After years of playing slack key guitar I’m finally looking for an ukulele…..I’m leaning toward a tenor…any suggestions and thoughts much appreciated….James
Since you asked, a tenor is my preference and with a low G string. You can tune the first string down from A to G to get GCEg, and have Open C tuning (like taro patch but a fourth higher). You won't have the alternating bass line like on a guitar but all of the licks & tricks from the higher pitched four strings become readily available.
Mark Nelson has a book on slack key ukulele that would be helpful, "Learn to Play Slack Key Style Ukulele". His "Fingerstyle Solos for Ukulele" book is also quite good. https://mark-o.com/buy/books/
Any quality brand will work depending on your budget. Kala and Ohana are fine, with Lanikai and others right behind. I have a wonderful Big Island Uke Company Honu toner in all koa that is a delight. My primary player is the composite Blackbird Farallon tenor these days - no worries about temperature or humidity, but not cheap.
The late Rod Lopez, Sr (Roddy's Dad) told me that he considered ukulele with high "G" and ukulele with low "G" to be 2 different instruments and brought both to gigs - low G for playing leads and Jazz, high G for playing rhythm and "chalangalang".
Thanks folks for the suggestions…..purchased a Koaloha tenor the other week,….plenty of lessons on YouTube and the various websites…..most likely hook up with a group in Bay Area.
Ukulele beginner
Posted - 08/07/2022 : 3:46:52 PM
