In this blog post, we will explore why the ukulele is loved by beginners, what makes it so appealing, and how it differs from the guitar.
Recently, there has been growing public interest in the small but charming instrument known as the ukulele. Famous celebrities have released ukulele albums and even show off their skills at fan meetings. There has even been a documentary film about the ukulele. Encouraged by this popularity, many people are taking up the ukulele, and numerous clubs and communities have sprung up. So what is it about the ukulele that makes it so appealing to so many people? It looks like a small guitar, but how is it different? Let’s take a closer look at the ukulele.
The ukulele is a small traditional Hawaiian instrument that resembles a four-stringed guitar. There are four types: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone, each with a different sound box size and tone. The word “ukulele” means “jumping flea” in Hawaiian, and it is said that the name came from the fact that the hand movements of the player resemble a jumping flea and the sound of the ukulele is bright and cheerful, like the sound of a flea jumping.
The ukulele was first made in the late 19th century by Manuel Nunes, who immigrated to Hawaii from Portugal. The first ukuleles were made from the cavaquinho and rajao, traditional Portuguese instruments that resemble small guitars, but the unique sound captivated the native Hawaiians, and with the full support of the king, the ukulele was reborn in a form unique to Hawaii. In the early 20th century, the ukulele spread beyond Hawaii to Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, sparking a worldwide ukulele boom. However, with the explosive popularity of electric guitars in the 1960s, demand for ukuleles declined sharply, and most ukulele manufacturers stopped production, with only a few manufacturers barely keeping the tradition alive. However, in the 1990s, famous singers began using ukuleles, sparking another ukulele boom. Recently, singers such as Ukulele Picnic, Hachiwa Airi, Julia Nunes, and Walk Off The Earth have emerged, using the ukulele as their main instrument, and the ukulele is now enjoying the greatest popularity in its history.
The appearance and sound of the ukulele are similar to those of the guitar. However, the ukulele has something special that sets it apart from the guitar. Compared to the guitar, the ukulele has a lighter sound, a cute and dainty appearance, and is extremely portable. The uniqueness of the ukulele, which distinguishes it from the guitar, begins with the number of strings, the type of strings, and the size. Unlike the guitar, which basically has six strings, most ukuleles have four strings, making it easier to learn basic chords and play casually compared to the guitar. Not only do the two instruments differ in the number of strings, but also in the type of strings. Guitars use various types of strings, such as nylon, compound, and metal, while ukuleles mainly use non-metal strings, which have a warmer and brighter tone than guitars. In addition, the non-metal strings of the ukulele do not put much strain on the player’s fingers, making it easier to practice. The overall size of the two instruments is also very different, with the ukulele being only about half the size of a guitar. This difference in overall size greatly affects the resonance and tone of the instruments. Compared to the ukulele, the guitar has a larger sound box, which gives it a low, deep, and heavy tone, but it can also produce loud sounds. The ukulele, on the other hand, has a bright, light, and lively tone, but it cannot produce sounds as loud as the guitar.
These unique characteristics of the ukulele were fresh and appealing to the general public, who were accustomed to the tone of the guitar, and it is believed that this led to the current ukulele craze. The popularity of the ukulele is not only due to its unique tone and portability, but also to the ease with which it can be played.
Compared to the guitar, the ukulele is small and has fewer strings, making it easy to learn for beginners and suitable for those who are new to musical instruments. Even with simple chords, you can play a variety of songs and quickly feel a sense of accomplishment. In addition, the ukulele is suitable for a wide range of musical genres and can be used to play various styles of music, including pop, jazz, and classical. This versatility is an attractive feature for people who want to learn the ukulele.
Recently, as the number of people in Korea who have fallen in love with the ukulele has increased, many related cultural events have been held. Many small clubs and communities have been formed, and there are now many schools that teach the ukulele professionally. Recently, a club for playing the ukulele was even formed at Seoul National University. As such, the ukulele has established itself as an independent musical culture, and if you have always been interested in the ukulele, now is definitely a great time to give it a try. Autumn can be a depressing time of year. Why not immerse yourself in the lively charm of the ukulele?
The ukulele is also proving its appeal in various social activities. Hospitals have introduced ukulele programs to help patients feel more emotionally stable, and schools have begun teaching the ukulele as part of their music education. These movements show that the ukulele is more than just a hobby, but can also be used as a tool for social interaction and healing. The ukulele’s popularity is sure to continue, and its appeal will be known to even more people.
