Editing Ukulele

{{short description|Musical instrument of the guitar family}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox Instrument
| image          = Ukulele1_HiRes.jpg
| image_capt     = Martin 3K Ukulele
| background     = string
| classification = [[Stringed instrument]] ([[Pizzicato|plucked]], nylon-stringed instrument usually played with the bare thumb and/or fingertips, or a felt [[Guitar pick|pick]])
| hornbostel_sachs = 321.322
| hornbostel_sachs_desc = Composite [[chordophone]]
| developed      = 19th century in [[Hawaii]] (introduced by the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]])
| range          = C4–A5 (C6 tuning)
| related        = *[[Bowed string instrument|Bowed]] and [[Plucked string instrument|plucked]] stringed instruments, in particular the [[cavaquinho]]
| articles       = 
| sound sample   = <div style="text-align:center">[[File:Ukulele playing.ogg]]<br>Soprano ukulele being played</div>
}}
The '''ukulele''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|j|u:|k|ə|ˈ|l|eɪ|l|i}} {{respell|YOO|kə|LAY|lee}}; {{IPA|haw|ʔukulele|lang}} {{respell|'OO|koo|leh|leh}}); also called a '''uke''' (informally), is a member of the [[lute]] (ancient guitar) family of instruments. The ukulele is of [[Portugal|Portuguese]] origin and was popularized in [[Hawaii]]. The [[Tone (musical instrument)|tone]] and volume of the instrument vary with size and construction. Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.

Ukuleles generally have four [[nylon]] strings<ref>Erich M. von Hornbostel & Curt Sachs, "Classification of Musical Instruments: Translated from the Original German by Anthony Baines and Klaus P. Wachsmann." ''The Galpin Society Journal'' 14, 1961: 3–29.</ref><ref name="Merriam-Webster">{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ukulele|title=Ukulele|website=Merriam-Webster|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{OED|ukulele}}</ref>  tuned to GCEA. They have 16–22 [[frets]] depending on the size.

==History==
Developed in the 1880s, the ukulele is based on several small, [[guitar]]-like instruments of Portuguese origin, the {{lang|pt|[[Machete (musical instrument)|machete]]}},<ref>{{cite book|last=Tranquada and King|title=The Ukulele, A History|publisher=Hawaii University Press|year=2012|isbn=978-0-8248-3634-4}}</ref> {{lang|pt|[[cavaquinho]]}} and {{lang|pt|[[rajão]]}}, introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] immigrants from [[Madeira]], the [[Azores]], and [[Cape Verde]].<ref>{{cite book
| last = Nidel
| first = Richard
| title = World Music: The Basics
| publisher = Routledge
| year = 2004
| page = [https://archive.org/details/worldmusic00rich_0/page/312 312]
| isbn = 978-0-415-96800-3
| url = https://archive.org/details/worldmusic00rich_0/page/312
}}</ref> Three immigrants in particular, Madeiran cabinet makers Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias, are generally credited as the first ukulele makers.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Roberts
| first = Helen
| title = Ancient Hawaiian Music
| publisher = [[Bernice P. Bishop Museum]]
| year = 1926
| pages = 9–10}}</ref> Two weeks after they disembarked from the [[Ravenscrag (ship)|SS ''Ravenscrag'']] in late August 1879, the ''[[Hawaiian Gazette]]'' reported that "Madeira Islanders recently arrived here, have been delighting the people with nightly street concerts."<ref>{{cite web
| last = King
| first = John
| title = Prolegomena to a History of the 'Ukuleley

| publisher = Ukulele Guild of Hawaii
| year = 2003
| url = http://www.ukuleleguild.org/history.php
| url-status = usurped
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040803005054/http://www.ukuleleguild.org/history.php
| archive-date = 2004-08-03
}}</ref>

One of the most important factors in establishing the ukulele in [[Hawaiian music]] and [[Hawaiian culture|culture]] was the ardent support and promotion of the instrument by [[King Kalākaua]]. A patron of the arts, he incorporated it into performances at royal gatherings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukulele.org/?Inductees:1997-1998:David_Kalakaua|title=David Kalakaua (1836–1891), Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductee, 1997|year=2008|publisher=Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum|access-date=2008-06-11}}</ref>

In the [[Hawaiian language]] the word ukulele roughly translates as 'jumping flea',<ref>{{harvnb|Beloff|2003|p=13}}</ref> perhaps because of the movement of the player's fingers. Legend attributes it to the nickname of Englishman [[Edward William Purvis]], one of King Kalākaua's officers, because of his small size, fidgety manner, and playing expertise. One of the earliest appearances of the word ''ukulele'' in print (in the sense of a stringed instrument) is in the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]'s ''Catalogue of the Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments of All Nations'' published in 1907. The catalog describes two ukuleles from Hawaii—one that is similar in size to a modern soprano ukulele, and one that is similar to a tenor (see {{section link||Types and sizes}}).<ref name="met1907">{{cite book|title=Catalogue of the Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments of All Nations|date=1907|publisher=[[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]|location=New York|volume=III. Instruments of Savage Tribes and Semi-Civilized Peoples, Part 2. Oceania|page=51}}</ref>

