Name of Instrument:
Ukulele or ukelele
Family:
String
How to Play:
The ukulele is played similarly to a guitar, by strumming. It is commonly tuned in the middle C octave and is popularly used in jazz ensembles, bluegrass and even as a solo instrument.
Types:
The ukulele has different types according to its' pitch: soprano, tenor and baritone. There are also concert model ukuleles which is tuned to the key of C. A taro patch is a ukulele that has 8 strings and a tiple is like a ukulele that has 10 strings.
First Known Ukuleles:
The word ukulele is Hawaiian for "leaping flea". It's like a small guitar that is a descendant of the machete or machada. The machada was brought into Hawaii by the Portuguese during the 1870's. It has four strings that is under 24 inches long.
Ukulele Players:
Some well-known ukulele players are: Ernest Kaai, "King" Benny Nawahi, Jesse Kaleihia Andre Kalima, George Formby, Arthur Godfrey, Eddie Karnae, Roy Smeck and Jake Shimabukuro.