Think you’ll look dorky taking up the ukulele as a hobby? You’re in good company as Marilyn Monroe once played this instrument! The ukulele is a great choice for anyone just starting out, so don’t be afraid to give this fun and quirky musical instrument a try.
There are four main types of ukuleles: the concert ukulele, the soprano ukulele, the baritone ukelele, and the tenor ukulele. They each have their own sound, and some are better for experienced musicians while others are better for new ones. If you’re looking for a good instrument to learn on, the ukulele is a great choice.
So which one should you buy? This blog post will discuss three of them to help you decide.
What is a Ukulele
A ukulele is a small guitar-like instrument. It originated in Hawaii in the 1800s and is a popular choice for beginner musicians because it is easy to learn and transportable.
It was introduced to Hawaii by immigrants looking for work opportunities. The ukulele is now one of the most popular instruments in the world. Let’s look a little closer at the types of ukuleles we first mentioned.
1. Soprano Ukulele
This is great for beginners. The sound is very bright and cheerful, so it’s perfect for modern, upbeat songs.
The soprano is the most popular and typical ukulele size. It is the smallest of the family and is frequently associated with ukuleles. It is small and thin, making it easy to travel with.
It can be challenging for those with large hands. People with small hands will find a soprano ukulele very comfortable to hold and play with. They also have less tension in the strings, making them easier to press.
2. Concert Ukulele
The most popular size of ukulele for serious uke musicians, it has a great balance of bright and bass tones, perfect for playing any ukulele song.
Only slightly bigger than the soprano ukulele, the concert size is great for people who still want the bright and cheery tones of a soprano, but whose hands don’t quite fit the extra small frets on that smallest size.
3. Baritone Ukulele
This is the largest type of ukulele, and it has a deep, rich sound. It’s a good choice for experienced musicians who want to play complex songs. The downside is that it’s more difficult to carry around and play, so it’s not the best choice for beginners.
The baritone ukulele is the only ukulele that is tuned like a guitar. If you already know how to play the guitar, the baritone ukulele will be easier for you to pick up.
4. Tenor Ukulele
The tenor ukulele is a good middle ground between the concert and baritone ukuleles. It’s slightly larger than the concert ukulele, so it has a fuller sound. It’s easier to carry around than the baritone ukulele, so it’s a good choice for musicians who want a richer sound but don’t want to deal with the extra weight.
This ukulele is a popular choice for performers because of its tonal qualities and the capability to reach higher notes.
How to Choose Between the Different Types of Ukuleles
Now that you know the different types of ukuleles, how do you choose the right one? There are a few things to consider, such as your budget, your skill level, and what type of music you want to play.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with a concert or soprano ukulele. They’re the easiest to play and carry around, and they have a cheerful sound that’s perfect for learning songs. If you’re on a budget, the soprano ukulele is the most affordable option.
If you’re an experienced musician, you may want to consider a tenor or baritone ukulele. They have a richer sound that’s perfect for complex songs. The downside is that they’re more expensive and more difficult to play, so they might not be the best choice for beginners.
No matter what type of ukulele you choose, make sure it’s comfortable for you to hold and play. The size and weight of the ukulele will make a big difference in how easy it is to play. If you’re not comfortable with the size or weight, you won’t be able to play your best.
Scale Length of Ukuleles
The scale length of a ukulele is important to consider when choosing one. The distance of the ringing ukulele string, from the nut to the saddle, affects the pitch of the notes.
The longer the scale length, the higher the pitch will be. If you want a ukulele that can play higher notes, look for one with a longer scale length.
Conversely, if you want a ukulele that can play lower notes, look for one with a shorter scale length.
How Much Should I Spend on a Ukulele?
When purchasing a ukulele, you should consider how much you are willing to spend. Ukuleles can range in price from $30 to $5000. If you are a beginner, it is best to purchase an inexpensive ukulele that is around $100.
As you become more experienced, you can upgrade to a more expensive ukulele. If you are an experienced musician, you might want to spend more on a ukulele so you can get the best sound possible.
No matter how much you spend on a ukulele, it is important to make sure you are comfortable with the size, sound, and weight of the instrument.
What Type of Music Do You Want to Play?
The type of music you want to play should also be considered when purchasing a ukulele. If you want to play traditional Hawaiian music, you might want to purchase a concert or tenor size ukulele.
These sizes have a fuller sound that is perfect for this type of music. If you want to play contemporary pop songs, you can purchase any size ukulele. It is important to note that some songs might sound better on a certain size ukulele.
For example, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sounds better on a soprano size ukulele, while “I’m Yours” sounds better on a tenor size ukulele.
Start Learning Ukulele Today!
Now that you know the different types of ukuleles and how to choose between them, it’s time to start learning this fun and easy instrument! At Booth Music, you’ll find a wide selection of ukuleles for sale, as well as ukulele lessons to help you get started.
Our unique rent-to-own service allows you to get the best instrument right away. We offer repair services too so don’t worry if there’s a mishap as you learn. Visit our website today to select your ukulele and schedule some lessons.