When choosing a beginner ukulele, there are several critical factors to consider. The first is the size of the instrument. Ukuleles come in four main sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
Soprano ukuleles are the smallest and are ideal for children or those with smaller hands, while baritone ukuleles are the largest and produce a deeper sound.
The concert and tenor sizes are the most popular and strike a balance between size and sound.
Another important factor to consider is the material of the ukulele. Most beginner ukuleles are made of either wood or plastic. Wooden ukuleles produce a warmer, more natural sound, while plastic ukuleles are more durable and affordable.
No matter which ukulele you choose, learning to play this charming instrument is a rewarding experience that can bring joy and creativity into your life.
Best Ukuleles for Beginners
As music enthusiasts, we understand the importance of choosing the right instrument when starting your musical journey.
That's why we've compiled a list of the best ukuleles for beginners. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, our selection of ukuleles will provide you with high-quality sound and ease of playability. Our list features a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences, so you can find the perfect ukulele to kickstart your musical journey.
Everjoys Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit
If you're looking for a beginner ukulele, the Everjoys Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit is a great option. With its eco-friendly design, multi-colored strings, and easy-to-understand beginner set, this ukulele is perfect for those just starting out.
Pros
- The multi-colored strings help beginners easily remember the notes and speed up the learning process.
- The all-inclusive beginner's kit includes a digital tuner, how-to-play songbook, spare pick, spare string, and practical bag.
- The superior craftsmanship with its combination of basswood, solid wood, and blackwood materials makes this ukulele a favorite musical instrument.
Cons
- The case included in the beginner's kit is cheap but good for storage in the house.
- The booklet included in the beginner's kit is basic.
- Some users may prefer a larger size than the 21" soprano ukulele.
We love how the Everjoys Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit allows beginners to learn while having fun. The multi-colored strings make it easy to remember the notes, and the all-inclusive beginner's kit has everything you need to get started. The superior craftsmanship with its combination of basswood, solid wood, and blackwood materials makes this ukulele a favorite musical instrument.
The case included in the beginner's kit is cheap but good for storage in the house. The booklet included in the beginner's kit is basic, but it is a good starting point for beginners. Some users may prefer a larger size than the 21" soprano ukulele, but it is a great size for beginners and children.
Overall, if you're looking for a beginner ukulele that is easy to learn and comes with everything you need to get started, the Everjoys Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit is a great option.
Mahalo Ukulele for Beginners, Kahiko 'Learn 2 Play' Bundle with Essentials Pack, Perfect for kids and Adults, Including Clip-on Tuner, Aquila Strings, Picks & MORE - Transparent Brown Kahiko Brown
If you're looking to start your ukulele journey, the Mahalo Ukulele for Beginners is a great option. It comes with everything you need to get started, from a comprehensive guide to high-quality Aquila Super Nylgut strings.
Pros
- Comprehensive Beginners Kit
- Geared Machine Heads for Staying in Tune
- Mahalo Kahiko Series for Excellent Quality Sound
Cons
- Lightweight, May Feel Like a Toy
- Limited Colour Options
- Sengon Wood Body and Neck May Not be Suitable for Everyone
We were impressed with the Mahalo Kahiko Series, which takes inspiration from traditional Hawaiian instruments. The Sengon wood body and neck, mahogany fingerboard bridge and Aquila Super Nylgut strings all contribute to an excellent quality sound. The geared machine heads also help the ukulele stay in tune longer, which is great for beginners who are still learning.
The kit includes a precision clip-on tuner, carry case, ukulele picks, exclusive Mahalo stickers, and a downloadable video lesson from Ukulele Bart. The guide covers everything from the basics to strumming patterns and chords. We found the guide easy to follow, and the video lesson was a nice touch.
While the Mahalo Ukulele for Beginners is a great option for those just starting out, it may not be suitable for everyone. The Sengon wood body and neck may feel lightweight and toy-like to some, and the limited colour options may not appeal to everyone's tastes. However, for the price, it's an excellent value and a great way to kick-start your ukulele journey.
Malani Ukulele for Beginners
We highly recommend the Malani Ukulele for Beginners as it is a great stepping stone for those who want to learn how to play the guitar.
Pros
- Geared tuners/tuning pegs on the headstock help stay in tune
- High quality flourocarbon strings make it easier to press the strings down
- Comes with a gig bag to protect the ukulele when transporting it to school or Ukelele Club
Cons
- Strings may require frequent tuning in the beginning
- May not be suitable for those with larger hands
- Black finish may show scratches easily
We have personally used the Malani Ukulele for Beginners and found that the Eastern Rosewood wooden top, back and sides produce a great sound quality. The smaller space between frets makes it easier for beginners to play and enjoy.
The Malani Ukulele for Beginners comes with a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects, which gives us peace of mind. We also appreciate the bonus downloadable content that comes with the ukulele, including a Video Mini-Course, 2750 pages of downloadable chord books, songbooks, chord posters, and more.
Overall, the Malani Ukulele for Beginners is a great investment for anyone who wants to learn how to play the guitar. It is a high-quality instrument that produces great sound quality and comes with additional resources to help you learn.
Winzz Kids Adults Ukulele Soprano Beginner Kit
If you're looking for a beginner ukulele that's both unique and functional, the Winzz Kids Adults Ukulele Soprano Beginner Kit might be the one for you.
Pros
- The unique color design makes it stand out from other ukuleles.
- The Aquila strings provide a bright and distinctive tone.
- The die-cast machine head helps with tuning accuracy and stability.
Cons
- The unique color pattern may differ slightly from the picture shown due to the handmade design.
- It needs tuning quite often.
