SO YOU'VE DECIDED TO LEARN GUITAR? VOL.2
It's an oft-asked question; "If that's a guitar, then what is that?" Arm outstretched and finger straightened, I don't even need to look to see where it's pointed. "That's a ukulele," I'll say. "Oh… That's a ukulele," comes the response. "So it's just a little guitar then?"
Don't get me wrong, I'll talk about instruments until the cows come home. But when I get asked this question, I think, 'Where were you during the great ukulele renaissance of the mid-2000s? Have you never heard of Flight Of The Conchords? Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra? The Nukes?' It seems like only yesterday when New Zealand's pre-eminent school instrument, the humble recorder was surpassed by the ukulele, and I think one of the reasons for this was due to the popularity of these groups mentioned above. And because it's an easy instrument to start on. I can still hear the panic-inducing squeals that emitted from my school recorder. Yikes! But ukulele beginners will be playing a melody after their first lesson, guaranteed. It's the perfect primary school instrument; durable, small enough for little folk, the strings are soft and can be shared around the group, unlike a recorder (yuck). When a kid picks up a ukulele, they are suddenly transported to a stadium stage, and they are the next Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran or Aldous Harding or Marlon Williams. Who has the recorder got? The Pied Piper of Hamelin? Kenny G? Maybe at a stretch, Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull, but even he doesn't have much clout for the aspiring youth.
“When a kid picks up a ukulele, they are suddenly transported to a stadium stage, and they are the next Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran or Aldous Harding or Marlon Williams.”
The ukulele's origins belong to Portuguese immigrants who developed the idea in Hawaii. Nowadays, the sound is synonymous with the islands - relaxed feels and happiness. To the untrained eye, the uke is just a little guitar with its rounded body shape and a fingerboard with strings running up. But one strum and you'll know that it's different.
STRINGS
This is the first thing that most people notice. A standard uke only has four strings, making it a more accessible instrument to begin on compared to the guitar. Chords can be played using just one or two fingers (brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "three chords and the truth") and plants the power of song straight into the hands of the new player. The strings are much softer than even classical/nylon guitar strings, don't hold as much tension, and seemingly last for aeons thanks to their extreme durability.
“The ukulele plants the power of song straight into the hands of the new player.”
SIZES
Ukulele sizes from smallest to largest are Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone (tuned differently to the smaller ones), and Bass.
For adult students, I often suggest a concert or a tenor because they are a little bigger so easier to hold onto. Complete beginners may find the soprano too small and tricky to hold, and the fingerboard may seem a bit tight for fully grown fingers. Try your best to make learning a new instrument as easy as possible. Sometimes, the slightly bigger models can do just that. It may feel strange to hold the uke between your body and the inside of your forearm. A strap is an easy solution to this. Let lightweight ukes hang around your neck so you can concentrate on strumming and fingering the chords.
PRICES
Our ukulele range starts at around $50.00 and moves into the hundreds. The basic coloured models are made of laminated wood or a composite which makes them durable. But don't let the bright colours fool you - a uke is an instrument, not a toy! Don't toss the uke into the toy box and do educate the little ones about uke care which will instil a sense of pride and ownership in the instrument. The more expensive models are made from real woods, not laminates. Island woods are particularly favoured here (curly mango wood is fairly popular!) as they can achieve that 'authentic' sound.
“Don’t let the bright colours fool you - a uke is an instrument, not a toy!”
JOY OF SONG
Ukulele is not an age discriminant instrument. I've had the pleasure of setting up lots of older folks with their first ukulele or restringing their current model after the strings become a little dull. Ukulele is a social conduit that gives pleasure and confidence, allowing people to engage with one another through the joy of song. Like the British skiffle bands of the 1950s, pretty much every suburb nowadays will have a senior uke group. Look online, and you're sure to find a group of social folk near you sharing in song and strumming on ukes.
So if you've got an inkling to learn a new instrument, but the piano looks too big, the guitar looks too difficult, and the saxophone is just plain ridiculous, then the ukulele might be for you! Or don't hesitate to email me for a personalised rundown of what I think will suit you.
Lewis Eady Music School offers LIVE Online Music Lessons for a wide range of instruments, including the ukulele. Suitable for all ages and musical levels. Make music with us from the safety of your bubble!
Keep on keeping on.
Ed.
Ed Castelow is the Lewis Eady Retail Manager and Guitar Specialist.