If you’re getting started with the ukulele, this chapter is the perfect place to begin. From choosing your first uke to learning the names of the strings, tuning properly, and avoiding common beginner mistakes — these foundational steps will set you up for confident, frustration-free progress.
Whether you’ve just picked up your ukulele or you’re still figuring out which size to buy, this guide will walk you through the essentials — clearly, calmly, and at your own pace. So, if you are struggling with tuning, or wondering if being left-handed changes anything — we’ve got you covered.
After all, getting set up properly is the first step toward playing with ease and confidence.
In this chapter, you’ll learn:
- 🎸 Ukulele Types Explained — Find the Right One for You. Not all ukes are created equal — explore the differences between soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone so you know what you’re working with.
- 🔤 Ukulele String Names — Learn G–C–E–A and Why It Matters Learn what each string is called and why it matters when tuning or following chord diagrams.
- 🧩 Parts of a Ukulele — A Simple Tour from Headstock to Bridge.
- 🎯 Tuning Your Ukulele — Step-by-Step + Alternate Tunings From standard tuning to baritone alternatives, discover the ways to get your uke sounding right — and stay that way.
- 🫱 Left-Handed Ukulele Players — Adapting and Choosing What Fits. Left-handed? No problem. Learn your options — including how to flip a right-handed uke and what to expect if you do.
- ⚠️ Common Beginner Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them Early Every new player stumbles — but by knowing what to watch out for, you can avoid frustration and build good habits early.
When you’re ready, just pick the section that fits where you’re at — or work your way down step by step. There’s no rush and no wrong order — just progress, one strum at a time.
The serie Learn Ukuele for Beginners with Basic Ukulele:
- Learn Ukulele for Beginners with Basic Ukulele – Introduction
- Getting Started with the Ukulele – Basic Ukulele – Chapter 1 (This chapter)
- Ukulele Chords and Strumming for Beginners – Chapter 2
- Other Ukuleles — Discover Your Next Sound – Chapter 3
- Ukulele Know-How – Chapter 4
- Playing and Singing – Chapter 5
🎸 Ukulele Types Explained — Find the Right One for You
If you’re getting started with the ukulele, choosing the right type will shape how fun, comfortable, and motivating your learning experience becomes.
Ukuleles come in four main types: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Each one offers something unique — in size, tone, and playability. Once you understand how they differ, you’ll be in a stronger position to pick the one that fits your hands, your ears, and your goals.
> So before you learn your first chord or tune your strings, take a moment to get familiar with your options.
🪶 Soprano Ukulele — Small, Bright & Classic
The soprano ukulele delivers that traditional “island” sound — high-pitched, cheerful, and instantly recognizable. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and especially great for smaller hands.
If you want that classic uke feel and don’t mind the tighter fret spacing, the soprano gives you a lightweight, vibrant playing experience right out of the gate.
🎼 Concert Ukulele — Comfortable & Versatile
The concert uke adds just a little size and breathing room, which can go a long way when you’re learning chords. Players often choose this type when they want that same bright sound with slightly more volume and a smoother playing feel.
As a beginner, you’ll likely find the concert model easier on your fingers and more forgiving overall — especially during longer practice sessions.
🎵 Tenor Ukulele — Warm, Bold & Beginner-Friendly
Tenor ukuleles step it up with a fuller body, deeper tone, and wider fret spacing. That extra room gives your fingers space to move, and the sound starts to lean more toward warm, mellow tones.
If you plan to explore fingerpicking or simply want more expressive range, this uke grows with you as your skills develop.
🎶 Baritone Ukulele — Deep, Mellow & Guitar-Like
Baritone ukuleles break the mold. They use a different tuning — D–G–B–E — which mirrors the highest four strings on a guitar. That makes them perfect for guitar players crossing over or those who want a deeper, more relaxed tone.
If you’re focused on learning traditional uke chords, you might want to start with a different type. But if rich, low-end sound speaks to you, the baritone makes a beautiful option — especially as a second instrument later on.