===Canada===
In the 1960s, educator [[J. Chalmers Doane]] dramatically changed school music programs across [[Canada]], using the ukulele as an inexpensive and practical teaching instrument to foster [[music education|musical literacy]] in the classroom.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia
| last1 = McMillan
| first1 = Barclay
| last2 = Karr
| first2 = Gary
| title = J. Chalmers Doane
| encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Music in Canada
| publisher = University of Toronto Press
| year = 1992
| url = https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/j-chalmers-doane-emc
| access-date = 2008-06-09}}</ref> At its peak, 50,000 schoolchildren and adults learned the ukulele through the Doane program.<ref>{{harvnb|Beloff|2003|p=111}}</ref> "Ukulele in the Classroom", a revised program created by [[James Hill (Canadian musician)|James Hill]] and Doane in 2008, is a staple of music education in Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ukuleleintheclassroom.com/index.htm |title=Ukulele in the Classroom |access-date=31 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723102636/http://www.ukuleleintheclassroom.com/index.htm |archive-date=23 July 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Japan===
The ukulele arrived in [[Japan]] in 1929 after Hawaiian-born [[Yukihiko Haida]] returned to the country upon his father's death and introduced the instrument. Haida and his brother [[Katsuhiko Haida|Katsuhiko]] formed the Moana Glee Club, enjoying rapid success in an environment of growing enthusiasm for [[Western culture|Western]] [[popular music]], particularly Hawaiian and [[jazz]]. During [[World War II]], authorities banned most music from the West, but fans and players kept it alive in secret, and it resumed popularity after the war. In 1959, Haida founded the [[Nihon Ukulele Association]]. Japan has since become a second home for Hawaiian musicians and ukulele virtuosos.<ref>{{harvnb|Beloff|2003|p=110}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
British singer and comedian [[George Formby, Jr.|George Formby]] was a ukulele player, though he often played a [[Banjo ukulele|banjolele]], a hybrid instrument consisting of an extended ukulele neck with a [[banjo]] resonator body. Demand surged in the new century because of its relative simplicity and portability.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fladmark|first=Judy|title=Ukulele sends UK crazy|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8523082.stm|work=BBC News | date=2010-02-19}}</ref> Another British ukulele player was [[Tony Award]]-winner [[Tessie O'Shea]], who appeared in numerous movies and stage shows, and was twice on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'', including the night [[The Beatles]] debuted in 1964.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Tranquada
| first = Jim
| title = The Ukulele: a History
| publisher = University of Hawaii Press
| year = 2012
| page = 152
| isbn = 978-0-8248-3544-6
}}</ref>
The [[Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain]] tours globally, and the [[George Formby Society]], established in 1961, continues to hold regular conventions.

[[George Harrison]], [[Paul McCartney]], and [[John Lennon]] all played the ukulele.<ref name="Jackson_8/5/2021">{{cite web | last=Jackson | first=Blair | title=How The Beatles' George Harrison Turned His Love of Ukulele into a Personal Crusade | website=Ukulele Magazine | date=August 5, 2021 | url=https://ukulelemagazine.com/stories/beatles-george-harrison-ukulele-crusade | access-date=April 20, 2023}}</ref> Harrison, who was a Formby fan, was a great lover of the instrument and often gave them to friends, including [[Tom Petty]], whom he taught to play.<ref name="Whatley_4/20/2020">{{cite web | last=Whatley | first=Jack | title=The Beatles' George Harrison believed everyone should have a ukulele | website=Far Out Magazine | date=April 20, 2020 | url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/beatles-george-harrison-tom-petty-ukulele-story/ | access-date=April 20, 2023}}</ref>

===United States mainland===
[[File:Ukulele Craze 1916 Glackens.jpg|right|thumb|1916 cartoon by [[Louis M. Glackens]] satirizing the contemporary ukulele craze.]]

====Pre–World War II====
The ukulele was popularized for a stateside audience during the [[Panama–Pacific International Exposition]], held from spring to autumn of 1915 in [[San Francisco]].<ref>{{cite book
| last = Lipsky
| first = William
| title = San Francisco's Panama-Pacific International Exposition
| publisher = Arcadia Publishing
| year = 2005
| page = 36
| isbn = 978-0-7385-3009-3}}</ref> The Hawaiian Pavilion featured a guitar and ukulele ensemble, George E. K. Awai and his Royal Hawaiian Quartet,<ref>{{cite book
| last = Doyle
| first = Peter
| title = Echo and Reverb: Fabricating Space in Popular Music Recording, 1900–1960
| publisher = Wesleyan
| year = 2005
| page = 120
| isbn = 978-0-8195-6794-9}}</ref> along with ukulele maker and player [[Jonah Kumalae]].<ref>{{cite web
| title = Jonah Kumalae (1875–1940), 2002 Hall of Fame Inductee
| publisher = Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum
| year = 2007
| url = http://www.ukulele.org/?Inductees:2002-2003:Jonah_Kumalae
| access-date = 2008-06-02}}</ref> The popularity of the ensemble with visitors launched a fad for Hawaiian-themed songs among [[Tin Pan Alley]] [[songwriter]]s.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Koskoff
| first = Ellen
| title = Music Cultures in the United States: An Introduction
| url = https://archive.org/details/musicculturesuni00kosk
| url-access = limited
| publisher = Routledge
| year = 2005
| page = [https://archive.org/details/musicculturesuni00kosk/page/n143 129]
| isbn = 978-0-415-96588-0 }}</ref> The ensemble also introduced both the [[lap steel guitar]] and the ukulele into U.S. mainland popular music,<ref>{{cite book
| last = Volk| first = Andy
| title = Lap Steel Guitar
| publisher = Centerstream Publications
| year = 2003
| page = 6
| isbn = 978-1-57424-134-1}}</ref> where it was taken up by [[vaudeville]] performers such as [[Roy Smeck]] and [[Cliff Edwards|Cliff "Ukulele Ike" Edwards]]. On April 15, 1923, at the Rivoli Theater in New York City, Smeck appeared, playing the ukulele, in ''Stringed Harmony'', a [[short film]] made in the [[Lee de Forest|DeForest]] [[Phonofilm]] [[sound-on-film]] process. On August 6, 1926, Smeck appeared playing the ukulele in a short film ''His Pastimes'', made in the [[Vitaphone]] [[sound-on-disc]] process, shown with the [[feature film]] ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' starring [[John Barrymore]].<ref>{{cite book
| last = Whitcomb
| first = Ian
| title = Ukulele Heaven: Songs from the Golden Age of the Ukulele
| publisher = Mel Bay Publications
| year = 2000
| page = [https://archive.org/details/ukuleleheavenson00whit/page/11 11]
| isbn = 978-0-7866-4951-8
| url = https://archive.org/details/ukuleleheavenson00whit/page/11
}}</ref>

