5 Reasons You Should Learn to Play the Ukulele

Did you know that Warren Buffet plays the ukulele?

Yes, one of the wealthiest people in the world has a musical hobby which he has proudly displayed at charity events, in front of investors, and even on live television.

Of all the musical instruments in the world, this billionaire picked the ukulele. And he has stuck with it for over six decades!

It just goes to show there must be a fascinating reason why you should learn to play the ukulele, don’t you agree?

Ukuleles Are Relatively Inexpensive

Money is usually a significant factor standing in the way of many people who would like to pick up a musical instrument. However, with the ukulele, this isn’t really a concern.

Ukes are renowned for being pretty cheap. So much that even the best ones will only cost you about $300, and you could find a decent ukulele for just $50.

This low cost is, in part, due to the fact that ukuleles are pretty small. Therefore, manufacturing one requires fewer materials and, likewise, less workload on the craftsman.

For anyone beginning to experiment with their interest in music, the ukulele will undoubtedly be an excellent investment that costs a dime.

However, a word of caution is not to compromise quality in an attempt to find the cheapest ukulele out there. 

True, ukuleles are pretty affordable. However, according to Music Tech Hub, you will hardly find a decent one costing less than $50. Those that do tend to be of somewhat inferior quality and will be problematic to play on as they can hardly stay in tune. 

It Is an Incredibly Portable Instrument 

The Uke is about 1/8th the size of the average guitar, meaning you can easily take the instrument anywhere with you, without a hassle.

It is not only small and easy to hold but also pretty lightweight. The typical soprano ukulele weighs just less than a pound. 

You can effortlessly take it to work with you if you plan to play during breaks or after-hours. Or even take it with you on a picnic or a date.

Dashing through a crowded subway during rush hours? No problem, you’ll hardly notice you have this tiny instrument with you.

Essentially, traveling or moving about with a ukulele is a breeze. 

Its portability is part of the reason people regard the ukulele as a fun instrument. You can whip it out anywhere and start playing, and best believe, anyone around you will immediately chime in and sing along.

Hey, owning a ukulele could even earn you more invitations to social gatherings. It’s a tiny and unpretentious instrument that everyone around you is bound to love and enjoy.

Can Play a Variety of Musical Styles and Genres

Have you ever heard of the three chords trick?

Well, this refers to a practice whereby a melody is accompanied by playing just three chords. Three chords may not sound like much, but you would be surprised by how much musical variation you could get by simply varying the three chords.

This is a tactic often used by many ukulele players, and there are numerous melodies that could be harmonized by using this method.

Whether you are talking about popular music or classical genres, most songs can easily be adapted for the ukulele.

Even when it comes to songs with chords that are challenging to play on other instruments, you could pair these chords and simplify them for the ukulele. 

After all, this tiny instrument only offers four strings to work with. As such, the limited range makes the ukulele far more approachable, which is why it’s easy to adapt songs to it.

Ukuleles Have a Very Easy Learning Curve

Music lessons can be overwhelmingly intimidating, and with a busy schedule, it could be near impossible to learn and master a new musical instrument.

When it comes to the ukulele, though, learning this instrument is a walk in the park. In fact, it could take an utter beginner a mere 30 minutes to learn to play chords on the Uke. 

There are fewer strings to focus on, and the fretboard is also smaller. So ultimately, what you have is a tiny instrument that’s easy to hold, easy to learn, and far less intimidating compared to others.

Pressing down the nylon strings on a Uke is simple and completely painless. This is in sharp contrast to the guitar, whereby one has to take time to develop calluses on fingers to be able to handle the nickel-plated strings.

Better yet, with the ukulele, the player has a chance to learn sounds by ear, and they can innovatively use just three chords to play hundreds of fun tunes.

The Instrument Encourages Musical Creativity

Ukuleles are quite possibly the best instruments for songwriting. This is because the Uke offers a simplified approach to chord shapes and strumming patterns. As such, the instrument provides somewhat of a barebones approach to music.

This may sound like a bad thing, but it actually isn’t. These playing limitations only mean that the player has greater freedom to be innovative with melodic lines and rhythmic patterns. 

You can experiment with various musical aspects, including changing the tempo, in an attempt to provide some variation and create a different sound. 

Ultimately, what you have is an instrument that significantly fosters musical creativity and freedom as you discover different playing styles. 

Just listen to different musical genres being played on the Uke, and you will discover just how magical an instrument it is.

Conclusion

There is something almost Zen about this unpretentious instrument. Once you hear it being played, it is hard not to fall in love with the sweet sound of the ukulele.

Not to mention that it is impossible to be a snob while playing the instrument. Laughing and having fun comes naturally, which adds to the endless reason you should learn to play the ukulele.