A Variety of Ukulele Types

There are many different types of ukuleles available on the market today and are played in a variety of different venues as well as for different types of music. Many of them are shaped like guitars and some are shaped round and called banjo ukuleles.

There are a wide variety of ukuleles out there to satisfy a range of musical preferences. Today’s ukes range in size and tonal range, among other characteristics From the smallest and highest-pitched to the largest and lowest-pitched, the four main types are the soprano (21 inches long), concert (23), tenor (26) and baritone (30). Most ukuleles play four musical notes: d, g, b and e. The baritone uke, however, plays the notes d, g, b and e. While most ukes today have four strings, some have as few as three and some have eight. However, the four-stringed soprano ukulele is considered the ‘classic’ type and is the one most commonly associated with this family of instruments.

Ukuleles range in shape as well as musical range. Most ukes are shaped like miniature guitars but some are shaped more like banjos and are, appropriately, nicknamed banjo ukuleles. “Pineapple ukuleles”, named for their Hawaiian origins, are shaped more like, well, pineapples! There is also the Tahitian ukulele, which is traditionally all made from just one pice of wood and does not have a standard hollow soundbox in the middle. Want something really unique? How about an armadillo uke? Originating in South America, it can feature up to 10 strings and is made from — no joke — a real armadillo!  If you ever thought all ukes looked and sounded the same, guess again!

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry. Go to a music store that features a few different kinds of ukes and ask for some demonstrations. Just pick the one that really resonates with you. The great thing about the ukulele is that once you learn how to play one type, the rest are relatively simple!