Ever wanted to try to play an instrument? Ever try to play the ukulele? The ukulele is a much easier solution to start playing music than instruments like guitar or piano. You can play pop hits like “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, “Hey Soul Sister” by Train, and “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer within minutes of picking up the instrument.

About three months ago, I picked up the ukulele for the first time. I thought it was going to be challenging, since I have such a heavy drumming background and not a background that included anything with strings. I was happily mistaken. I was taught four chords and was able to play a bunch of song within minutes.

The ukulele has many benefits that other stringed instruments such as the guitar don’t have. The ukulele is way smaller than a guitar, which makes it easier to wrap your fingers around the neck. Also, the strings of the ukulele are made out of nylon instead of steel stings, which guitars usually have. The nylon makes it easier to push down the strings to make a sound.

Jon Ringel, English and journalism teacher at Stamford High, also plays the ukulele. Ringel said he initially decided to play the ukulele because of its portability. He said, “I liked the idea of a little portable guitar and saw a cool looking ukulele in a store. I decided to take up that instead of the guitar. I don’t even remember how to play the guitar anymore since I started playing ukulele.”

We aren’t the only ones that are in the ukulele trend. There are uke players everywhere!

Check out this video that show you some interesting things that you can do with a ukulele.