Ukelele
Music of the Islands

collection of ukeleles
History of the Ukelele

The ukelele was developed in the 1880s and is based on several small, guitar-like instruments of Portuguese origin: the machete, cavaquinho, timple, and rajão were introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira. In the Hawaiian language, the word ukulele roughly translates as "jumping flea", perhaps because of the movement of the player's fingers.
More Uke facts

Sizes of Ukeleles
  • Standard / Soprano Uke
  • Concert Uke
  • Tenor Uke
  • Baritone Uke
  • Other Ukes
different sizes of ukeleles
Easy to Learn

The ukulele is easier to learn than the guitar and other stringed instruments. Its soft nylon strings are gentler on your fingertips and don't create finger pain like guitars do. The small size reduces wrist tension because the notes are reachable without stretching. Plus, it only has four strings, which makes chord shapes and scales easier to learn.

Popular Island music