Child Ukulele: How To Pick The Best Ukulele For Your Kid

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Every child has a lot of energy and it is important to satisfy this need for movement with the right activities. For kids, there are many things you can do that will keep them entertained and active. One such activity is music. Music offers children an outlet for their creativity while also developing skills like rhythm and hand-eye coordination that will be useful in later life.

Ukuleles for kids are designed specifically for children so they are easy to play, lightweight, durable, comfortable to hold, and come in lots of different colors!

In this article, we will explore the best ukuleles for kids, what features to look out for when buying a new instrument, and how to keep your child engaged with music.

kid ukulele

Top 5 Ukulele for Kids

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  
ADM Soprano Ukulele
  • An all-in-one starter’s kit
  • Made of solid basswood of superior quality
  • Easy to tune
  • Great gift for beginners
Dell XPS 13 9360
  • Exceptional craftsmanship
  • All of the strings are nylon, which is extremely flexible and has a long echo time.
  • Available in 7 different colors
  • A fantastic gift for children
POMAIKAI Soprano Ukulele For Beginners
  • Clear sound is produced by a real basswood body with a high gloss finish
  • Has soft nylon strings of high quality that will not irritate your hands
  • Has a hardwood fingerboard with 12 frets
  • Better than a toy uke for kids
HUAWIND 21 Inch Soprano Ukulele For Beginners
  • The body and strings are extremely smooth, safe, and will not irritate your fingers.
  • Best for beginner and experienced Uke players
  • It has a solid spruce top which provides excellent projection and volume
  • Upgraded keyboard
Makanu Kids Ukulele Kit
  • It’s lightweight and portable, so you can play it wherever you want.
  • Easy to play
  • You could get one uke with a unique pattern
  • The ukulele’s body not only gives it a fashionable appearance but also gives it a brighter sound.

1. ADM Soprano Ukulele

ADM Soprano Ukulele

Ukuleles are great instruments for beginners. They are very easy to learn, portable, and affordable. Ukuleles come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. The Soprano ukulele is the smallest of all the ukulele types and it has 4 nylon strings.

This Soprano Ukulele from ADM has a solid Hawaiian Koa wood top with a rosewood fingerboard and mahogany neck; it also comes with an adjustable truss rod so you can set up your instrument to play as the professionals do! It has a beautiful finish that will age beautifully.

This ukulele comes with a high-quality nylon bag and tuner, so you’ll be all set to jam the moment it arrives!

The only downside to this ukulele is that its small size isn’t great for adults.

Pros

  • An all-in-one starter’s kit
  • Made of solid basswood of superior quality
  • Easy to tune
  • Great gift for beginners

Cons

  • For adults, the small size isn’t ideal.

2. Trendy Soprano Ukulele for Beginners

Trendy Soprano Ukulele

Trendy Soprano Ukulele for Beginners 21 Inch Hawaiian Ukulele for Kid is a great ukulele to have fun and learn to play. It is easy to hold and play, small enough for kids, but big enough that adults can enjoy it too. The sound quality is beautiful!

You will be able to hear the tone of the ukulele clearly when you strum it or pluck it This Soprano Ukulele comes with everything you need in order to start playing right away! It comes with a ukulele strap, extra strings, and a tuner for easy tuning. Best of all is the DVD that teaches you how to play chords on your new instrument!

The first thing you will notice when playing this Soprano Ukulele is just how comfortable it feels in your hands. It has an ergonomic design so kids won’t have any trouble holding it or playing with it.

Best of all, you won’t have to worry about accidentally strumming the wrong string because this Soprano Ukulele is easy to tune thanks to a built-in tuner and extra strings that come included with your purchase!

The only cons to this ukulele are that the strings are a little too tight to tune on your own. You will have to watch online videos or find someone to help you with tuning it. especially if you’re not familiar with playing music.

