Ukulele players, rejoice! February 2nd has officially been designated National Ukulele Day by the United States Senate. This special day celebrates the tiny four-stringed instrument that has been making its way around the world for more than a century. To mark this momentous occasion, we’ve put together a short guide to help you get involved in celebrating National Ukulele Day. From where to buy ukuleles to tips on how to master playing them, read on to find out everything you need to know about this fun and unique holiday.
What is National Ukulele Day?
Since its inception, National Ukulele Day has been celebrated with concerts, festivals, and other events across the country. Many ukulele clubs and groups hold jams and open mics on this day, encouraging people of all skill levels to come out and play.
So whether you’re a seasoned ukulele player or someone who’s just getting started, grab your instrument and join in the fun on National Ukulele Day!
The History of the Ukulele
The ukulele first gained popularity in the 1880s when Portuguese immigrants brought the instrument to Hawaii. The name “ukulele” means “jumping flea” in Hawaiian, and is likely a reference to the small size of the instrument. Ukuleles quickly became a staple of Hawaiian music, and were adopted by American sailors who often visited the islands.
In 1915, the famous vaudeville performer George Formby popularized the ukulele in England with his song “With My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock.” The ukulele soon became a fixture in British music halls, andFormby went on to become one of the most popular performers of his time.
The ukulele began appearing in American popular culture in the 1920s, appearing in songs like “My Blue Heaven” and “Swanee.” In 1924, Hawaiian-born musician Roy Smeck released a series of instructional books and records that helped spread interest in the ukulele across America. By the 1930s,the ukulele was a household name, thanks in part to its appearances in Hollywood films like King Kong and Bringing Up Baby.
Today, the ukulele is enjoyed by musicians of all ages and skill levels. It remains an integral part of Hawaiian music, but can also be heard in virtually any style of music from country to jazz.
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How to Play the Ukulele
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February 2nd is National Ukulele Day in the United States! In honor of this special day, we wanted to share a few tips on how to play the ukulele. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we hope these tips will help you get the most out of your ukulele playing experience.
1. How to Play the Ukulele
One of the great things about the ukulele is that it’s relatively easy to learn how to play. If you’re a complete beginner, we recommend checking out one of the many online tutorials or taking a beginner ukulele class. Once you know a few basic chords and strums, you’ll be able to start playing songs in no time!
If you’re already familiar with some guitar chords, you’ll find that playing the ukulele is a breeze. The shapes of the chords are similar, but because the ukulele is tuned differently than a guitar, you’ll need to adjust your fingering accordingly. There are also some great online resources that can help with this transition.
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Famous Ukulele Players
There are many famous ukulele players out there, some of whom you may know and some of whom you may not. Here is a list of just a few of the most famous ukulele players in the world:
1. Jake Shimabukuro – Jake is a Hawaiian born ukulele virtuoso who has performed all over the world. He has been featured on TV shows, in magazines, and has even played at the White House.
2. Aldrine Guerrero – Also from Hawaii, Aldrine is another well-known ukulele player. He’s been teaching ukulele for many years and has created numerous instructional videos and books on how to play the instrument.
3. Brittni Paiva – Brittni is a young Hawaiian-born ukulele player who has already made a name for herself in the music world. She’s released several albums and frequently tours internationally.
4. James Hill – A Canadian by birth, James is one of the most respected ukulele teachers and performers in the world. He’s won numerous awards and has been nominated for Grammy Awards multiple times.
5. Sarah Maisel – Sarah is an American ukulele player who has released several solo albums as well as collaborations with other artists. She frequently performs at festivals and events around the world.
Best Ukuleles for Beginners
When it comes to choosing a ukulele, there are many things to consider. But if you’re a beginner, the most important thing is to find an instrument that’s easy to play. In this article, we’ll recommend some of the best ukuleles for beginners.
One of the most important things to look for in a beginner ukulele is a comfortable neck. You want an instrument that’s easy to hold and doesn’t require a lot of hand strength to play. The Ukulele Site offers a great selection of beginner ukuleles with comfortable necks.
Another important consideration for beginners is ease of use. You want an instrument that’s easy to tune and stays in tune. The Ukulele Site also offers a wide selection of beginner-friendly ukuleles that are easy to use.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, the Kala KA-15S Soprano Ukulele is a great choice. It’s made from mahogany, which gives it a rich, full sound. And at just $69, it’s very affordable.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Cordoba 15CM Ukelele is a great option. It’s made from solid mahogany and has a beautiful natural finish. It also comes with Cordoba’s premium nylon strings, which are known for their excellent tone and durability.
10 Easy Songs to Play on the Ukulele
When it comes to playing the ukulele, there are easy songs and there are difficult songs. On National Ukulele Day, we celebrate the easy songs! These are tunes that anyone can pick up and play, regardless of skill level. In honor of National Ukulele Day, we’ve put together a list of our favorite easy songs to play on the ukulele.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – This classic tune is perfect for beginners. The chords are simple and the melody is beautiful. “I’m Yours” – This song by Jason Mraz is another great choice for beginners. The chords are basic and the rhythm is easy to follow. “Riptide” – This song by Vance Joy is a bit more challenging than the first two, but still manageable for beginners. The key here is to take your time and relax into the groove. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – This upbeat tune by Bobby McFerrrin is perfect for those days when you need a pick-me-up. The message is positive and the melody is catchy. “Ukulele Lady” – This 1920s standard by Rudy Vallée is a charming addition to any ukulele repertoire. It’s perfect for players of all skill levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these five songs are sure to please. So grab your ukulele and get strumming!
Conclusion
National Ukulele Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the unique sound and creative possibilities of the ukulele. Whether you are just starting out or already an experienced player, it’s a great chance to come together with fellow players and share your appreciation for this wonderful instrument. We hope that National Ukulele day will be celebrated for many years to come so that everyone can enjoy its fun atmosphere and beautiful music!
NATIONAL UKULELE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 2 | Thursday |
| 2024 | February 2 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 2 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 2 | Tuesday |
