Baritone Ukulele & Bass Ukulele: Tuned Lower – Musik-Ebert Gmbh

A baritone ukulele sounds lower and warmer than the smaller models and is tuned in DGBE, the same note names as a guitar's top four strings. That is exactly what makes it the obvious instrument for guitarists who want to start playing without rethinking their fingering. The bass ukulele goes a step deeper still, replacing the electric bass on the road and on stage with a short scale and thick polymer strings.

This article explains the tunings, places both large formats against soprano, concert and tenor, and tells you when reaching for a big ukulele genuinely makes sense.

Baritone ukulele

DGBE, like a guitar's top four strings

Ideal for: Guitarists and anyone after a lower, warmer ukulele sound

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Bass ukulele

EADG, short-scale electric-bass substitute

Ideal for: Band, travel and stage, when you need a real bass tone in a compact format

See all Ukulelen - Bass →

01The baritone ukulele: DGBE like a high guitar

The baritone is the largest of the classically tuned ukuleles. Instead of the usual GCEA tuning of the smaller models, it sits in DGBE, the same note names as a guitar's top four strings. Anyone who plays guitar will reach for familiar chord shapes from the very first moment, with nothing new to relearn.

The sound is lower, fuller and warmer than on a soprano, concert or tenor, because the scale length and body are larger and the D and G strings are wound. That makes the baritone the calm, rounded voice in a ukulele ensemble and the natural bridge for guitarists.

CASCHA Bariton Ukulele aus Mahagoni I mit Tasche HH2243 - Musik-Ebert Gmbh

CASCHA Bariton Ukulele aus Mahagoni mit Tasche HH2243

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02The bass ukulele: EADG as a compact bass substitute

The bass ukulele is tuned in EADG, exactly like an electric bass, only in a far more compact format. This is made possible by thick strings in a special polymer or rubber material that deliver a surprisingly full, deep tone despite the short scale. Contrary to a common assumption, these instruments are fretted, so they have fixed frets just like a guitar.

For band rehearsals, small stages and above all travelling, this is a serious bass in pocket format. With the built-in pickup, the signal goes straight into the bass amp or the mixing desk.

CASCHA Bass Ukulele aus Mahagoni I Bass Ukulele mit Tasche Stimmgerät Tonabnehmersystem HH2175

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03When the large ukuleles make sense

Three situations clearly favour the large format. First, the switch from guitar: the baritone takes over the DGBE shapes directly, so getting started is almost seamless. Second, the search for a lower, warmer voice when the bright sound of the smaller ukuleles feels too sharp. Third, the need for a real bass foundation in a band or on the road, without lugging around a full-size electric bass.

If instead you want the classic, bell-like Hawaiian sound or a first instrument for small hands, the smaller sizes are the better fit. Which size suits whom is covered in detail in our size guide.

Baritone and bass ukulele compared
	Baritone ukulele	Bass ukulele
Tuning	DGBE (like a high guitar)	EADG (like an electric bass)
Strings	nylon/carbon, D and G wound	thick polymer/rubber strings
Sound	low, warm, full	real bass, one octave lower
Ideal for	guitarists, warmer tone	band, stage, travel bass
Frets	fretted	fretted

The large ukuleles are not a niche but a clear answer to concrete needs: the baritone in DGBE for a seamless switch from the guitar and a warmer tone, the bass ukulele in EADG as a compact, stage-ready bass. If you recognise one of these three situations, the large format is the right call.

Frequently asked questions

How is a baritone ukulele tuned?

By default in DGBE, the same note names as a guitar's top four strings. The smaller ukuleles, by contrast, are tuned in GCEA.

Can a guitarist play a baritone ukulele right away?

Largely yes. Because the DGBE tuning matches a guitar's top four strings, familiar chord shapes transfer directly, with no new fingerings to learn.

Is a bass ukulele a full bass?

It is tuned in EADG like an electric bass and, thanks to thick polymer strings and the built-in pickup, delivers a full, deep tone. For rehearsals, small stages and travel it is a genuine, very compact bass substitute.

Are bass ukuleles fretless?

The models offered here are fretted, so they have fixed frets like a guitar. Fretless versions also exist on the market; the ones featured here are fretted.

How does the baritone differ from the smaller ukuleles?

The baritone is the largest classically tuned format, in DGBE instead of GCEA, and sounds lower and warmer. Soprano, concert and tenor are smaller, higher and more bell-like. Our size guide shows which size fits.