The ukulele soon became an icon of the [[Jazz Age]].<ref name="Whitcomb2001">{{cite book
| last = Whitcomb
| first = Ian
| title = Uke Ballads: A Treasury of Twenty-five Love Songs Old and New
| publisher = Mel Bay Publications
| year = 2001
| page = 4
| isbn = 978-0-7866-1360-1}}</ref> Like guitar, basic ukulele skills can be learned fairly easily, and this highly portable, relatively inexpensive instrument was popular with amateur players throughout the 1920s, as evidenced by the introduction of uke chord [[tablature]] into the published [[sheet music]] for popular songs of the time<ref name="Whitcomb2001" /> (a role that was supplanted by the guitar in the early years of [[rock and roll]]).<ref>{{cite book
| last = Sanjek
| first = Russell
| title = American Popular Music and Its Business: The First Four Hundred Years
| url = https://archive.org/details/americanpopularm00san_hz5
| url-access = registration
| publisher = Oxford University Press | year = 1988
| page = [https://archive.org/details/americanpopularm00san_hz5/page/95 95]
| isbn = 0-19-504311-1}}</ref> A number of mainland-based stringed-instrument manufacturers, among them [[Regal Musical Instrument Company|Regal]], [[Harmony Company|Harmony]], and especially [[C.F. Martin & Company|Martin]], added ukulele, banjolele, and [[tiple]] lines to their production to take advantage of the demand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Famous Ukulele songs |url=https://www.ukulele-tabs.com/famous-ukulele-songs.html |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=Ukulele-Tabs.com |language=en}}</ref>

The ukulele also made inroads into early country music or [[old-time music]]<ref name="Herald">{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldtimeherald.org/archive/back_issues/volume-9/9-5/uke.html|title="Just a few penny dreadfuls": the Ukulele and Old-Time Country Music|last=Rev|first=Lil'|website=www.oldtimeherald.org|access-date=2018-06-27|archive-date=2012-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615233057/http://www.oldtimeherald.org/archive/back_issues/volume-9/9-5/uke.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> parallel to the then-popular mandolin. It was played by [[Jimmie Rodgers (country singer)|Jimmie Rodgers]] and [[Ernest V. Stoneman]], as well as by early string bands, including [[Cowan Powers and his Family Band]], Da Costa Woltz's Southern Broadcasters, Walter Smith and Friends, The Blankenship Family, The Hillbillies, and The Hilltop Singers.<ref name=Herald/>

====Post–World War II====
[[File:Boy w ukulele.jpg|thumb|right|120px|Boy in Hawaii wearing [[Lei (Hawaii)|lei]] and holding a Maccaferri "Islander" plastic ukulele]]
[[File:Red Ukulele.JPG|thumb|right|120px|A modern red ukulele]]
From the late 1940s to the late 1960s, plastics manufacturer [[Mario Maccaferri]] turned out about 9 million inexpensive ukuleles.<ref>{{cite web
 |last        = Wright
 |first       = Michael
 |title       = Maccaferri History: The Guitars of Mario Maccaferri
 |magazine    = [[Vintage Guitar (magazine)|Vintage Guitar]]
 |url         = http://www.vguitar.com/features/brands/details.asp?AID=1071
 |access-date = 2008-06-02
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090625165925/http://www.vguitar.com/features/brands/details.asp?AID=1071
 |archive-date = 2009-06-25
}}</ref> The ukulele remained popular, appearing in many jazz songs throughout the 50s, '60s, and '70s.<ref>{{cite web
 |title       = The Ukulele
 |publisher   = Peterborough Music
 |date        = 3 March 2002
 |url         = http://www.peterboroughmusicltd.com/ukulele.irs
 |access-date = 2011-09-15
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20111103171108/http://www.peterboroughmusicltd.com/ukulele.irs
 |archive-date = 3 November 2011
}}The Ukulele</ref> Much of the instrument's popularity (particularly the baritone size) was cultivated by [[Arthur Godfrey]] on ''The Arthur Godfrey Show'' on television.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Arthur Godfrey (1903–1983), 2001 Hall of Fame Inductee
| publisher = Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum
| year = 2007
| url = http://www.ukulele.org/?Inductees:2000-2001:Arthur_Godfrey
| access-date = 2008-06-02
| archive-date = 2015-05-08
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150508003707/http://www.ukulele.org/?Inductees%3A2000-2001%3AArthur_Godfrey
| url-status = dead
}}</ref> Singer-musician [[Tiny Tim (musician)|Tiny Tim]] became closely associated with the instrument after playing it on his 1968 hit "[[Tiptoe Through the Tulips]]".
[[File:Viohl Ukulele sound hole.jpg|thumb|A view of the soundhole and label of a ukulele made by Louis Viohl & Sons in Flushing, Queens, New York sometime in the 1920s: Albert Louis Viohl emigrated to the U.S. in the 1860s and started the Empire workshop in 1883, where he made various stringed musical instruments, including guitars and mandolins. Both of his sons joined the family business, and in 1902, Louis, Jr., took over running it (August was the other son), and added ukuleles to the catalogue in the late 1910s to the 1920s.]]

====Post-1990 revival====
After the 1960s, the ukulele declined in popularity until the late 1990s, when interest in the instrument reawakened.<ref name="Shepherd2003">{{cite book|author=John Shepherd|title=Continuum encyclopedia of popular music of the world: VolumeII: Performance and production|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pJvzEzjahkQC&pg=PA450|access-date=16 April 2011|date=27 February 2003|publisher=Continuum International Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8264-6322-7|pages=450–}}</ref> During the 1990s, new manufacturers began producing ukuleles and a new generation of musicians took up the instrument. [[Jim Beloff]] set out to promote the instrument in the early 1990s and created over two dozen ukulele music books featuring modern music and classic ukulele pieces.<ref>''[[Mighty Uke]]'', Interview with Jim Beloff, 2010</ref>

