Ukuleles come in five main sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, baritone and bass. Each one has its own sound, feel and standard tuning, and some use a surprising trick called reentrant tuning. Pick a uke below to compare the ukulele sizes, hear each tuning, and see how chords change from one to the next.
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Ukulele Sizes at a Glance
| Size | Total length | Scale length | Standard tuning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | ≈ 21″ | ≈ 13″ | GCEA (high G) |
| Concert | ≈ 23″ | ≈ 15″ | GCEA (high or low G) |
| Tenor | ≈ 26″ | ≈ 17″ | GCEA (high or low G) |
| Baritone | ≈ 30″ | ≈ 19″ | DGBE |
| Bass | ≈ 30″ | ≈ 20–21″ | EADG |
Measurements vary a little by brand. Scale length (the vibrating length of the string, nut to saddle) matters most: it sets how far apart the frets are and how tight the strings feel.
What Is Reentrant Tuning?
On most string instruments the strings go steadily from lowest to highest. A standard ukulele doesn’t. In reentrant tuning (G4 C4 E4 A4), the 4th string, G, is tuned higher than the 3rd string, C. The pitch “re-enters” the higher range instead of continuing down.
That’s what gives the ukulele its bright, sparkly sound: chords are packed into a narrow range, notes ring together closely, and scales can be played across strings in a harp-like “campanella” style. The pitch ladder in the tool shows the zig-zag clearly.
High G or Low G?
High G (reentrant) is the traditional sound: bright, light and perfect for strumming and singing along. Most songbooks and lessons assume it, so it’s the best choice for beginners.
Low G (linear) tunes the 4th string an octave lower (G3). Chords sound fuller and you gain five lower notes for melodies and bass lines. It’s popular on tenor ukuleles and with fingerstyle players. Low G uses a thicker 4th string, so switching means a string change.
Try the “High G vs. low G” button in the chord explorer to hear the difference on the same chord.
Other Tunings: D Tuning, Baritone and Bass
- D tuning (A D F♯ B): every string a whole step higher than GCEA. It was common on vintage sopranos and in older songbooks, and gives an even brighter sound.
- Baritone (D G B E): the same as the top four strings of a guitar, and linear (no reentrant string). Guitarists can use familiar shapes, and the chord names shift: the shape that makes C on a soprano makes G on a baritone.
- Bass ukulele (E A D G): the same notes as a bass guitar, an octave below the guitar’s low strings. Thick rubber-like strings give a deep, round tone, usually played through an amplifier.
Which Ukulele Size Should I Get?
- Young children: soprano or concert.
- Most beginners, kids and adults: concert, the best balance of comfort and classic sound.
- Larger hands, fingerstyle or performing: tenor.
- Guitarists or anyone who loves a mellow tone: baritone.
- Bass players or uke groups that need a low end: bass ukulele.
Ukulele FAQ
Are chords the same on every ukulele?
On soprano, concert and tenor, yes: they share GCEA tuning, so every chord chart works on all three. Baritone uses different chord names for the same shapes (like guitar), and bass ukulele usually plays single notes.
Can I tune a soprano to low G?
Sometimes, with a special low-G string, but the short scale makes the low string floppy. Low G works best on concert and tenor ukuleles.
Is the ukulele easier than guitar?
It’s a great first instrument: four nylon strings, small size and simple chord shapes. Many students learn ukulele first and then move to guitar.
Why are the strings in a different order on chord charts?
Chord charts list the strings from 4 to 1 (G C E A), matching how you see the uke when you hold it. With reentrant tuning, that order isn’t low to high, which is exactly what makes the uke sound like a uke.
Ready to play? See ukulele lessons in Canton, look up any chord on uke, guitar or piano with the chord calculator, write your own songs with the Chord Progression Builder, or read our Beginner Guitar Guide if you’re thinking of switching to guitar.