Do you want to learn to play a musical instrument but are confused between guitar and ukulele? Or maybe you want to know the difference between the two, so you can easily choose the best one. Well! We got you.

Choosing an instrument, you are going to learn has never been an easy task. Certainly, it’s an investment of time and money, so you must ensure that your chosen instrument is the best for you. If you are stuck deciding between ukulele and guitar, do not worry! This article is for you. Along with comparison, we will also discuss which one suits you the best. Let’s get started.

Guitar vs. Ukulele, How to Choose the Best One

Both musical instruments are great for beginners as, in some cases, learning one may help you grip the other more quickly. But there are some differences you must point out before deciding which one is best for you to learn as a beginner.

Guitar and ukulele have some similarities, but various sides to playing each of them are very different. No matter which one you decide upon, one thing to remember is that learning a new musical instrument requires dedication, commitment, discipline, and a lot of practice to become a pro.

Also check: tips to choose musical instruments.

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 Similarities between Guitar and Ukulele

Before discussing the differences, let us first understand what makes these instruments similar. As mentioned above, they do pose a lot of similarities. The first one is that they both have strings, meaning the sound created when open strings are plucked over the hollow hole reverberates. This sound may be projected out, too, and this process is known as amplification.

You might know that electric, as well as acoustic guitars, are also available in the market. And it is helpful to know that electric guitars need more amplification than classical ones. That’s why they are more similarly structured in sound and body to the Ukulele.

Moreover, the playing methods of guitar and ukulele are also the same. You must combine the strings by pressing your fingers and plucking on frets to create different chords and scale lengths. You can also play the notes as you want, together or individually.

One of the last similarities between the guitar and ukulele is that both are easily portable. When you compare these instruments with other instruments such as drums or pianos, these instruments are lighter and easier to get along with for live performances, gigs, events, picnics, and other get-togethers.

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Differences between Guitar and Ukulele

Are you going to purchase an instrument to learn it? Remember that starting your practice as a music beginner will be easier to go with the Ukulele. Why is this so? Here we will discuss some of the obvious differences between these instruments, and you will get your answer.

Size

One of the major differences between guitar and ukulele is their size; the ukulele is much smaller than the guitar. It can be almost half the size of a regular acoustic guitar. The smaller size of the ukulele is more portable, if you are someone who wants to have your instrument at hand, Ukulele is for sure more content.

Ukulele is also an incredible instrument for younger kids as it has a very manageable size. It also comes in various sizes for different types. For example, you may find a soprano ukulele, bass ukulele, and concert or tenor ukulele. Bass is the biggest among them all, but still, it is much smaller than a guitar. However, the guitar comes in different types: electric, acoustic or classic, and bass.

Strings

The ukulele has strings that are easier to press down on than the guitar strings because they are made up of nylon. On the other side, guitar strings are made up of steep or maybe nickel-plated. Another difference between their strings is the number of strings each instrument has.

Classical guitars have six strings; however, you may find only four strings on a ukulele. The presence of these extra two strings makes major changes in scales, chords, and progressions. Therefore, fewer strings on the ukulele make it limited for chords and scales. Apart from strings, guitars also have a featured range of 18 or more frets in some cases, but the ukulele has only up to 12 frets.

Sound

Another noticeable difference between guitar and ukulele is the sound created by each of them. When you play the guitar and ukulele side by side, they produce very different sounds. As the ukulele is smaller, it produces a much more limited sound that may not project as the guitar’s sound.

On the other hand, guitars create a very broad, loud, and bright sound, while the ukulele has a soft and warm tone. The difference between their sounds is due to the string tension. Therefore, string tension is another necessary factor in differentiating these musical instruments.

Tension

The tension between the strings of these musical instruments is another significant difference. Ukulele strings are more delicate and stretcher, along with low tension. However, the string tension on a guitar is far tighter; that’s why it feels more comfortable to musicians.

This factor, again, makes the ukulele a better and preferable option for you as a beginner because it would not hurt your fingers while pushing down the strings rather than pushing them on a guitar.

Which one is better to learn?

Guitar and ukulele are both famous musical instruments that anyone will be willing to learn music theory with either instrument. But when choosing an instrument, you must consider some things like comfort, price, size, weight, and portability.

It’s entirely your choice to select an instrument, but if you choose it for your kid, it is recommended to start with the ukulele as it is easier to work and handle. However, you'd love to play the guitar if you are older enough and have good music knowledge.

Summing Up

Now you know the significant differences between these musical instruments. So, it’s entirely up to you which one is better for you and your needs. Find the best guitar teacher near me if you want to take guitar classes. The same goes for ukulele classes. Moreover, if you are looking forward to buying pianos or ukuleles, look no further than Melodica Music Store, as they offer the best quality instruments at very reasonable prices. So, what are you waiting for? Order your instrument now!

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