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What Is the Difference Between Ukulele and Guitar?

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difference between uke and guitarThe ukulele is the guitar’s younger brother and like all siblings, they are similar in some ways and different in others. There are several things to take note of if you’re wondering about buying a new instrument or switching to one from the other.

What is the difference between ukulele and guitar? Compared to the guitar, the ukulele is smaller, has fewer strings and produces a lighter, brighter sound. But in other ways such as tuning and right hand technique, the guitar and the ukulele can actually be quite similar.

Let’s compare the two instruments and see what the results really mean for you. [Read more…] about What Is the Difference Between Ukulele and Guitar?

How to Convert Guitar Chords Into Ukulele Chords

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convert guitar chords into uke chords

Guitar players often limit themselves to their instrument, thinking that playing guitar cannot translate into playing other instruments.

This is simply not true. Besides the piano, the guitar might be the most transferable instrument to play. This is largely due to the fact that so many instruments share a similar fretboard and chord arrangement with the guitar. If you can play the guitar in any capacity, don’t sell yourself short.

You likely have a ukulele that has been sitting around for years, waiting to make it out to the bonfire. Use this guide to translate your guitar knowledge into ukulele chords in no time.

Converting Guitar Chords into Uke Chords

Using this guide to translate your guitar knowledge into ukulele knowledge will require a very basic understanding of music theory, but even that may not be necessary if you’re willing to fiddle around and know how to count. [Read more…] about How to Convert Guitar Chords Into Ukulele Chords

14 Health Benefits of Playing a Ukulele

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health benefits of playing uke

When you think of doing things to improve your health, what do you think of? You probably think of working out, eating well, and getting a good night’s sleep, right? You probably don’t think of playing the ukulele, do you? Well, you should!

What are health benefits of playing a ukulele? Playing an instrument has many health benefits including increased eye-hand coordination, lower stress levels, improved brain function, focus, and mental clarity. Other benefits include social interaction, a sense of achievement, and improved reading comprehension. Playing a ukulele is beneficial for people of all ages from kids to seniors.

While eating right, exercising, and sleeping are all great ways to stay healthy, it’s important to know there are other things you can do as well. And playing the ukulele is one of them.

What’s so great about playing an ukulele? They can boost both your mental and your physical health.

Read on to learn the top ten benefits of playing an instrument, like the ukulele. [Read more…] about 14 Health Benefits of Playing a Ukulele

An In Depth History of the Ukulele

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history of the ukulele

The ukulele is a sibling instrument to the guitar. It is played with only four strings. And there are four sizes of ukulele: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.

Its sound is a bit nimble and dainty. Yet, the instrument is an attention catcher.

The ukulele, with its Hawaiian name and Portuguese roots, has a rich history. One that unfortunately doesn’t give us the exact name of its actual inventor.

The story of how this little instrument became one of the world’s most coveted sounds still is an interesting one. Want to know more? Continue reading and we’ll break down the full history of the ukulele.

The Origin and History of the Ukulele

It’s been said often (and incorrectly) that the ukulele was invented in Hawaii. But in all actuality, the instrument originated in Madeira back in the mid-1880’s.

Madeira is a small mountainous island in the Atlantic. Its location is southwest of Portugal and close to the coast of North Africa.

The climate in Madeira is tropical and heavily forested. At a point, it was known for its thriving timber industry. The island also has a rich history of making furniture.

In fact, Madeira means “wood” in Portuguese. [Read more…] about An In Depth History of the Ukulele

How to Transition from Guitar to Ukulele?

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transition from guitar to ukulele

Owing to the recent boom in popularity, many guitarists are wondering about what it would be like to spend some time with the ukulele. Many friends of mine have played the guitar for many years before ever trying the ukulele so here are their tips to make a smooth transition.

It is not a difficult transition between guitar and ukulele but there are some details and some subtleties that you must take note of to make it smooth and fun. When transitioning from guitar to ukulele, you will notice that the tuning is slightly different and everything is smaller and therefore closer together.

Let’s dive right in and see what this means to a guitarist taking on the ukulele. [Read more…] about How to Transition from Guitar to Ukulele?

What Ukulele Accessories Do I Need?

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what ukulele accessories do i need

Culling through the different styles and brands of ukuleles, obsessing over minor details and then finally choosing THE ONE is quite a process.

But now that you actually have your perfect uke picked out you’re probably plucking away at those thin strings, wondering what else you’re going to need to get the most out of your new ukulele. Or you might even be thinking about getting some gifts for ukulele players. This list will help you.

First things first: not all ukuleles are the same.

Before looking around for ukulele accessories you should definitely grab a measuring tape or seamstress’ tape and measure the length and width of your instrument.

You’ll also need to make sure you know what type of ukulele you have – soprano, concert, tenor or baritone. With this information you’ll be able to know exactly what kinds of ukulele accessories will work best for your particular uke.

Once you know these things scroll down to our ultimate list of fifteen ukulele accessories that every ukuleleist should own! [Read more…] about What Ukulele Accessories Do I Need?