All-time best-selling Hawaiian musician [[Israel Kamakawiwoʻole]] helped repopularize the instrument, in particular with his 1993 [[reggae]]-rhythmed [[Medley (music)|medley]] of "[[Over the Rainbow]]" and "[[What a Wonderful World]]", used in films, television programs, and commercials. The song reached number 12 on ''Billboard'''s [[Hot Digital Tracks]] chart the week of January 31, 2004.<ref>''Billboard'', for the survey week ending January 18, 2004.</ref>

The creation of [[YouTube]] helped revive the popularity of the ukulele. One of the first videos to go viral was [[Jake Shimabukuro]]'s ukulele rendition of [[George Harrison]]'s "[[While My Guitar Gently Weeps]]". The video quickly went [[Viral video|viral]], and as of September 2020, had received over 17 million views.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSkP3uym5k |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/puSkP3uym5k| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Ukulele weeps by Jake Shimabukuro|last=Catholic Laitinen|date=6 September 2020|access-date=3 April 2019|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Construction==
The ukulele is generally made of wood, though variants have been composed partially or entirely of plastic or other materials. Cheaper ukuleles are generally made from [[plywood]] or [[laminate]]d woods, in some cases with a soundboard of a [[tonewood]] such as [[spruce]]. More expensive ukuleles are made of solid hardwoods such as [[mahogany]]. The traditionally preferred wood for ukuleles is a type of acacia endemic to Hawaii, called ''[[Acacia koa|koa]]''.

Typically, ukuleles have a figure-eight body shape similar to that of a small [[acoustic guitar]]. They are also often seen in nonstandard shapes, such as cutaway and oval, usually called a "pineapple" ukulele (see image below), invented by the [[Kamaka Ukulele]] company, or a boat-paddle shape, and occasionally a square shape, often made out of an old wooden cigar box.

These instruments usually have four [[string (music)|strings]]; some strings may be paired in [[Course (music)|courses]], giving the instrument a total of six or eight strings (primarily for greater strumming volume.) The strings themselves were originally made of [[catgut]]. Modern ukuleles use strings made from [[Nylon|nylon polymers]], synthetic gut, or [[fluorocarbon]] or wound strings composed of a (typically) nylon core wound with metal or polymers,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jeppson |first=Mim |title=The ukulele owner's manual |publisher=String Letter Publishing, Inc. |year=2021 |isbn=978-1-936604-42-5 |editor-last=Jackson |editor-first=Blair |pages=28–31 |chapter=Things about strings}}</ref> including [[Aluminium alloy|aluminium]] and [[Silver plate|silver-plated]] [[copper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.martinguitar.com/strings/ukulele/|title=Ukulele Strings |publisher=C.F. Martin & Co.|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref>

Instruments with six or eight strings in four courses are often called taropatches, or taropatch ukuleles. They were once common in the concert size, but now the tenor size is more common for six-string taropatch ukuleles. The six-string, four-course version, has two single and two double courses, and is sometimes called a ''lili‘u'', though this name also applies to the eight-string version.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukulele |website=The Stringed Instrument Database |url=http://stringedinstrumentdatabase.110mb.com/u.htm |access-date=30 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621113819/http://stringedinstrumentdatabase.110mb.com/u.htm |archive-date=2013-06-21 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Eight-string baritone taropatches exist,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theukulelesite.com/kamaka-baritone-8-string-hf-48.html|title=Kamaka Baritone 8 String HF-48|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> and 5-string tenors have also been made.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theukulelesite.com/shop-by/popular-models/kala-ka-atp5-ctg-solid-cedar-top-5-string-tenor.html|title=Kala -KA-ATP-CTG Solid Cedar Top Tenor Slothead -Gloss Finish|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref>
[[File:3 ukes.jpg|thumb|140px|Soprano pineapple ukulele (left), baritone ukulele (center) and taropatch baritone ukulele (right)]]

