Beginner's Ukulele

A small, inexpensive, and famously easy-to-start instrument — most people can play a simple song within their first week.

Beginner's Ukulele
Photo by Samuel Ramos on Unsplash

At a Glance

Category

Music

Cost to Start

$50–200

Difficulty

Beginner-Friendly

Time Commitment

Casual / Occasional

Space Needed

Minimal / Anywhere

Physical Intensity

Low / Sedentary

Solo or Social

Solo-Friendly

Overview

The ukulele has one of the gentlest learning curves of any instrument: four strings, simple chord shapes, and a relatively small, affordable body. It's a popular first instrument for both kids and adults, and a common second instrument for guitarists looking for something more portable.

Getting Started

Buy a soprano or concert ukulele from a reputable brand rather than the cheapest option available — poor tuning stability is the most common reason beginners get discouraged. Learn four basic chords (typically C, G, Am, F) first; a huge number of popular songs can be played with just those four.