1. More than just a little guitar
The Ukulele
More than just a little guitar

2. The Ukulele: History
Originally called “braginho” and introduced as a Portuguese instrument in 1879 by Joao Fernandez .
Ukulele means “jumping flea” because of the sound and way you play it.
Became a widely popular instrument in Hawaii, played and listened to by Kings and Queens as well as farmers and fishermen.
The ukulele became a common instrument to be played at luaus and with the hula.

3. Ukulele in the 1920’s
By the 1920's, popular music had become a mature business
The times before the depression and during prohibition the public of the 1920’s had lots of time and money for entertainment.
Scores of new musicals opened every season on Broadway and the restaurants featured bands for dancing. Burlesque and Vaudeville added to the options. The Tin Pan Alley "conservatory" provided a level of high sophistication.
For the ukulele player, the huge number of instruments sold in the twenties means there is an opportunity to play the music of the twenties on an instrument that was being played at that time. Such ukuleles turn up all the time at prices well under $100

4. Famous Songs that Use the Ukulele
Aloha ‘Oe Written by: Queen Lili’uokalani in 1877
Tip-Toe Through the Tulips Written by: Joe Burke and Al Dubin in Made famous by: Tiny Tim
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Written by: Harold Arlen and Yip Harbury in 1939 Essential version: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Hey, Soul Sister Written by: Train

5. The Ukulele
There are four basic sizes of ukulele as well as different shapes.
The ukulele has 4 strings, with the second from bottom string being an lower than the others.
For the best sound, one must strum above the sound hole.