Quick Picks: The Best Ukuleles for Beginners

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Cordoba 15CM Ukulele

Makala Dolphin Ukulele

Kala KA CEM Ukulele

Donner Concert Ukulele

1. Cordoba 15CM Ukulele


Cordoba is a widely recognized brand of acoustic instruments. Musicians often prefer their classical guitars, which are handmade using traditional Spanish methods. Cordoba also uses these same tried-and-true techniques in manufacturing their ukuleles, including the concert-size Cordoba 15CM.

The Cordoba 15CM is a beautiful mahogany ukulele with a classy satin finish. Rosewood is used for the fingerboard, and mahogany is used for the neck. There are 18 frets on the fingerboard. The remarkable appearance of the Ukulele is attributed to the ivoroid binding on the neck and body, and an Abalone rosette adds to its aesthetic appeal. Even the geared chrome tuners look pretty with their pearl buttons.

If you find that soprano ukuleles are too small for your hands, this concert uke would be a more comfortable size for you. It has a nut width of 1.37 inches, a scale length of 14.75 inches, and an overall length of 24.21 inches. It is well-built, durable, and will last many years with proper care and maintenance. It could be one of the best ukuleles for beginners because it looks gorgeous and sounds wonderful with its mahogany body.

Pros

  • Beautiful classic design
  • A solid mahogany top sounds better the more the Ukulele is played
  • Quality materials and construction

Cons

  • No strap buttons

2. Makala Dolphin Ukulele


Makala is a line of ukuleles known for being high quality and affordable. The possible colors are green, black, red, white, purple, blue, and pink. One such model is the Makala Dolphin. With its dolphin-shaped bridge and various colors, this soprano ukulele is adorable.

The Makala Dolphin Soprano Ukulele has a kauri top and composite wood for the back and sides. It gives the Ukulele a nice tone while keeping the costs down. The combined back and sides also make the Ukulele more resistant to changes in humidity and temperature. The Makala Dolphin Soprano Ukulele has a scale length of 13.625 inches. I am making it the right size for children, teens, petite adults, and anyone looking for a great beginner uke.

Pros

  • Fun design with plenty of color options to choose from
  • Good quality beginner ukulele for the price
  • Great for kids

Cons

  • Tone not as robust as all-wood models
  • I cannot use a strap with it

3. Mitchell MU70 Ukulele


The Mitchell MU70 might be the right choice if you are looking for a beginner ukulele. It is a concert ukulele that looks like a mini acoustic guitar. The laminate construction makes it hardy and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. It is vital if you intend to take it on excursions.

The MU70 has a mahogany neck and an Indian rosewood fingerboard. The frets are nicely finished, so they won’t hurt your fingers if you touch them. The combination of spruce, rosewood, and mahogany produces a sweet ukulele sound that would make beginners want to practice all day long.

The body of the MU70 has a natural gloss finish, while the neck has a plain gloss finish. It makes the playing feel smooth and fast. The Abalone rosette around the soundhole, Abalone purfling with custom multi-ply ABS binding, and mother-of-pearl mini dot inlays on the fretboard add to the Ukulele’s good looks.

The Mitchell MU70 concert ukulele has a scale length of 15 inches and an overall length of 23.25 inches. The sealed tuners help keep the uke in tune once the strings have settled.

Pros

  • Performance can compare to that of more expensive ukes
  • Easy and comfortable to play

  • Durable and less sensitive to humidity and temperature changes

Cons

  • Not as loud and resonant as other ukuleles
  • Can feel heavy

4. Donner Concert Ukulele


The Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany DUC-1 is an excellent beginner ukulele. It comes with a case, digital tuner, strap, and an extra set of strings. The wider-than-usual fingerboard makes it easy to play. This beginner ukulele bundle is an excellent value for the price.

The body and neck of this concert ukulele are made of mahogany. It has a bright and full sound. With a C-shaped design, the neck is comfy. The uke also has a rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays and 18 frets.

This uke has a smooth satin finish that maximizes resonance and results in the best sound quality. The sound is clear, sharp, and bright. You wouldn’t expect this sound quality from a uke that costs less than $70.

The Donner Concert Ukulele is special because it has carbon nylon strings from Japan. The strings are smooth and soft, which makes learning to play easier. This model is worth considering if you are looking for a ukulele for a child.

Other specs include a total instrument length of 23 inches, guitar-style tuners, and a rosette with a concentric ring design.