Pros

  • Exceptional craftsmanship
  • All of the strings are nylon, which is extremely flexible and has a long echo time.
  • Available in 7 different colors
  • A fantastic gift for children

Cons

  • Strings are too tight to tune on your own

3. POMAIKAI Soprano Ukulele for Beginners

POMAIKAI Soprano Ukulele

The POMAIKAI Soprano Ukulele is a great first ukulele for kids. It comes with an easy-to-tune and play, high-quality sound body, and neck made of mahogany wood. The strings are nylon which makes it easier to play on the fretboard.

This soprano ukulele has a nice tone that can carry throughout the room when played at higher volumes. It also comes with a free online instructional video on how to play your new instrument!

This is a great first-stringed instrument that is fun and easy to play.

The downside for this ukulele is that the frets are not made of metal, which makes it harder for beginners to learn.

Pros

  • Clear sound is produced by a real basswood body with a high gloss finish
  • Has soft nylon strings of high quality that will not irritate your hands
  • Fingerboard with 12 frets
  • Better than a toy uke for kids

Cons

  • Frets are not made of metal


4. HUAWIND 21 Inch Soprano Ukulele for Beginners

HUAWIND 21 Inch Soprano Ukulele

HUAWIND Soprano Ukulele is a 21 -inch, 3-piece musical instrument with the highest quality of sound. It has a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides that offer great projection and volume.

The HUAWIND Soprano Ukulele comes with Aquila Nylgut strings that provide clear tones without any buzzing or squeaking. It also features a high gloss finish, abalone rosette, mother of pearl fret markers, chrome die-cast tuners, and a hardshell case with ample storage space. Best of all. it is affordably priced at $29.99.

The HUAWIND Soprano Ukulele for beginners is an excellent choice for kids as the instrument resonates better than others on this list because of its solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides. The instrument has a mellow sound that is great for playing slower songs and strumming.

The downside of the HUAWIND Soprano Ukulele is that it does not come with any extras such as a tuner, straps, or picks.

Pros

  • The body and strings are extremely smooth, safe, and will not irritate your fingers.
  • Best for beginner and experienced Uke players
  • It has a solid spruce top which provides excellent projection and volume
  • Upgraded keyboard

Cons

  • Tuner, straps, or picks are not included.

5. Makanu Kids Ukulele Kit

Makanu Kids Ukulele Kit

Makanu Kids Ukulele Kit is one of the best ukuleles for kids. It has a combination of excellent quality and affordable price. The main features include:

A soprano-sized ukulele, ideal for kids aged 3 to 6 years old. This small size means that it is easy for them to hold and play with ease, without straining their fingers or hands. In addition, the smaller size makes it easier for them to learn how to play as they are more likely to be able to reach all the frets on the neck.

Excellent quality basswood to ensure that the ukulele will last and is more durable than other types of woods or materials, such as plywood. Wood also has a warmer sound in comparison to cheaper plastics so this can be beneficial for younger kids who are just starting out playing musical instruments.

A simplified design that is ideal for younger children. It has a simple shape and fewer parts so it’s easier for them to learn how to play without getting too overwhelmed.

A nylon string that provides excellent sound quality, perfect for those who are just starting out learning how to play the ukulele. This one comes at an affordable price of less than $35.99.

The only cons that we found were that the unit was a little smaller than some other models, so is not suitable for kids over six years old.

Pros

  • It’s lightweight and portable, so you can play it wherever you want.
  • Easy to play
  • You could get one uke with a unique pattern
  • The ukulele’s body not only gives it a fashionable appearance but also gives it a brighter sound.

Cons

  • This model is a little smaller than others

Buyer’s Guide

What Is the Best Ukulele for a Child?

Best Ukuleles are usually geared towards children, and they come in a variety of sizes. From soprano to concert size, there’s something that will fit your needs! Most teachers recommend kids start with an acoustic because it produces clear sound easily.

But if you’re looking for a more affordable option, then an electric ukulele is the way to go. Best of all, when you’re dealing with children – they tend to be quite resilient.