🔁 Ukulele Type Comparison — Quick Summary
To help you choose the right fit as you’re getting started with the ukulele, here’s a side-by-side glance:
| Type | Size | Sound | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | Smallest | Bright & punchy | Small hands, classic uke tone |
| Concert | Medium | Clear & slightly fuller | Adult beginners, easy comfort |
| Tenor | Large-ish | Warm & expressive | Fingerpicking, larger hands, solo play |
| Baritone | Largest | Deep & mellow | Guitar players, low rich tones |
🌱 Final Thoughts — Trust Your Hands and Ears
At the end of the day, the best ukulele is the one you enjoy playing. Each type has something special to offer, and you don’t need to get it perfect — just pick the one that feels good when you hold it and inspires you to come back again tomorrow.
> If you’re just getting started with the ukulele, go with what encourages you to keep going. That’s the one worth picking up — again and again.
Curious about the different types of ukuleles? Dive into our in-depth guide! From sizes and body shapes to materials, tunings, and tone — we break it all down so you can choose the uke that’s right for you. Along the way, you’ll also find a buying guide, brand insights, and tips for getting the sound you’re after.
👉 Explore now: All about the different Ukulele types – Sizes, sound and tuning. and Ukulele relatives and variations.
🔤 Ukulele String Names — Learn G–C–E–A and Why It Matters
Before you can tune your ukulele or follow a chord diagram with confidence, it helps to know the names of the four strings — and why their order matters more than you might think. Most players refer to standard tuning as G–C–E–A.
Whether you’re watching a tutorial, reading a song chart, or learning to strum your first chord, the string names G–C–E–A form the foundation of everything you’ll play. And while they may seem like just random letters at first, they actually follow a specific pattern — one that makes tuning, chord-building, and even fingerpicking much easier to grasp. Each open string plays a specific note that gives it its name.
> In short, understanding your strings is like knowing your compass — it keeps you oriented as you play and practice.
🎸 The Standard String Order
When holding your ukulele in playing position (with the neck pointing to the left for right handed players), the strings are numbered from top to bottom — but not in order of pitch. Here’s the standard layout for most soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles:
- G – Top string (closest to your face)
- C – Second string down
- E – Third string
- A – Bottom string (closest to the floor)
> Together, they spell out G–C–E–A, often remembered using mnemonics like “Good Cows Eat Apples” or “Goats Can Eat Anything.”
🔁 Why It Matters
So, why bother memorizing this? Here’s why:
- When tuning, you’ll need to know which string is which before adjusting the pegs — otherwise, you might tune the wrong one.
- Every chord diagram or tablature is built on this G–C–E–A order.
- It helps when following video lessons, especially when instructors reference “pressing the second fret on the E string,” for example.
- It’s essential for learning new chords, riffs, and fingerpicking patterns — especially later on.
🪕 Bonus: Baritone and Alternate Tunings
While G–C–E–A is standard for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles, baritone ukes are tuned differently: usually D–G–B–E, just like the bottom four strings of a guitar. There are also alternate tunings used for specific songs or playing styles — but if you’re a beginner, G–C–E–A is the place to stay for now.
Want to dig even deeper into string names, tuning variations, and easy memory tricks?
Then you’ll definitely want to explore our full guide — where we take a closer look at alternate tunings, explain why string order matters, and share helpful tips to make memorizing G–C–E–A a breeze. So if you’re ready to move beyond the basics and build real confidence, this is your next step.
👉 Check it out here: Ukulele String Names – Complete Guide
🧩 Know Your Ukulele: Parts Explained
If you’re getting started with the ukulele, learning the names of its parts will help you tune it, follow tutorials, and play more confidently. The more you understand how your instrument works, the easier it becomes to handle it with care and play it with purpose.
So, let’s walk through the main parts of your uke — from top to bottom.
