If you're wondering: “What is a good beginner ukulele?” You're probably hoping someone will simply tell you which one to buy.
The good news is that you don't need the most expensive ukulele or the fanciest wood to get started.
You just need an instrument that feels comfortable in your hands, stays in tune reasonably well, and makes you excited to pick it up and play.
I've taught hundreds of adult beginners over the years, and one thing I've learned is this: your first ukulele doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to help you enjoy learning. When learning feels enjoyable, you're much more likely to stick with it—and that's where the real progress happens.
What size ukulele is best for adult beginners?
For most adults, I recommend either a concert or a soprano ukulele.
Both are great choices, so there isn't a wrong answer. It mostly comes down to what feels most comfortable for you.
Soprano
The soprano is the smallest standard ukulele size. It has that bright, cheerful sound most people imagine when they think of a ukulele.
It's lightweight, portable, and usually the most affordable option.
If you have average-sized or smaller hands, a soprano can be a wonderful first instrument. The only thing to keep in mind is that the frets are a little closer together, so adults with larger hands sometimes find them a bit cramped.
Concert
If someone asks me which size to buy without knowing anything else about them, I usually recommend a concert ukulele.
It's only slightly larger than a soprano, but that little bit of extra room can make chords feel more comfortable, especially when you're first learning where to put your fingers.
It still feels nice and lightweight, and many adult beginners appreciate the extra space.
This is what my concert ukulele looks like:
Comfort matters more than you think
One of the biggest reasons beginners struggle isn't because they lack musical ability.
It's because they're trying to learn on an instrument that doesn't feel comfortable.
If the ukulele feels awkward in your hands, your muscles tense up. Chords feel harder than they should. Before long, you wonder if you're doing something wrong.
Usually, you're not!
A comfortable instrument makes learning much more enjoyable.
What about tenor ukuleles?
A tenor (a bit larger than a concert) can absolutely be a beginner instrument.
Some adults love the extra space between the frets and the fuller sound.
The main downside is that tenors usually cost a little more, and for someone just starting out, that extra money doesn't necessarily make learning any easier.
That's why I generally recommend starting with a concert or soprano unless you already know you prefer a larger instrument.
Here's me and my tenor ukulele, from a small brand in Thailand called The Rebel. This ukulele IS expensive and high quality, but it's absolutely worth it for me as a teacher! To read the story of how I chose it, click here.
How much should you spend?
You definitely don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on your first ukulele.
In fact, I usually recommend budgeting somewhere around $60–150 USD.
That's often the sweet spot where you can find instruments that stay in tune well, feel comfortable to play, and are built well enough that you're not fighting against them every time you practice.
The very cheapest ukuleles can sometimes cause unnecessary frustration.
They may not stay in tune, the strings can sit too high above the fretboard, or the overall quality simply makes learning harder than it needs to be.
Many beginners think they're the problem when, in reality, it's the instrument.
What makes a ukulele beginner-friendly?
There are a few things that matter more than fancy features.
A good beginner ukulele should:
✅ Stay in tune reasonably well
✅ Feel comfortable to hold
✅ Have strings that aren't too high above the fretboard
✅ Have smooth frets that don't feel sharp
✅ Include tuning pegs that work reliably
That's really it.
You don't need expensive upgrades or exotic woods.
You just need something that lets you focus on making music instead of fighting the instrument.
Does the type of wood matter?
Eventually, yes.
When you're just beginning?
Not very much.
Many beginner ukuleles are made from laminate wood, and that's absolutely fine.
They're durable, affordable, and often perfect for new players.
Solid wood ukuleles can sound richer, but they also cost more. At this stage, comfort and playability are far more important than whether the ukulele is made from solid mahogany or another premium wood.
Don't overlook the setup, or “action”
This is something many beginners have never even heard of.
A "setup" simply means adjusting the ukulele so it plays comfortably and stays in tune as well as possible.
Even a decent ukulele can feel difficult if it hasn't been set up properly.
Whenever possible, buy from a music store or online seller that checks their instruments before shipping them.
A properly set up beginner ukulele can make learning feel much easier.
Accessories that are actually useful
Some beginner bundles include lots of extras you'll probably never use.
The things I actually recommend are pretty simple:
✅ An electronic clip on tuner or tuning app
✅ A padded gig bag if you'll be carrying it around
✅ An extra set of strings for later
But here's the accessory that matters most...
I've seen students make wonderful progress with a fairly basic ukulele because they knew exactly what to practice each day.
I've also seen people buy beautiful, expensive instruments that ended up sitting in a closet because they didn't know where to begin.
If you're just getting started, you might enjoy my free guide, Your First 5 Songs on Ukulele. It walks you through five simple songs that are perfect for complete beginners and helps you start making music right away.
Common mistakes beginners make
The biggest mistake is buying the absolute cheapest ukulele you can find.
Sometimes you get lucky.
Often, you end up with an instrument that makes learning much harder than it needs to be.
Another common mistake is buying based purely on appearance.
A pretty ukulele isn't always a comfortable one.
And finally, don't feel like you need a professional-level instrument to become a good player.
You don't.
Your goal right now is simply to learn a few chords, get comfortable with strumming, and enjoy making music.
Everything else can come later.
My recommendation
If you're looking for one simple recommendation, here it is.
For most adult beginners, I'd suggest a concert-size ukulele from a reputable beginner-friendly brand in the $60–150 USD range.
If you love the traditional ukulele sound and prefer a slightly smaller instrument, a soprano is also an excellent choice.
Most importantly, choose the one that feels comfortable in your hands. If you can go to a music store to try different models, do that!
The best ukulele isn't necessarily the most expensive one.
It's the one that makes you smile when you pick it up.
And remember—you don't have to figure everything out on your own.
If you'd like an easy place to start, you can download my free guide, Your First 5 Songs on Ukulele. It's designed especially for adult beginners and will help you start playing real songs from day one.
And if you'd like me to guide you step by step from complete beginner to confident player, I'd love to welcome you into my Ukulele Course for Total Beginners. We take everything one small step at a time, with clear lessons, plenty of encouragement, and a supportive community of beginners learning right alongside you.
You've already taken the hardest step by deciding to learn. Now all you need is a ukulele, a little patience, and a few minutes of practice each day.