Among the many musical instruments, the Ukulele holds a unique spot. It is a versatile and unique instrument that comes in varying sizes. These sizes determine the playability, tonal quality, and feel of the music created by the ukulele. One needs to understand these differences in size to find the right ukulele for themselves.

We understand this, and to help you make better decisions in choosing the right ukulele, we bring to you this guide. We will be talking about the 4 main sizes of ukulele that are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. We will delve into the technical aspects that set each of them apart in terms of sound quality and playability comfort.

What Are The Common Ukulele Sizes & What Does It Mean?

The ukulele, as you already know, varies in size with the smaller one called the soprano and the larger one called the baritone. The small size ukulele produces high-pitched sound whereas a large size one produces fuller and deeper tones. A general rule among ukulele players is that the larger the size, the more comfortable it is for players with large hands. Large ukuleles are also great for advanced ukulele artists who need more room for fingerpicking on the fretboard.

The standard measurements for each of the 4 main Ukulele types are:

• Soprano with a size of 21 inches with 12 to 15 frets
• Concert with a size of 23 inches with 15 to 20 frets
• Tenor with a size of 26 inches with 15 to 20 frets
• Baritone with a size of 30 inches with 19 to 21 frets

Technical Aspect Of 4 Ukulele Sizes Explained

1. Soprano Ukulele

This is the smallest of all the sizes of ukulele and is also the traditional one. With a length of just 21 inches, its scale length is 13 inches with usually 12 to 15 frets. The compact size of it makes it lightweight and portable; a great choice for aspiring ukulele players. The sounds produced by Soprano are quintessential meaning they are bright and lively. The tone is high pitched which people instantly recognize for the ukulele sound. Still, the smaller body is known to produce low-volume sounds compared to larger sizes. The strings for this ukulele have less tension which gives it a loose feeling for playing different musical styles.

2. Concert Ukulele

This one’s a bit bigger compared to Soprano at 23 inches with 15 inches of scale length and 15 to 20 frets. More frets means that that player gets access to a wider range of chords and musical notes. The fretboard is also spacious giving the perfect balance between a tenor and a soprano ukulele models. The large body of this ukulele means that it achieves louder and fuller sounds. It retains that bright tonal quality of a traditional ukulele but also has resonance and depth to it. The tension on the strings is decent enough to give it a tighter feel. Ukulele players who are focused on fingerpicking and precise strumming prefer this model.

3. Tenor Ukulele

Standing at a full length of 23 inches, a scale length of 17 inches with 15 to 20 frets is the tenor – a beast compared to Soprano and concert models. The longer neck with a larger body allows for more room to do fingerings to achieve higher musical notes. This ukulele size is perfect for any advanced-level player who focuses on fingerstyle playing. The tonal quality of the tenor is full-bodied with much higher projection and volume compared to the previous two. There is more resonance and bass response which helps create well-rounded tones. It’s ideal for ukulele players who are focused on tonal depth in dynamic sounds.

4. Baritone Ukulele

This is by far the largest among the 4 ukulele sizes with a full length of 30 inches and a scale length of 19 inches. Its fretboard has 19 to 21 frets; making it ideal for players who play guitar as well. This ukulele differs mostly from others due to its sound and tuning. The baritone is tuned for D-G-B-E which are identical to the highest 4 strings of the guitar. The smaller models of ukulele are tuned for the standard G-C-E-A strings. This high-string tuning lets the baritone create deeper tonal sounds that have more bass but a mellow sound. 

Which Is The Right Ukulele For You?

If you wish to know which of these 4 ukulele sizes explained above is the right one for you, here is a guide.

(i) Soprano is ideal for complete beginner-level ukulele players, especially kids who have small hands. The small size makes it perfect to hold in your hands and find the right frets to form complex chords.

(ii) Concert is better suited for ones moving from beginner to intermediate level skills in ukulele playing. Also, it's best for those with larger hands but still don’t wish for a larger ukulele size.

(iii) Tenor can be used by both the intermediate and advanced level players who wish for fuller sounds and much room for fingerpicking. For any person transitioning from guitar to ukulele, this one’s a great option.

(iv) Baritone is the prime choice for guitar players moving to ukulele. It is perfect for these players who seek the familiar tuning and tonal quality of the guitar. It’s perfect for players with larger hands who value bright and traditional sounds.

Our Final Thoughts

Every ukulele size that we explained above for different models has its salient features. Choosing the right ukulele is a personal choice of the ukulele player based on their preferences for sound, style, and playability. No matter what level of ukulele player you are; beginner or advanced, understand the technical aspects of these different ukulele sizes first. Doing so will help you find the right ukulele size for your musical journey ahead.