🪝 Headstock
The headstock sits at the very top of your ukulele. It holds the tuning pegs in place and helps anchor each string. Every time you tune your uke, you start here.
🔄 Tuning Pegs (Machine Heads)
You’ll find four tuning pegs attached to the headstock. Twist each one gently to tighten or loosen the string and bring it to pitch. Whether you use a tuner or tune by ear, these pegs control string tension and pitch.
🪵 Nut
Just below the headstock, the nut acts like a small guide for the strings. With evenly spaced grooves, it ensures that each string travels cleanly onto the fretboard — setting the stage for proper sound and tuning stability.
🎯 Neck & Fretboard
When you hold your uke in playing position, your left hand supports the neck. The fretboard (or fingerboard) runs along the front of the neck and contains the frets. This is where you press the strings to form chords or pick individual notes.
➖ Frets
Frets are the thin metal strips set across the fretboard. They divide the neck into sections, helping you play accurate notes. When you press the string just behind a fret, you create a clean, clear tone — especially when your uke is tuned well.
🎤 Body
The body is the large, hollow part of the ukulele that amplifies sound. It includes the top (soundboard), sides, and back. Different body woods and shapes affect your uke’s tone, projection, and overall feel.
🔲 Sound Hole
Cut into the center of the soundboard, the sound hole helps the ukulele “breathe.” It lets the sound waves out, giving your playing its warm, lively tone.
🫶 Bridge & Saddle
The bridge sits near the base of your uke, securely attached to the body. It anchors the strings and transfers their vibrations into the soundboard. On top of the bridge, the saddle raises the strings and helps shape the tone as it travels into the body.
🎯 Getting Started with Ukulele Tuning — Step-by-Step Tips for Beginners
When you’re getting started with the ukulele, tuning your strings properly is one of the first habits that sets you up for progress. Even the best chord shapes and rhythm won’t sound right unless your uke is in tune — and luckily, it’s easier than it seems.
In this section, you’ll learn how to tune your ukulele using three beginner-friendly methods: clip-on tuners, phone apps, and tuning by ear. You’ll also explore optional alternate tunings like Low G and baritone styles, so you feel prepared as you continue to grow.
🎵 Standard Tuning (G–C–E–A)
Soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles all use the same standard tuning: G–C–E–A, starting from the top string down.
- G – 4th string (closest to your face)
- C – 3rd string
- E – 2nd string
- A – 1st string (closest to the floor)
This layout forms the familiar sound of most ukulele music. Musicians call this “reentrant tuning” because the G string has a higher pitch than the C — a charming twist that gives the ukulele its signature bounce.
Standard tuning helps set a strong foundation when you’re getting started with the ukulele — every note you play relies on it.
📱 Tune Your Ukulele with These 3 Easy Methods
✅ Method 1: Use a Clip-On Tuner
Start by clipping the tuner onto the headstock of your ukulele. When you pluck a string, the tuner senses vibrations in the wood and displays the pitch. Turn the peg for that string slowly until the display shows the correct note — centered and in green.
> Clip-on tuners give reliable results even in noisy environments, and they’re a great tool when you’re just getting started with the ukulele.
Tip: Brands like Snark, D’Addario, and Fender make popular clip-on models designed for ukes.
✅ Method 2: Use a Tuning App
Tuning apps use your phone’s microphone to detect pitch. Download a free app like Pocket Ukulele Tuner, GuitarTuna, Fender Tune, DaTuner, or Pano Tuner, then choose “ukulele” mode.
Open the app, pluck a string, and watch the screen guide you. Adjust the tuning peg until you hit the right note.
> Tuning apps are perfect when you’re getting started with the ukulele and want a free, simple way to tune quickly. For best results, try to tune in a quiet space — background noise can throw off the mic.
✅ Method 3: Tune by Ear
If you have a reference note — like a piano, another instrument, or just one already-tuned string — you can tune the other strings by matching pitch. This method takes more time, but it sharpens your musical ear as you go.
