Ukulele for beginners
The ukulele is a widely loved stringed instrument that has become synonymous with beautiful cover songs online, like the classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and other famous tunes.
Thanks to their compact size when compared to traditional guitars, ukuleles are great for portability and affordability. Plus, because of the smaller size, learning chords isn’t as daunting since you don’t have to stretch your fingers as much.
What to consider when buying a beginner ukulele
If you’re unsure how to start your ukulele journey, consider a couple of the features and styles that this instrument comes in. While, for the most part, the ease of play isn’t much different from model to model, you should consider your comfort when holding the instrument for long periods as well as the desired sound. Here are some criteria for consideration:
Size
You can purchase a ukulele in four sizes: soprano (21 inches), concert (23 inches), tenor (26 inches) and baritone (30 inches). The first three all tune the same (G-C-E-A), whereas a baritone tunes like a guitar. The size of your ukulele will impact the overall sound it makes. The rule of thumb is, the bigger the size, the bigger the tone. Concert- and tenor-sized ukuleles are warmer and richer, providing more bass and volume, where soprano-sized ukuleles have a brighter sound.
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Material
90% of the sound a ukulele makes is thanks to the material used for the top. Consider the following:
Koa: This is the wood most often used to make ukuleles, and it provides a warm and well-rounded tone.
Mahogany: Similar to koa, mahogany wood is a sturdy material, giving ukuleles a full-bodied sound.
Spruce: This delivers a punchy sound: strong, crisp and vibrant.
Shape
When it comes to ukuleles, there are three general shapes. While the shape doesn’t generally affect playability, it is essential to factor in your comfort level when holding each style.
Guitar/Figure-8: The most common shape among ukuleles, it’s known to be quite comfortable and easy to play for any leveled player.
Pineapple: Unsurprisingly, these ukuleles are shaped like their namesake. These often have a louder sound compared to the standard guitar shape.
Boat Paddle: Just like the pineapple uke, these ukuleles look like their namesake but aren’t as common. They create a light and clean sound.
The best beginner ukuleles to buy
While it ultimately boils down to personal preference, here are some of the best beginner ukuleles to buy that won’t break the bank.
Strong Wind Ukulele: available at Amazon
What you need to know: This ukulele is great for beginners of all ages. It’s made from mahogany wood, which produces a warm and bright tone.
What you’ll love: You can get it in a soprano or a concert, depending on the size you’d like to try (if you have smaller hands, try a soprano, but for larger hands, start with the concert). And, although it doesn’t come with a tuner, the company has its own tuning app you can download for free.
What you should consider: It can go out of tune quite quickly, so make sure you have a tuning app or purchase a tuner separately.
Aklot Ukulele: available at Amazon
What you need to know: Thanks to this ukulele’s design and materials, the more you play, the better it sounds — so this ukulele will progress with you.
What you’ll love: The solid mahogany material gives it a warm sound when playing. Coupled with rounded edges, you’ll find this instrument to be comfortable and easy to play. The stainless-steel shaft for the strings also keeps your ukulele in tune, while the spaced-out frets make it for anyone who is just beginning.
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What you should consider: Make sure you buy the right ukulele for your hand size or sound preference. Sopranos are better for those with smaller hands, like kids, while older players may benefit from either concert or tenor. The larger the ukulele, the higher the price.
Enya Soprano Ukulele: available at Amazon
What you need to know: This high-quality soprano ukulele gives you the sound you’re looking for without breaking the bank.
What you’ll love: While the ukulele is crafted with solid mahogany, the blue-toned color gives you a chance to let your instrument stand out. It comes with a battery-powered tuner and Enya Fluorocarbon Strings to help keep your ukulele’s sound nothing short of accurate.
What you should consider: It is a soprano-sized ukulele, so it may be harder to play for those with larger hands.
Donner Soprano Ukulele: available at Amazon
What you need to know: Not only is this soprano ukulele on the affordable end, but it’s also a great bang for your buck as it comes with all the accessories: a ukulele bag, a digital clip-on tuner, a strap, extra strings, four picks and a cleaning cloth.
What you’ll love: Beginners will get even more help with the free online video lessons that come along with the bundle. Thanks to its maple body, this ukulele will give you a sweet, bright, and warm sound.
What you should consider: As soprano ukuleles are smaller in size, this ukulele is ideal for players with smaller hands. Those with longer and bigger fingers may struggle when starting out.
Flight Ukulele: available at Amazon
What you need to know: The solid feel and salamander finish give this soprano ukulele a modern and polished look without compromising your ability to learn and play.
What you’ll love: Made with a plastic backing, it is much more affordable compared to more traditional options, but it’s still nothing short of durable. It provides a loud volume in the mid-range and comes with a tuner. It’s built for travel, so it’s a great purchase for taking on the road or on a flight.
What you should consider: The plastic construction is a little different from traditional ukuleles, so it may provide a different sound.
Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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