ukuleles... lots of em

[Scott S.]

I started playing when I was eight... went on to guitar cuz the uke wasn't a cool thing to play at that age but I'm back to the little wonder now for good. they're easy to play and transport and tons of fun around a campfire.

[melissab]

Hey Scott, I've been looking for a small stringed instrument to learn to play esp around the campfire. I have tiny hands and guitars are too big and intimidating. I've always liked the ukulele. How would one go about getting started with something like this?

[james kent]

Here's a few friends that hang around. The little 'Juke is about 90 years old but still lots of fun.

[Scott S.]

there's tons on youtube.com Melissa. the Ukulele is the fastest growing stringed instrument in sales right now. check out your local music store and expect to spend $75 or more for a good starter. if there's a club in your area, join up... you'll find a bunch of super folks that just want to have fun and share. Uke player are the best people.

Originally Posted by melissab

Hey Scott, I've been looking for a small stringed instrument to learn to play esp around the campfire. I have tiny hands and guitars are too big and intimidating. I've always liked the ukulele. How would one go about getting started with something like this?

[PaulOWindsor]

OK Group...just try to watch this one without saying "Aaahhh" !!

YouTube - Amazing ! Kids playing guitar

Cheers, P.

[Sharon G]

Paul, I just forwarded that Youtube link to everyone in my contacts.

Amazing--and precious!

[melissab]

Holy Cow! How do those kids spread their fingers that far and stretch their hands up to the top?!?! My Mom plays guitar and gave up years ago teaching me b/c my fingers couldnt stretch/reach for some of the cords and it's the same with my daughter. Our hands cramp too. Amazing!! Must be Gummy Hands, lol!

[Terry G]

Just to keep this thread going, here's the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain doing the Theme From Shaft:

YouTube - Ukulele Orchestra of GB - Shaft

[melissab]

Ok, I was just looking up Ukuleles and have no idea what would be good for a beginner. Any suggestions?

[Sharon G]

I know you should NEVER buy an instrument over the net. But I've spent several hours reading reviews and couldn't resist.

So I just ordered a Lanikai LU-21T Tenor Ukulele. The reviews say that they are a decent quality beginner ukulele, and I think I'll like the larger size and deeper sound.

Years ago I (sort of) played the guitar. So this should be FUN!!!!!

[Sharon G]

Melissa, this site lists many brands and has reviews for each of them. I looked for recommendations for beginner ukuleles.
Ukulele Brands | Ukulele Review

Mine should arrive May 3. I've continued reading reviews and for a decent quality beginner-intermediate guitar, it looks to me like the Lanikai LU series is the most highly recommended.

I got a great buy on Amazon. My tenor ukulele was under $100. The smaller ones are a lot less expensive, too.

Here is a video that shows the different sizes of ukuleles. You would probably be happy with the soprano or concert ones -- Lanikai LU 21 C or S. Check out the reviews on Amazon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgJEp...eature=related

I am such a newbie and only know what I have discovered on the net. I was waiting to see if anyone else would answer you first.

on edit... changed the video link. This is the right one.

[melissab]

Thanks Sharon! That really helps. Wouldnt it be fun if we're both camping with our Snoozys and playing our Ukes, LOL! At least you've got some music experience. The closest I've ever gotten to music is the radio, LOL.

[Sharon G]

Oh, Melissa, that would be so much fun!

I am having second thoughts about whether or not I ordered the right ukulele. I heard a Mainland Classic Mahogany Concert size being played on three different Youtube videos, and the sound is so much richer and warmer. Also, I do like the concert size for packing in the camper. And Mainland sets them up for you when you buy them, too. I might return the Lanikai.... not sure yet. Anyway, the Mainland is a lot more expensive.

I really want to get good at finger picking solos since it will be rare that I have anyone to play with (except you at rallies!).

I am so grateful that Scott started this thread. I had been looking at all kinds of portable instruments like mandolins and dulcimers, and they just didn't seem like "me." So I've been looking for the right thing to get me back into music, and it looks like the uke will be the one!

[melissab]

Hi Sharon, I am leaning towards the Kayla KA-S Soprano as my starter and should also be good for my daughter. Then later if I like a bigger Uke/different sound I'll go from there. KALA KA-S SOPRANO UKULELE PACKAGE w/ BAG and TUNER - eBay (item 330547530022 end time May-27-11 09:50:39 PDT)

Finger Picking, wow! You are advanced.

YES! Thank you Scott! I too have been looking for a small stringed Non-intimidating instrument to learn to play.

[Sharon G]

Melissa, that uke gets a 5 star review at Amazon (24 reviewers). Looks like a great choice.

[Scott S.]

I usually go by price when suggesting a starter uke. no less than $50 but $100 is better. a good brand would be Kala.

Originally Posted by melissab

Ok, I was just looking up Ukuleles and have no idea what would be good for a beginner. Any suggestions?

[Scott S.]

they come in different sizes... starts with soprano, the concert, tenor and baritone. the Baritone is tuned like the top 4 strings on a guitar (DGBE)`.

the others are tuned as ukes... GCEA but the frets are larger as you get bigger in size so if you're like me and have bigger fingers, a concert or tenor may be a better pick.
hope that helps.

[Sharon G]

I got my Mainland mahogany concert ukulele May 6 and am just crazy about it.

I also got Hal Leonard's Ukulele Method books 1 & 2 and am thrilled at how easy he makes it to learn.

I can strum in the keys of C, G, F and D, and am also playing the notes on the strings.... AND I am starting to put melodies together with chords by ear to get a very elemental finger picking effect.

I figure I'll be in Book 2 for a while. Then I'll move on to Learn to Play Fingerstyle Solos for Ukulele by Mark Kailana Nelson. That looks like it's going to be a major challenge!

My ukulele has added a wonderful new dimension to my life.

Here's a picture of my baby.

[Scott S.]

way to go Sharon! there's a great song list at Alligator Boogaloo presents UKULELE BOOGALOO!
lots of great tunes there and the chords are pictured on most.
I just picked up a used O'hana that I love... I'm well into double digits now. ukes everywhere.

[Pam Garlow]

About Ukuleles
chek it out - great website