Ukulele Underground

Uke Got Mail Ep11: 4 or 6 Strings? (w/ Manny!)

Hey Uke Playas! In this quick UGM episode, Aldrine and Manny answer the ukulele question: Four strings or six strings?

Typically, ukuleles are made with four strings, however, there are six-string models (doubling up on two of the strings in note pairs or octaves) and eight-string models (doubling up on all strings). And if you look hard enough you might be able to find fives and sevens, as well. Because the strings are doubled, as long as you are tuned to GCEA, the fingerings on a more-than-four-string ukulele will be the same as on a four-string ukulele.

Adding more strings usually increases the “fullness” of the ukulele’s sound when strummed, so if you’re planning to do a lot of strumming and less picking, a 4+ string ukulele might be for you. It really all comes down to what you like in an ukulele, so try out different ones or listen to what they sound like in video clips before making the jump to buy a uke with more than four strings.

If you’ve got an opinion on this or anything to add, check out the discussion about this episode in the Forum, or comment below!

*Also* if you’re on Oahu, there will be a UU Meetup this Friday (December 19th) at 2:30 pm at the Yogurtland at UH Manoa. Aldrine and Ryan will be there, along with some awesome people from the Underground and UU Forum! Come by and jam!

Hope everyone’s staying safe and warm this Holiday Season! (And if you’re not warm, strum harder!) : D

Aloha,
-UU Staff