So even if it’s their first instrument and they drop it on the ground or bump into something with it. chances are that no damage will occur!

Factors to consider

Consider the size of your child’s hands

A child learning how to play a ukulele
A child learning how to play a ukulele.

Since ukuleles are small in size, it’s important to consider the size of your child’s hands when making a purchase. A smaller instrument can be more difficult for bigger kids and adults with larger hands because their fingers will not have enough room to play comfortably on all four strings.

That said, don’t buy an expensive high-quality ukulele for your child if they are still learning and it’s a small instrument.

Quality of sound

The sound quality of these ukuleles is also worth mentioning. Not a lot of other instruments can rival the warm, rich tones that come from this instrument and it’s something you want to look into if your child wants to play an acoustic-electric model.

Some manufacturers now have the capability for their models to produce sounds at various volumes, making it easy for kids to learn how to control the volume.

Consider what type of Ukulele best suits your kid

Different colors of Ukulele in a music store.
Different colors of Ukulele in a music store.

The best Ukuleles for kids come in many different types. Your child’s age will determine which type of Ukulele is best to buy them as a present or keep at home for practice purposes during the holidays.

For instance, if your kid likes playing old-school folk songs with their friends on the weekends, then they might be interested in a Soprano or Concert Ukulele. If. on the other hand, your child wants to start playing their favorite pop songs that they hear on the radio all day and every day then an Alto or Tenor Ukulele might be best for them.

Choose a model that has a Nylon string

The best ukuleles are ones that have nylon strings which will be easier on your fingers and produce a brighter sound. This is perfect for beginners or kids who may want to play but don’t yet know how to press down hard enough with their fingers.

Nylon strings also provide a different sound which is often preferred by those who like to strum more than they use chords.

Nylon Ukuleles are also very durable and easy on your fingers with their silkiness! Best of all: they’re typically way cheaper in price too!

Materials Used

The wood used in ukulele building is a crucial part of their sound and feel. As such, we’ve made sure to only include those that are constructed from top-quality materials that will provide your child with years of playing enjoyment.

Woods like mahogany and koa have been used to build the best acoustic ukuleles on our list, while cheaper woods like basswood or ply are more commonly found in inexpensive versions.

  • Mahogany – The tight grain structure means that these ukuleles are generally very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They also provide plenty of volume due to the increased stiffness, which is perfect for live performances or recording sessions.
  • Koa – This type of wood has been used in the construction of several famous Ukes (including those from ukulele manufacturer Kanilea) due to the superior sound and increased projection.
  • Basswood – Basswood is a softwood, which means that these models are generally cheaper in both price and quality. They do provide a good tone though with little lamination for those who want an inexpensive beginner’s instrument.
  • Ply – This type of wood isn’t as durable and doesn’t provide the same volume levels that other woods do. but it is a lot cheaper to produce. Consider the price range

The best ukuleles for kids can range in price anywhere from $30 to upwards of $100. The reason that there are so many different prices is that the quality and sound depend on how much was paid for it. If you want your kid to be happy with their instrument, pay more upfront as this will last them longer than a cheap ukulele.

Look for reviews

You’ll want to find out what other people have said about the best ukuleles for kids and how their children like them. You could ask your friends on social media or search through online reviews from reputable sites such as Best Buy, Amazon, Targets review section, etc.

Ask questions like, “Does it come with a carrying case?,” “Is it durable?,” “What is the size of the ukulele strings, and are they nylon or steel (steel will be more expensive)?”

Check for warranty

Ukuleles come with a warranty, which is great for peace of mind.

Check if the ukulele has a manufacturer’s warranty and does it cover all issues? Does the store offer an extended warranty option too?

You may want to consider warranties when you are looking at prices because this is something that will be important to you if anything goes wrong with the ukulele.

Find out for teachers around your area

A music teacher guiding a kid how to play a ukulele
A music teacher guiding a kid on how to play the ukulele.

