So far, we've been looking at the soprano uke, which is the most popular and widespread model available. But it's not alone in ukedom. The concert ukulele is slightly larger by a couple of inches and usually boasts 14 – 17 frets to the soprano's 12 – 15. Tuning is the same, but it can be easier for larger-fingered players to get their digits around its slightly bigger frame and fretboard. A concert uke should have better bass response too, but the downside is that it's not quite so portable. Essentially, It's neither a guitar, nor a ukulele - but as much as this might put people off, the unique status and position of this instrument within the market makes it one that bridges the gap especially well. Granted, if you want a uke, this isn't it - but if you're undecided, then this guitalele just might help you decide. Thankfully, the price isn't too high - so it's win/win, in our opinion. What we'd give right now to spend an afternoon relaxing on a tropical Hawaiian beach. Soft, white sand beneath our toes, aquamarine waves lapping up against the dazzling shoreline, tall palms swaying in the cooling breeze, surfers riding that perfect break...

At MusicRadar, many of our writers play the ukulele whether it's strumming along for fun or using it in their creations. When it comes to selecting the best ukuleles, our team draws on their experience from live performances, studio recordings, and a genuine love for the versatile sounds of this compact instrument. We love the uke for its ability to bring a dash of eternal sunshine to impromptu, alfresco singalongs with your mates. In a world dominated by cookie-cutter, homogeneous commercial pop we also welcome its ability to bring something fresh and exciting to the mix. So, yes, we heartily recommend you go straight out and buy one, but only on the condition, you learn more than three chords… How we choose the best ukuleles The baritone ukulele is an interesting choice. With a body length of 30 inches plus, and a less elongated shape, it looks more like a regular guitar. The similarities don't end there. With 21 or more frets it feels more guitar-like and, what's more, the tuning is the same as your favorite acoustic too. It still only has four strings but these are tuned to DGBE. The only downside is its comparatively vast size. What is the best ukulele for beginners?

Dimensions

Soprano Design: Easy-to-play ukelele is crafted with a soprano style is the original uke size and most portable. 21" ukulele has a brighter, softer tone with less projection than larger sizes. Its scale length is shorter, with tighter fret space to provide ease for smaller hands and children The sound of the ukulele is so unique, and so readily identifiable, that mindless one-dimensional strumming can easily become the world's most irritating noise. Even the banjo or, god forbid, the bag-pipes can be less agonizing to endure. But pop performers, such as Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, are now using the uke sparingly and judiciously to infuse their performances with interesting new flavors and textures ( Eilish even has her own Fender signature model). But why would you do that, we hear you ask? Some say that centuries ago it was impossible to reliably manufacture accurate bass strings so a higher string was always used. Others believe that a high fourth string makes certain chord voicings easier to play. Whatever the truth, most of us would agree that it's a re-entrant tuning that gives the ukulele its unique, characteristic sound. It may be small, but the ukulele is a serious instrument in its own right. Originally from Hawaii, it gained popularity throughout the United States during the early 20th century, then eventually internationally. If you've always wanted a guitar but are unsure about the size of a three-quarters, or even half-sized axe, then a guitalele could be for you. Alternatively, if you're already a guitar player and you can't say goodbye to those two extra strings, then this could be a gateway to the uke.

The playing technique required is very similar, requiring very few adjustments. The obvious difference is size. Not only does the ukulele feel much smaller to hold but the fretboard is much smaller too, so allow some time for your fingers to get used to the tighter spacing. A tenor ukulele is considerably bigger than a soprano. If a soprano is typically about 21 inches long, then the tenor will be 26 inches or more. Again the tuning is the same but the fretboard can have room for 19 or more frets. A fantastic choice for performers who value bass response and a higher treble range, despite the increase in size.

Ukulele by Gear4music Overview

In terms of construction, the wood used to make a ukulele can drastically alter the sound of the instrument. What appeals to your ear will differ from person to person, but as a rule of thumb, 'darker' woods work better on the higher soprano ukulele, while 'brighter' woods work better on tenor and baritone ukuleles. All very quaint 'n quirky, but what does this teach us? The Portuguese sailors probably favored the cavaquinho because it was simple to play and easy to stow on a cramped sailing ship. Let's face it, they would have struggled to smuggle a piano on board. King Kalakaua, and his court, found it irresistible because it was fun to play and sounds great. So, if you're looking for an instrument that sounds unique, is easy to travel with, and is impossible to put down then go buy yourself one of the best ukuleles in this guide. Are ukuleles easy to play? Now, what's that we can hear? It's a chilled hula band – the hypnotic beat of the Pahu drum, the otherworldly sound of a lap steel in full song, and the unmistakable strum of a ukulele. The fabulous little ukulele, what could be more Hawaiian than that?