Guide Note
The ukulele is a stringed instrument created in Hawaii in the late 19th century. Its appearance is that of a miniature guitar—it is usually strung with four nylon strings and has a hollow body.
Fast Facts
- AKA: Ukelele; "Uke"
- Standard ukulele tuning: G C E A
- Design takes its cue from the Portuguese cavaquinho
- The name ukulele roughly translates to "jumping flea"
- Post-World War I popularity in America due to affordability and portability
- Popularized size is the soprano, which is 21 inches long
- Concert ukulele: 23 inches
- Tenor ukulele: 26 inches
- Baritone ukulele: 30 inches
Popular Ukulele Manufacturers
- Gibson Guitars
- Kamaka Ukulele
- C.F. Martin & Company
- Ovation Guitar Company
- Yamaha Corporation
Ukulele Fans
- Don Ho
- Tiny Tim
- George Harrison
- Paul McCartney
- Jimmy Buffett
- Eddie Vedder
- Jack Johnson
- Jake Shimabukuro
- Jason Castro of season seven of American Idol
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