In 2016, a young girl named Grace VanderWaal wowed the world on America’s biggest stage with an original song, “I Don’t Know My Name,” that she had lightheartedly written at home with just her ukulele. Her charisma and talent quickly gained her media attention, and as she further progressed through NBC’s reality TV show, “America’s Got Talent,” she inspired thousands of fans to pick up a ukulele themselves and find joy in music.
What is a ukulele?
The ukulele, sometimes known as just a uke, is a small, stringed instrument similar to a classical guitar. In the 19th century, it was first introduced and designed by Hawaiians, based on the cavaquinho and machete (or braguinha), which were instruments brought to Hawaii by Portugese immigrants. Ukuleles are not only beautiful instruments, but also affordable, usually starting at a price of around $20. They come in different sizes–soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone–and are most commonly made of wood, with four nylon strings. Most ukulele players start with a soprano uke, but experienced players sometimes opt for the baritone (which has a more similar tone quality to a guitar). Some ukuleles also have cute designs, unique engravings, or even fun colors.
This is my ukulele, which is a Cordoba 15 CM concert uke (with 18 frets)
“Jumping Flea.” That’s what the name “ukulele” means, and can be interpreted to describe the compact instrument’s bright sound or the agile fingers of ukulele players. Since the ukulele is so convenient and can be used to play songs from most musical genres, it makes for a common hobby. It is most popular among teenagers, who usually strum basic chords as an accompaniment to singing. There are also people who play classical ukulele, which requires much more skill and coordination, and is mesmerizing to watch and listen to. A rare fact that most people would be surprised by is that there are actually formal ukulele ensembles, including the Hawaiian Ukulele Orchestra, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra.
Famous ukulele players:
Top 3 most popular ukulele songs:
- Can’t Help Falling in Love (A cover that I recorded. A quick disclaimer that I barely know how to play the ukulele and I’m not great at singing either. Anyways, enjoy it!)
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow
- I’m Yours
