If you ever thought you might like to- or even if you didn't, because you didn't know you could- you should play the ukulele! I can't think of anything else to do that's more fun and it is an easy little instrument to play.
You gotta get one to play one, if you don't have one yet. And, if you have one, chances are you'd love another! Ukuleles come in several sizes, and you may find yourself wanting one of each!
Just one will do ya, though, especially if you start with a nice one. Ukuleles don't have to be expensive to be nice, and you can get started with your new little love for under $100. The two of you will be very happy together for a lot of years!
If you don't have your ukulele yet (or you do but you need another), don't delay and buy yours today!
Do you need to know more? I'll help you, here:
What size ukuleles are there?
What are the differences between the different sizes?
And which might be best for you?
Ukuleles come in the smallest, soprano size; middle sized concert size; and larger tenors. These three basic sizes of ukulele are each tuned in the same way, "re-entrant" tuning, gCEA, or with a low G string, GCEA (more on this later). This means you play all three in the same way. Strings come in the three different sizes, for the differently sized necks.
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There are also baritone and bass models. Baritone are the largest sized ukuleles and are different from the others in that a baritone ukulele's 4 strings are tuned the same as the highest 4 strings on a guitar, tuned to DGBE (in standard tuning). Therefore a baritone ukulele shares many chord shapes with guitar and both can be played using these same shapes. The newer bass ukuleles have standard bass tuning, EADG, equivalent to a lower octave of the low 4 strings on a guitar.
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Banjoleles are ukuleles in that they use standard ukulele tunings of gCEA or low G (or others), and these come in the soprano, concert, and tenor sizes as well. Banjoleles are acoustically louder than ukuleles, particularly those with a resonator, or closed back. Open back banjoleles are available at a much lower price point than closed back resonator banjoleles, due to more complicated workmanship.
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For most people, I would recommend starting your ukulele journey with a concert sized ukulele. These are small enough to have affordable quality models and this middle size is most popular and possibly the easiest to play.
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If your funds are severely limited, however, jump on in and buy a quality soprano ukulele and get started playing the fun, easy ukulele ASAP! A soprano's smaller size can make for a smaller expenditure and you will love the sweet way it sings.
Or, on the other hand, if you've been playing awhile already, or you just know you are going to rock the ukulele so hard and your hands are strong or large and you'd like blazing lead lines and soloing on your uke- well, you might want to make a nicer initial investment and go straight into buying a tenor- with a pickup and amp if you plan to take it on stage!
I started with a great deal on a Cordoba. We actually bought two different models of Cordoba ukuleles, the Protege and the 15-CM and we have been very happy with both of them. Lanakai is another highly recommended brand, their LU-21 line is extremely popular as a great value for a first ukulele. Kala is a newer company; these are the folks who introduced the innovative U-Bass, or bass ukulele. Their instruments are quality and play well. Check out the customer reviews on these models at Amazon. But most importantly, just buy one and start your ukulele journey already! You will be so glad you did!
And don't forget strings. Your ukulele will come already strung, but you will want to have a spare set! There is a tremendous difference between strings made by different manufacturers. The general consensus between uke players I know is that Aquila strings are the best, and I personally prefer Aquila strings by a long shot.
Here is a link to a great video by Cordoba which clearly explains how to change your strings in just two and a half minutes.
Here are my recommended resources for more information on how to play. I promise, playing ukulele is both Fun and Easy! You will be strumming (and picking) songs in no time.
Thank you for reading my blogs and thank you for buying products from Amazon through my links!
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