Whether you are a beginner or an expert, all ukulele players need the right accessories. Having the right accessories will not only help to enhance your playing and the overall sound of your uke, but the right accessories will also help to preserve the longevity of your ukulele.
Keep in mind that accessories will not necessarily make you a better player, but they can definitely help to enhance your playing experience. The right tuner, strings, case and other accessories are just some of the must-have accessories for ukulele players of all skill levels.
That being said, there are countless ukulele accessories out there, and it can be a little overwhelming and even confusing to try to figure out what you need. However, with a little research and a little experimenting, you will eventually be able to figure out what you need to suit your particular style of playing.
So, in this article, we will focus on the most essential ukulele accessories, as well as giving you some helpful tips and videos about how to properly use them. Above all, playing the uke should be an enjoyable experieince, and the right accessories will help to enhance that experience.
Tuners
A tuner is one of the most important accessories for every ukulele player to have. If you are not in tune, your uke is simply going to sound bad, meaning that your overall playing will sound bad. Depending on your preference, tuners come in three different styles: clip-on, chromatic and tuning apps. Regardless of what tuner you choose, it is a vital accessory for all uke players.
Tuning may seem like a complicated task, especially if you are a beginner, but the more you do it, the better and more efficient you will become at it. Also, when selecting a tuner, be mindful of where you will be playing. Phone apps and chromatic tuners are great if you are in a quiet environment. But if you are in a louder environment, such as playing with a group, playing at a party or at a gig, a clip-on tuner may be a better fit for your needs.
Check out our selection of tuners at our online store here.
Strings
Strings are another important accessory that cannot be overlooked. Strings may not seem like an accessory but more like a necessity, and there are many different types of strings because there are many different types of ukuleles. So making sure that you get the right strings for you ukulele is an extremely important part of playing. If you don’t have the right strings for your uke, you’re not going to have a good playing experience.
So, when shopping for strings, make sure that you know what kind of strings you need beforehand. Baritone, soprano and tenor ukuleles al require their own, specific strings, and the same specifics apply to guitarleles. Also, you will need to decide whether you want High-G or Low-G strings. It’s OK to do a little experimenting with which strings that you purchase until you find the right ones for your playing needs, but having an idea of what you need beforehand is very helpful.
We have lots of string options to suit your playing needs at our online store!
Humidifiers
The body and the finish of your ukulele can eventually warp and crack over time if your uke is exposed to the open air, especially in dryer climates. If your uke warps and cracks, it will effect its tones and your overall playing. It can be tempting to leave your uke out in the open when you are not playing it so that you can quickly pick it up and start strumming away at any time, but the more that you leave it out in the open, the more damage it will incur over time.
A humidifier is an inexpensive, simple and effective way to keep your ukulele at a consistent humidity level, which will help to preserve its shape, finish and tones, and help to keep your playing consistent. There are several different humidifiers that all work very effectively depending on your environment. And, humidifiers only work when they are in a ukulele’s case, so be sure to keep your uke safely in its case when not in use.
Be sure to check out our collection of humidifiers here!
Cases
Having a case for your ukulele is an absolutely essential accessory for all players. Whether you’re playing at home, playing a gig or simply taking your uke to the beach for a sing-along session, a case will not only protect your ukulele from accidental damage and normal wear and tear, but when used with a humidifier, a case will extend your uke’s longevity, preserve its overall tones, and help provide you with a more enjoyable playing experience.
As mentioned, it’s easy to leave your uke out in the open so that you can conveniently pick it up any time when you feel like playing. However, the more you leave your ukulele out in the open, the more potential damage can be done to it. So, it’s important to get into the habit of taking the time to keep your ukulele in it’s case when you are not playing it. Your uke and your playing will be better off in the long run.
We have a large selection of cases available at our online store.
Books
Books are another great accessory that can enhance the abilities of ukulele players of all skill levels. Whether you want to learn how read music, learn chords, enhance your fingering and strumming techniques, learn how to play a specific genre of music, or learn how to play classic songs on the uke, there are countless books that can help to strengthen anyone’s playing.
Many people who want to play the ukulele simply want to pick one up and start strumming away, but the uke can be a complicated instrument despite how small and simplistic they may appear to be. But if you truly want to learn how to play proficiently, or at least confidently, or at least casually, song books are a great resource to help you on your path to playing.
Check out our large selection of ukulele books here!
Straps
Having a strap is another highly recommended accessory that can help to enhance your overall playing. It’s not always necessary to use one, such as when you are sitting while playing, but if you are standing, a strap will make your playing a lot more comfortable since you don’t have to put as much strain on your hands to hold your uke in place. Also, a strap can help make your fingering a lot more effortless in general, so they’re always good to have on hand.
Many players, particularly beginners, will use their fingering hand to hold up a uke by its neck, and then use their strumming arm to press the ukulele’s body against their torso to hold it in place. However, using a strap will give you much freedom of movement with your hands and fingers. And, keep in mind that straps are adjustable, so with a little experimentation you can find the fit that is most comfortable for you.
We have lots of straps and other accessories available at our online store!
Capos
A capo is another accessory that you may not use all the time, but it’s great to have one available. A capo is a small, simple accessory that clips onto the neck of your ukulele so that you can raise the key for whatever song you are playing. Many songs sound fuller when played with open chords as opposed to barring the chords, and if you’re singing while playing, raising the key of a song with a capo is a very helpful tool to help you find a key for your desired vocal range.
If you’ve never used a capo before, once you start, it will open up tons of avenues for your playing. Whether you are looking to play a song in a different key without having to change the chord structure, of if you are looking for a comfortable key to sing in that fits into your vocal range, a capo is a very handy accessory to have on hand.
Be sure to check out our collection of capos here!
Conclusion
As with all instruments, there are countless accessories for ukuleles and, especially if you are a beginner, choosing the right accessories can seem a bit intimidating if you aren’t sure about what you need. However, most uke accessories are very affordable and easy to find, and with a little research and experimentation, you can find the right accessories to suit your needs and help to enhance your overall playing experieince.
Be sure to visit store.ukelikethepros.com for all your ukulele needs, and check out ukelikethepros.com for lessons, videos and other helpful articles. Enjoy your playing!
