Best Beginner Ukuleles – How to Choose the Ideal Instrument for You!

Last Updated: May-02-2019 In our latest refresh of this beginner-friendly uke article we removed one older model, the Mitchell MU40, and replaced it with the attractive Mitchell MU70. We also added the convenient Kala LTP-S Starter Kit to bring this chart into double figures.

The humble ukulele has seen something of a renaissance over the past decade or so, and is now one of the hippest little instruments to play, and be seen playing. While guitarists love it, it’s also great for children and complete beginners to musical instruments, as the ukulele is easy to play and easy to learn. But many questions will confront the beginner. What should you look for in a ukulele? Concert, soprano or tenor size? What brands are worth considering? How much should you should spend? And a lot more. So, to help, we have compiled a chart of some of the best starter instruments that will suit any budget. We have highlighted a few affordable ukes for those players just wanting to give it a go without spending too much; there are some convenient bundles that offer everything you need to get started; and even a few slightly more expensive models that will offer you advanced playability and sound. Whatever your motivation, budget and style, check out our chart below to find out which models we rate the highest, then stay tuned for a guide to buying your first uke:

Top 10 Best Beginner Ukuleles:

Even though there are many other ukuleles that will deliver the playability, sound and value a beginner needs, the models we have featured above will give you a good cross-section of the most popular ukes on offer. You may question why a $300 uke can have a similar rating to a $100 uke. This is simply because we rate every instrument in relation to its price range. A $300 model will always show a better build quality and sound than something priced at fifty bucks – but they may both rate highly in their individual price categories. With this in mind, it’s time to take a look at some of the basics when it comes to buying a ukulele for beginners!

The Basics – Things You Need to Know

The Differences Between Ukuleles and Guitars

If you’ve played guitar before, a ukulele won’t be too foreign for you – the two instruments obviously share some qualities. Similar to a guitar, it will have a body, a neck, a fretboard, a headstock, and a nut, bridge, saddle and strings. These are all obviously smaller than the components you’d find on a guitar (we’ll move onto sizes very soon), but will be familiar to those who have played a guitar before. However, there are just as many differences between the two instruments: Less Strings and Frets One of the major differences is that standard ukuleles only have four strings, compared to a guitar’s six. Of course, some  break the mold and add a fifth or sixth string but, in this guide, we’re only covering the popular four-stringed varieties. When it comes to frets, ukuleles typically only tend to have between 12 and 21 frets, while standard guitars will generally have between 19 and 24 frets. Easier to Play Less strings and less frets means less notes to get to grips with and easier chords to learn. Another aspect is that the strings have a lower tension, meaning less pressure is required to sound a note. So – compared to a guitar – the ukulele is easier to play. Different Sound While similar, there are differences in the tone of a ukulele and a guitar. Ukes tend to be very happy and bright in sound, with instant connotations of Hawaii, although the size you choose (see below) will affect the overall tone. Guitars, with their extra strings and frets, obviously have a much bigger tonal range, and are louder when it comes to projection. Easier to Transport This is quite an obvious one – a ukulele is smaller and lighter than a guitar, so it’s easier to travel around with. Compare the length of a 21” soprano uke with the 39” length of a standard guitar and you’ll see what we mean. Cost Less This isn’t always true – naturally a high-end Martin model will cost more than an entry-level Rogue guitar, but in general, you get more value for your cash. They are smaller and easier for manufacturers to build. So, whereas the entry-level guitar market is anywhere from $50 to $200, the entry-level market is more like $20 to $100. The same goes for high-end models. In the guitar world, $1,500+ is considered high-end, whereas $500 will get you a pretty premium ukulele.

The Sizes

While ukuleles come in many different sizes – including the tiniest pocket models right up to the biggest contrabass ukes – the most popular sizes can be placed into four categories: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. There is no right or wrong size, but here are some general traits that may help you make your decision: Soprano A soprano ukulele is the smallest of the popular sizes, with a typical length of around 21” and standard G-C-E-A tuning. With the smaller scale, it’s ideal for children or players with smaller hands, although that’s not to say adults can’t enjoy playing it. A soprano has a lovely bright, happy sound, although isn’t particularly loud due to the smaller body. Concert For those players after the rich, classic ukulele tone, with slightly better projection, a concert uke is worth considering and probably the most popular size among beginners. Due to the larger body length of around 23”, the fretboard feels a little less cramped, so it can be easier for adults to play. The G-C-E-A tuning remains the same as a soprano. Tenor With a typical length of around 26”, a tenor uke offers a bigger, deeper sound that still retains the traditional ukulele tone, using the standard G-C-E-A tuning. With the increase in size, it becomes easier to play for adults with slightly larger hands. Baritone A baritone ukulele is the biggest of the popular uke sizes, with a typical length of around 29”. With its larger build, the baritone is particularly good for guitar players making a change, as well as those seeking a deeper tone. The typical baritone tuning is D-G-B-E​, which is five half steps lower than standard ukulele tuning (and identical to the highest four strings of a guitar). Below is a very useful video that demonstrates the differences in scales and sounds of each size: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=913Ozhf-ERE