🎼 Alternate Tunings You May Encounter
As your skills grow, you’ll come across other tunings that offer new sounds and styles. While alternate tunings offer more variety later on, it’s best to master G–C–E–A first if you’re still getting started with the ukulele.
- Low G tuning – Replaces the high G string with a lower one, giving the uke a fuller range, great for fingerpicking.
- Baritone tuning (D–G–B–E) – Matches the top four strings of a guitar. It creates a deep, mellow sound but uses different chords.
- Slack key & open tunings – More advanced styles used in Hawaiian and fingerstyle music. Fun to explore once you’re more confident.
> Stick with G–C–E–A at the beginning — then branch out once you’ve built a strong foundation.
Read about all tuning at:
- How to tune a Ukulele and the different Ukulele tunings
- Baritone Ukulele tuning – and all other kinds of Ukuleles
🧠 Pro Tip for beginners getting started with the ukulele: Tune Every Time You Play
Ukuleles, especially entry-level models, can slip out of tune quickly. That’s why experienced players tune before every session — and you should too. It only takes a few minutes, and it helps you hear, play, and improve more effectively.
Daily tuning builds your musical instincts — and that’s essential when you’re just getting started with the ukulele.
🎯 Clip-On Tuner or Tuning App — Which Is Right for You?
Both options are excellent for beginners:
- Choose a clip-on tuner if you want accuracy in any setting — especially noisy ones.
- Use a tuning app if you prefer portability, fewer tools, or free options on the go.
Many players actually use both. Apps are great for quick checks, while clip-on tuners give precise control during rehearsals or recording.
🎬 Watch this video tutorial:
The app she is using is OK, but its some challenges to access without pay. It is several free apps, and all of them try to sell you someting. We at Basic Ukulele use Pocket Ukule Tuner.
🫱 Left-Handed Ukulele Players — Adapting and Choosing What Fits
If you’re left-handed and getting started with the ukulele, you’re probably wondering: do I need a special instrument? A different method? The truth is, you have more freedom than you think — and none of your options will limit your potential.
Let’s explore four popular approaches left-handed players use, so you can decide what suits you best.
↔️ Option 1: Learn Right-Handed (Standard Orientation)
Many left-handed beginners choose to learn right-handed — holding the neck with their left hand and strumming with the right. It might feel unusual at first, but with a little repetition, it starts to feel second nature.
Why consider this?
- You can use any standard ukulele
- Most tutorials, diagrams, and books align perfectly
- Jamming with others becomes easier
> If you’re getting started with the ukulele and haven’t developed habits yet, this option gives you instant access to the widest range of resources.
🔁 Option 2: Flip the Strings
Prefer to lead with your dominant hand? You can flip the string order (A–E–C–G from top to bottom) on a standard uke, effectively turning it into a lefty layout.
Keep in mind:
- You’ll need to restring your ukulele
- The nut may need adjusting for string spacing
- Chord shapes will be mirrored — but left-handed chord charts are easy to find online to learn mirrored finger positions
This approach combines personal comfort with a traditional layout — ideal if you’re in it for the long haul.
🎸 Option 3: Buy a Left-Handed Ukulele
Some ukuleles are designed specifically for left-handed players, with reversed string order and internal bracing.
Pros:
- Feels intuitive for lefties from the first strum
- No DIY modifications needed
Cons:
- Fewer models available
- Most tutorials assume right-handed orientation
> If you’re getting started with the ukulele and want a “plug and play” setup for left-handed playing, this is a great option.
🔄 Option 4: Play Upside-Down with Left-Handed Chords
This might surprise you: some left-handed players simply flip a standard uke upside-down and learn chords in that orientation — without restringing the instrument.
Why it works:
- No setup or nut adjustment required
- You keep using a right-handed ukulele as-is
- You can rely on right-handed chord charts.
While this layout doesn’t match most tutorials, many successful players use it — especially those who value simplicity or are self-taught.