Pros

  • It comes with all the accessories a beginner needs to get started
  • Beautiful aesthetics, especially the mahogany wood grain

Cons

  • Strings take more time than usual to stretch and settle
  • It goes out of tune easily

5. Kala KA CEM Ukulele


The Kala KA-CEM ukulele is a great beginner and perfect for someone who has outgrown their first uke. Even advanced players will appreciate the sound of this instrument. The KA-CEM is made with mahogany, which gives it a rich, mellow tone.

The KA-CEM is a concert-size mahogany wood ukulele. Because of its appealing appearance, mahogany is a wood used to make furniture and other things. The mahogany wood on the KA-CEM makes the Ukulele stand out!

The Kala KA-CEM also has a long body, a rosewood fingerboard with 18 silver nickel frets, chrome die-cast sealed geared tuners and a rosewood bridge. The chrome tuners keep the uke in tune for hours of practice. The Aquila Super Nylgut strings it comes with are gentle on fingers.

This Ukulele is easy to bring with you wherever you go. The gig bag is padded so you can take it to the beach, a friend’s house, a coffee shop, or wherever else you wish to perform music.

Pros

  • Beautifully designed and constructed
  • It comes with a padded gig bag
  • Full and rich sound

Cons

  • No strap buttons
  • A gig bag is not backpack-type

6. Cordoba 15SM Ukulele


The Cordoba 15SM is the smaller version of the Cordoba 15CM. It has all of the same features, just in a smaller size. This uke is recommended for beginners who have smaller hands or shorter fingers.

The KA-CEM is a concert-size mahogany wood ukulele. Because of its appealing appearance, mahogany is a wood used to make furniture and other things. The mahogany wood on the KA-CEM makes the Ukulele stand out!

The Ukulele’s neck and body are bound with ivoroid, giving it an Old World character and setting it apart from other entry-level ukuleles. The 15SM also has an authentic abalone rosette that adds to its beauty. A sleek satin finish makes playing a more enjoyable experience.

The Cordoba 15SM Ukulele is an excellent choice for an easy-to-carry, easy-to-play Ukulele. This Ukulele has a rosewood bridge and fingerboard with Pearloid dot inlays, silver geared tuners with pearl buttons, and 17 frets. The scale length is 13.5 inches, and the overall length is just 21 inches.

Pros

  • Available bundled with a gig bag, tuner, instructional DVD, and polishing cloth
  • Rich sweet sound
  • Reasonable price for a quality instrument

Cons

  • It cannot be easy to play standing up without a strap
  • No strap buttons

7. Kala KA-TE Ukulele


The Kala KA-TE is a good option if you want a larger ukulele than a soprano or concert. This tenor-size uke is easier to play for those with larger hands and has a louder sound.

The Kala KA-TE acoustic-electric ukulele is perfect for performing or recording. It has a UK-300TR pickup/preamp system, so it sounds great. You need a mini amp and a cable to use it. It also includes a tuner, which is helpful.

The Kala KA-TE features a mahogany top, back, and sides with cream binding and a smooth satin finish. The fretboard is constructed of walnut, while the neck is made of mahogany. The scale length is 17 inches. This tenor ukulele is the perfect size for adults! It’s not too big or too small and comfortable and fun to play with.

Pros

  • Well-built using quality materials
  • It comes with built-in electronics and a tuner
  • Available bundled with a gig bag, instructional DVD, polishing cloth, and clip-on tuner

Cons

  • Price is not that beginner-friendly
  • No buttons for the strap

8. Luna Vintage Ukulele


The Luna Vintage Spruce Soprano Ukulele is a beautiful instrument to look at, enjoyable to play, and sounds fantastic. This Ukulele has a solid spruce top, mahogany back, sides, and neck, a rosewood fretboard with 12 frets, a rosewood bridge, and black open-gear tuners. Triangular mother-of-pearl ‘shark teeth’ inlays serve as fretboard position markers. A laser-etched tribal rosette gives off that vintage vibe.

You can get the Luna Vintage soprano ukes bundled with a gig bag, an instructional DVD, a clip-on tuner, and a polishing cloth for less than $70! This beginner ukulele package is a bargain at that price.

The construction of the Ukulele gives it a sweet, pleasing tone. It is just what you’d expect from a soprano ukulele, but not from a soprano ukulele in this price range. The Luna Vintage sounds like a more expensive model, and it is a contender for the best beginner ukulele!

