Ukulele
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Ukulele (disambiguation).
Ukulele1 HiRes.jpg
Martin 3K Professional Ukulele
String instrument
Classification String instrument (plucked, nylon stringed instrument usually played with the bare thumb and/or fingertips, or a felt pick)
Hornbostel–Sachs classification 321.322
(Composite chordophone)
Developed 19th century
Related instruments
Bowed and plucked string instruments, in particular the cavaquinho
The ukulele (/juːkəˈleɪliː/ ew-kə-lay-lee, from Hawaiian: ʻukulele [ˈʔukuˈlɛlɛ]; British English: ukelele)[1] sometimes abbreviated to uke, is a member of the lute family of instruments; it generally employs four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings.[2]
The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian adaptation of the Portuguese machete,[3] a small guitar-like instrument, which was introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, many from the Macaronesian Islands. It gained great popularity elsewhere in the United States during the early 20th century, and from there spread internationally.
The tone and volume of the instrument varies with size and construction. Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.