The ukulele sometimes abbreviated to uke, is a chordophone categorized as a plucked lute; it is a part of the guitar family of tools, typically with four nylon or intestine strands or four programs of strings. The ukulele originated during the 19th century as a Hawaiian version of the cavaquinho or braguinha as well as the rajão, little guitar-like instruments taken to Hawaii by Portuguese migrants. It gained wonderful appeal in other places in the United States during the very early 20th century, and also from there dispersed internationally. Elvis Presley, Paul McCarthy, Jimi Hendrex all had a Ukulele and played frequently. It is similar to a mini guitar, tuned a bit higher, a lot more portable, and is popular for developing Hawaiian theme songs.
Ukuleles are generally linked with music from Hawai'i where the name approximately equates as "jumping flea", perhaps as a result of the action of one's fingers playing the ukulele resembling a "jumping flea". According to Queen Lili'uokalani, the last Hawaiian emperor, the name implies "the gift that came here", from the Hawaiian words uku (gift or reward) and lele (to come). Created in the 1880s, the ukulele is based upon two little guitar-like instruments of Portuguese beginnings. Three migrants in particular, Madeiran cabinet makers Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias, are generally acknowledged as the first ukulele makers.
Hawaiians were not only overly impressed with the gorgeous sounds these instruments could make, however also with the speed these musicians' fingers flew on the fingerboard. It is stated, they then began calling this tool the Ukulele, which approximately translates as "Jumping Fleas". Whatever the real tale behind the uke is, it came to be Hawaii's most popular musical tool as well as much is credited with the above discussed Portuguese master craftsmen. The ukulele got imperial honor with nobles such as King Kalakaua, Queen Emma as well as Queen Lili'uokalani playing this remarkable tool. Which in turn might have made it a lot more accepted by the folks of Hawaii. All who have adopted the art of playing the ukulele adored it, from angler, to farmers to the rich and famous.
I'll bet you can appreciate listening and watching a master ukulele craftsmen replay one of my all time favorite Beetles tunes "My Guitar Gently Weeps on the Ukulele" on the uke. Let us know what you think.
