Expert: Jim Garber - 6/13/2009

Question
My questions are so simple, i am embarrassed to ask them, but I did not the answers in my beginner's uke book.  First, let me say I have a nice looking but inexpensive Uke about 10 years old, so this is not an antique question.  I am determined to learn to play, hence these basic questions.
1) I understand there are tenor, baritone and even maybe bass Ukes.  Mine has no markings whatsoever - - how can I tell which it is?  If this helps, it is 30" in length and 10" at its widest point.
2) Are the keys for each string different between the bass uke, the tenor uke, etc.  An Internet site said the strings are (1st through 4th): GCEA
3) Finally, help me determine which is the "lst" string.  If I am holding the uke in its normal position (with the neck to the left) is the string NEAREST my chin string #1 - -  OR is string #1 the fartherest from my chin?  
Sorry for the strange description, but it is one I can readily understand.  My beginner book just assumes I know which is string #1.
Thank you for your time!

Answer
Hi John:
From the measurements, I would say you have a baritone uke. The usual ukes sizes are standard  (soprano), concert (slightly larger with longer scale than std), tenor and baritone. I don't believe that bass ukes are an accepted size tho i am sure that some folks have made them.

Tuning 4th to 1st string:
Sopranos and concerts are tuned gCEA or aDF#B
Concerts gCEA
Tenor gCEA or dGBE
Baritone DGBE

The baritone is tunes the same as the highest four strings of the guitar. The string nearest your chin is the 4th string.  The highest pitch on the baritone is the 1st string.

the other ukes use what is called re-entrant tuning, meaning that the 4th string is one octave higher.

Make sure you have baritone ukulele strings on your  uke. The thinner strings will sound odd.

Best
Jim