hold the ukulele, tune it and play your first chords.
To the tuner