What to Look for in Your First Instrument

While everyone wants something that looks and sounds amazing (and you can certainly find it if you are prepared to spend the cash), the main thing to look for in a beginner’s ukulele is comfort and playability – a neck that is smooth with a low action. If you’re buying a cheaper model, you may need to get a good setup to optimize your action (see the section on setting up below). Another consideration is the size of the instrument. It’s no coincidence that our beginners chart above highlights soprano or concert ukes, because they tend to be easier for beginners to hold and play. If in doubt, go for a concert size if you’re an adult, and a soprano for a child. Of course, if you’re used to playing the guitar or have slightly bigger hands, a tenor or a baritone may be easier for you to move around. There’s no right or wrong, but – in general – you’re relatively safe with a concert uke. Having a ukulele with a decent sound is also important, so you can clearly hear what notes you are playing as well as feel encouraged when tunes and songs sound good (because it’s certainly discouraging to play a song well and still have it sound like garbage!). Those on our chart all succeed in giving an average to very good sound, depending on the model. While entry-level ukes won’t have the complexities and richness of a higher-end solid wood options, you’ll be fine as long as the sound is clear. Talking about sounds, if you are a beginner, there’s no real need for electronics. Think about whether you really need to amplify your sound. If the uke you love comes with electronics, consider it a bonus – but it’s not a necessity, and should be the last thing you consider. Finally, if you’re serious about the ukulele, and your budget allows, it is probably worth buying something a little more expensive. We’re not talking a high-end, American-made masterpiece, but by splashing a little extra cash, you will usually end up with an instrument that looks great, feels smooth, and has better sound than something in the budget category.

Do I Need Lessons?

In some shape or form, yes – you need some sort of instruction if you are a beginner. This could be as basic as buying a book on learning to watching some YouTube video lessons – there are literally hundreds of great beginner lessons out there. If you are more serious about learning, enrolling in an online ukulele course or taking lessons with a local professional teacher (either one-on-one or group sessions) is a good way to go about things, and will give you a great foundation for your future playing.

Getting Set Up

As we’ve mentioned in some of the individual reviews, while the cheaper models on our chart and beyond are fine instruments, some of them would benefit from a good setup after delivery. It’s not essential, but by lowering the action, filing any sharp frets, and changing the strings, a sub-$100 uke can look and feel like a much more expensive instrument. There are many guides on setting up and intonating a ukulele online (including the video below), although if you are a complete beginner, spending a few dollars on a professional setup from your local guitar pro may be the best way to go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhzmbCzaoxs

What is The Easiest Type of Ukulele to Play?

With four main styles/sizes of ukulele – soprano, concert, tenor and baritone – it may be a little confusing to beginners which size is the easiest to play. We have highlighted the sizes and their tonal profiles in more detail elsewhere in this article, but we generally suggest learning on a concert or tenor ukulele. These two sizes provide adult beginners with a little more fretboard room to work with and an easier instrument to hold when compared to the very small soprano. However, note that a soprano ukulele may be better for a child, as smaller hands can deal with the smaller fretboard much easier. Whatever your size, it is worth avoiding a baritone ukulele as a beginner. While this lovely style of uke can be great to move onto, the initial change of tuning to D-G-B-E can be confusing for those learning for the first time.

How Much Should I Pay for a Ukulele?

The joy of a ukulele is that it is a relatively cheap instrument to get into – even a premium high-end uke won’t set you back much more than a thousand bucks. However, as a beginner, there is no need to spend anywhere near that amount, especially if you haven’t tried playing one yet (you may realize it isn’t the instrument for you). Because these days so many brands offer ukuleles, the standard is all round much better. However, there are still some awfully cheap models on the market, and anything under $40 starts to fall into the ‘toy’ category. Of course, there are exceptions, but to be on the safe side – and to end up with something that is playable and sounds good – we suggest spending over $50. If your budget allows and you feel that the ukulele is an instrument you will stick with, spending anything between $75 and $200 will land you with something worth practicing and performing on. This amount will also allow you a big range of choice when it comes to brands, models and sizes, as well as designs and tonewood choices.

What Do You Need to Play Ukulele?

The joy of a ukulele is the fact that you can take it anywhere and make sweet music without the need for extra accessories. Taking a ukulele to the beach is a lot easier than taking an electric guitar, cables, amp and power generator! However, beginners will still want to invest in a case for the uke, as this will make transporting and storing the instrument easier and safer. Some ukuleles will come with their own case, so make sure you check first before buying twice. You may want to buy a strap to help support the ukulele when playing standing or seated, although these aren’t a necessity as the ukulele is a light and easy-to-hold instrument. A digital tuner is another accessory worth considering. These relatively inexpensive devices will help you tune your uke correctly.

The Final Word

While we’ve highlighted some excellent instruments for beginners that span several price ranges, there are hundreds of other ukes that you may prefer. While we can’t chart them all, buying something from the top brands such as Kala, Lohanu, Lanikai, and Luna, or famous guitar brands that make ukes, including Cordoba, Fender, Ibanez, Martin and Epiphone, will usually see you safe. When you have settled on a shortlist of models that really appeal to you, start narrowing it down by watching videos, listening to audio files, reading reviews, and – if possible – actually trying it out. You’ll eventually settle on one that you love. Good luck with your hunt for your perfect beginner instrument, and enjoy learning this wonderful instrument!