|
Ukulele Information and instruction can be found here as
well as free mp3 ukulele audio downloads. The ukulele is the
most satisfactory instrument for accompanying many types of
songs.The guitar has more strings which are under more tension.
Adding to the difficulty is the fact that many chords on the
guitar require that one or two of the strings be muffled or
not played--on the ukulele, all four strings are usually played
on all the chords. Ukuleles come in four sizes so that players
can find a suitable one whether they have large or small hands.
Check the article on this site outlining tips for beginners
for information about tenor ukuleles, one of best sizes for
beginners. This site will inform you about the instruments
and the music and songs you can play. These days "music"
seems to be mostly noise or wallpaper. The songs and tunes
that you can't get out of your head are referred to here but
are lost in the current entertainment meltdown. This site
will be frequently updated so keep checking in.
Ukuleles Pictured: Baritone, Tenor, Concert, Soprano. Compare
sizes.
In the decade of the twenties, the Martin Guitar Company
sold twice as many ukuleles as guitars (so I have read.) This
may have been because the hot music of that decade (the "jazz
age" remember) works so well on the ukulele. Since the
copyright on songs in the US published before 1923 has expired
it is now possible for me to play and sing some of them on
this site. I am strictly an amateur and I made the recordings
on a Sony cassette recorder but I think the effort is worth
your while because getting these on CD is not always easy
or cheap.
The book I have written, pictured on this site, details
how to find lp records and sheet music from this era and lists
public domain songs you can record without paying royalties.
I hope the music and articles on this site will get you started
so that you can have as much fun as I have had. I used to
play the guitar but I hardly ever play it any more except
when I have to play "Malaguena" by request of my
daughtors.
The songs I have recorded on this site are in MP3 format
and you can listen to them or download them and put them on
a CD. Look through your old song books for the sheet music.
A lot of those came with ukulele chord diagrams.
Taking Fun Music Seriously
There is now a resurgence of interest in an instrument which
has achieved wide popularity in the past. The instrument referred
to here is the ukulele.
 |
Currently in California, Colorado and on the East Coast
ukulele sales are reaching levels not approached in many
years. There also seems to be increased interest in Japan.
Ukuleles are appearing in TV commercials and movies... |
 |
The damage done to the reputation of this instrument by Tiny
Tim has been long lasting but the people who remember him
are fading from the scene and have moved away or retired in
many instances. Younger people have never heard of him and
therefore might reasonably consider taking up the instrument.
|
