What Exactly is a Guitalele and How to Play It

The guitalele is a musical instrument that is relatively new to the music world. It is a hybrid between a guitar and a ukulele, also known as a mini guitar. This small-sized instrument was first introduced by Yamaha in the 1990s and has since then gained popularity among music enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we will discuss what a guitalele is, how to play it, tips and tricks for learning the instrument, and who plays the guitalele.

Guitalele

Guitalele

What is a Guitalele?

The guitalele, also known as a guitarlele, is a musical instrument that has six strings like a guitar, but it is smaller in size, similar to a ukulele. The guitalele has a tuning of ADGCEA, which is a fifth higher than the standard guitar tuning. This instrument is usually made of wood, with a body shape and style that closely resembles a ukulele.

Playing the Guitalele

Playing the guitalele is easy, especially for those who have some experience with playing the guitar or the ukulele. The fingering and chord shapes are similar to those of a guitar, but since the guitalele has a shorter scale length, the frets are closer together, making it easier for those with smaller hands to play.

To start playing the guitalele, you will need to tune it to ADGCEA. Once you have done that, you can start learning some basic chords, such as C, G, D, and Am. These chords will enable you to play a wide variety of songs on the guitalele.

Tips and Tricks for Learning the Guitalele

Learning to play the guitalele can be a fun and exciting journey. Here are some tips and tricks to help you along the way:

  1. Take advantage of online resources: There are numerous resources online, such as YouTube tutorials, chord charts, and online lessons, that can help you learn to play the guitalele.
  2. Practice regularly: To get better at playing the guitalele, you need to practice regularly. Set aside some time every day to practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
  3. Start with simple songs: When learning to play any musical instrument, it is essential to start with simple songs. As you get better, you can move on to more challenging songs.

Why Hire a Guitalele

If you are not sure if you want to commit to buying a guitalele, you can always hire one. Hiring a guitalele is an excellent option for those who want to try out the instrument before making a purchase. Hiring a guitalele can also be a more affordable option than buying one outright.

Benefits of the Size

The size of the guitalele is one of its biggest advantages. Its small size makes it highly portable, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go. You can easily fit a guitalele into a backpack or carry-on luggage, making it an ideal instrument for traveling.

Comparisons to Ukuleles and Guitars

The guitalele is often compared to both the guitar and the ukulele. Compared to the guitar, the guitalele is smaller and easier to play, making it an ideal instrument for beginners or those with smaller hands. Compared to the ukulele, the guitalele has a richer sound and a more extensive range, making it a more versatile instrument.

Who Plays the Guitalele

The guitalele has gained popularity among musicians of all genres. It is often used in pop, rock, and folk music, and is a popular choice among singer-songwriters.

Artists like Jason Mraz have contributed significantly to the popularity of the guitalele in recent years. Mraz is an American singer-songwriter known for his folk-pop sound, and he has incorporated the guitalele into many of his songs.

In his song “Living in the Moment,” Mraz uses the guitalele to create a bright and upbeat sound that complements the song’s lyrics. The guitalele adds a layer of texture to the song’s instrumentation, creating a unique sound that sets it apart from other pop songs.

Mraz also uses the guitalele in his song “I’m Yours,” one of his most popular and well-known songs. The guitalele is used in the intro and throughout the song, creating a fun and playful sound that perfectly matches the song’s joyful and carefree lyrics.

The guitalele has also been used by other artists, such as Ed Sheeran, who is known for his use of loop pedals and acoustic instruments in his music. Sheeran has incorporated the guitalele into some of his live performances, creating a unique sound that sets his performances apart from others.

In conclusion, the guitalele has become a popular instrument among musicians of all genres, and artists like Jason Mraz have helped to bring attention to this unique and versatile instrument. The guitalele’s compact size and unique sound make it an ideal instrument for singer-songwriters and those looking for a portable and versatile instrument. As the guitalele continues to gain popularity, we can expect to hear it in more and more songs across different genres.

 

Shine Music Rental rents guitaleles and our teachers at Shine Music School in Barcelona can give you some lessons too!

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