Are you looking to start your student out with strings lessons, but aren’t quite sure which instrument to begin with?
In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of both, so that you can make an informed decision. From hand strength and size to applications inside specific genres, and personal preferences, there is certainly much to take into account. Without further ado, let’s go!
First: Consider the Age of Your Student
If you are a very young homeschool student, consider taking music lessons on the ukulele. Because the ukulele has soft nylon strings and a smaller fretboard, young learners can more easily access notes, and play with a nice full-tone sans-buzzing. On the other hand, the guitar can be a very appealing instrument for older elementary school children and up.
Second: Consider Booking Private Lessons
Are you looking to start online music lessons once you get your instrument, or would in-person suit your child best? When starting a new instrument, private lessons are highly beneficial. During lessons, students learn how to hold their instruments properly, how to read sheet music, and can even write their own tunes.
Beginner strings students can start learning music easily from the comfort of their homes. If you’ve already picked up one of the above instruments, consider booking lessons and gifting them to your student at the same time you give them their new string instrument.
Guitar and Ukulele: Two Different Flavors and Timbres
There’s always going to be a ‘cool factor’ with the guitar. If you picture yourself playing a bright red electric guitar with distortion inside your mind, you’re going to feel pretty good about yourself. As a whole, the type of instrument your student will gravitate towards will depend a lot on their personality and preferences. Those who like lighter indie/pop music and Hawaiian music and culture will (of course) tend to love the ukulele.
However, there is much more to take into account than how you feel, and which style each of the instruments fits into. Next, let’s look at the logistical benefits of each instrument, and some of the cons as well.
Ukulele: An Accessible, Beginner-Friendly Instrument
“I love the ukulele. It's got a beautiful, melodic tone to it. There's something innocent and romantic, and it's just a grand instrument to play.” -Pierce Brosnan
Small and portable
Warm pleasant timbre
Beginner-friendly
Economical
Easy to find in multiple sizes/tunings
Come in sturdier materials
Can act as a pre-guitar instrument for young learners
There’s a reason why elementary school music classrooms are often stocked with ukes and not guitars. They’re small, portable instruments that don’t take up too much room in any given setting. They’re also very economical: Started ukuleles are almost always cheaper than guitars. Ukuleles also come in different shapes/sizes, like soprano (the most common), alto, tenor, and so on. Ukuleles can be chosen to complement the voice of the player.
Another factor worth noting is the breakability of the instrument. Ukes are often sold in heavy plastics and even 3d printed carbon fiber. If you have a homeschool student who is hard on their toys, a carbon fiber ukulele is a great choice. Guitars don’t come in as many break-resistant materials- Or rather, they’re not as common.
Ukulele Cons:
Doesn’t have as versatile of a sound or application as the guitar
Limited range
The lower-end ones can feel toy-ish
If the student plans to switch to guitar later, there will be a learning curve
Lack of projection
Oftentimes, young elementary students first take lessons on the guitar, and then they later switch to the ukulele. The ukulele is similar to the guitar in several senses: It’s a fretted instrument that requires chord shapes, and in order to play songs, students must learn different strum patterns. The coordination required to play the uke is similar to the coordination required to play a guitar. (These are all still pros, of course).
However, there are still some significant differences between the two. For example, since the ukulele tends to use different string materials and has a smaller body, the string action is much lower: meaning it is easier to press the strings down. When students switch from uke (as a transition instrument) to the guitar, they may become frustrated until they work up their finger strength. Since the instrument is tuned differently and has a different number of strings and fret sizes, transitioning can be difficult for certain students.
Guitar: A Versatile Choice
“My guitar is not a thing. It is an extension of myself. It is who I am.” -Joan Jett
Develop stronger calluses
More strings
Versatile, larger range of notes
Capable of a bigger, louder sound
More challenging
The ‘cool’ factor
Guitar strings (especially acoustic/steel string setups) push students to develop calluses and require more difficult-to-master chord shapes. Since the guitar has 6 strings (whereas the ukulele only has 4) and a larger fretboard, the guitar has a wider range and more versatility.
Guitars (especially the acoustic wooden ones) are much more fragile. On the other hand, they can provide an excellent first experience of taking care of an instrument and giving your student a bit more responsibility.
Overall, the guitar is a much louder instrument with more presence and loads of options to change the tone/timbre. It's a more popular choice than the ukulele, but it will also push a student physically and mentally. Many guitar pieces require a high amount of dexterity, and hand and finger strength, and it can be a very difficult instrument to read sheet music on. For students who are a bit older and for those who like a challenge, consider the guitar.
Guitar Cons
We touched on some of these already but here is a condensed list of some of the cons to consider:
The guitar is not as beginner-friendly
The bigger steel strings may be frustrating or difficult to push down
The large fretboard can be intimidating to memorize
More fragile than the ukulele
The instrument can be too large for some young learners
Consider: Which Do They Like Best?
If the pupils really want to learn the guitar take this into consideration. There are other solutions to issues young guitarists may run into, like hand size and finger length: for example, you can get a 3/4 or 1/2 size guitar instead of a full size. Students can also choose classical guitar if they prefer the softness of the nylon strings.
Unless your student is under the 6 or 7, it is typically in everyone's best interest to go with the accessible and economical ukulele. Otherwise, leave it up to the student. Both instruments work extremely well in the context of online music lessons, or in-person lessons.
Guitar or Ukulele? Conclusion
In conclusion, the guitar and ukulele are both excellent string instruments to begin learning. If you have a very young pupil ukulele is likely the best option. Otherwise, give your student the option to choose between the two!
If you allow the students to pick what calls to them, you’ll find they have more success no matter how challenging it gets.
Get out there, and get your student(s) inspired to learn!
Online Music Lessons for Guitar and Uke
Trying to find online music lessons in the ukulele or guitar niche?
Maestro Music is an online music academy specifically designed for homeschooled students. We will match students with top-notch instructors who will help pupils achieve their musical goals. All of our instructors are vetted professional musicians with a passion for helping the next generation of musicians.
Come see how virtual music lessons work and schedule your child’s risk-free trial online music lesson today.
Comments