Learning Ukulele with Curt
Simulating Various Ukulele Scale Lengths

If you don't have any concert size instruments nearby to try in a store you can create the scale length on your tenor with an inexpensive capo. A capo on the second or third frets of a tenor leaves you with a scale length (and fret spacing) similar to a concert and the neck width at that level should be very close to that found on most concerts. And if you want to get an idea of what a soprano scale would feel like put the capo at the 4th fret and you'll be almost exactly at the standard 13 5/8 inch length. However the width at that point on a tenor will in most cases be greater than at the nut of a soprano.

Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Authors(s): Curt Sheller
Category: Ukulele Instrument: Ukulele
Subjects(s): Gear
Premium Member Feature
Premium Member Feature
Premium Member Feature
Share the Simulating Various Ukulele Scale Lengths on: Bluesky facebook twitter (X)
Related LessonAssets
Lesson Series
Simulating Various Ukulele Scale Lengths

If you don't have any concert size instruments nearby to try in a store you can create the scale length on your tenor with an inexpensive capo. A capo on the second or third frets of a tenor leaves you with a scale length (and fret spacing) similar to a concert and the neck width at that level should be very close to that found on most concerts. And if you want to get an idea of what a soprano scale would feel like put the capo at the 4th fret and you'll be almost exactly at the standard 13 5/8 inch length. However the width at that point on a tenor will in most cases be greater than at the nut of a soprano.

four ukes
Sign-IN, for free — to View, Un-Blur Any Additional Content for This Lesson—Can't give it ALL away.
art by Curt Sheller
End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Related Lesson Series
Related Lessons Series for Simulating Various Ukulele Scale Lengths.
Selecting a Ukulele

This series explores the options for selecting your first ukulele or your next ukulele. There are lots of choices, selecting the right size, wood, type, tuning, etc.

Common Ukulele Tunings

Any tuning is possible on a ukulele as long as the construction supports it and a string is available. There are three somewhat common tunings in popular use today, C, D and G tuning - with C tuning the most popular.