The ukulele is a small, four-stringed musical instrument that is played by plucking. Native to Hawaii, it comes in a variety of sizes and models. Pop musicians helped popularize the ukulele in the 1960s.
History
Hawaiians developed the ukulele during the 1880s. It is based on the machete, a small, guitar-like instrument introduced by Portuguese and Spanish immigrants.
Jumping Flea
Ukulele is Hawaiian for "jumping flea." The name is based on the way a player's fingers move while playing it.
Sizes
Ukuleles come in four different sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone (smallest to largest). The soprano is the standard size ukulele.
Types
There are several different types of ukulele, including the resonator ukulele, electric ukulele, banjo ukulele, harp ukulele and Tahitian ukulele.
Fun Fact
Tiny Tim brought ukulele playing to the pop charts with his 1968 hit single "Tiptoe Through the Tulips."