Preparing for my next step into the music world...

[Logan]

With summer coming, I figured it'd be a nice time to pick up a new instrument. I already have a couple of instruments well under my belt - trumpet, piano, french horn, the various saxophones, and flute - so I thought it'd be nice to switch the trend up a bit. Well, since it's gonna be hot this summer, and I've done enough wind instruments, what could be better than....the Ukulele!

I've always loved the sound of the uke, so I thought this would be the perfect time for me to figure out how to play one. I've found one that I like - it's a small little electric uke, known for its distinctive size, shape, and, most importantly, the fact that, when unamplified, its virtually silent unless you're right next to it. Here's a link, for those of you who have a remedial knowledge of German:

http://www.risa-music.de/Deutsch/Produkte/dSolids/dsolids.html

It's the Uke Solid Soprano, second one down. I'm gonna pair it up with a tiny, 1-watt Marshall belt clip amp:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--MSHMS2

And order a short six foot cord. If all goes well, I'll get a decent acoustic ukulele by the end of the summer. For now, however, I just want to take this at my leisure, learn a couple of tunes, and just have some good summer fun with it.

With that being said...anyone have any experience playing ukulele? I'm completely new to this, this was just a spur of the moment thing that I thought I could try. I have the basic idea of tuning and everything, but is there anything decidedly ukulele-like that I shouldn't miss? Any input is appreciated, and I'll surely keep you all up to speed on my progress.

[Shardos]

oh the uke's one of my favorite instruments :):

[Shaolin K]

I especially love the Ukulele since that's how I met my fiancee - at a free Ukulele class in Hawaii. I agree with you that the Ukulele has a beautiful sound. I don't have any music for mine, so I just mess around with it and play the one song I remember from that class in Hawaii. I do have some nice Hawaiian Ukulele music though, so if you're interested, I could send you the information of the artists.

Viel Spass beim lernen :thumbup:

[Logan]

Thanks a lot Shaolin. I honestly only have some Irael Kamakawiwo'ole, it's been tough to break into the uke genre. Have any favorite albums or singles you'd recommend?

I'm also planning on getting a couple of basic uke songbooks, as well as what appears to be a good beginner's method book. My general trend for learning instruments without an instructor is to get a method book, work through it, then get some etudes or other tunes and just fiddle around with them until I get proficient. Hopefully it'll apply here. I've never played guitar before, but I have a pretty good ear from all the other instruments. I'm hoping that'll help me a bit. Anyways, thanks again.

[Shaolin K]

Here ya go, Logan. http://www.geocities.com/~ukulele/ukeplayers.html

This should keep you busy for a while. Make sure to also check out Herb Ohta Jr. - great stuff. A couple of my favourite songs are "Ke Kali Nei Au", "White Sandy Beach", and "Kamalani", and "Tsunami".