How Many Strings Does a Ukulele Have? A Complete Guide to Ukulele String Variants

If you're new to the ukulele world — or simply curious about the instrument — one of the first questions you might ask is: how many strings does a ukulele have? The short answer is that most ukuleles have four strings, but there's a lot more to the story. From 4-string sopranos to 6-string tenor ukuleles and even 8-string variants, the ukulele family is far more diverse than many people realise.

In this guide, we'll walk through every ukulele string configuration, explain the differences, and highlight some of the best examples available — including models from Kala, one of the world's most trusted ukulele brands.

The Standard: 4-String Ukuleles

The vast majority of ukuleles — soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone — are strung with four strings. This is the classic ukulele setup, tuned G-C-E-A (or D-G-B-E on baritone), and it's what gives the ukulele its bright, cheerful, distinctly Hawaiian sound.

The four main sizes are:

• Soprano — the smallest and most traditional; bright, punchy tone
• Concert — slightly larger with a fuller sound and more fret space
• Tenor — deeper, richer tone; popular with fingerpickers and performers
• Baritone — the largest standard uke; tuned like the top four strings of a guitar

If you're just starting out, a 4-string soprano or concert ukulele is the ideal entry point.

6-String Ukuleles: More Strings, More Depth

A 6-string ukulele adds two extra strings to the standard four, typically doubling up the C and A strings with octave pairs. This creates a chorus-like, fuller sound reminiscent of a 12-string guitar — rich, shimmering, and ideal for strumming and rhythm playing.

The 6-string configuration is most commonly found on tenor-sized bodies, giving players the warmth of a tenor with added harmonic complexity.

Featured: Kala Brand Solid Cedar & Acacia 6-String Tenor Ukulele

A superb example of the 6-string tenor format is the Kala Brand Solid Cedar & Acacia 6-String Tenor Ukulele. Featuring a solid cedar top paired with stunning acacia back and sides, this instrument delivers exceptional projection and warmth. The doubled strings give it a lush, layered tone that stands out in both solo and ensemble settings. It's a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced players looking to expand their sonic palette.

The Guitarlele: 6 Strings, Guitar Tuning

The guitarlele (also written guitar-ukulele or guitalele) is a hybrid instrument that bridges the gap between a classical guitar and a ukulele. It has six individual strings — not doubled pairs — and is typically tuned A-D-G-C-E-A, essentially a guitar capoed at the 5th fret.

This makes the guitarlele an excellent choice for:

• Guitarists who want a compact, travel-friendly instrument
• Ukulele players who want to explore guitar chord shapes and fingerpicking patterns
• Anyone looking for a versatile instrument that sits between two worlds

The guitarlele is typically tenor or baritone-sized in body, with a scale length shorter than a guitar but longer than a standard ukulele.

Featured: Kala Brand Guitarlele 6-String Mahogany Guitar Ukulele KA-GL

The Kala Brand Guitarlele 6-String Mahogany Guitar Ukulele KA-GL is one of the most popular guitarleles on the market — and for good reason. Built with a mahogany top, back, and sides, the KA-GL produces a warm, balanced tone with excellent clarity across all six strings. Its compact body makes it perfect for travel, while its full guitar-style neck gives guitarists an immediately familiar playing experience. Whether you're a guitarist looking for a portable companion or a ukulele enthusiast ready to explore new territory, the KA-GL is a brilliant option.

8-String Ukuleles: Maximum Richness

At the top end of the string count, 8-string ukuleles double all four standard strings into octave or unison pairs. The result is an incredibly lush, full-bodied sound — think of it as the 12-string guitar equivalent in the ukulele world.

8-string ukuleles are typically found in tenor or baritone sizes and are best suited to experienced players, as the doubled strings require more finger pressure and precise tuning.

Ukulele String Count: Quick Reference

Type	Strings	Tuning	Best For
Soprano / Concert / Tenor / Baritone	4	G-C-E-A (or D-G-B-E)	Beginners, traditional playing
6-String Tenor	6 (doubled C & A)	G-C-C-E-A-A	Strummers, fuller sound
Guitarlele	6 (individual)	A-D-G-C-E-A	Guitarists, travel, versatility
8-String	8 (all doubled)	G-C-E-A (pairs)	Advanced players, rich tone

Which Ukulele Is Right for You?

If you're after the classic ukulele experience, a 4-string soprano or concert is the place to start. If you want more depth and harmonic richness, a 6-string tenor ukulele like the Kala Cedar & Acacia is a wonderful step up. And if you're a guitarist looking for a compact, versatile instrument that feels familiar from day one, the guitarlele — particularly the Kala KA-GL — is hard to beat.

Browse our full range of ukuleles and guitars at Music Bits, or pop into our shop to try one for yourself.