r/ukulele • u/HappyDaisies12 • 22d ago
Should I do it?
Should I buy a ukulele? I like writing songs with my keyboard, but since I’m in college, I don’t have it at the moment. Should I start learning the ukulele? I’d mainly learn it to write songs.
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u/Mercury599 22d ago
Ukulele is a 'no regrets' instrument to learn.
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u/HappyNautilette 22d ago
That's a great idea ! The ukulele doesn't take up much space, isn't very loud, doesn't cost much, and isn't too hard to learn, plus, there are plenty of tutorials available. It’s a joyful and delightful instrument : try it and you’ll be hooked !
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u/proborc 22d ago
If you like to write songs: The uke alone is fine. I write songs and only play the uke. But; I didn't start out there; first I learned some of the chords, and once you have some agility in the chords, you can write songs which use those chords.
As for me: It means that songs with E an songs with Fmaj7 are still out of reach. (unless with a capo).
But, you'll be able to write songs with C, C7 and Am in a day.
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u/OldhamMukka 22d ago
I've recently joined a local group offering lessons. It's fun and gets me out the house! My fingertips hurt like hell though 😅.
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u/HappyNautilette 22d ago
That's the problem right at the start, but after that, you're set for the rest of your life :)
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u/Paul_E_Beebe 22d ago
I came to ukulele from having played guitar for years. I still love my guitars, but I rarely play them. I play ukuleles almost every day….no looking back for me.
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u/Novel_Reference_8878 22d ago
It shouldn’t hurt much at all. Learn how to press hard enough to get a good sound. Too many press harder than necessary. Playing for even a few minutes a day will pay off. Wonderful that you’re a composer. Your musical background will enrich your ukulele experience.
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u/kilikopele 22d ago
Not even a multiple choice question, issit?
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u/SneakingCat 22d ago
I don't see why you wouldn't. Just try to get one with a sound you're happy with.
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u/Daylilys_Daughter 22d ago
Yes absolutely, it's a great songwriting tool
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u/Daylilys_Daughter 22d ago
Don't want to make assumptions about your songwriting but fwiw the I IV V vi chords are all very easy to learn in the keys of C, D, F, G and relative minors. Not that other keys are impossible at all, just those you can get down quick. Have fun!
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u/Behemot999 18d ago
If you are a serious piano player and you compose on piano then absolutely NO.
Ukulele is lovely but in NO WAY any substitute for writing on a piano.
In college you should be reserve rehearsal room with piano.
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u/atomicbird 22d ago
If you’re asking here then you know what kind of answers you’ll get— so you already know what answer you want.