“In my quest for the perfect solo instrument, I sought one that could seamlessly blend dynamic chord-melody arrangements with vocal accompaniment. My musical journey began with the violin and guitar, but it was the ukulele that truly resonated with me. Over time, I crafted a unique style that combines the intricate picking of a guitar with the broad interval range of a violin.
Discovering the mandola tuning was a game-changer. Its mellow, supportive tones are a few steps lower than a violin, which suits my sensitive ears. Though quieter, the sound can easily be amplified when needed. Unlike a traditional mandola, my ukulele doesn’t have double-course string pairs, making it easier to play and tune.
For added versatility, I sometimes capo my concert ukulele at the 5th fret to achieve a higher sound, reminiscent of a mandolin. While the 7th fret technically works, it makes the instrument too small for my comfort.
I adore the concert ukulele’s portability, allowing me to play a variety of styles from my violin Bach pieces to simple strumming and singing. When I’m feeling adventurous, I challenge myself by tackling complex New Wave synth lines while singing.
The mandola-tuned ukulele has truly become my go-to instrument, inspiring me to create unique arrangements and expand my musical horizons. It’s my hope that by sharing my experiences, techniques, and tablatures, I can encourage others to explore the limitless possibilities of this remarkable instrument. Dive in, explore, and let’s embark on this musical journey together!”
A Forest – The Cure – Mandola Uke
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/V9_z8_7yiUY