So you have run out of videos to watch, books to read, friends to text and new recipes to cook. May I suggest discovering the ukulele?
Learning how to play this simple stringed instrument may make the corona lockdown all seem worthwhile. You can actually learn the necessary chords and play your first song within 30 minutes. Yep, I’m not kidding. What makes the uke so easy to learn is that it has only four strings, which neatly correspond to your four fingers. No complicated bending or stretching is necessary. YouTube is full of tutorials to get you started and then expand your repertoire from simple campfire songs to blues, jazz and classical pieces. Anybody doubting its range need only listen to the current master Jake Shimabakura perform Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The most common ukes to choose from are soprano, concert,tenor and baritone. They refer to the respective sizes, with the soprano coming most to mind since it shows up in old movies and Hawaiian travel posters. If you have slender fingers, the soprano frets are ideal. The remaining ukes have larger frets to accommodate thicker fingers. Personally I have a baritone ukulele since it best fits my finger size and voice. It resembles a small guitar.
After getting familiar with the tones and pitches that each uke style produces, it is possible to order a uke online. But for a first model, I suggest visiting a music store such as Acoustic Music, 857 East 400 South. They have a large selection and a knowledgeable staff to assist new players. A uke that sounds great and will provide years of happiness can be had for less than $100. When it finally opens, it is also possible to check out a ukulele from the Salt Lake Public Library. But beware – once you get hooked on the instrument you will always have your eye open for the next bright shiny thing.
A uke player creates more than just music. One becomes an ambassador of peace. The small size makes it more convenient than a guitar to take on trips.I took a tenor with me to Spain and had a drunken international chorus singing YMCA while flailing the arm gestures. Outside of a barroom, kids also love the uke since it is something they can play.
So enough reading already. You got the idea. Acquire your ukulele and start playing. It will bring a touch of Hawaii to a cooped up apartment.
