Learn about the 4 stringed instrument that has charmed many.
Brief History
The four stringed instrument originated in Portugal and was introduced to Hawaii in the late 19th century. Once there, it was made popular by King Kalakaua through performances at royal gatherings.
The Name
The word ‘ukulele’ ( oo-koo-ley-ley ) is said to mean ‘jumping flea’ based from the way the fingers looked while being played. However, it is also known as “the gift that came,” uke meaning ‘gift’ and lele meaning ‘to come’.
Sizes
So what distinguishes the ukulele?
The size and its four strings is what gives the ukulele its distinctive sound. In standard tuning, the top string or fourth string of the ukulele, is tuned to a G. The third string is tuned to a C. The second string is tuned to an E. The bottom, or first string, is tuned to an A. However, the most common tuning is the “standard C.”
