Stevana Chauvin

Written by Stevana Chauvin

Published: 12 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

8-best-ukulele-for-beginners
Source: Northernukulele.com

Are you interested in learning how to play the ukulele? If you're a beginner, finding the right instrument to start with is crucial. That's why we've compiled a list of the 8 Best Ukulele For Beginners to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-quality instrument, we've got you covered. Keep reading to find the perfect ukulele to kickstart your musical journey!

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 9/10

The Hola! Music Ukulele is the ideal starter instrument for kids and beginners, featuring premium Aquila Super Nylgut strings and quality maple construction. It's durable, lightweight, and creates a warm, friendly tone and clear sound. It comes with a tote case, picks, strap, and 2 months of free online lessons. This is perfect for anyone looking to start playing the ukulele and is an excellent value. The instrument looks and feels great, and it's perfect for learning and practicing playing at home or with friends.

Key Features

  • Quality Strings: Premium Aquila Super Nylgut strings
  • Premium Parts: Elegant maple body, walnut bridge and fingerboard
  • Excellent For Everyone: Perfect for kids, adults, beginners, and students
  • Set Includes: Comes with a tote case, picks, and strap
  • Free Lessons: 2 months of free, live online lessons

Specifications

  • Color: 3 Tone Natural
  • Dimension: 52.50Lx18.00Wx7.00H
  • Size: Soprano 21 Inch

Pros

  • Great value for the price
  • Quality sound and tone
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Perfect for kids and beginners

Cons

  • Initial tuning issues
  • Some sharp edges on fret bars
  • Color may differ from image

The Hola! Music Ukulele is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start learning the ukulele. Its quality construction and included accessories make it a great value, and the free lessons are a fantastic bonus. Despite some initial tuning and finishing issues, this ukulele produces a warm and friendly tone, making it a perfect instrument for beginners and kids. It’s both beautiful and functional, offering an enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience for musicians of all ages.

Overall Score: 9/10

The AODSK Ukulele Kit with Gig Bag Strap is an all-inclusive set with everything beginners and students need to practice and perform. This 21-inch Soprano Ukulele is made of high-quality Sapele wood, creating warm, crisp, and flexible sounds with a natural shine. The portable gig bag with adjustable strap makes it easy to carry and protect the instrument. It comes with a digital clip-on tuner and additional accessories. The instrument offers a great learning tool for players of all ages and comes with an after-sales guarantee for quality problems.

Key Features

  • Includes gig bag, strap, picks, extra strings, and digital clip-on tuner
  • High-quality Sapele wood for warm and flexible sounds
  • Portable gig bag with adjustable strap and inner padding
  • Perfect for players of all ages

Specifications

  • Color: AUS-P08 Sapele Ukulele
  • Dimension: 23.74Lx9.57Wx3.86H
  • Size: Soprano

Pros

  • Complete accessory set included
  • Effortless tuning with the digital clip-on tuner
  • Durable and sweat-resistant design
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playing experience

Cons

  • Tuning pegs can be hard to turn

The AODSK Sapele Soprano Ukulele Kit is an excellent choice for beginners, kids, and students. With high-quality Sapele wood and an all-inclusive set of accessories, this ukulele offers a fantastic value. The after-sales guarantee provides peace of mind, making it a reliable investment for anyone looking to start their musical adventure.

Overall Score: 6/10

The Martin Smith UK-222-BK Soprano Ukulele is a sleek and high-quality black ukulele suitable for beginners and kids. It boasts an ergonomic design and high gloss finish, comes with pre-strung nylon strings, and features metal gearheads for easy tuning. The ukulele also includes a gig bag for convenient portability. While some customers have reported issues with the quality of the strings and manufacturing defects, others have praised its sound quality and suitability for beginners. Overall, it's a great budget-friendly option for those looking to start their ukulele journey.

Key Features

  • Ergonomic Design: Lightweight and contoured body for playability across every age group
  • High Gloss Finish: Sleek high gloss finish
  • Nylon Strings: Pre-strung with softer nylon strings for warm tone
  • Tuning: Features metal gearheads for accurate and easy tuning
  • Uke Bag: Includes a gig bag for portability

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 20.90Lx2.80Wx6.70H
  • Size: Soprano

Pros

  • Ergonomic design suitable for all ages
  • High gloss finish for aesthetic appeal
  • Comes with a gig bag for portability
  • Sleek and stylish design

Cons

  • Some reports of quality issues with strings
  • Manufacturing defects reported by some customers
  • Plastic strings may affect tuning and playability

The Martin Smith UK-222-BK Soprano Ukulele is a decent entry-level instrument for beginners and kids. While it may have some quality and manufacturing issues, the overall playability and sound are suitable for learning purposes. It’s a budget-friendly option with a sleek design, making it a good starter ukulele despite its drawbacks.