==Types and sizes==
Common types of ukuleles include soprano (standard ukulele), concert, tenor, and baritone. Less common are the sopranino (also called piccolo, bambino, or "pocket uke"), bass, and [[contrabass]] ukuleles.{{Cn|date=April 2025}} Other types of ukuleles include [[banjo ukulele]]s and electric ukuleles. Of the standard ukuleles, the soprano, often called "standard" in Hawaii, is the second smallest and was the original size. The concert size was developed in the 1920s as an enhanced soprano, slightly larger and louder with a deeper tone. Shortly thereafter, the tenor was created, having more volume and a deeper bass tone. The baritone (resembling a smaller [[tenor guitar]]) was created in the 1940s, and the contrabass and bass are recent innovations (2010 and 2014, respectively).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forbassplayersonly.com/news-features-the-story-behind-the-kala-u-bass/|title=The story behind the wildly popular Kala U-Bass|date=7 January 2015|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lunaguitars.com/query?upc=819998182960|title=Uke Baritone Bass w/Preamp Tattoo |publisher=Luna Guitars|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|+ Size and popular tunings of standard ukulele types
|-
! style="width:70px" | Type
! style="width:96px" | Alternate<br/>names
! style="width:65px;" | Typical<br/>length
! style="width:65px;" | [[Scale (string instruments)|Scale<br/> length]]<ref>The "scale" is the length of the playable part of the strings, from the nut at the top to the bridge at the bottom.</ref>
! style="width:45px;" | Frets
! style="width:60px;" | Range<ref>Exact range depends on the tuning and the number of frets.</ref>
! style="width:100px;" | Common<br />tuning<ref>On the soprano, concert, and tenor instruments, the most common tuning results in a "bottom" string that is ''not'' the lowest in ''pitch'', as it is tuned a 5th&nbsp;higher than the next string (and a major&nbsp;2nd below the "top" string). This is called ''[[re-entrant tuning]]''.</ref>
! style="width:100px;" | Alternate<br/>tunings
|-
! Pocket
| piccolo, sopranino, sopranissimo
| {{convert|16|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|11|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| 10–12
| G<sub>4</sub>–D<sub>6</sub> <small> (E<sup>6</sup>)</small>
| D<sub>5</sub>&nbsp;G<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;B<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>5</sub>
| C<sub>5</sub>&nbsp;F<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;D<sub>5</sub>
|-
! Soprano
| standard, ukulele
| {{convert|21|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|13|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| 12–15
| C<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>5</sub> <small>(C<sup>6</sup>)</small>
| G<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;C<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>4</sub><ref name="Tamberino-2014">{{Cite book |last=Tamberino |first=Philip |title=Uke can do it! Developing your school ukulele program |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2014 |isbn=9781475804164}}</ref>
| A<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;D<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;F<sup>{{music|#|size=x8px}}</sup><sub>4</sub>&nbsp;B<sub>4</sub><br />G<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;C<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>4</sub>
|-
! Concert
| alto
| {{convert|23|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|15|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| 15–18
| C<sub>4</sub>–C<sub>6</sub> (<small>D<sup>{{music|#|size=x8px}}&nbsp;6</sup></small>)
| G<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;C<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>4</sub><ref name="Tamberino-2014" />
| G<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;C<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>4</sub>
|-
! Tenor
| taro patch, Liliu<ref>Tenor ukuleles exist in a variety of styles, with 4, 5, 6, and 8&nbsp;strings. What the tenor is called depends on which style it has been designed in.</ref>
| {{convert|26|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|17|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| 17–19
| G<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>6</sub> (<small>E<sup>6</sup></small>)
| G<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;C<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>4</sub> (<small>"High&nbsp;G"</small>)<br />G<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;C<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>4</sub> (<small>"Low&nbsp;G"</small>)
| D<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;G<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;B<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub><br />A<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;D<sub>4</sub>&nbsp;F<sup>{{music|#|size=x8px}}</sup><sub>4</sub>&nbsp;B<sub>4</sub><br />D<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;G<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;B<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>
|-
! Baritone
| bari, bari uke, taropatch<ref>Eight-string "taropatch" baritone ukuleles have been made; however, they are very rare. See, for example, the Kamaka HF-48</ref>
| {{convert|29|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|19|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| 18–21
| D<sub>3</sub>–A<sup>{{music|#|size=x8px}}</sup><sub>5</sub> (<small>C<sup>{{music|sharp}}&nbsp;6</sup></small>)
| D<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;G<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;B<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>(Guitar tuning)<ref name="Tamberino-2014" />
| C<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;G<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;B<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;E<sub>4</sub>
|-
!Bass<ref>See the Luna Uke Bass and the Kala U-Bass</ref>
|
|30 in 
(76 cm)
|20 in 
(51 cm)
|16–18
|E<sub>2</sub>–B<sub>4</sub> 
(<small>C<sup>♯ 5</sup></small>)
|E<sub>2</sub> A<sub>2</sub> D<sub>3</sub> G<sub>3</sub>
|
|-
! Contrabass
| U-Bass, Rumbler<ref>''U-Bass'' and ''Rumbler'' are trade names of the Kala ukulele company</ref>
| {{convert|32|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|21|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| 16 
| E<sub>1</sub>–B<sub>3</sub>
| E<sub>1</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>1</sub>&nbsp;D<sub>2</sub>&nbsp;G<sub>2</sub>
| D<sub>1</sub>&nbsp;A<sub>1</sub>&nbsp;D<sub>2</sub>&nbsp;G<sub>2</sub> (<small>"Drop&nbsp;D"</small>)
|-
|}
[[File:Ukulele wall.jpg|thumb|right|120px|Several ukuleles in a music store]]

The following chart shows the range of notes of standard ukulele types. Note that the range varies with the tuning and size of the instruments. The examples shown in the chart reflect the range of each instrument from the lowest standard tuning to the highest fret in the highest standard tuning.

<timeline>
ImageSize = width:700 height:250
PlotArea = left:0 right:0 top:0 bottom:20
AlignBars = justify

Colors =
  id:legend value:gray(0.94) # background of top and bottom legend bars
  id:legendtext value:gray(0.1) # text in top and bottom legend bars
  id:sp value:gray(1) # spacer between bars and content
  id:h1 value:rgb(0.99,0.2,0.90) # light violet = top of hierarchy
  id:h2 value:rgb(0.99,0.1,0.1) # light red-violet
  id:h3 value:rgb(0.99,0.2,0.30) # light red
  id:h4 value:rgb(0.99,0.4,0.30) # light red-orange
  id:h5 value:rgb(0.99,0.6,0.20) # light orange
  id:h6 value:rgb(0.99,0.75,0.60) # light yellow-orange, bottom of hierarchy
  id:gridlines value:gray(0.7) # vertical gridlines

BarData =
  bar:pitch
  bar:Hz
  barset:ranges
  bar:pitch2
  bar:Hz2

Period = from:0 till:651
ScaleMajor = increment:72 start:2 gridcolor:gridlines
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal

