The ukelele is fun and easy to play, and has become a very popular instrument.
The ukulele has recently become one of the most popular musical instruments according to the New York Times, with ukulele sales rising steadily since around 2006. The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian version of a Portuguese instrument and first became popular on the American mainland in the early 1900s. The popularity of the ukulele was bolstered by the fact that it is small, cheap, easy to play and has a happy, energetic sound that appeals to almost everyone. Choosing the right ukulele largely depends on how seriously you intend to play the instrument.
Instructions
1. Decide what size ukulele you would like to play. Ukuleles come in four sizes -- soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. The soprano is the smallest, so it is a good choice for children and for people with small hands. Chose a larger size if you have longer or plumper fingers, or want a wider range of notes.
2. Consider the sound you are after. A soprano ukulele has a very traditional, light sound. Concert and tenor ukuleles have a broader tone which is louder and fuller. Tenor ukuleles are popular with professional musicians, because they project their sound well and have a long fretboard that allows for a wide range of notes.
3. Chose a baritone ukulele if you are looking for a deep, rich tone that sounds more like a guitar. Baritone ukuleles are tuned differently from the other three types--they are tuned DGBE--but most song arrangements are written for the standard GCEA ukulele tuning, so the baritone may not be a good choice if you are not already conversant in reading music.
4. Decide the price range you are most comfortable with. Beginner soprano ukuleles start at around $50. This is probably fine for anyone looking to play occasionally at home. Higher quality, all-wood ukuleles can be bought for around $100 to $200, and a professional, premium wood ukulele can cost upwards of $500.
5. Examine the construction of the ukulele. The ukulele should have clean joins and the neck should not be crooked or have gaps. Check the fingerboard to make sure the frets are evenly rounded and smooth. Sight down the fingerboard to check that it is straight and even.
Tags: easy play, good choice, range notes