It looks like a really good idea to start learning on a ukulele. They are much smaller, have fewer strings, and are much cheaper. But there are some problems with this line of thinking that you are not likely aware of. They are definitely not the same instrument, so you need to be careful when making this decision. Although some skills are transferable, it is not necessarily a good idea to start this way.
Here are 3 reasons why you should not start playing the ukulele if your actual goal is to learn to play guitar.
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1. It Has A Very Different Feel
Ukuleles are a lot smaller than guitars, which makes them easier to hold, balance, and control. This seems like a good thing, but it also means you will have to hold it differently than a guitar. Your picking hand and especially your fretting hand will develop different techniques and muscle memory than what you need for guitar. While not all is wasted, you should consider alternatives. I would prefer to see you learn to play guitar if that is your ultimate goal. You can make it easier by starting on a 1/2 or 3/4 sized acoustic or, even better, an electric guitar.
2. It Only Has Four Strings
This may seem like an advantage—less strings should make it easier to form chords! But here is the problem: if your ultimate goal is to play guitar, you are now learning chord forms that will differ from the full chords you need to learn on a 6-string guitar. Although you'll build some dexterity and finger strength, you will have to learn entirely new patterns to play guitar properly. It would be much better for you to start learning on a guitar right away and get used to all 6 strings.
3. It Delays Learning to Play Guitar
This is by far the most important reason. It may feel good when you start learning on ukulele and feel you are making progress, but it will mostly be in vain because you are not developing the actual skills needed to play guitar. When you decide to make the jump, you will have to get comfortable with a totally new instrument. The best thing you can do if your ultimate goal is to play guitar would be to start learning on it as soon as possible so you can learn the right skills today, not in the future.
Make It Easier to Start On Guitar With The Right Teacher
Some people find guitar too difficult to learn at first and switch to ukulele, especially if they try to learn on their own. I tried to learn guitar on my own at first and I can attest that it is not easy and quite frustrating. Finding the right teacher changed all that. Instead of starting on the "easier" instrument, find the best guitar teacher in your area who can help you be successful and start learning guitar immediately! The best teacher is highly trained, has experience helping people like you, and has proof to back it all up. This way all your time, effort, and money is being invested in the actual instrument you want to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
While a ukulele's smaller size can feel more comfortable initially, a 1/2 or 3/4 size guitar is a much better alternative for learners with small hands whose goal is to play guitar. A smaller guitar teaches the correct 6-string patterns and muscle memory from day one.
Yes, some foundational skills like basic finger dexterity, strumming rhythm, and the general concept of a fretboard are transferable. However, crucial elements like chord shapes, string spacing, muting techniques, and string tension are very different, requiring a significant relearning period.
It varies for everyone, but switching involves a significant adjustment period. You will essentially be starting over in terms of learning all the 6-string chord shapes and getting used to the guitar's larger size and higher string tension. It's almost always faster to begin on the instrument you ultimately want to play.
About The Author
Maurice Richard is a professional guitar teacher that operates out of the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He has been a member of an elite guitar teaching mentorship program since 2007 and has taught many people how to learn to play guitar. You can learn to play guitar today by going to his website!
This Article is written by Maurice Richard for Osterlohguitaracademy.com. See our website for more articles and inquiries!
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