- The included clip-on LED tuner requires a separate battery.
We recently tried out this ukulele and found it to be a great choice for beginners. The hand-polished unique color design on the top is a real work of art and makes it stand out from other ukuleles. The Aquila strings provide a bright and distinctive tone, and they're easy to press down and tune. The die-cast machine head also helps with tuning accuracy and stability.
However, we did notice that the unique color pattern may differ slightly from the picture shown due to the handmade design. We also found that it needs tuning quite often, but that's to be expected with most beginner ukuleles. Lastly, the included clip-on LED tuner requires a separate battery, which may be an inconvenience for some.
Overall, we think the Winzz Kids Adults Ukulele Soprano Beginner Kit is a great choice for those looking for a unique and functional beginner ukulele. The accessories included - padded & waterproof nylon bag, strap, extra set of Aquila strings, fingerboard sticker, cleaning cloth, storage bag, and chord card - make it a great value for the price.
World Rhythm Soprano Ukulele - Beginner Soprano Uke in Light Blue Finish with Gig Bag, Spare Ukulele Strings & Felt Pick Light blue Soprano Single
If you're looking for a beginner ukulele that's easy to play and comes with everything you need to get started, the World Rhythm Soprano Ukulele is a great choice.
Pros
- The soprano style body is perfect for beginners and is favoured by schools and ukulele clubs as the first step to learning the ukulele.
- The standard gauge strings are easy to press down, making learning fun and enjoyable.
- The gear machine heads provide for a far superior tuning experience than regular tuning pegs.
Cons
- The light blue finish may not be to everyone's taste.
- The nylon strings may take some getting used to for those used to playing with steel strings.
- The felt pick included may not be the best quality.
We recently had the chance to try out the World Rhythm Soprano Ukulele and were impressed with its overall quality and playability. The soprano style body is perfect for beginners and is favoured by schools and ukulele clubs as the first step to learning the ukulele. The standard gauge strings are easy to press down, making learning fun and enjoyable. The gear machine heads provide for a far superior tuning experience than regular tuning pegs, which can be difficult to use for beginners.
The ukulele comes with a gig bag for storage and travel, which is a nice touch. It also includes spare strings, which is always handy to have on hand. The felt pick included may not be the best quality, but it's a nice addition for beginners who may not have their own pick yet.
The light blue finish may not be to everyone's taste, but we found it to be quite attractive and unique. The nylon strings may take some getting used to for those used to playing with steel strings, but they produce a nice, mellow sound that's perfect for beginners.
Overall, we would highly recommend the World Rhythm Soprano Ukulele to anyone looking for a high-quality, easy-to-play beginner ukulele. It's a great value for the price and comes with everything you need to get started on your ukulele journey.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best beginner ukulele, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you get the most suitable product for your needs. Here are some features to look out for when choosing a beginner ukulele:
Size
Ukuleles come in different sizes, including soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The soprano is the smallest and most common size, making it a great option for beginners. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and produces a bright sound. However, if you have larger hands or prefer a deeper tone, you may want to consider a larger size.
Material
Ukuleles can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Wood is the most common material used, and it produces the best sound quality. However, wooden ukuleles can be expensive, so you may want to consider a plastic or metal option if you are on a budget.
Strings
Ukuleles typically have four strings, and they can be made from nylon or steel. Nylon strings are the most common and are ideal for beginners as they are easier on the fingers. Steel strings, on the other hand, produce a brighter sound but can be harder on the fingers.
Price
The price of a beginner ukulele can vary greatly, with some models costing as little as £20 and others costing several hundred pounds. It's important to set a budget and find a ukulele that fits within that budget while still meeting your needs.
Accessories
Some beginner ukuleles come with accessories such as a case, tuner, and extra strings. While these accessories are not essential, they can be helpful for beginners who are just starting.
In summary, when choosing a beginner ukulele, consider the size, material, strings, price, and accessories. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a ukulele that is suitable for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best ukulele brands for beginners?
When it comes to choosing a ukulele for beginners, there are several brands that we recommend. Some of the best ukulele brands for beginners include Kala, Lanikai, and Cordoba. These brands offer high-quality instruments at a reasonable price point, making them a great choice for those just starting out.
Where can I find a ukulele starter kit?
If you're looking for a ukulele starter kit, there are several places you can find them. Many music stores carry starter kits that include a ukulele, a case, and sometimes even a tuner. You can also find starter kits online at retailers like Amazon or Sweetwater.
What are the differences between concert and tenor ukuleles for beginners?
Both concert and tenor ukuleles are great options for beginners, but they do have some differences. Concert ukuleles are slightly smaller than tenor ukuleles, which can make them easier to play for those with smaller hands. Tenor ukuleles, on the other hand, have a deeper, richer sound than concert ukuleles. Ultimately, the choice between a concert and tenor ukulele comes down to personal preference.
How much should I expect to spend on my first ukulele?
The price of a ukulele can vary greatly depending on the brand, quality, and materials used. However, as a beginner, you can expect to spend anywhere from £50 to £150 on your first ukulele. It's important to remember that a higher price doesn't always equal better quality, so do your research and choose a ukulele that fits your needs and budget.
What are some easy ukulele songs for beginners to learn?
There are many easy ukulele songs that beginners can learn, such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Riptide," and "I'm Yours." These songs typically use simple chord progressions and are great for practicing strumming and fingerpicking techniques.
Which size of ukulele is best suited for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend starting with a soprano or concert ukulele. Soprano ukuleles are the smallest and easiest to play, while concert ukuleles are slightly larger and offer a fuller sound. It's important to choose a ukulele that feels comfortable in your hands and suits your playing style.