FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is a guitar better than a `ukulele?

No! The guitar has a larger musical range on the lower end of the musical scale. Other than this, the `ukulele has the following advantages.

1)      The `ukulele is easier to hold.

2)      The `ukulele is easier to play, most chords require less fingers, and the `ukulele requires a smaller easier range of motion to switch chords.

3)      The `ukulele is less expensive in each class of instrument ( starter, midrange, and professional)

4)      The `ukulele is easier to carry and travel with. Thus, you can play it more places, and play it more often. Consequently, you learn more skills quicker.

5)      You won’t get bleeding fingers. The `ukulele has mostly nylon strings. Unlike a steel string guitar playing an `ukulele, you won’t rip up your fingers.

6)      The `ukulele just is a more fun instrument. People smile when they see it. People smile when they hold it. And, people are overcome with joy and merriment when they play it.

Is Tiny Tim the only famous `ukulele player?

No! There are many famous `ukulele players other than Tiny Tim. Actually, many people have heard Israel Kamakawiwo’ole “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” but don’t know who he is. His CD “Facing the Future” went platinum in 2005.

There are some great `ukulele instrumentalists James Hill,  Jake Shimabukuro, ABC, and Troy Fernandez to name a few. I like ballads, flamenco, samba, country, and bluegrass on the `ukulele.  Listen to “America” for Victoria Vox A duet samba by Bosko and Honey, flamenco by Bosko,  bluegrass by Aaron Keim. Contemporary Hawaiian The Windy City Islanders The `ukulele is growing in popularity. There are more festivals, more groups, and more players. Check out http://www.youtube.com/terrytruhart to get a larger sample set.

Does the `ukulele cost a lot of money?

No. Comparably, the `ukulele costs less than half of what a guitar costs on all levels (starter, midrange, and professional).

Why is the `ukulele so cool?

1)The coolness is because it is unique. You can be better than the Jones, because you got an `ukulele.

2)The `ukulele is small, portable, less worrisome, more convenient, and easy to share and learn.

3)The gentle tranquil sounds of Hawaiian music, are very much a part of the `ukulele experience. 

Will you be able to play like James Hill or Jake Shimabukuro?

Probably Not. These professional players have spent years, and years at the playing the `ukulele. Their skills are exceptional.

That said, almost everyone can become quite good, if they work at it.

Can you have flatulence and still be cool?

No, Flatulence is never cool. It stinks, literally!!!

Is there any special abilities required to be an `ukulele player?

No, The only requirement is a desire to express your heart!

What kind of music can be played on the `ukulele?

You can play classical, country, flamenco, grunge, samba, bluegrass, tin-pan alley, jazz, rap, rock-n-roll, folk, and heavy metal.

Check out http://www.youtube.com/terrytruhart for a good cross section of what is out there.

After I start playing the `ukulele will I quit my job, drop out of school, divorce my spouse, and move to `ukulele heaven?

`Ukulele addiction can move far beyond rational behavior. The best way to stop this, is to join an `ukulele club. If you live in, or around Chicago, you can join the Nui `ukulele club. ( http://www.nuiukulele.org )  There is no known cure, but nobody should be, nor does anyone want to be cured. The `ukulele is just too much damn fun.