Tenor vs Concert Ukulele: Which One is Right for You?

So, you’ve fallen for the sweet, cheerful tones of the ukulele—but now you’re faced with a classic dilemma: tenor or concert ukulele? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Choosing the right ukulele can feel a bit like deciding between chocolate and caramel: both are great, but each has its own personality. Let’s break it down and help you pick the perfect uke for your style.

Ukulele Sizes 101: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive in, it helps to understand the ukulele family. The four main sizes are:

• Soprano – the tiniest, cutest, and most traditional.

• Concert – a little bigger, more space for fingers, fuller sound.

• Tenor – even bigger, great projection, ideal for serious strumming or soloing.

• Baritone – the “grown-up” ukulele, tuned differently (like the top four guitar strings).

Today, we’re zooming in on concert vs tenor, the two middleweights that dominate the modern uke scene.

Size & Playability: Finding the Comfort Zone

Concert Ukulele:

• Typically 23 inches in length.

• Slightly larger than soprano, giving more room on the fretboard.

• Comfortable for beginners or players with medium-sized hands.

Tenor Ukulele:

• Usually around 26 inches.

• Extra frets and wider neck make it ideal for fingerpicking and solo performances.

• Great for players with bigger hands or those who want more versatility.

💡 Tip: If you’re just starting out, a concert ukulele is easier to handle. But if you love experimenting with chords and melodies, a tenor might become your new best friend.

Tone & Sound: The Soul of the Ukulele

Concert Ukulele:

• Bright, cheerful, and classic “ukulele” sound.

• Balanced tone—neither too soft nor too booming.

• Perfect for strumming chords and group sing-alongs.

Tenor Ukulele:

• Fuller, richer, and more resonant.

• Handles fingerpicking better due to larger body and longer scale.

• Produces more volume, making it ideal for performances.

🎵 Think of it this way: Concerts are like a cozy chat with friends, Tenors are like a mini-concert on your living room stage.

Portability: Take It Anywhere?

If your ukulele is going on adventures, size matters.

• Concert: Lightweight and easy to carry—fits in small gig bags.

• Tenor: Slightly bigger but still portable—fits most standard cases, but may feel bulky if you travel light.

So if you plan to take your uke hiking or on a vacation, a concert might be more convenient. But don’t let size fool you—tenors are still travel-friendly and worth the extra inches for richer sound.

Price & Value: What’s the Investment?

Generally, tenor ukuleles cost a bit more than concert models due to larger bodies and better projection. However, both sizes come in beginner, intermediate, and professional models.

💰 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, try both in a music store. Comfort and tone will guide your choice more than price alone.

Popular Uses & Styles

• Concert Ukulele: Ideal for casual strumming, ukulele clubs, and beginners. Often favored for traditional Hawaiian songs and simple chord progressions.

• Tenor Ukulele: Favored by professional players, fingerstyle enthusiasts, and performers. Works well in contemporary music, jazz, and even pop covers.

Celebrities Who Play Each

Sometimes seeing others’ choices helps:

• Concert: Jake Shimabukuro started on smaller ukuleles before moving to concert.

• Tenor: James Hill and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (famous for Somewhere Over the Rainbow) used tenor ukuleles for their rich sound.

Seeing a pro handle a tenor can give you a sense of the possibilities for fingerpicking and performance.

Choosing the Right One for You

Here’s a quick decision guide:

✅ Rule of thumb: Start with comfort and play style. If you’re strumming chords and singing along, go concert. If you want versatility and richness, tenor is your jam.

Fun Fact: Did You Know?

The tenor ukulele didn’t become popular until the 1920s, while concert ukuleles were already charming players in Hawaiian music circles. And here’s a quirky tidbit: ukuleles were originally called “jumping fleas” in Portuguese—probably because your fingers jump all over the fretboard!

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose concert or tenor, the most important thing is to enjoy playing. Ukuleles are about fun, music, and a little bit of aloha spirit. 🎶

So, which one will you pick? Grab a concert for cheerful strumming or a tenor for rich solo performances—and let your musical journey begin.

✅ Next Step: Go to a music store, try a few concert and tenor ukuleles, and see which feels right for your hands and ears. Your perfect ukulele is waiting—just a few strums away!