# positions points used by the bars
# Cx4 = middle C
# Cs4 = middle C sharp
Define $Cx0 = 6     # 16.35Hz
Define $Cs0 = 12     # 17.32Hz
Define $Dx0 = 18     # 18.35Hz
Define $Ds0 = 24     # 19.45Hz
Define $Ex0 = 30     # 20.6Hz
Define $Fx0 = 36     # 21.83Hz
Define $Fs0 = 42     # 23.12Hz
Define $Gx0 = 48     # 24.5Hz
Define $Gs0 = 54     # 25.96Hz
Define $Ax0 = 60     # 27.5Hz
Define $As0 = 66     # 29.14Hz
Define $Bx0 = 72     # 30.87Hz
Define $Cx1 = 78     # 32.7Hz
Define $Cs1 = 83     # 34.65Hz
Define $Dx1 = 89     # 36.71Hz
Define $Ds1 = 95     # 38.89Hz
Define $Ex1 = 101     # 41.2Hz
Define $Fx1 = 107     # 43.65Hz
Define $Fs1 = 113     # 46.25Hz
Define $Gx1 = 119     # 49Hz
Define $Gs1 = 125     # 51.91Hz
Define $Ax1 = 131     # 55Hz
Define $As1 = 137     # 58.27Hz
Define $Bx1 = 143     # 61.74Hz
Define $Cx2 = 149     # 65.41Hz
Define $Cs2 = 155     # 69.3Hz
Define $Dx2 = 161     # 73.42Hz
Define $Ds2 = 167     # 77.78Hz
Define $Ex2 = 173     # 82.41Hz
Define $Fx2 = 179     # 87.31Hz
Define $Fs2 = 185     # 92.5Hz
Define $Gx2 = 191     # 98Hz
Define $Gs2 = 197     # 103.8Hz
Define $Ax2 = 203     # 110Hz
Define $As2 = 209     # 116.5Hz
Define $Bx2 = 215     # 123.5Hz
Define $Cx3 = 221     # 130.8Hz
Define $Cs3 = 227     # 138.6Hz
Define $Dx3 = 233     # 146.8Hz
Define $Ds3 = 239     # 155.6Hz
Define $Ex3 = 244     # 164.8Hz
Define $Fx3 = 250     # 174.6Hz
Define $Fs3 = 256     # 185Hz
Define $Gx3 = 262     # 196Hz
Define $Gs3 = 268     # 207.7Hz
Define $Ax3 = 274     # 220Hz
Define $As3 = 280     # 233.1Hz
Define $Bx3 = 286     # 246.9Hz
Define $Cx4 = 292     # 261.6Hz
Define $Cs4 = 298     # 277.2Hz
Define $Dx4 = 304     # 293.7Hz
Define $Ds4 = 310     # 311.1Hz
Define $Ex4 = 316     # 329.6Hz
Define $Fx4 = 322     # 349.2Hz
Define $Fs4 = 328     # 370Hz
Define $Gx4 = 334     # 392Hz
Define $Gs4 = 340     # 415.3Hz
Define $Ax4 = 346     # 440Hz
Define $As4 = 352     # 466.2Hz
Define $Bx4 = 358     # 493.9Hz
Define $Cx5 = 364     # 523.3Hz
Define $Cs5 = 370     # 554.4Hz
Define $Dx5 = 376     # 587.3Hz
Define $Ds5 = 382     # 622.3Hz
Define $Ex5 = 388     # 659.3Hz
Define $Fx5 = 394     # 698.5Hz
Define $Fs5 = 400     # 740Hz
Define $Gx5 = 406     # 784Hz
Define $Gs5 = 411     # 830.6Hz
Define $Ax5 = 417     # 880Hz
Define $As5 = 423     # 932.3Hz
Define $Bx5 = 429     # 987.8Hz
Define $Cx6 = 435     # 1047Hz
Define $Cs6 = 441     # 1109Hz
Define $Dx6 = 447     # 1175Hz
Define $Ds6 = 453     # 1245Hz
Define $Ex6 = 459     # 1319Hz
Define $Fx6 = 465     # 1397Hz
Define $Fs6 = 471     # 1480Hz
Define $Gx6 = 477     # 1568Hz
Define $Gs6 = 483     # 1661Hz
Define $Ax6 = 489     # 1760Hz
Define $As6 = 495     # 1865Hz
Define $Bx6 = 501     # 1976Hz
Define $Cx7 = 507     # 2093Hz
Define $Cs7 = 513     # 2217Hz
Define $Dx7 = 519     # 2349Hz
Define $Ds7 = 525     # 2489Hz
Define $Ex7 = 531     # 2637Hz
Define $Fx7 = 537     # 2794Hz
Define $Fs7 = 543     # 2960Hz
Define $Gx7 = 549     # 3136Hz
Define $Gs7 = 555     # 3322Hz
Define $Ax7 = 561     # 3520Hz
Define $As7 = 567     # 3729Hz
Define $Bx7 = 572     # 3951Hz
Define $Cx8 = 578     # 4186Hz
Define $Cs8 = 584     # 4435Hz
Define $Dx8 = 590     # 4699Hz
Define $Ds8 = 596     # 4978Hz
Define $Ex8 = 602     # 5274Hz
Define $Fx8 = 608     # 5588Hz
Define $Fs8 = 614     # 5920Hz
Define $Gx8 = 620     # 6272Hz
Define $Gs8 = 626     # 6645Hz
Define $Ax8 = 632     # 7040Hz
Define $As8 = 638     # 7459Hz
Define $Bx8 = 644     # 7902Hz
Define $max  = 650

PlotData=
  align:center textcolor:black fontsize:10 mark:(line,black) width:16 shift:(0,-4)
  barset:ranges

  color:h1 from:$Dx2 till:$Cx6   text:classical guitar
  color:h3 from:$Ex1 till:$Ex6   text:all ukuleles
  color:h6 from:$Gx4  till:$Ex6  text:sopranino
  color:h5 from:$Cx4  till:$Cx6  text:soprano
  color:h6 from:$Cx4  till:$Ex6  text:concert
  color:h5 from:$Gx3  till:$Ex6  text:tenor
  color:h6 from:$Dx3  till:$Cs6  text:baritone
  color:h5 from:$Ex2  till:$Cs5  text:bass
  color:h6 from:$Ex1  till:$Bx3  text:contrabass

  color:legend textcolor:legendtext align:left fontsize:7 mark:(line,white) width:12 shift:(3,-4)

  bar:pitch
  from:0 till:$max
  at:$Cx0   text:C0
  at:$Cx1   text:C1
  at:$Cx2   text:C2
  at:$Cx3   text:C3
  at:$Cx4   text:[[Middle C|C4 (middle C)]]
  at:$Cx5   text:C5
  at:$Cx6   text:C6
  at:$Cx7   text:C7
  at:$Cx8   text:C8

  bar:Hz
  from:0 till:$max
  at:23    text:20 Hz
  at:65    text:30
  at:105   text:44
  at:153   text:70
  at:190   text:100
  at:232   text:150
  at:262   text:200
  at:304   text:300
  at:344   text:440
  at:392   text:700
  at:430   text:1000
  at:472   text:1500
  at:502   text:2000
  at:544   text:3000
  at:583   text:4400 Hz

  bar:pitch2 # exact copy of bar:pitch
  from:0 till:$max
  at:$Cx0   text:C0
  at:$Cx1   text:C1
  at:$Cx2   text:C2
  at:$Cx3   text:C3
  at:$Cx4   text:[[Middle C|C4 (middle C)]]
  at:$Cx5   text:C5
  at:$Cx6   text:C6
  at:$Cx7   text:C7
  at:$Cx8   text:C8

  bar:Hz2 # exact copy of bar:Hz
  from:0 till:$max
  at:23    text:20 Hz
  at:65    text:30
  at:105   text:44
  at:153   text:70
  at:190   text:100
  at:232   text:150
  at:262   text:200
  at:304   text:300
  at:344   text:440
  at:392   text:700
  at:430   text:1000
  at:472   text:1500
  at:502   text:2000
  at:544   text:3000
  at:583   text:4400 Hz

</timeline>

==Tuning==<!--[[My dog has fleas]] links directly here-->
[[File:Ukulele standard tuning.png|thumb|Ukulele C<sup>6</sup> tuning {{audio|Ukulele standard tuning.mid|Play}}.]]
[[File:My dog has fleas.png|thumb|Tuning with the "my dog has fleas" mnemonic. {{audio|My dog has fleas.mid|Play}}]]
[[File:Ukulele chords.svg|thumb|Chart of common soprano ukulele chords.]]

One of the most common tunings for the standard or soprano ukulele is [[Sixth chord|C<sup>6</sup>]] tuning: G<sub>4</sub>–C<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub>, which is often remembered by the notes in the "My dog has fleas" jingle (see sidebar).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukuleleintheclassroom.com/tunings.htm|title=Ukulele in the Classroom|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> The G string is tuned an octave higher than might be expected, so this is often called "high G" tuning. This is known as a "[[reentrant tuning]]"; it enables uniquely close-harmony chording.

More rarely used with the soprano ukulele (but more common on larger sizes) is C<sup>6</sup> linear tuning, or "low G" tuning, which has the G in sequence an octave lower: G<sub>3</sub>–C<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub>, which is equivalent to playing the top four strings (DGBE) of a guitar with a [[Capo (musical device)|capo]] on the fifth fret.

Another common tuning for the soprano ukulele is the higher string-tension D<sup>6</sup> tuning (or simply D tuning), A<sub>4</sub>–D<sub>4</sub>–F{{music|sharp}}<sub>4</sub>–B<sub>4</sub>, one step higher than the G<sub>4</sub>–C<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub> tuning. Once considered standard, this tuning was commonly used during the Hawaiian music boom of the early 20th century, and is often seen in sheet music from this period, as well as in many method books through the 1980s. D<sup>6</sup> tuning is said by some{{by whom|date=November 2019}} to bring out a sweeter tone in some ukuleles, generally smaller ones. D<sup>6</sup> tuning with a low fourth string, A<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub>–F{{music|sharp}}<sub>4</sub>–B<sub>4</sub>, is sometimes called "Canadian tuning" after its use in the Canadian school system, mostly on concert or tenor ukuleles, and extensive use by [[James Hill (Canadian musician)|James Hill]] and [[J. Chalmers Doane]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jameshillmusic.com/faq#tuning|title=FAQ |publisher=James Hill Music |access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref>

Whether C<sup>6</sup> or D<sup>6</sup> tuning should be the "standard" tuning is a matter of long and ongoing debate. There are historic and popular ukulele methods that have used each.<ref>Tranquada, J.; ''The Ukulele: A History''; University of Hawaii Press; Honolulu: 2012. 0824-83634-0 According to Tranquanda, "This is an old and seemingly never-ending argument. While the pioneering methods of Kaai (1906) and Rollinson (1909) both use C tuning, a sampling of the methods that follow give a sense of the unresolved nature of the debate: Kealakai (1914), D tuning; Bailey (1914), C tuning; Kia (1914), D tuning; Kamiki (1916), D tuning; Guckert (1917), C tuning; Stumpf (1917), D tuning."</ref>

For the concert and tenor ukuleles, both reentrant and linear C<sup>6</sup> tunings are standard; linear tuning in particular is widely used for the tenor ukulele, more so than for the soprano and concert instruments.

The baritone ukulele usually uses linear G<sup>6</sup> tuning: D<sub>3</sub>–G<sub>3</sub>–B<sub>3</sub>–E<sub>4</sub>, the same as the highest four strings of a standard 6-string guitar.

Bass ukuleles are tuned similarly to the [[bass guitar]] and [[double bass]]: E<sub>1</sub>–A<sub>1</sub>–D<sub>2</sub>–G<sub>2</sub> for U-Bass style instruments (sometimes called contrabass), or an octave higher, E<sub>2</sub>–A<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–G<sub>3</sub>, for Ohana type metal-string basses.

Sopranino ukulele tuning is less standardized. They are usually tuned re-entrant, but frequently at a higher pitch than C; for example, re-entrant G<sup>6</sup> tuning: D<sub>5</sub>–G<sub>4</sub>–B<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>5</sub>.

As is commonly the case with string instruments, other tunings may be preferred by individual players. For example, special string sets are available to tune the baritone ukulele in linear C<sup>6</sup>. Some players tune ukuleles like other four-string instruments such as the [[mandolin]],<ref>{{cite web
| url=https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-play-a-ukulele-like-a-mandolin-12450760.html
| title=How to Play a Ukulele Like a Mandolin
| first=Robert
| last=Russell
| date=15 September 2017
| publisher=Our Pastimes
| access-date=19 November 2019}}</ref> Venezuelan [[cuatro (Venezuela)|cuatro]],<ref>{{cite web
| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHF_g96Es3Q
 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/KHF_g96Es3Q| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live| title=Cuatro Tuning On a Ukulele
| first=Ken
| last=Middleton
| date=2 May 2018
| access-date=19 November 2019
| via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> or [[dotara]].<ref>{{cite web
| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyr1iT27MzE
 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Fyr1iT27MzE| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live| title=Ukulele Dotara Style Tuning - ইউকালেলি দোতারা স্টাইল টিউনিং
| first=Rahatul Islam
| last=Ovi
| date=24 April 2017
| publisher=Rahatul & Dukulele
| access-date=24 April 2017
| via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Ukuleles may also be tuned to [[open tuning]]s, similar to the Hawaiian [[slack-key]] style.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Kimura
| first = Heeday
| title = How to Play Slack Key Ukulule
}}</ref>

==Related instruments==
Ukulele varieties include hybrid instruments such as the [[guitalele]] (also called guitarlele), [[banjo ukulele]] (also called banjolele), [[harp ukulele]], [[lap steel ukulele]], and the [[ukelin]]. It is very common to find ukuleles mixed with other stringed instruments because of the number of strings and the easy playing ability. There is also an [[Electric ukulele|electrically amplified variant]] of the ukulele. The [[resonator ukulele]] produces sound by one or more spun aluminum cones ([[resonators]]) instead of the wooden soundboard, giving it a distinct and louder tone. The [[Tahitian ukulele]], another variant, is usually carved from a single piece of wood,<ref name="Studies2003">{{cite book|author=University of the South Pacific. Institute of Pacific Studies|title=Cook Islands culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vycNAQAAMAAJ|access-date=15 September 2012|year=2003|publisher=Institute of Pacific Studies in Association with the Cook Islands Extension Centre, University of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands Cultural and Historic Places Trust, and the Ministry of Cultural Development|isbn=978-982-02-0348-8}}</ref> and does not have a hollow [[Sound box|soundbox]], although the back is open. The [[Tahitian ukulele]] generally has eight strings made from [[fishing line]], tuned the same as a Hawaiian ukulele in four courses, although the middle two courses are an octave higher than its Hawaiian cousin. Inspired by the Tahitian ukulele, there is the Motu Nui variant, from [[France]], which has just four strings made from fishing line and the hole in the back is designed to produce a [[Wah-wah (music)|wah-wah]] effect.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} [[Mario Maccaferri]] invented an automatic chording device for the ukulele, called [[Chord Master]].

Close cousins of the ukulele include the Portuguese forerunners, the ''[[cavaquinho]]'' (also commonly known as ''machete'' or ''braguinha'') and the slightly larger ''[[rajao|rajão]]''. Other relatives include the [[Cuatro (instrument)|Venezuelan cuatro]], the [[Colombia]]n ''[[tiple]]'', the ''[[timple]]'' of the [[Canary Islands]], the [[Spanish people|Spanish]] ''[[vihuela]]'', the Mexican [[requinto jarocho]], and the [[Andes|Andean]] ''[[charango]]'' traditionally made of an [[armadillo]] shell. In Indonesia, a similar Portuguese-inspired instrument is the [[kroncong]].<ref name="Wallach2008">{{cite book|author=Jeremy Wallach|title=Modern Noise, Fluid Genres: Popular Music in Indonesia, 1997–2001|url=https://archive.org/details/modernnoisefluid00wall_0|url-access=registration|access-date=15 September 2012|date=22 October 2008|publisher=Univ of Wisconsin Press|isbn=978-0-299-22904-7|pages=[https://archive.org/details/modernnoisefluid00wall_0/page/268 268]–|author-link=Jeremy Wallach}}</ref>

Uke Bass is close cousin to [[leona (instrument)|leona]], a traditional bass instrument in [[son jarocho]] genre.

==Audio samples==

{{Listen
| pos          = left
| type         = music
| style        = float:none

| filename     = Ukulele playing.ogg
| title        = Ukulele playing
| description  = Playing on a ukulele

| filename2    = Ukelele - Kailimai's hene - Ukepedia.ogg
| title2       = Henry Kailimai's hene
| description2 = A piece being played on a ukulele – 327&nbsp;kB

| filename3    = Ukulele_chords.ogg
| title3       = Ukulele chords
| description3 = G♯ minor chord being played on a ukulele – 47&nbsp;kB

| filename4    = C Major Scale Ukulele.ogg
| title4       = Scale
| description4 = The C major scale performed on a ukulele

| filename5 = Bassukuleleeddieihmself.ogg
| title5 = U-Bass
| description5 = the A major scale performed on a bass ukulele with a felt plectrum (first) and fingers - 293&nbsp;kB
}}

==See also==
* [[List of ukulele players]]
* [[Stringed instrument tunings]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book
 | last = Beloff
 | first = Jim
 | title = The Ukulele: A Visual History
 | publisher = Backbeat Books
 | location = San Francisco
 | orig-year = 1997
 | edition = Revised & Expanded
 | year = 2003
 | isbn = 978-0-87930-758-5
 }}
* {{cite book
 | last1 = Tranquada
 | first1 = Jim
 | last2 = King
 | first2 = John
 | title = The Ukulele: A History
 | publisher = University of Hawaii Press
 | location = Honolulu, Hawaii
 | year = 2012
 | isbn = 978-0-8248-3634-4
 | ref=hawup}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
<!--Please don't add any more external links without first suggesting them on the talk page, otherwise this article quickly develops dozens of links -->
* {{cite web|url=http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/ukulele|title= The Ukulele & You|website= Museum of Making Music|location= Carlsbad, CA}} An exhibition that details the ukulele's history and waves of mainstream popularity.
* {{cite web|url=http://www.tikiking.com/uke_database.html |website=Tiki King|title= Ukulele Brand name database}} Information about over 600 ukulele makers past and present.
* {{cite web|url=https://liveukulele.com/lessons/pronounce-ukulele/ |website=Live ʻUkulele|title= How to Pronounce ʻUkulele: "Yook" or "Ook"?|date=19 April 2019 }} The differences between the word "ukulele" in Hawaiian and English.
* Unveiling the [https://getmyguitar.com/unveiling-the-electric-ukulele/ Electric Ukulele]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ukuleles]]
[[Category:Hawaiian musical instruments]]
[[Category:Surf culture]]
[[Category:American musical instruments]]
[[Category:Guitar family instruments]]
[[Category:Necked box lutes]]
[[Category:Portuguese musical instruments]]
[[Category:Lute family instruments]]