Definition

The ukulele, or "uke" is a small stringed musical instrument with four strings, it also tends to be cheap, it is possible to get one for about £10! The most common form of this instrument is the Soprano ukulele which is tuned to GCEA or sometimes ADF#B. String IV (G in the GCEA tuning and A in the ADF#B tuning) is higher than string III, which gives the ukulele its distinctive tuning and techniques derived from this tuning. There are also Concert ukuleles, which are the same as Sopranos, but slightly bigger and therefore more powerful. Then there is the Tenor ukulele which is bigger than a Concert ukulele and can either be tuned like a Soprano, although Low G Tuning is often used (arrgh!), or like a Baritone ukulele, the biggest of all (although still quite small compared to a guitar), which is tuned to DGBE. Generally ukuleles are nylon strung, although resonator ukes and electric ukuleles have to be steel strung.

How to play

The most common way to play ukulele is strumming chords on it, however it is also possible using various finger techniques to play melodies: The most basic way is using the thumb, but it is also posible to use two fingers to pluck the strings, bearing in mind that it sounds best using the fingertips rather than the fingernails. I find however that the best way is using the thumb and the middle finger, which allows high speed playing. Another important thing to remember is that acoustic ukuleles don't have strap buttons, therefore to any guitar/bass/mandolin player the prospect of playing standing up seems impossible (because you can't put a strap on the ukulele); however, when playing, ukulele players support the neck with their left hand and apply pressure to the bridge with the palm of the right hand, and as the ukulele is so light it doesn't fall! This has two advantages:
a) not having to spend money on a strap.
b) being able to play behind your head without strangling yourself.

Essential listening

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain