When diving into the world of ukuleles, players often come across baritone and tenor models. While both are popular choices, their differences can impact playability, tone, and compatibility with learning resources. Let’s explore the key distinctions.

Tuning: The Core Difference

The biggest distinction lies in tuning. Baritone ukuleles are tuned D-G-B-E, just like the highest four strings of a guitar. Tenor ukuleles, on the other hand, are usually tuned G-C-E-A. This difference can be confusing for beginners using online tutorials.

Compatibility With Lessons

Due to the tuning gap, baritone ukuleles don’t always match up with most ukulele lessons. Online videos and courses often cater to standard G-C-E-A tuning, leaving baritone players wondering why their chords sound different. This is a common issue, but it’s easy to fix once understood.

Chord Shapes Stay the Same—But Sound Different

Interestingly, the chord shapes you use on a baritone are the same as on a tenor. However, b...