Is tenor ukulele more difficult to learn than soprano ukulele?

No, tenor ukuleles are not inherently more difficult to learn than soprano ukuleles. The size and tuning of a ukulele do not directly affect its level of difficulty. Whether someone finds learning the tenor ukulele challenging or not depends on personal factors, such as finger size, playing style, and musical experience. Here are some key points to consider:

1. String spacing: Tenor ukuleles have slightly wider string spacing compared to sopranos. This can be an advantage for players with larger fingers, as it provides more room for fretting without accidentally muting adjacent strings. In this sense, tenors could be arguably easier for some learners.

2. String tension: The strings on a tenor ukulele are typically thicker and tighter compared to a soprano ukulele. This difference in tension might require slightly more finger strength to press down the strings, especially for beginners. However, with regular practice, this should not pose a significant challenge.

3. Size and reach: Tenor ukuleles are slightly larger than sopranos, so players with smaller hands might find it more comfortable to start with a soprano ukulele. However, it's important to note that physical size alone does not determine one's ability to play an instrument. With the right techniques and adjustments, players of all hand sizes can learn to play any size of ukulele.

4. Tuning: Both tenor and soprano ukuleles have the same standard tuning: GCEA from the fourth to first string. The notes are simply higher on the soprano and lower on the tenor. This means the finger positioning and chords are essentially the same across these ukuleles, with just a difference in pitch.