> This is a flexible choice when you’re just getting started with the ukulele and want to get playing fast without making changes to your instrument.
✅ Which Option Is Best for You?
There’s no right or wrong answer — only what helps you play more often and with more joy. Try holding the uke both ways and strumming a few simple chords. Often, your hands will let you know what feels right.
> Left-handed musicians have made their mark across all instruments. With a little creativity and confidence, you’ll find your own way — and it’ll sound just right.
📊 Left-Handed Ukulele Setup Options — At a Glance
| Option | Orientation | Instrument Setup | Chord Diagrams | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Learn Right-Handed | Neck in left hand, strum with right | No changes needed | Standard (right-handed) | Beginners who want full access to tutorials and resources |
| 2. Flip the Strings | Neck in right hand, strum with left | Restring in reverse; may adjust nut | Use left-handed chord charts | Players who want dominant-hand strumming and don’t mind customizing |
| 3. Buy a Left-Handed Uke | Neck in right hand, strum with left | Built for lefties (reversed strings & bracing) | Use left-handed chord charts | Lefties who want a ready-to-play solution |
| 4. Play Upside-Down | Flip uke without restringing | No changes to strings | Use right-handed chord charts | Self-taught players who want to start fast with minimal setup |
> 🎸 If you’re getting started with the ukulele as a left-handed player, try both orientations if you can — the best choice is the one that keeps you playing consistently and happily.
🎸 Want more tips on getting started with the ukulele as a left-handed player? Check out our guide about Left-Handed Ukulele – How to Play, Set Up, and Use Left-Handed Chords: Left-handed Ukulele – all about it and how to alter a normal
> This post covers everything from flipping strings to using custom chord charts — so you can play your way with confidence. (This post also incudes Left handed chords-chart).
🚫 Common Mistakes When Getting Started with the Ukulele
As exciting as it is to begin your ukulele journey, it’s easy to fall into a few habits that can slow your progress. The good news? Most beginner mistakes are simple to fix once you know what to look for.
Here are some of the most common missteps to watch out for:
- Skipping tuning before playing Even a slightly out-of-tune uke can make your chords sound wrong. Always tune up before each session — it only takes a minute and makes a huge difference.
- Holding the ukulele awkwardly If your uke keeps slipping or your wrist feels strained, your posture might be off. Keep the body close to your chest, relax your shoulders, and let your fretting hand move freely.
- Pressing too hard on the frets You don’t need to mash the strings. Use just enough pressure to get a clean note — this helps avoid sore fingers and buzzing.
- Strumming with stiff fingers or only your thumb A relaxed wrist and light brushing motion create a fuller, more rhythmic sound. Try using the nail side of your index finger for downstrokes and the pad for upstrokes.
- Jumping into difficult songs too soon It’s tempting to tackle your favorite tune right away, but starting with simple songs builds confidence and technique faster.
> When you’re getting started with the ukulele, it’s not about being perfect — it’s about building good habits that make playing easier and more fun.
Want a deeper dive into these and other beginner pitfalls? Check out our full guide: 👉 Ukulele Beginner Mistakes: 7 Errors to Avoid
🎉 Wrapping Up: What’s Next After Getting Started with the Ukulele
By now, you’ve explored ukulele types, learned how tuning works, identified each part of your instrument, and discovered helpful tips to build a solid foundation. If you’ve made it this far — give yourself some credit! Getting started with the ukulele isn’t about being perfect; it’s about getting curious, building small habits, and enjoying every step along the way.
From here, your musical journey really begins.
In the next chapter, we’ll dive into: Ukulele Chords and Strumming for Beginners – Chapter 2 – Basic Ukulele
So take a breath, tune up, and get ready to strum your first few chords. You’re already doing better than you think — and the uke world is lucky to have you in it.
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Finally, Basic Ukulele was founded in 2015 with the aim of making it easier for anyone who wants to learn or find out more about this wonderful instrument.