Ukulele varieties and their differences

The miniature four-string guitar is a Hawaiian folk instrument, the ukulele, which has grown in worldwide interest in recent years. The playing rhythms of the ukulele captivate people of all ages with their sound. Moreover, it is not difficult to master it. If you know how to play chords on a regular guitar even a little, you can get along with its small likeness in a matter of hours.

The history of the ukulele guitar began in the century before last, around the 1880s. On the island of Madeira, another type of mini-guitar, the braginya, was especially popular in its time. Actually, the ukulele is a kind, a kind of logical continuation of that Portuguese instrument. The ukulele only has 4 strings, but there are 8-string types of ukuleles. In addition to the 4 stretched strings, the same amount is added.

Like other guitars, this one is also made of wood and looks very similar to them. The differences are in the smaller size and different number of strings. It should be understood, however, that such a miniature instrument with fewer strings cannot cover a wide range of notes. But its sound is no less capable of pleasing the ear.

Instruments vary in length. And they also have different pitch, which allows you to organize a kind of mini-orchestras and play beautiful music with surround sound.

The main varieties of ukuleles and their differences can be traced back to several varieties.

The average length of the tool is 53 cm (approximately 21 inches), due to its compactness it is the most common. It also appeared as the first ukulele. The undoubted advantage of the soprano is the size - this is a typical "pocket" guitar. It is convenient to carry it anywhere, including travel and hiking.

Of the shortcomings of this type of guitars, it is necessary to note the frequent problems with intonation. And besides, they have small distances between frets, so the soprano is suitable for playing chords, and it will be problematic to cope with an instrumental melody. The top positions are almost not involved in the game. On the other hand, there is a downside to this - the small fret spacing is handy for stretching and clamping more complex chords. At the same time, a miniature guitar is not suitable for men and women with large palms.

It differs from the soprano in that it is 5 cm longer, due to which the instrument is distinguished by a louder sound.

The model appeared quite a long time ago, in the 20s. last century. The standard length of this kind of ukulele is 66 cm.

These models are almost the same length (76 cm), but sound slightly different. The instrument has a rich resonant sound, high volume level, suitable for any performance technique. Best suited for guitarists, designed to perform universal music of varying difficulty levels. The pluses also include a larger neck, greater fret spacing and surround sound.

Popular choices include the ability to release bodies with cutouts similar to acoustic guitars for greater access to the upper frets. Some instruments are pre-installed with pickups to connect to speakers.

The larger the scale of such a guitar, the lower the tuning it is played on. The most demanded modification is the soprano... Such a guitar is tuned in the GCEA. Concert - bigger and louder, such an instrument is tuned in the GCEA. The tenor is distinguished by a standard tuning or a lowered DGBE. Sometimes there are non-standard miniature guitars with double strings, split in pairs and tuned in unison. This allows the instrument to sound more spacious at different frets.

Concert guitar sounds fuller and warmer. The mids are more intelligible than when playing the soprano. Stronger and the overall volume of the instrument, which is ideal for singing, sounds insanely pleasant, accompanying strong vocals. Since the intervals between the frets of the concerto are larger, it becomes possible to solo and play complex chords.

The large version of the tenor ukulele has amazing expressiveness, which is just perfect for playing the most difficult compositions. The large cabinet gives the tenor sound of sufficient depth, full, with a resonant, practically bass tone. This is the loudest ukulele and most suitable for guitarists.

In the context of playing, the concert and tenor give a lot of freedom, allowing pieces to be played even in high positions. They sound much nicer that way. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted the increased weight of the instrument, which makes it difficult to play while standing. But in a seated position, a large ukulele is easier to handle than a small soprano. At first, from tight strings, you may feel discomfort in your fingers.

Baritone in the ukulele segment is not very popular due to its similarity to the guitar. As a result, most musicians opt for the latter. But if you are satisfied with 4 strings, and such dimensions do not repel, this is a great choice.

The tenor is a fairly large instrument among the ukulele, therefore, it is not very convenient to move with it. Especially if you compare it to a soprano and a concert.

A concert is an excellent choice for performers of all levels. A convenient tool will be especially for those with large hands and fingers. This size is the most demanded among professionals. But a beginner musician with low levels of qualifications and experience will do just fine with it.

Regardless of the parameters, each ukulele is a complete instrument with a rich musical range.

When choosing the first instrument, you should pay attention to the soprano. It is more versatile and more common on the market. And if the interest in miniature guitars does not go away after practicing the soprano, you can look closely at other varieties.

1. When choosing a ukulele for beginners, first of all, you need to decide what size of guitar will be more preferable. Most ukuleles come in 3 sizes: soprano, concert and tenor. Most beginners prefer the soprano. The choice of parameters may depend on various factors - some people prefer a larger and louder ukulele, while others want a more compact instrument.
2. Of course, the price is considered to be the determining value.... Ukulele can be selected from very inexpensive options to the most expensive ones. Quality ukuleles are made from wood with good resonance. Inexpensive species that can be classified as souvenir ones are made from budget chipboard and similar analogues. The price of a good tool is not less than 3000 rubles. As an original and memorable presentation, a completely budgetary tool at a price of around 1,500 rubles will do.
3. It is also important to take into account the manufacturer of the tool. There are a variety of ukuleles on the music market today. The most popular brands are Flight, Wiki, Woodcraft, Enya and others. It should be noted that any of these brands make first-class instruments. First of all, any of them must be listened to and examined - this is the only way to make the most correct choice. When wondering which ukulele brand to choose, just listen and play.
4. It is quite easy for a beginner to decide on the choice of a ukulele - the guitar should like its design and sound. For example, now there are analogues of wooden instruments - plastic ukuleles. The sound of the new mini-guitar should be like it.
5. Completion is another selection criterion. Today, many companies complete the ukulele with a whole set of accessories. This is very useful if the ukulele is chosen as a gift. Thus, a tuner with a spare set of strings and a case is included with the instrument as a gift. This will make the present especially festive. By the way, many ukuleles are sold in a gift box.

Potential buyers are often interested in what kind of wood is more suitable for a ukulele. There is no specific answer here, as the sounds of mahogany, spruce and sapele are all equally different. Although each type of wood has its own unique sound.

Ukulele is great for accompaniment. The playing technique is completely uncomplicated, and the nylon strings are pliable for chords. Most of them can be picked up with one or two fingers. It is convenient to take a small-sized guitar with you on a visit to entertain the company during a feast.