The Luna Vintage uke also has a set neck with a C shape, making it more stable and comfortable to play. It is also very lightweight – so light that you would hardly notice it in your hands as you play. Because of this, you won’t get tired quickly, even after long practice sessions.

Pros

Cons

  • Factory setup needs improvement
  • No strap buttons

9. Kala Color Chord Ukulele


The Kala Color Chord Starter Kit is a great ukulele for beginners. This soprano ukulele is part of the Learn To Play series from Kala, which teaches beginners four basic chords used in thousands of songs. These chords are G, F, C, and Am.

The starter kit includes the Color Chord ukulele, online lessons, a Quick Start Booklet, and the Kala Ukulele App with Tuner. It’s everything beginners need to get started. The kit is priced affordably, too – everything costs just $40! It makes the Kala Color Chord an excellent option for beginners looking for an affordable way to start playing Ukulele and for people looking for cool gifts for kids.

The Color Chord ukulele uses colored arrow-shaped markers on the fretboard to indicate where to place your fingers to play four basic chords. This method has been used for a long time to teach basic chords.

The Ukulele is made of durable, water-resistant material. The top, back, sides, neck, fingerboard, nut, and saddle are all made of the same ABS composite plastic. It is a great uke for kids and those who enjoy playing outdoors.

Pros

  • Made of durable plastic material – good for kids and travel
  • It comes with a custom logo tote bag and instructional materials
  • It makes learning the Ukulele easy

Cons

  • Not for players who want wood and the traditional ukulele sound
  • Finish scratches easily

Where to Get Started

Welcome to the world of ukuleles! As a beginner, you’re probably excited to start playing. You’re motivated by your family and friends and inspired by all the ukulele artists you’ve followed. There’s no age limit to learning, and we’re happy you’ve chosen to start this journey. We’ll help you by providing tips for beginners and telling you where to find the best beginner ukulele for you.


Getting started

You will need to purchase a ukulele to learn how to play the Ukulele. You can choose from the best beginner ukuleles we have listed above. While waiting for your Ukulele to arrive, you can start learning the basics. Here are our favorite ways to learn how to play the Ukulele, even if you don’t have your own Ukulele yet:

Reading articles online

There are numerous websites devoted to the Ukulele, including instructional pieces on how to learn to play. Reading these pieces will help you understand Ukulele terminology, chords, the Ukulele’s components, various sizes of Ukuleles, how different types of wood affect a ukulele’s sound, and so on. You’ll have an easier time learning to play it if you have a solid grasp of the instrument.

Watching Instructional Videos

YouTube contains hundreds of instructional videos on how to play the Ukulele. You can learn about the anatomy of a ukulele, basic chords, strumming, fingerpicking patterns, and how to play popular songs. You can also watch reviews of different ukuleles so you can have a better idea of what they look and sound like.

Using Ukulele Apps

There are different types of ukulele apps. Some teach chords, and others turn your phone into a ukulele. You can play these apps anywhere, and you don’t need a real ukulele. Try out different apps to find the best ones and keep you motivated to practice.

Getting formal lessons

Suppose you want to be a better player or understand music theory better. Or, if you wish to take personal lessons with an instructor, it is a good idea to sign up for formal lessons.

Many websites and instructors can teach you how to play the Ukulele online. Many instructors can teach you through a video call. In contrast, others will ask you to record yourself on video and send the video to them so they can see how far you have progressed. Ukulele websites that offer lessons can also tailor the topics according to your skill and level of knowledge, which is worth checking out.

You can find classes at a local music school or studio to learn how to play the Ukulele. Usually, these classes have multiple students, or you can take private lessons. Determine which choice fits your schedule and budget the best.

Reaching out to other ukulele players.

There are numerous benefits to playing the Ukulele. You can learn your favorite tunes, make music videos or compose your songs. But another great reason to play is that you are part of a worldwide community of people who love the uke just as much as you do.

Playing in front of other people can be challenging if you are a beginner. But if you are part of a ukulele club, you won’t feel as shy. Your fellow club members will encourage and motivate you to keep practicing. Spending time in ukulele hubs can help you make new friends. And taking part in ukulele festivals can inspire you to do your best as a musician.

If you can, join a group of people who share your interests. Check out your local community centers, music studios, and neighborhood coffee shops. You may also search for ukulele clubs on Facebook. Attending a meetup is harmless, so try it out!

Joining a ukulele community would make you feel great. You would see that there are young and old players who all support each other. Groups also have advanced or more experienced players who give workshops and lessons. Another great thing about joining a group is that you can borrow different ukuleles to figure out what type of uke you want to buy next.

We hope this information has helped you find the best Ukulele for beginners. We have tried to provide constructive information that will assist you in making the best decision possible.

Best Ukuleles For Beginners: Buying Guide

Among the best aspects of a ukulele are its low cost and ease of learning. Ukuleles are cheaper than other instruments, like electric guitars and keyboards. They are also easier to play than some other instruments. Plus, they are small, so they don’t take up a lot of space, and you can take them wherever you go.

However, choosing a ukulele can be difficult. There are many types of ukuleles to choose from, and many other options are available in music stores. It can be overwhelming to buy your first ukulele, whether going through the isles of your local Guitar Center or browsing Amazon.com.

This article will help you choose the best ukulele for beginners. You can learn anything you need to know about selecting your first ukulele. It includes what to look for when purchasing one and some of the best models on the market today, specifically for beginners.

Buying a Beginner Ukulele: Things to Keep in Mind

Before we recommend some great beginner ukes, one must know some factors influencing your purchase decision. Some of the most crucial include the ukulele’s size, material, and whether it is acoustic. Price will also be a significant factor, especially for those on a tighter budget.


Size

A ukulele is a very portable instrument, making it ideal for children or people on the move. Even for a youngster, it’s pretty compact. However, in the hands of an excellent uke player, the ukulele is far from a simple beginner’s instrument.

A ukulele’s frets are considerably smaller than a standard guitar. If you’re confused about picking the right size for you, don’t worry-you’re not alone. The most widely chosen sizes of classical guitars are listed below:

  • Soprano ukulele: 53cm long / 21 inches

  • Concert ukulele: 58cm long / 23 inches

  • Tenor ukulele: 66cm long / 26 inches

  • Baritone ukulele: 74cm long / 29 inches

Electric or Acoustic

The primary acoustic model is an excellent place to start for a beginner ukulele player. However, it’s worth noting that there are two distinct types of electric ukuleles. These include fully electric ukuleles and so-called electro-acoustic ukuleles.

  • An electro-acoustic ukulele is similar to a standard ukulele but has a pickup. It means that the sound of the ukulele can be amplified electronically. Electro-acoustic ukuleles are similar to semi-acoustic guitars, which also have pickups.

  • Electric ukulele: An electric ukulele is similar to an electric guitar. You will need an amplifier to make the ukulele sound loud.

If you want a traditional ukulele sound, go for an acoustic or electro-acoustic model. If you don’t need an amp, stick with the acoustic version; however, electrics are not the wrong choice if you want to play plugged in.

Material

When choosing a ukulele, one of the important choices you’ll have to make is what material it is made from. The cheapest ukuleles are made from plastic, while higher quality instruments are made from different types of wood, such as mahogany or maple. Ukuleles made from laminated wood are cheaper, but their tone and resonance are poorer than those made from solid wood, which is made from a single piece of wood. The different parts of a ukulele can also be made from different materials. These include the body, neck, bridge, and fingerboard.

Price

Ukuleles come in a wide range of prices. You can get started with a very cheap one, but remember, you get what you pay for. Most ukuleles that cost only $20 are not very good quality. If you’re serious about playing the ukulele, investing in a better-quality instrument is not bad. For example, most cheap ukuleles go out of tune quickly, which can be frustrating to play with.

If you’re ready, you can spend hundreds of dollars on a high-quality ukulele. However, if you’re starting, spending that much is not necessary. For around $100, you can get a good beginner ukulele.

Factors that will influence the price of a ukulele are its size, electronics, and material. Larger ukuleles with more features (like electronics) will be more expensive than smaller ukuleles. You will also need to pay for other accessories when buying your beginner ukulele, so keep that in mind when deciding your budget.

6 Best Ukuleles for Beginners


1. Kala KA C RW Mahogany Concert 

Kala is a well-known brand in the ukulele industry. They make instruments for every level of player, from beginner to expert. You can trust that their lower-priced instruments are still built to a high standard.

The KA C RW Mahogany Concert ukulele is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a well-made and affordable ukulele. It features a mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, and Graph Tech nut, all for around the $/£100 mark. It sounds clear and direct with good projection and looks smart with its satin finish and classic cream binding.

2. Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Ukulele

Cordoba has always been working to make nylon string acoustic guitars popular again. Even though the company is old, it was only founded in 1997. Since then, it has successfully gotten steel string players to switch to its nylon string guitars.

This company knows about craftsmanship and how to build beautiful instruments that sound great. It also knows what people want, which is why it is an excellent choice for building your ukulele. Ukuleles are very similar to classical guitars in construction, so you can trust this company to do a great job.

The 20TM-CE is more expensive than some of the other ukuleles in this buyer’s guide. Still, it is handmade with a solid mahogany top, back and sides. It also has a built-in under-saddle Piezo pickup and Belcat electronics, ready for when you’re prepared for your first stage performance. It’s also a thing of beauty.

3. Fender Zuma Concert

Fender makes all types of ukuleles. Some of them look like guitars. We don’t like the ones that look too fancy, but other people might. We want the traditional-looking Zuma model because it has a classy body and an abalone rosette.

The Zuma is a well-built, high-quality ukulele with a rich tone that sounds good for fingerstyle and strumming. It has a concert size, which makes it suitable for people who want a bigger ukulele.

This ukulele is versatile and can be played by beginners. It is named after Zuma beach in Malibu.

4. Gretsch G9100 Std Soprano Ukulele

It is a great little uke for taking with you on the go. It’s easy to carry, and you can take it wherever you go. Gretsch makes excellent instruments, and this one is no exception. It has a lot of vintages excellent and authentic heritage.

The mahogany on this ukulele gives it a great look and sound. Soprano ukuleles often sound weak and have too much high end. Still, the mahogany cuts through with its strong midrange and lack of harsh overtones. It might not be best for people with thick fingers, but it is a powerful little instrument that will sound great in any folk, country, or bluegrass setting.

5. Epiphone EpiLani Soprano Ukulele

Epiphone used to make world-class guitars that were as good as the very best. More recently, it has been known for producing world-class guitars that are less expensive and just as good as the more expensive guitars.

Epiphone is a guitar brand that makes inexpensive guitars. They are built like luxury cars and play smoothly. The EpiLani is a new, budget-friendly guitar from Epiphone that is perfect for beginners. It even comes with a chord chart to help you get started.

It is a good beginner ukulele because it is affordable and has good sound. It is also well-made and easy to play. Many other ukuleles are not as good as this one, so it is worth considering if you are looking for a new one.

6. Ortega RU5CE

Ortega takes its fun seriously. They put a lot of thought into the RU5CE, and it shows. Many beginner ukuleles are made with mahogany, which is a good choice. Still, it’s refreshing to see the classic combination of a bright spruce top matched with the warm Sapele back and sides.

Ortega’s RU5CE has many excellent features, like sealed machine heads and a built-in tuner. The lightly applied finish that lets the natural wood grain through is also a nice touch. The fretwork is excellent, with even, carefully filed frets and no discernible buzzing. The walnut fretboard is smooth and fast.

This price includes an under saddle Piezo pickup and MagusUke electronics. The laser etched Butterfly and Grass artwork on the bridge will be a bit ‘Marmite’ to many people. You’ll either love it or hate it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Violin for Kids

Can I Teach Myself Ukulele?

Learning the Ukulele isn’t right or wrong. Many successful ukulele players have followed different paths. The good thing you can do today is to define your direction and begin making the music you want to make by taking tiny steps.

Is a Tenor Ukulele Good for a Beginner?

Tenor ukuleles are usually better for beginners because they have a comfortable structure. It makes it easier to start playing awkwardly and get better over time. Tenors have a fuller and louder tone, which is good for any instrument.

Is a Concert or Soprano Ukulele Better?

Compared to the soprano ukulele, the concert ukulele is larger. It performs a broader, warmer sound with more mid-range. Concerts also project better than sopranos, resulting in a somewhat louder total sound. The standard ukulele tuning of G/C/E/A applies to the concert size.

Is Ukulele Easier to Play Than Guitar?

The Ukulele is simpler to learn than the guitar or mandolin. Ukuleles have soft nylon strings that are kinder on your fingertips than guitar strings and do not cause finger pain. Because the notes are reachable without stretching, the compact size decreases wrist tension.

How Long Does It Take to Learn the Ukulele?

Almost everyone can learn to play the Ukulele comfortably within 3 to 6 months. It might take less time for some people, but it also depends on how much the person is willing to learn and practice.

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