What Size Ukulele for Big Hands? Expert Advice for a Comfortable Grip

If you’ve got big hands, strumming a ukulele can feel a bit fiddly at first. 

These little beauts are known for their compact size, which is part of their charm—but it can make things feel a bit cramped for those with larger fingers.

So, what size ukulele for big hands works best? The good news is, there’s a uke size for everyone—even if you’re packing some serious mitts.

In this guide, we’ll suss out the best ukulele sizes for big-handed players, why they feel way more comfortable, and handy tips to help you pick the perfect fit.

The Four Main Ukulele Sizes

Before diving into which size works best for big hands, let’s quickly run through the four standard ukulele sizes:

1. Soprano Ukulele

• Smallest size (around 21 inches)

• Bright, classic ukulele tone

• Tight fret spacing

2. Concert Ukulele

• Slightly larger (about 23 inches)

• Louder, fuller sound

• More room between frets than soprano

3. Tenor Ukulele

• Medium-large size (around 26 inches)

• Deeper, richer tone

• Comfortable fret spacing for most adults

4. Baritone Ukulele

• Largest standard size (about 30 inches)

• Sounds closer to a guitar

• Widest fret spacing

Why Hand Size Matters When Choosing a Ukulele

Hand size affects how easily you can form chords, switch between notes, and strum comfortably. With larger hands, you may find smaller ukuleles (like soprano) frustrating because your fingers feel crowded on the fretboard. This can lead to muted notes or buzzing sounds. Choosing a slightly bigger ukulele can give you more space and make playing much more enjoyable.

Best Ukulele Sizes for Big Hands

If you have large hands, you’ll likely feel most comfortable with these sizes:

1. Tenor Ukulele

• The tenor is a fantastic choice for players with bigger hands.

• The scale length (distance between the nut and the bridge) is longer, meaning frets are spaced wider apart. This makes it easier to finger chords without cramping your hand.

• Many professional players prefer tenor ukuleles because of their balance between comfort and classic ukulele tone.

2. Baritone Ukulele

• The baritone is the largest ukulele and is often favored by guitar players.

• With its wide fret spacing, it gives big hands plenty of room to move.

• It’s tuned differently (like the top four strings of a guitar), so it’s great if you’re transitioning from guitar.

• The sound is deeper and less traditionally “ukulele,” but it’s perfect for players who want comfort first.

3. Concert Ukulele (as a middle ground)

• If you want the traditional ukulele sound but don’t feel comfortable with a soprano, a concert is a good compromise.

• It has more room than a soprano while still maintaining the bright, classic tone.

Other Features That Help Big-Handed Players

Choosing the right size isn’t just about scale length. Here are a few other things to consider:

• Neck Width: Some ukuleles have wider necks, giving your fingers extra space between strings. Look for models labeled as having a "wide nut."

• Cutaway Body: If you enjoy playing higher up the fretboard, a cutaway design makes those frets easier to reach.

• String Action: A setup with the right string height can make fretting easier, no matter your hand size.

• Quality Build: Higher-quality ukuleles generally have better playability, which can make a big difference in comfort.

Tips for Playing Ukulele with Big Hands

• Use Finger Pads Instead of Tips: Sometimes adjusting your technique helps you fit comfortably on the fretboard.

• Try Different Chord Shapes: Some chord variations are easier to play if your fingers feel crowded.

• Practice Finger Stretching: Just like guitarists, ukulele players benefit from simple finger exercises to improve reach and flexibility.

• Don’t Be Afraid of Larger Sizes: Many beginners think soprano is the “default” ukulele, but if you have big hands, tenor or baritone will feel much more natural.

Choosing the Right Ukulele for You

The best ukulele for big hands is the one that feels comfortable and inspires you to keep playing. If you can, visit a music shop and try different sizes. 

Pay attention to how your hand feels when forming basic chords like C, G, F, and Am. If your fingers feel cramped or you struggle to produce clean notes, consider moving up to a larger size.

For many players with big hands, the tenor ukulele is the sweet spot—wide enough to play comfortably, but still with that signature ukulele sound. 

If comfort is your top priority and you don’t mind a deeper tone, the baritone ukulele is a great choice. And if you still want a smaller instrument with a bright tone, the concert ukulele could be the perfect middle ground.

Final Thoughts

Having big hands doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ukulele. In fact, with the right size, you’ll find that your reach can be an advantage. Larger ukuleles like the tenor and baritone offer the space you need to play comfortably without sacrificing sound quality. Remember: the best ukulele is the one that makes you want to pick it up and play every day.

Looking for the perfect ukulele for your hands? At Ukulelemate, we stock a wide range of high-quality ukuleles in all sizes—from soprano to baritone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we can help you find the instrument that fits you best.