Ukulele vs Guitar The Difference How to Decide

Ukulele vs Guitar The Difference How to Decide Megan L. Trying to decide between the ukulele vs guitar? In this article, music teacher Anthony S. discusses the differences between the two instruments, as well as how to choose which one is right for you.   Ukulele vs Guitar: Key Differences Transitioning From Ukulele to Guitar As a music teacher, I have been asked by many parents over the years if learning to play the ukulele is a good starting point for children who want to learn the guitar. The ukulele is a very good first instrument, however it must be considered as a real instrument and not an introductory instrument that is generally easy to play. Even though the ukulele is a fretted string instrument, it is a completely different instrument than the guitar. I have observed in the course of my career a great many students actually find it challenging to transition from the ukulele to guitar. This is because the ukulele and guitar are tuned differently and the process of learning the ukulele does not translate directly to the guitar. The Size of the Ukulele vs Guitar There is also an obvious size difference between the ukulele vs the guitar. I often discourage students from jumping into the ukulele just because of its size. If youd prefer learning on a smaller instrument to start, there are dozens of options available for smaller guitars. So whichever instrument you decide on, its important to make sure youre choosing the right ukulele or guitar for you. Choosing the right instrument and the right size for a beginning musician is the first piece of advice that I give all students. I have been challenged many times whilst trying to teach students who are using an instrument that was purchased as a gift, for example. Oftentimes children receive a ukulele as a gift from a relative that is simply impractical and counterproductive to proper education. Pro tip: Its always a good idea to consult with an experienced teacher before investing in an instrument. Which instrument do you prefer: ukulele or guitar? Ukulele Guitar View Results Loading ... Playing Comfort Many students are concerned about whether theyll be more comfortable playing the ukulele vs the guitar. Besides the evident small size of the standard soprano ukulele, the soft nylon strings are also great draw for many students with delicate fingers. But if you want to learn the guitar, you could always start with a classical guitar that has nylon strings, and be just fine.  Even if you dont want to play classical music, you should never purchase an electric guitar as your first instrument. Youd be surprised at how  many students quit their lessons because the correct instrument wasn’t selected! Final Advice Ultimately, when deciding between the ukulele vs guitar, either instrument is an excellent choice if the student is focused on learning it. Practice every day and you WILL succeed. Also, be sure  to find a great music teacher to work with. Finding an experienced  ukulele instructor or guitar teacher  will help you build a solid foundation for your musical journey. Best of luck, and let us know which instrument you chose in the comments below! Anthony S. teaches music in Oakland, CA, including the guitar, flute, drums, and trumpet. He has an  MM in Composition from CUNY Brooklyn College  and has been teaching since 2005.  Learn more about Anthony here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Sarah Han