Ukulele Sizes: Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Baritone
There are four main ukulele sizes: soprano (about 21 in/53 cm long, 13 in/33 cm scale), concert (23 in/58 cm, 15 in/38 cm scale), tenor (26 in/66 cm, 17 in/43 cm scale) and baritone (29–30 in/74–76 cm, 19 in/48 cm scale). Soprano, concert and tenor are tuned G C E A; the baritone is tuned D G B E.
Updated · By the Classfern Music Department
Works in the UK and the US. This version uses US music words (measure, quarter note, staff); the UK version uses bar, crotchet and stave. · UK version of this page
Key facts
- 4 main sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, baritone (plus the bass ukulele).
- Scale lengths: soprano 13 in (33 cm), concert 15 in (38 cm), tenor 17 in (43 cm), baritone 19 in (48 cm).
- Soprano, concert and tenor: tuned G C E A. Baritone: D G B E.
- Developed in Hawaiʻi in the 1880s from small Portuguese guitars.
- The concert and tenor sizes appeared in the 1920s, the baritone in the 1940s.
What are the ukulele sizes?
The four main ukulele sizes, from smallest to largest, are soprano (about 21 in (53 cm) long), concert (23 in (58 cm)), tenor (26 in (66 cm)) and baritone (29–30 in (74–76 cm)). Bigger ukuleles have longer strings, wider fret spacing and a fuller, deeper sound.
| Size | Total length | Scale length (nut to saddle) | Usual tuning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | 21 in (53 cm) | 13 in (33 cm) | G C E A (high G) |
| Concert | 23 in (58 cm) | 15 in (38 cm) | G C E A (high G) |
| Tenor | 26 in (66 cm) | 17 in (43 cm) | G C E A (high or low G) |
| Baritone | 29–30 in (74–76 cm) | 19 in (48 cm) | D G B E |
| Bass | 30 in (76 cm) | 20 in (51 cm) | E A D G (like a bass guitar) |
The scale length is the length of string that vibrates, from the nut to the saddle. It matters more than total length, because it sets how far apart the frets are.
What is a baritone ukulele?
A baritone ukulele is the largest of the four main sizes, about 29–30 in (74–76 cm) long with a 19 in (48 cm) scale. It is usually tuned D G B E, the same as the four highest strings of a guitar, so it sounds deeper and guitar chord shapes work on it.
Because the tuning is different, a C chord shape on a soprano becomes a G chord on a baritone. Baritone ukuleles first appeared in the 1940s. They suit guitarists, and players who want a warmer, lower sound.
Hear the tunings
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Press a button to hear the open strings, 4th string to 1st. The reference sound is a piano tone, so you can tune by ear.
What size ukulele should a beginner or child get?
Most beginners start on a soprano or concert ukulele. A soprano is the smallest and cheapest and suits children, roughly from age 5 to 10, and small hands. A concert has a little more room between frets for adult fingers. Both use G C E A tuning, so every beginner chord chart works.
- Young children: soprano.
- Older children and adults: soprano or concert.
- Bigger hands, or a fuller sound: tenor.
- Guitar players: baritone (D G B E).
For a class set, choose one size and tuning so everyone’s chord shapes match. Classfern is not connected with or endorsed by any instrument maker.
What is the difference between soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles?
Soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles are tuned the same (G C E A) but differ in size: the scale is about 13 in (33 cm) on a soprano, 15 in (38 cm) on a concert and 17 in (43 cm) on a tenor. Longer strings give more volume, more sustain and more space between frets.
The soprano gives the bright, classic ukulele sound. Many tenor players use a low G string, which adds a lower note to chords and melodies.
Where does the ukulele come from?
The ukulele was developed in Hawaiʻi in the 1880s from small Portuguese guitars, the machete (braguinha) and the rajão, brought by immigrants from Madeira. Many arrived on the ship Ravenscrag in August 1879. The cabinet makers Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo and Augusto Dias are credited as the first makers.
Classfern’s free ukulele tools on lessonplanner.info include beginner ukulele chords, easy ukulele songs and a tab and chords play-along.
Quick quiz: ukulele sizes
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