Overall Score: 9/10

The Donner Concert Ukulele is a high-quality 23-inch ukelele kit made of durable mahogany with a warm, rich sound. It includes free online lessons and all the necessary accessories for beginners. The ukulele is well-made with a smooth rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and offers easy tuning with chrome-plated guitar-style tuners. It comes with a gig bag, strap, tuner, extra strings, picks, and cleaning cloth, making it a great gift choice for players of all levels. The mahogany top body and neck provide a rich and vibrant sound, while the high-density bone nut and saddle, along with the Aquila carbon nylon strings, ensure clear resonance and sustain. The padded gig bag offers comfortable and safe transportation, while the free online video lessons make it easy for beginners to get started. Overall, this is a quality ukulele set at an affordable price, perfect for anyone wanting to learn to play.

Key Features

  • Well Made Durable Mahogany Craftsmanship: Mahogany body with rosewood fingerboard and bridge
  • Warm Rich Sound: Mahogany top body, high-density bone nut and saddle
  • Become a Better Player, Faster: Free online video lessons for beginners
  • Easy to Play Your Own Songs: Concert ukulele bundle pack with all necessary accessories
  • Easy to Tune: Chrome-plated guitar-style tuners and digital clip-on tuner

Specifications

  • Color: Mahogany
  • Dimension: 27.17Lx8.27Wx4.33H
  • Size: Concert

Pros

  • Durable and well-made craftsmanship
  • Rich and warm sound quality
  • Includes all necessary accessories
  • Free online lessons for beginners
  • Easy and accurate tuning

Cons

  • Slightly larger neck for some users
  • Open-grain finish not super smooth
  • May require frequent tuning initially

The Donner Concert Ukulele Beginner Mahogany 23 Inch Ukelele Kit offers exceptional value for its quality and features. With a well-made mahogany body, warm and rich sound, and free online lessons, this ukulele set is perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. While it may require some initial tuning and adjustment for certain users, the overall craftsmanship and versatility of this ukulele make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn and play.

Overall Score: 8/10

Looking for a beginners ukulele primer book with online video access? Look no further than this book from Bert Casey. With a 4.5/5 customer rating, this book provides a great introduction to strumming patterns, covering everything from basic to more complex strums, and will get any beginner playing the ukulele in no time. The book comes bundled with a DVD for visual and audio instruction, and clear chord diagrams to help with learning. It's also a good resource for beginner acoustic guitar players, offering insights into music and strumming techniques. The instruction is clear and easy to follow, making it perfect for those without a musical background. However, it may not cover advanced information for those with more experience. Keep an eye out for the piano score in the middle of the book, and consider purchasing a theory book to supplement your learning.

Key Features

  • Visual and audio instructions
  • Strumming techniques for beginners
  • Includes chord diagrams
  • Comes with a DVD

Specifications

  • Dimension: 8.50Lx0.13Wx11.00H

Pros

  • Great introduction to strumming patterns
  • Easy for beginners to understand
  • Bundled with a DVD for visual and audio instruction
  • Clear chord diagrams for learning
  • Good resource for beginner acoustic guitar players

Cons

  • May not cover advanced information for those with more musical experience
  • Includes a piano score in the middle of the book
  • The video could be improved by breaking it down into separate lessons

Bert Casey’s Ukulele Primer is a fantastic resource for beginners looking to learn the ukulele. With a comprehensive set of instructions, clear chord diagrams, and access to online videos, it’s a great starting point for those new to the instrument. Just be mindful of the piano score in the middle of the book and consider supplementing your learning with additional theory books. Overall, a great kit for anyone starting their ukulele journey.

Overall Score: 6/10

The Martin Smith UK-222-RD Soprano Ukulele is a quality nylon strung ukulele with a hi-gloss finish. It features fully geared tuning pegs and comes in a vibrant red color. The ukulele includes a gig bag for easy portability. With customer ratings averaging 3.9/5, it's suitable for beginners and kids, although it may require some adjustments and tuning. While some users commend its decent quality for the price, others find it more suitable as a toy rather than a serious instrument.

Key Features

  • Hi gloss finish
  • Quality fully Geared tuning pegs
  • Nylon Strung
  • Includes Gig Bag

Specifications

  • Color: Red
  • Dimension: 20.90Lx2.80Wx6.70H
  • Size: Soprano

Pros

  • Decent quality for the price
  • Great for kids and beginners

Cons

  • May require adjustments and tuning
  • Some users consider it more of a toy

The Martin Smith UK-222-RD Soprano Ukulele is a budget-friendly option for those looking to learn and have fun. It’s suitable for beginners and kids, although it may not meet the expectations of more experienced players. While it may require some adjustments and tuning, its vibrant red color and included gig bag make it an attractive choice for casual use.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Strong Wind Soprano Ukulele for Beginners is an excellent instrument for those who are just starting to learn to play the ukulele. Made of top-quality materials like mahogany wood, it offers full, warm, bright sound and excellent resonance. It comes with a gig bag and is a perfect Christmas or birthday gift for anyone interested in learning to play. The advanced and sturdy nylon strings avoid stroke and produce a full-bodied sound, and the instrument holds a tune very well. While it may have some sharp spots along the neck, it's still a great buy for beginners or as a gift for someone looking to learn to play the ukulele.

