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The Complete Guide to Playing Ukulele
What it really costs, what you'll actually do, and how to decide if the ukulele is worth your time, money, and closet space
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: What Is Playing Ukulele and Why People Love It
So you're thinking about the ukulele. Let's start with what this actually is, day to day, because there's more to it than the "tiny happy guitar" image you might have in your head.
A ukulele is a four-stringed instrument that looks like a small, friendly guitar. The name means "jumping flea" in Hawaiian, which gives you a hint about its personality. It's small — you can hold it comfortably in your lap, and a standard one fits easily in the passenger footwell of a car. The strings are made of nylon or fluorocarbon, which means they are soft on your fingertips, especially compared to a guitar's steel strings. You do not need superhuman finger strength, calluses, or a music degree to pick one up.
The first thing you'll notice when you get one in your hands is the weight. A concert-sized ukulele — the middle size of the three most common options — weighs about a pound and a half. That's lighter than a full bottle of water. It doesn't dig into your shoulder, and you can play while sitting on the couch, lying on your bed propped on pillows, or standing up with a strap. There is no massive learning curve just to hold the thing comfortably.
Now, what does playing it actually involve? Let's break down a real, bare-bones description. You use one hand to press down on strings against the neck of the instrument — this