Ukes Everywhere!

The ukulele is a funny little instrument.  It has a plucky, happy sound and most people think of Hawaii, palm trees and beaches when they they think of the uke.  In my brief internet studies, I learned that it a variant of an instrument from Portugal and didn't become popular until the early 20th century at an exposition in San Francisco.

I read somewhere (and don't hate me for not remembering everything) that someone said their favorite thing about the uke was it's limitations.  That's true.  In it's standard form it is a 4 stringed instrument with re-entrant tuning.  Not at all like a guitar or any other string instrument for that matter.  With four strings, the chords don't sound as full as on a guitar.  I think they sound lacy, with tiny little air holes in them.  It's distinctive.  I have yet to move beyond basic chord strumming, and even with that, I have many chords left to learn.

Lately, the uke has seen a resurgence in popularity in the US and Europe.  Every other commercial on TV these days have ukulele music.  Train, Ingrid Michaelson, Colbie Calillat and Guster all use the ukulele in some or all of their music.  The first three have definitely been heard in commercials for kitchen and laundry appliances.  Guster just rocks by having a ukulele decend from the heavens during their concert.

But the best part of the uke, is despite it's limitations and 4 strings, you can play anything on it.  The first song I learned was a very sad song called Sentimental Heart by She and Him.  Simple, sad, but lovely on the uke.  There's not much too it but simple strums but it's not something you would expect to hear on the uke.  Of course, I've got a list of songs I want to learn, but most of them contain the Bb chord or variant, and for some reason my hand refuses to learn it.  So, I've been somewhat limited to F, C, G, Am, Em, Dm.  (I've gotten really good at the minor chords).

My best source of information has been the Ukulele Underground (link at right) and Ukulele Mike on YouTube.  There are a wealth of videos on the internet that can teach anyone how to play.  I don't think it can fully replace one on one instruction, but when the resources aren't available.  It will do.

For now, a photo of my first uke.  A soprano Kala.

I should also note that this post was made somewhat difficult by a cat who decided to jump in my lap while sitting on the couch typing away.  He's now trying to nudge his way under my arm.  He does the same thing while I'm sitting on the couch practicing.  I will post a picture soon of the feline beast, named Joey, who thinks he's far more important than the ukulele.