The Ukulele Story
The ukulele arrived in Hawaii in 1879 with Portuguese immigrants from Madeira. The Hawaiians embraced the small guitar-like instrument, making it central to their musical identity.
Ukulele Sizes
Soprano (Standard)
- 21 inches total length
- 12-15 frets
- Classic, bright ukulele sound
- Best for beginners, small hands
Concert
- 23 inches total length
- 15-20 frets
- Fuller sound than soprano
- Popular all-around choice
Tenor
- 26 inches total length
- 15+ frets
- Deeper, richer tone
- Preferred by professionals
Baritone
- 30 inches total length
- 18+ frets
- Tuned like guitar (DGBE)
- Deepest, guitar-like sound
Standard Tuning
Soprano, concert, and tenor use G-C-E-A tuning:
- G string (4th, closest to ceiling)
- C string (3rd)
- E string (2nd)
- A string (1st, closest to floor)
Memory trick: "Good Cats Eat Avocados" or "Got Crazy Energy Aloha"
Essential First Chords
C Major
One finger! Press 3rd fret of A string.
G Major
Three fingers forming a triangle pattern.
Am (A minor)
Two fingers on the G and C strings.
F Major
Two fingers, forms an "L" shape.
Four-Chord Songs
Master C, G, Am, and F to play hundreds of songs:
- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
- "I'm Yours" - Jason Mraz
- "Riptide" - Vance Joy
- "Can't Help Falling in Love"
- "Hey Soul Sister"
Basic Strumming
Start with down strums on each beat. Progress to:
- Down, down, down, down (basic)
- Down, down-up, up-down-up (island strum)
- Chunk strumming for rhythm
Buying Your First Ukulele
- Budget: $50-100 for decent beginner
- Avoid toys - get real instruments
- Lanikai, Kala, Cordoba are good brands
- Get a tuner (clip-on or app)
- Consider a gig bag for protection