Ukulele World - Page 2 of 12 - Chords, tips and techniques for Ukulele

Bruddah Iz – A Look At Ukulele Player Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Bruddah Iz is one of the most iconic ukulele musicians who provided a resurgence in this unique instrument’s sound and influence in modern music. He was a famous Hawaiian singer, songwriter, musician, and Hawaiian sovereignty activist.

Bruddah Iz is famous for his fantastic performances of Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World. He is one of Hawaii’s most famous icons. His unique style included his beloved ukulele for playing Hawaiian music, folk, and traditional themes, which are still heard all around the world today. In addition, Iz dabbled in reggae, jazz, and even country as he incorporated his ukulele skills beyond the borders.

Although you can find five variations of the ukulele today, including soprano, concert, tenor, baritone, and bass, Bruddah Iz favored his Martin T1 Tenor ukulele. Some have said that he cradled his beloved instrument the day he died.

Iz included the Low-G tuning in his music while enabling him to use an extra five bass notes. Because this instrument only has four strings, this unique tuning provides an additional sound that is not available otherwise.

5 Best Hawaiian Ukulele Makers

by Lani Iona

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.”

Where Was the Ukulele Invented? & Other Ukulele Facts

by Lani Iona

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.

What Is Low G On Ukulele? With Tuning Tips

by Lani Iona

The ukulele is a vast and exciting world to explore. As you continue to develop as a ukulele player, chances are you’re going to come across concepts, techniques, and terms that don’t make much sense upon your first brush up against them. One such term is “low G.” What does it mean to have a … Read more

8 Best Ukulele Chord Progressions Ever

by Lani Iona

Chord progressions form the foundation of every song you can think of! And while songs can take many forms, and some are little more than single note melodies, chords nevertheless end up being outlined and implied in the music, because of the song’s key signature and instrumentation. What does that mean? In simple terms, it … Read more

15 Best Concert Ukulele Songs

by Sophie Blake

A medium sized ukulele (i.e., concert ukulele) is just versatile enough to be a great instrument for playing practically any song imaginable! Of course, the problem with having unlimited options is that it can be had to know where to begin. So, we made a list just for you. Here you will discover the best … Read more

How To Play Baritone Ukulele For Beginners

by Lani Iona

Playing the ukulele is a blast. It’s one of those special instruments that can make you instantly happy. The baritone ukulele is really no exception. It might be tuned a little differently than a soprano, concert, or tenor ukulele, but fundamentally it’s still a mini guitar with a smaller, high-pitched range. In this guide, we’ll … Read more

Concert Ukulele Tuning, A How To Tutorial

by Lani Iona

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.

19 Best Female Ukulele Players

by Lani Iona

Far from being the cliched instrument you hear upon stepping off any plane to Hawaii, the ukulele has been enjoying a surge in popularity over the past few decades. Artists get their music out to the world through digital platforms, so we know many of the best female ukulele players.

17 Top Songs For A Ukulele And Guitar Duet

by Sophie Blake

The ukulele and the guitar make for the perfect pairing. The guitar is a six-string instrument with a broader tonal range, and the ukulele sits nicely above it in a gentle, high-pitched range.

Whether it’s floating on top of the guitar with melodies and leads or supporting the guitarist with riffs and chording, your imagination is about the only thing that will limit you in creating a memorable and fun performance.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best songs for a ukulele and guitar duet, but don’t feel constrained by it. There are so many other great songs out there, and you can even come up with your own!