Learning
Why choose a Ukulele?
Learning to play the ukulele is a decision you will be glad you made. The ukulele is a great instrument, it’s affordable, small and lightweight making it easy to take anywhere, and it can be played and enjoyed by anyone regardless of age. The ukulele is easier to learn than the guitar and other stringed instruments, and the nylon strings mean it’s easier on the fingertips, especially while learning. You can play anything on it and it’s not limited to any particular genre of music. When you play the ukulele you can’t help feeling uplifted, and it always puts a smile on your face.
Where do I start ?
You could just sit at home and learn how to play the ukulele by watching videos or reading books, and there are plenty of both to choose from. However if you take a casual approach and only practice when convenient, you may not actually practice very much, which could result in you giving up. Here at Ukulelemad you will find all the information you need to learn to play, and new information is always being added. But in addition to learning on your own you should play with others.
Join a local group
By far the best way to progress is to join a local group. That way you have to set aside time each week to attend your ukulele group meeting, which means you will actually spend time learning and playing on a regular basis. Don’t be afraid to join a group because you can’t play, remember everybody had to start from the same place. You will find all abilities in a group from beginners to more advanced players. You will learn from each other, make new friends and have great fun in the process. I guarantee you will come away from your meetings smiling and uplifted.
How much should I practice?
As with anything the more you practice the better you become. If you have joined a group you will probably be playing for around two hours a week, however you should try to practice a little each day if possible. Sitting down to practice for 30 minutes or more each day would be great, but in reality this may be impractical. Instead buy a ukulele stand so that you can keep your ukulele conveniently beside your favourite chair, that way you can pick it up and practice for a few minutes several times a day, when having a coffee or during the adverts on TV etc. You will be surprised how a little practice will improve your playing
Be patient, as with learning anything you won’t become a master overnight. To start with it will all feel awkward and your fingers may become a little sore for a while. It’s a bit like learning to drive, so many things to remember and do at the same time, but soon you do them without thinking. It’s the same with learning to play any instrument, but with regular practice I think you will be surprised how quickly you can achieve a respectable level of playing. But be warned, playing the ukulele can become pleasingly addictive.
Singing
“But I can’t sing”! Well that’s okay you will be in good company, most of us usually just sing in the shower so feel a little odd at first playing and singing, especially with others. Don’t be. When you first start playing you will be strumming the accompaniment, you sing the melody. You don’t have to be the worlds greatest singer, just have fun with it.
Most common Ukulele sizes
There are several types and sizes of ukulele available, and it can be difficult to decide which to choose as a beginner. The four most common sizes from smallest to largest are, soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. Less common is the sopranino which is even smaller than the soprano. There is also a bass ukulele available if that’s your interest, however the bass is tuned and played differently to the others.
Soprano
The smallest most popular size.
- Length, 21 in (53 cm)
- Scale length, 13 in (33 cm)
- Frets, 12–15
- Tuning, G–C–E–A
Concert
The next size up from the soprano.
- Length, 23 in (58 cm)
- Scale length, 15 in (38 cm)
- Frets, 15–18
- Tuning, G–C–E–A
Tenor
The next size up from the Concert.
- Length, 26 in (66 cm)
- Scale length, 17 in (43 cm)
- Frets, 17–19
- Tuning, G–C–E–A
Baritone
The biggest most popular size.
- Length, 29 in (74 cm)
- Scale length, 19 in (48 cm)
- Frets, 18–21
- Tuning, D–G–B–E
Most beginners start with either a soprano, concert or tenor. These are all tuned the same way GCEA. The baritone, which is the largest in the range is also an option but is tuned differently to the others, DGBE. However if you have never played anything before, this might be the one for you.
We recommend that you don’t spend a fortune on your first ukulele, especially if you are not sure whether you will like playing or not. There are plenty of reasonable ukuleles out there that offer good value for money. We would also suggest that you steer clear of the £20 ukulele from supermarkets, as they can be difficult to play, and you may eventually lose interest and give up.
There are hundreds of Ukuleles on the market these days and some are much better than others, and it can be extremely difficult choosing your first instrument. We suggest choosing an instrument from a well known and respected manufacturer, that way you will give yourself the best chance to learn, and you will have an instrument you enjoy playing that will last many years.
Best Ukulele for beginners
Our Top Six
Kala
The worlds biggest manufacturer of ukuleles. Kala have an impressive range of high quality reliable instruments, delivering great build quality and superb finish. We have selected a soprano, concert and tenor form their range that would be perfect for a beginner or professional musician.
Kala KA-15S Soprano
The KA-15S is a high quality, affordable soprano ukulele with an outstanding tone and playability. The smaller size of the KA-15S soprano ukulele means it’s easy to hold and play making it a great choice for beginners.
It has a solid mahogany top, back and sides for warm, rich sound. A walnut fingerboard and bridge provide clear intonation while the Aquila Nylgut strings are easy on the fingers.
The satin finish gives the ukulele a classy appearance and the unique soundhole rosette gives it an exotic look that you’ll love. The 12 fret scale of this traditional soprano ukulele offers the player the ideal combination of playability and tone.
This uke comes equipped with chrome die cast tuning machines to ensure years of tuning stability.
