How did the ukulele become one of the most beloved and recognizable instruments around the world? From its invention in the 19th century in Hawaii to its place in popular music today, this iconic instrument has quickly became a global sensation, with its unassuming sound and humble appeal. The origin story of the ukulele takes some unlikely turns, and you might be surprised to learn that Brazil's independence played a big part in bringing this small instrument to the global stage.
Portugal relied on colonial Brazil as a market for its wines, so with the Brazilian independence of 1822, Portugal's once-booming wine industry went bust. Meanwhile, American sugarcane barons in Hawaii experienced a sugarcane boom, as well as a labor supply shortage. As a result, around 25 thousand Portuguese immigrants moved to Hawaii to work the sugar plantations, bringing portable guitar-like instruments from Madeira that would evolve to become the ukulele.
One of these predecessors to the ukulele was a small, 4-stringed, flat-backed, guitar-like instrument called the braguinha, or machete de braga. The machete is a variety of cavaquinho, and is tuned D-G-B-D (much like the 5 string banjo with open G tuning). Another ancestor to the uke is the Madeiran rajão, also a guitar-like instrument, tuned D-G-C-E-A (taking away the low D string gives us the uke tuning, with that characteristic high A string). While's the ukulele's distant ancestor is the lute, its small size is inspired by the machete, and its re-entrant tuning comes from the rajão (that is to say, the strings aren't ordered from lowest to highest pitch).
The first ukulele makers are thought to be Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias. These three Madeiran cabinet makers settled in Hawaii in 1879. Early ukes were made from a variety of materials, including koa (a costly Hawaiian wood), which gives the uke a bright tone while being lightweight and beautiful. But nowadays you'll see ukuleles made of acacia, spruce, mango wood, mahogany, maple, and even some varieties of cheaper materials such as plastic.
The ukulele comes in 4 common sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The most common tunings would be G-C-E-A, especially for the soprano and concert ukes. The baritone ukulele is usually tuned D-G-B-E, although there are many different tuning options to explore. Modern ukuleles have a figure-8 body shape (similar to that of a small acoustic guitar). They are also often seen in non-standard shapes, such as: cutaway, oval/pineapple, boat-paddle, and occasionally a square shape (often made out of an old wooden cigar box). These ukes tend to have just four nylon or gut strings, though sometimes the strings may be paired in courses. Ukes with 6 to 8 strings in 4-courses are often called taropatche ukes, or sometimes Lili'u.
While there is some debate, the name ukulele is said to mean jumping flea in Hawaiian because of the way the fingers jumped across the fretboard (uku meaning "small" and lele meaning "to jump/fly"). However, Queen Lili'uokalani once claimed that ukulele means "the gift that came here." King David Kalakaua's fondness of the ukulele was a key factor to its popularity. While imperialist forces and missionary groups described native islanders as uncivilized, the ukulele stood as a symbol of Hawaiian culture and tradition. A music-lover and musician himself, King Kalakaua promoted the fusion of modern art forms with traditional Hawaiian ones, accompanying it with hula dancing. He promoted the uniquely-Hawaiian instrument at royal functions.
But even the support of Hawaiian monarchy isn't enough to account for the global popularity that this instrument holds today. The 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco featured the ukulele, and Hawaiian music quickly became all the rage. Though it would remain a whimsical novelty for decades to come, it was a popular whimsical novelty. There are so many varieties of ukulele, and hybridizations with other instruments (such as the banjolele, harp ukes, guitarlele, lute-like "baroq-uleles," and lap steel ukes). Today, the ukulele continues to be an internationally-loved instrument for its affordability, portability, and adorability. But it's also taken much more seriously in recent years, as virtuosic players have demonstrated...
Notable Ukulele Players:
- Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is one of the most famous ukulele players of all time. He was a native Hawaiian whose music greatly popularized the ukulele around the world. His iconic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" rendition beautifully interprets the classic Wizard of Oz song, with a seamless medley weaving into "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. Kamakawiwo'ole's soothing vocals, accompanied by his gentle strumming create an intimate and personal mood to carry powerful messages of hope and peace. No wonder this lovely song has popularized the ukulele as an instrument of beauty and joy all over the world!
- Jake Shimabukuro is a Japanese-American ukulele player who has gained international acclaim for his virtuosic playing style. He has performed with a wide range of musicians and has released several albums of original music and covers. One of the most notable ukulele players today, Shimabukuro has brought the ukulele back into the mainstream to be taken seriously. His cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by George Harrison of the Beatles is played entirely on the ukulele. Featuring percussive strumming and lead-guitar-style picking, he creates a dynamic and intricate sound, remaining faithful to the original song, while making it uniquely his own.
- Eddie Kamae was a Hawaiian musician and filmmaker who was known as one of the most important figures in Hawaiian music. He was a founding member of the 1960s band, The Sons of Hawaii, whose music mixed Hawaiian, jazz, blues, and other genres, redefining Hawaiian music for the new generation. His most popular song "E Ku'u Morning Dew" seamlessly blends traditional and modern elements. Kamae was also a passionate advocate for preserving Hawaiian culture and history, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and artists around the world.
- Roy Smeck was an American musician and entertainer who became famous in the 1920s and 1930s for his virtuosic performances on the ukulele, guitar, and banjo. Smeck's influence can still be heard in modern music, and his contributions to the development of popular music in the 20th century are widely recognized and celebrated.
- Lyle Ritz was not only a skilled bassist, but also a virtuoso ukulele player. He popularized the use of jazz chord voicings on the ukulele, elevating its role in jazz music. His innovative approach to playing the uke opened up new possibilities and showcased the instrument's versatility in jazz music. With his arrangements inspiring countless other ukulele players to incorporate jazz elements into their performances, Ritz's mark on contemporary ukulele playing is undeniable.
The ukulele has become a symbol of Hawaiian culture, but this small instrument has certainly taken the world by storm. For example, while the ukulele was banned in Japan during World War Two – due to an association with American culture and ideologies – attitudes have since shifted. In 2012, the largest ukulele ensemble of 2000+ players gathered in Yokohama Japan. What's more, astronauts on the International Space Station have brought ukuleles with them on missions. This really highlights the ukulele's unique portability. The ukulele sure seems small and humble, but its ability to bring people together across the world (and out of this world) knows no bounds!
Browse our vast collection of Ukuleles on the Lark in the Morning online music store here