Friday, September 28, 2012

Guide to the Types and Styles of the Ukulele

The ukulele is a very small guitar that originated from an island in Portugal called Madeira. This instrument was called "braguinha" in Portuguese. In 1879, travelers took a ship from the island of Madeira to Hawaii. Craftsmen who witnessed this instrument being played were fascinated and began producing it for Hawaiians. The instrument was nicknamed "ukulele," which positively means, "jumping flea." It is also called "uke" for short.

Ukes are distinct from guitars in some ways. They are normally very lightweight and easy to carry. Former style ukes are easier to learn to play because they have fewer strings. They are also easier on the fingers. Ukes are, however, microscopic in the range of notes that can be played. They are great for musicians who want simplicity!

Ukulele

Today this instrument is still very beloved in Hawaii and is being shipped to music lovers colse to the world. Let's take a look at the types and styles of ukuleles.

Four Types of Ukuleles

There are four proper types of ukuleles, which are concert, soprano, tenor, and baritone. The most commonly used type is the soprano ukulele. Each type, except the baritone, is tuned using the customary tune/phrase "my dog has fleas!" This involves hitting the keys G, C, E and then A. The tenor type is one octave down from soprano. The baritone's tuning is complete using this order of keys: E, B, G, D.

There are also hybrid ukuleles being produced today, such as the banjulele (banjo body), taropatch (eight-stringed instrument) and ukelin. These specialty instruments are normally advanced by individuals or specialty musical instrument companies. Some are even very collectible today.

The soprano uke is the smallest at about 21 inches long. The concert uke is about 23 inches long. The baritone uke is 30 inches long, and the tenor uke is 26 inches long. The baritone and tenor ukes are more similar to regular-sized guitars, only with just four strings.

Styles of Ukuleles

Ukuleles may also come in a range of styles, colors, and shapes to reflect the personality of the musician. Some examples of style range are the Bushman ukuleles, which come in styles such as Jenny Soprano, Jenny Pineapple, Jenny Concert, Jenny Tenor, and Jenny Baritone.

A ukulele maker might use a range of high-quality woods to produce the instruments such as Mahogany to give the instrument a fantastic finish. The shapes of the instrument may vary as well. Some look as if the quarterly guitar shape while others might be completely oval-shaped, similar to a pineapple shape, or have a piece "cut away" at the neck.

With prices fluctuating from 9 and up, whatever can own a ukulele. They can be ordered online for music fans that live in areas where the ukulele is not facilely available locally. There is also a wide range of ukulele strings and accessories such as felt picks, tuners, amplifiers, shoulder straps, strap buttons, tuning machines, ukulele humidifiers, and more. Either one wants a cheap ukulele to keep colse to the house for fun or an expensive one for expert concerts, it's easy to find just the right style online.

Guide to the Types and Styles of the Ukulele

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