Ukulele FAQs for Beginners

Probably the most common question to start a Ukulele FAQs! The Ukulele is tuned to the notes GCEA. There is one thin string on the bottom (G) to help with certain chord voicings. The notes make up a C Major 6^th chord which gives the Ukulele the distinctive sound.

Of all the instruments, the Ukulele is one of the easier ones to learn. They have four, low tension nylon, strings and quite simple basic chord shapes. So, they are simpler than the guitar in many ways. Many schools have started teaching the Ukulele due to their simplicity. So, getting a tune out of one isn’t too difficult.

The most common Ukulele is the Soprano model. There is also Concert available, which has a slightly bigger body and deeper sound. From here there is Tenor. These are bigger still, provide more frets, and often have a low bottom string. These three models are all tuned, and therefore played, the same. The next common type is the Baritone. This is tuned DGBE. This is the same tuning as the other ukuleles, but down 5 semi-tones. So, you can play the same shapes, they will just be in a different pitch. So, transitioning to the Baritone requires a bit of thought! The Baritone ukulele has the same tuning as the thinnest four strings of a guitar. You can also get a Banjolele, which is a hybrid of a banjo and a ukulele! This is played the same but sounds a bit more like a Banjo.

The one requirement for a good starter Ukulele in my opinion is to have geared tuning pegs. All the Ukuleles we offer have these. Some models will have friction based tuning pegs which are a bit of a pain. With geared tuning pegs you stay in tune better. We sell many Rocket and 3^rd Avenue Ukuleles to starters and schools, along with the popular Mahalo models.

If you are finding yourself unsatisfied with a standard beginners Ukulele, you can look into upgrading. After playing a while you will learn what you want and don’t want out of an instrument. For example, you might want a better sound, or feel. In which case you can look into a model with nicer woods. Or, you might find that you want to plug your Ukulele into a speaker for more volume. In this case you can get an electro-acoustic model. When you want to upgrade it should be for a specific reason!

Luckily, as the strings are nylon they don’t age as quickly as steel string instruments. So they do last quite a long time. There’s no reason, short of snapping, that a Ukulele string should last indefinitely. Though when they get too old it is nice to have a new set!

When your strings get old, or even worse, break, it’s time to change them. Usually you know when strings are getting old because they don’t feel as smooth to play. They can also go out of tune more quickly if they are very old.

If you’re a bit cautious to change your strings, take them to a music shop. They are often more than happy to change them for you. However, to do this yourself, you can see our video on how it’s done below.

Ukuleles are often played with your fingers. It can make it easier to swap between strumming and plucking. But, some people would prefer to use a pick. Felt picks are made specifically to get a nice sound and feel from playing the Ukulele. These are recommended, but you can use a standard guitar pick too!

The ukulele is quite a low maintenance instrument! All you really need is the instrument itself. However, it is nice to have a bag for storage and transport purposes. A tuner is handy to ensure you stay in tune too. Otherwise, spare strings just in case can be nice. Also, while it’s not necessary, a Ukulele strap can help to hold the instrument comfortably.