One important factor you may want to consider before engaging your child to play Ukulele is finding out if there are teachers around your area.

If you have a teacher who can guide, support, and instruct your child in the art of playing Ukulele then it is more than likely that he or she will be able to progress much faster and with better results.

Is a ukulele better for kids?

Learning to play the ukulele is a lot of fun and kids are often really good at it because they have small hands! There are many types of instruments out there, but you can’t go wrong with a ukulele for your young one so we’re going to cover some reasons why you should get one.

Ukuleles are small which is easier for kids to play with their smaller hands. They’re inexpensive and easy to find if the child loses it, breaks it, or gets bored of playing.

There’s a lot of benefits like learning chords that will last them years into adulthood.

You’ll be able to teach them songs that they will want to sing for the rest of their lives. Ukuleles are also a great way to keep your kids entertained when you’re on vacation, or just having plain old bad weather.

Is Ukulele easier than Guitar?

The Ukelele and Guitar are both string instruments. However, comparing their structure the Ukelele has four strings and a smaller frame. While the average acoustic guitar has six strings and has a large frame. Based on the count of strings to be played, does less mean the Ukelele is easier to learn?

When learning string instruments, beginners start off by playing chords. In doing so finger control is a necessary skill. To play a chord, the Ukelele’s simple structure has an edge over the Guitar. One would only need one to two fingers to form a chord.

It also helps that the string material of a Ukelele is made of soft nylon. It makes holding it down less stressful to the fingers. Therefore no to minimal calluses from practicing.

In terms of sound management, the Ukelele with its four strings is easy to strum. It performs well as a rhythmic or melodic instrument. That produces a pleasing vibrant sound.

As a stepping stone to play strings, for a beginner using a Ukelele is a good option.

Tips on how to play it well

  • Start with the basics and learn how to hold the ukulele correctly, strumming patterns, fingerpicking.
  • Try out different tuning options – Soprano (standard). Concert Ukes are tuned lower for a deeper sound while Tenor Ukes have four strings instead of five like their smaller cousins.
  • The best time to start learning to play is around age three because their hand size and fingers are still developing.
  • Learn songs they enjoy to make it more fun for them!
This tutorial wilI show and tell you how to play some kid’s ukulele chords.

Overall Winner Best

When trying to introduce music to your child, it can be difficult finding the best instrument to start with. While there are many options for kids and adults alike, a ukulele is one of the most popular choices because they’re small and fun to play while being easy on beginners’ fingers. Ukuleles are great for kids because they are easier to play than guitars and have a more upbeat sound.

One of the most important things when buying an instrument is how easy it is to use, which means your child will be able to pick up playing much faster. This makes the ukulele’s perfect instrument for kids because they are easier to play.

Ukuleles also have a warm, gentle tone that is less likely to startle napping children or wake up parents if played late at night.

Ukuleles also come in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your child’s age and needs. Most ukuleles are made from wood, but the best ones will have a good build quality with a solid top for an optimal sound.

Children’s ukuleles are made to be lighter in weight and have a smaller body size, with shorter strings. These features make it easier for children to reach the frets on their instrument and learn how to play faster than if they were playing an adult-sized ukulele.

Conclusion

Ukuleles are one of the most popular instruments to learn for kids. Learning an instrument from a young age can be life-changing and have huge benefits for children, including better emotional development and cognitive function in adulthood, better relationships, and a higher chance of success as an adult.

Lucky for you, there are so many different ukuleles to choose from, with a range of sizes, shapes, colors, and sounds. The best ukuleles for kids are usually based on the child’s age (younger children will want smaller instruments) as well as their skill level.

We hope that this article has helped you to make a decision about what the best ukulele for your child might be.

Thanks so much, and have fun with your kids!

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About Maggie Holding

Hello! My name is Maggie and I am a proud Editor/Author for PlayTheTunes. Coming From South Carolina, USA, my whole life I've sang and played the guitar and flute! I love music with a passion, and am ecstatic to help others in their own music journey!