Making Music takes a look at four fretted instruments that may further enhance your recordings or songwriting: ukulele, cigar box guitar, banjo, mandolin.
Category: Other Instruments
Ukulele Fun in All Shapes and Sizes
For the ukulele enthusiast who has seen it all, here are some unusual ukulele body shapes, made by Ohana, and descriptions of how they compare to the traditional guitar-shape.
A Beginner’s Guide to Banjo Playing
Adapted from “5-String Banjo for Guitar Players” by David Brandowski, this article delves into the basics of playing banjo.
Eight Simple Ukulele Chords, Hundreds of Songs
A handful of ukulele chords can take you a long way, as far as repertoire goes. With these eight chords you can play hundreds of songs on the ukulele.
8 Reasons You Should Learn to Play Ukulele
From portability, to low cost, to the ease of finding tutorials and lessons online, here are eight reasons why you should learn to play ukulele.
How to Play Banjo Rolls
If you’re interested in playing bluegrass banjo, you’ve got to start with Scruggs style, or, three-finger style. In this video, John Boulding takes you through the basics, and introduces you to some of the fundamental rolls that every banjo player should know.
Beyond Bluegrass – Discovering the Magic of the Banjo
Learning a new instrument can reinvigorate musical creativity. And possibly, this time, you’ll consider something way out of the box—the five-string banjo.
Amazing Ukulele Drumbeat Technique, plus the coolest version of Billie Jean ever
James Hill shows off how to play the ukulele like a drum.
Echoes of Puerto Rico – One Small Island, Many Musical Flavors
Much of Puerto Rico’s folk music evolved from Spanish folk songs and romantic ballads that blended with native rhythms and Afro-Caribbean influences during the Spanish colonial period from the 16th to the end of the 19th centuries.
Guide to Harmonicas
The number of harmonica styles, brands, and variations can be daunting for a beginner. This guide to harmonicas can help you find the right harmonica.