Key Features

  • GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS: Ideal for beginners or as a gift.
  • WELL FINISHED FRETBOARD/BRIDGE: Scientific wood offers full, warm, bright sound.
  • FOUR NYLON STRINGS: Advanced and sturdy nylon strings.
  • TOP QUALITY MATERIALS MAHOGANY WOOD: Offers full, warm, bright sound.
  • WHAT YOU GET: 1x Ukulele, 1x Gig Bag.

Specifications

  • Color: Wings2
  • Dimension: 8.00Lx3.00Wx21.00H
  • Size: Soprano 21in

Pros

  • Great sound quality
  • Comes with a gig bag
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Holds a tune very well
  • Perfect gift for Christmas or birthdays

Cons

  • May have some sharp spots along the neck
  • Strings may need to be replaced for better quality

The Strong Wind Soprano Ukulele for Beginners is a perfect instrument for those who are new to playing the ukulele. Despite some minor issues, the overall quality and sound make it an excellent buy, especially as a gift for someone looking to learn to play the ukulele.

Overall Score: 8/10

The ADM Soprano Ukulele Starter Kit is perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. It's made of high-quality solid basswood, offering a bright, distinctive tone and comes with a comprehensive set of accessories. The ukulele is easy to tune and suitable for players of all ages. Whether it's a gift for a music lover or for yourself, this ukulele set is worth trying out.

Key Features

  • High-quality solid basswood construction
  • Comprehensive all-in-one set
  • Easy to tune for beginners
  • Great gift for music lovers of all ages

Specifications

  • Color: Brown
  • Dimension: 22.00Lx7.80Wx3.00H
  • Size: 21 Inch

Pros

  • High-quality construction
  • Comprehensive set of accessories
  • Easy to tune
  • Great for beginners of all ages

Cons

  • Tuner requires its own battery
  • Chemical-like smell when first opened
  • Issues with intonation for serious play

The ADM Soprano Ukulele Starter Kit is a great choice for anyone looking to start or continue their ukulele journey. With its high-quality construction and comprehensive set of accessories, it’s a fantastic value for the price. While there are minor issues with the tuner and chemical-like smell, these are easily remedied. Overall, it’s a solid ukulele kit for beginners and even experienced players, making it a worthwhile purchase.

Types of Ukuleles

  • Soprano: This is the smallest and most common size, good for beginners or people with small hands
  • Concert: A bit bigger than soprano, gives a fuller sound
  • Tenor: Even bigger than concert, great for people who want more fret space
  • Baritone: The largest and has a deeper sound, closer to a guitar

Materials

  • Wood: Common uke woods include mahogany, koa, and spruce. Each has a different tone so try them out!
  • Plastic: Cheaper and more durable than wood, good for traveling or kids
  • Metal: Not very common, but some ukuleles have metal bodies for a unique sound

Strings

  • Nylon: Traditional material for ukulele strings, sounds warm and soft
  • Fluorocarbon: More modern option, gives a brighter sound and holds tuning better

Accessories

  • Tuner: Essential for keeping your ukulele in tune
  • Case: Protects your ukulele when you're not playing it
  • Strap: Makes it easier to play while standing
  • Picks: Optional for a louder and brighter sound
  • Amp: Only necessary if you want to play for an audience or record your ukulele

Buying Tips

  • Try before you buy: Visit a music store and try out different ukuleles to see which one feels and sounds best for you
  • Research: Read reviews and watch videos online to learn about different ukulele brands and models
  • Set a budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend and stick to it
  • Consider your playing style: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player? Your skill level will help determine the type of ukulele you need
  • Ask for advice: Talk to friends who play the ukulele, or ask music store employees for their recommendations

Maintenance

  • Clean your uke regularly: Wipe down the strings and body with a soft cloth to remove dust and sweat
  • Change strings when needed: Old strings can make your uke sound dull, so change them every 3-6 months depending on how often you play
  • Keep it in a case: When you're not playing, store your ukulele in a case to protect it from damage and changes in temperature and humidity
  • Get it professionally set up: If you're having trouble with tuning or playability, take your ukulele to a professional for a setup

Final Thoughts

  • Buying a ukulele is a personal choice, so take your time and choose one that you love
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from experienced players or music store staff
  • Have fun and enjoy playing your new ukulele!

Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Best Ukulele For Beginners

What are the different sizes of ukuleles?

The different sizes of ukuleles are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Soprano is the smallest and baritone is the largest.

How many strings does a ukulele have?

A ukulele typically has four strings.

Can you play any song on a ukulele?

Yes, you can play almost any song on a ukulele by learning basic chords and strumming patterns.

What is the history of the ukulele?

The ukulele originated in the 19th century in Hawaii and is based on Portuguese machete, brought to the islands by immigrants.

Do I need special accessories to play the ukulele?

Yes, it’s recommended to have a tuner to keep the ukulele in tune, and a fabric or leather strap for comfort while playing.

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