Ukulele

The ukulele is a small, guitar-like stringed instrument developed in Hawaii in the late 19th century. It emerged from Portuguese immigrant instruments such as the machete and cavaquinho, brought to the islands by settlers from Madeira and the Azores. The name ukulele comes from Hawaiian words meaning “flea jumping,” a reference to the instrument’s lively sound and quick movement.

Construction and sizes: Most ukuleles have four nylon strings. They come in four main sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone, with progressively larger bodies and lower pitches. The body is a hollow wooden box, typically with a spruce or cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The neck is attached to the body and ends in a fretboard with metal frets; tuners on the headstock adjust string tension.

Tuning and playing: Standard tuning is G-C-E-A, with the G string often reentrant (higher than the others). Some players use low-G for extended range. Ukuleles are commonly strummed, but many players employ fingerpicking patterns and melodies. They are valued for their bright tone and portability, making them a popular choice for beginners.

Uses and notable players: While central to Hawaiian music, the instrument has been adopted across genres including pop, folk, and jazz. Notable players include Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (IZ), whose medley Over the Rainbow popularized the instrument worldwide, Jake Shimabukuro, renowned for solo performances, and Herb Ohta (Ohta-San), a key figure in ukulele technique.