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The ukulele might be the perfect instrument, easy to play and even easier to love. Young or old, beginner or advanced, the uke can accommodate all skill levels and musical goals. Its small size makes it highly portable. The affordable price fits into the tightest budgets. There are even durable plastic models in a rainbow of beach and waterproof colors.
The ukulele is a member of the lute family, popularized in Hawaii in the late 19th century. The name “ukulele” means “jumping flea” and can be pronounced either “oo-kuh-lay-lay” or “you-kuh-lay-lee,” but it is often just called a “uke.” While at first glance the ukulele might look like a little guitar with four strings, there is much to separate it from its six-string cousins.
Ukuleles come in various sizes: soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles all have their four strings tuned to the same pitches as one another, G-C-E-A. The difference is that the body and neck of these instruments are different sizes, with soprano being the smallest and tenor being the largest. The larger ukuleles produce a deeper, fuller tone and allow more room for larger hands. There is also a baritone ukulele that is even bigger and tuned completely differently, closer to a guitar. All ukuleles use nylon strings that are easy on the fingers.
So why the ukulele? For one, it’s more affordable than other string instruments. It’s a great way for musicians of all experience levels to experiment and try something new without breaking the bank. Having only four strings makes it much easier than the guitar to learn chords and notes on the fretboard. The smaller size of the ukulele compared to other string instruments allows for more portability and easier storage. For these reasons, the ukulele is an ideal instrument for classrooms of all ages, from elementary through high school.
In the world of general music education, the ukulele has taken over guitar as the ubiquitous string instrument of choice. It is fun, popular, and easy to teach by staying one lesson ahead of the students. More and more colleges are adding ukulele to the curriculum for upcoming music teachers. If students wish to learn the guitar, they can take skills and techniques they've learned from the ukulele and apply with ease.
Numerous musicians have written and recorded songs on the ukulele, including Billie Eilish, The Beatles, Eddie Vedder, and Taylor Swift. The ukulele can be used in a variety of musical styles, from folk and pop to jazz and classical – it spans genres, cultures, and communities, and is a cherished instrument for musicians around the globe.
Author: Ryan Brondyke