- Brand
- Size
- Colour
- Dimensions L x W x H
- Top material type
- Back material type
- String material type
- Instrument
- Item weight
- Kala
- Soprano
- Satin Mahogany
- 53.5 x 17.8 x 6 cm
- Mahogany
- Mahogany
- Nylon
- Ukulele
- 0.45 Kilograms
Kala KA-CG Concert
The Kala Ka High Polish CG Mahogany Concert Ukulele is a great choice for the beginner or advanced player. It’s the perfect way to get started on your path to mastering this classic instrument. This high-quality instrument features a mahogany body and neck, walnut fingerboard and bridge, and high polish finish with traditional white binding on the top with back accent.
The ukulele is constructed with premium materials for a clear tone with warm undertones. The die-cast tuners make it easy to tune and assure your instrument will stay in tune. The Kala Ka-CG concert ukulele has an elegant look that will stand out in any crowd, and the high polish will keep this uke looking good even after years of wear.
- Brand
- Size
- Colour
- Dimensions L x W x H
- Top material type
- Back material type
- String material type
- Instrument
- Kala
- Concert
- Natural
- 64 x 65 x 25 cm
- Mahogany
- Mahogany
- Nylon
- Ukulele
Kala KA-TG Tenor
The Kala KA-TG is a gloss mahogany tenor ukulele with a full-bodied tone, and loaded with style, perfect for the aspiring musician. The body and neck are made of mahogany with the walnut fingerboard providing clear articulation and projection.
The ukulele features Aquila Nygut strings which make this instrument sound bright and crisp while being easy on the fingers. It also includes dot position markers on the fingerboard for easy reference, along with silver nickel fret wires.
The chrome die cast tuners make for easy tuning and keep the instrument in tune. This instrument will give hours of enjoyment and last for year.
- Brand
- Size
- Colour
- Dimensions L x W x H
- Top material type
- Back material type
- String material type
- Instrument
- Kala
- Tenor
- Mahogany
- 76.2 x 25.4 x 9.65 cm
- Mahogany
- Mahogany
- Nylon
- Ukulele
Cordoba
A company renowned for Spanish classical guitars have developed a beautiful range of ukuleles, blending traditional craftsmanship of the early master luthiers with modern developments. Our choice of soprano, concert or tenor would be suitable for beginner to performer.
Cordoba 15SM Soprano
The Cordoba 15SM soprano ukulele is the perfect first instrument for adults or children interested in learning to play an acoustic stringed instrument. This beautiful instrument is a game-changer for any budding musician. It will not only help you on your musical journey but also take it to the next level!
This ukulele features a mahogany top, an abalone rosette and rosewood bridge and fingerboard. It has a natural satin finish that gives it an elegant look. The Cordoba 15SM Soprano Ukulele also includes Aquila strings that are not only easy on the fingers but also produce great sound quality. Its tone is bright and clear, making it perfect for playing both solo or with other musicians.
- Brand
- Size
- Colour
- Dimensions L x W x H
- Weight
- Cordoba
- Soprano
- Natural
- 53.34 x 18.1 x 6.03 cm
- 0.397Kg
Cordoba 15CM Concert
Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele is a great instrument for both professional and beginner musicians. It has a mahogany top, back and sides, abalone rosette, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, ivroid binding and natural satin finish. The abalone rosette which is inlaid around the sound hole gives this instrument a unique old world appearance.
The concert-size body makes it comfortable to play while being easy to hold when standing or sitting. The Aquila strings produce a rich, clear, and high-quality sound and are easy on the fingers. This ukulele also features open geared tuners that make tuning easier than ever before!
- Brand
- Size
- Colour
- Dimensions L x W x H
- Finish
- Cordoba
- Concert
- Natural
- 60.96 x 20.96 x 6.99 cm
- Satin
Cordoba 15TM Tenor
The Cordoba 15TM is a traditional, handmade tenor ukulele with a rich, full sound and natural satin finish. It features beautiful mahogany top, back and sides, rosewood bridge and fingerboard. The open geared tuners make tuning easier than ever before, and the pearl buttons finish it off with a look of quality and style
The Cordoba 15TM being a tenor is larger than the soprano or concert ukulele and is perfect for a beginner or aspiring player who likes a little more room on the fretboard.
The abalone rosette inlaid around the sound hole gives this instrument a unique old world appearance and would be an excellent choice for someone who is looking to own a quality instrument that stands out from the rest. This tenor ukulele comes with everything you need to start on your musical journey immediately.
- Brand
- Size
- Colour
- Dimensions L x W x H
- Finish
- Cordoba
- Tenor
- Natural
- 66.04 x 23.5 x 10.16 cm
- Satin
Once you have been playing for a while and have spoken to other players you will have a much better idea of the direction you want to go in, and you may then decide to buy a more expensive instrument. At this point you can also decide whether you want a purely acoustic instrument or electro acoustic. An electro acoustic ukulele gives you the option to plug into an amplifier at a later date should you wish to.
It really comes down to personal preference, and what you feel comfortable with. Basically the bigger the instrument the more you will need to stretch your fingers to make the chord shapes.
How to hold a Ukulele
Now that you have your Ukulele you can start having some fun. First things first though.
Understand the best way to hold your ukulele. Bad posture, and positioning of your instrument will have an effect on your playing.
Watch our short video here.
How to tune a Ukulele
Next you need to learn how to tune the Ukulele, this is easy to do if you have a tuner, and it’s good practice to make sure your instrument is in tune each time you play. Don’t get into the habit of playing an instrument that is out of tune.
See our tuning video here.
Beginners Ukulele chords
You only need to learn 3 simple chords to be able to play hundreds of songs. Every additional chord you learn will allow you to play many more. Various Ukulele sites will suggest different chords for your first chords. We suggest you start with C, F, G. as these are the easiest and will have you playing songs in no time.