This small guitar with four strings that has taken the world by storm was first introduced by Portuguese settlers from Madeira, who brought the instrument to Hawaii back in 1879. It’s called Hawaiian guitar because it’s closely tied to Hawaiian music and culture, eventually becoming an integral part of it. It’s a small, fun instrument that sounds lovely whether played solo or with other instruments.
If this is your first time shopping for a Hawaiian guitar, you should know that there are four different types, each with its own little twist. When looking to buy a ukulele instrument for sale, here’s what you need to know.
The Four Main Types
Soprano
The soprano is the classic one. It has a smaller body, shorter neck and an overall smaller length. One thing you need to remember about the Hawaiian guitar – the smaller the body, the higher the pitch. That’s because smaller models don’t have a lot of body for that sound to resonate in.
The soprano model is great because it’s the smallest of the other 3 types, which means it’s lightweight and easy to hold. The sound is light, bouncy and fun. The soprano uke is a great choice for those who love a traditional sound. However, as you move up the neck, it might start getting out of tune.
Concert
The concert uke is overall bigger than the soprano. It has a larger body and a longer neck that’s also wider, which gives you more room for your fingers. The sound is still bright but has a little more depth to it. The concert ukulele is suitable not only for chords but for some single notes as well.
As you move up the neck, it is better at staying in tune, which is the opposite case with the soprano. The concert is a great choice if you want to get the hang of things and get comfortable with the basics. Although bigger than the soprano, it’s still small enough to hold and play, and it gets to keep that classic ukulele sound as you move along the neck.
Tenor
Next is the tenor. This one is even bigger. It’s wider, the neck is longer, and the body is larger overall. Because of its larger size, the tenor produces more midrange sound and bass and sounds a little bit louder. It’s ideal for playing more complex stuff like picking and strumming or diving deeper into ukulele playing. Many singers use the tenor because its sound range works well with vocals.
Baritone
Finally, there is the baritone. It’s the biggest of all the other types of ukuleles and sounds similar to a guitar. It has a deeper, richer tone, and a full and warm sound. It’s often used for more mellow, jazzier music. It’s a great choice for those looking for something closer to a traditional guitar.
In short, a tenor or a concert ukulele are great options for beginners, but the instrument you choose will also depend on the size of your hands. If you’re a bigger person and have bugger hands, a tenor or concert uke might be the best choice for you.
Soprano will be fine if you’re a petite person with small hands. But it also really depends on the kind of music you want to play. If you’ve been playing the ukulele for a while, you can explore different sounds and go for the tenor or baritone.
Is Ukulele Easier Than Guitar?
Yes, the uke is generally a lot easier to pick up than a guitar. This is because it’s smaller and easier to hold, and has only four strings, which makes it less complicated to learn. Plus, it has nylon strings which are much softer and easier on your fingers. The chords are also a lot simpler and require less finger stretching than playing a guitar. It’s a great choice if you want to pick up a string instrument that doesn’t give you a headache trying to learn.
Which Option is Best for Beginners?
If you’re just starting, your safest bet is the concert. It’s not too big or too small. It’s easy to hold and play while maintaining the traditional uke sound. But if you need something cheaper, the soprano can be a great starting point too. It’s fun to strum and has a classic bright sound that is great for just chilling or playing as a beginner.
Again, which ukulele instrument for sale you pick depends on the size of your hands. If you have small hands, a soprano might be a better fit. But you’ve got to remember that a soprano may get out of tune more quickly than a concert. So, that’s something to consider too.
