The ukulele, or uke, is of island descent. The name is Hawaiian and means “jumping flea.” Legend says it was named for a proficient player who was small and fidgety. It has four strings and is typically tuned GCEA. However, for ease of playing with children, I tune it GCEG. Mine is a soprano uke, but they are an instrument family much like many other stringed instruments. You can find Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone and Bass ukuleles.