Ukulele
In part 29 of this series I mentioned my passion for electronica and hardware synths. I also play guitar, bass and piano. However, recently, my favourite instrument and the one I am picking up every day is the Ukulele.
I started dabbling with it a few years ago with a Soprano, which is the smallest of the Uke family. I then purchased a Concert Ukulele, produced by Fender which I think looks really cool as it has the Fender headstock. It’s only recently that I have taken a serious interest in learning the instrument and taking it further. I’m okay as a player, but I’m now making the effort to push myself beyond what I can currently play, and learn new, more complex pieces.
The fascinating thing about the Ukulele is you can play any style on it. You can strum and sing songs, do simple or complex fingerpicking styles and play classical arrangements. It’s also a lot easier to carry around than a guitar. The sound that you can produce is a real joy and it’s an instrument I wish I had picked up on earlier. I had no idea what players can do with it until I started trawling through YouTube and was amazed by the different styles and techniques on show. I’m never going to be able to play at that level , but I am having so much fun with it, and every day I’m making progress and achieving small wins.
I write, so I spend a good deal of time at my desk in front of a laptop and screen. I have my Uke in easy reach and will play a little while reading back what I am working on, or thinking on where the story is going next. It’s practising, moving slowly forward to having the instrument become second nature in my hands, while giving me that small break while working through that marathon we call a novel. As a writing tip, it’s probably one you haven’t heard before, but having a Ukulele by your side may just be what you’re looking for! Also standing up and moving about while playing is recommended to avoid sitting for too long.
I’m going to purchase a Tenor Ukulele. It’s slightly larger than the Concert and is typically the one you see people playing online. So many to choose from though, so I need to do some research and try a few out. There is also the option of buying an electric Ukulele, so lots to think about. Hopefully, if you are reading this, you will look the Ukulele up online, and maybe even buy yourself one and give it a go.
The Fiction Factory 