Knowledge Base

The ukulele is a small instrument with a long history. You might not know it, but the Hawaiian word “ukulele” translates to “jumping flea.”

If you’ve played or heard the instrument, you probably understand how it got this name. Your fingers move quickly over the strings, jumping around to play a song. The four strings create a bright, happy sound when you pluck them.

If the idea of a flea puts you off, there’s another theory about this instrument’s name. In Hawaiian, “uku” translates to “gift,” and “lele” means “to come.” Put together, the word means “the gift that came here.”

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No other instrument sounds, or looks, quite like the ukulele. This tiny member of the lute family has made a big impact on music worldwide, enchanting players and listeners alike.

As you might expect from such a unique instrument, the history of the ukulele is a one-of-a-kind, globe-spanning tale with a note of mystery. Let’s take a closer look at how the instrument we love so much came to be.

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Some instruments require tuning. Some don’t.

The concert ukulele is one of those instruments that requires regular tuning. As such, tuning is a great skill to learn, and it’s an important steppingstone onto developing a better ear (i.e., ear training).

In this guide, we’ll answer common questions, and show you step-by-step how to get your concert ukulele in tune.

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There’s something about learning to play an instrument that impresses people. Whether it’s the trombone, piano, or something more simple like the recorder, being able to play music is impressive.

If you’ve wanted to learn a new instrument or maybe it’s your first time, choosing one is the first step. The guitar and ukulele are incredibly popular instruments because they’re easy to transport, and they allow you to play hundreds of songs.

Learning a new instrument isn’t the easiest thing to do. It takes patience and a lot of practice. That being said, some are easier to pick up than others. If you’ve been dying to learn a string instrument but aren’t sure where to start, ukulele and guitar are the two most popular.

After doing some research and still unable to decide, going with the easier one to learn may be the better bet. But, out of the two instruments, which one is easier to learn?

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Is a ukulele a guitar?

No, a ukulele is not a guitar, although they’re similar instruments and share their status as part of the broader lute family.

Here is the difference between ukulele and guitar instruments, as well as what characteristics they share as lutes.

Knowing this will help you decide which you want to play if you’re considering getting a ukulele vs guitar.

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