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Ukuleles

What Are the Different Types of Ukuleles?

Sweetwater carries four main types (or sizes) of ukuleles: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Each size has its own timbre and register, giving it a distinct voice in the ukulele choir.

Soprano ukulele

  • Scale length: ~13 inches
  • Tuning: G, C, E, A
  • Ideal for: Beginners, children, and players who prefer a traditionally bright ukulele sound

Concert ukulele

  • Scale length: ~15 inches
  • Tuning: G, C, E, A
  • Ideal for: Players seeking a portable uke with a traditional sound that’s more comfortable to play

Tenor ukulele

  • Scale length: ~17 inches
  • Tuning: G, C, E, A
  • Ideal for: Intermediate players, fingerpickers, and those looking for a richer and deeper sound

Baritone ukulele

  • Scale length: ~19 inches
  • Tuning: D, G, B, E
  • Ideal for: Guitarists migrating to ukulele, and players seeking a bassier sound and larger instrument

What Should You Look for When Buying a Ukulele?

Although today’s budget ukuleles deliver excellent value for the money, premium ukuleles distinguish themselves in three key ways:

  • Wood type and build quality: Budget ukuleles are often made from wood laminate, a layered product made to resemble solid woods. Higher-end models are usually crafted from solid tonewoods such as koa, mahogany, and spruce, which many connoisseurs believe yield a richer look and more resonant tone.
  • Action and playability: Premium ukuleles tend to play easier out of the box, with features like rolled fingerboard edges, polished fret ends, and detailed factory setups for a more ergonomic experience.
  • Intonation and tuning stability: High-quality nuts, tuners, bridges, and strings in costlier models offer better intonation, resulting in chords that sound more in tune up and down the neck.

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Why shop Ukuleles at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Ukuleles, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Ukuleles, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.