The ukulele is generally seen as an instrument for kids to learn on before they graduate to guitar. However, the truth is quite different. I played the guitar for over ten years when I first picked up a ukulele - more out of curiosity than anything. Since then, not only have I become a complete ukulele addict, it has also made me a better ukulele player. I'm absolutely convinced that any guitarist would improve their playing by learning to play the ukulele. Here's why.

Improved Chord Knowledge

There are only four strings on the ukulele, so there's a tendency amongst ukulele players to make sure that every one counts. Most guitarists are quite happy with three-note major and minor chords. Since I started playing the ukulele my knowledge of how chords are formed and how they can be manipulated to create new and interesting sounds.

Use More Interesting Rhythms

So often guitar chord parts are just strumming up and down in a 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & pattern. Ukulele playing, on the other hand, has much greater emphasis on techniques such as triplets and syncopated rhythms.

I don't think I've ever heard a guitar player discussing a picking pattern. But ukulele players are forever comparing different finger combinations, rolls, split strokes and fan strokes.

All the Greats Play Ukulele

What connects Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Brian May, George Harrison and Dick Dale? As well as being the greatest guitar players who ever lived, they are or were all ukulele players. Some of their ukulele playing made it onto record. Pete Townshend on Blue, Red and Grey, Brian May on Good Company and George Harrison on The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.

If those guys all found the ukulele helpful, then I doubt there's any guitarist who is too good for it.

It Sparks Your Creativity

After making five albums with Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder was hit by writer's block. The guitar didn't inspire him any more. So he picked up a ukulele and wrote Soon Forget. Writing this song kick his song writing back into gear and the song went on to appear on Binaural.

Just a slight change in instrument can give you ideas you might never have had otherwise and get you excited about playing again.

I'm convinced that the ukulele has resulted in a huge improvement in my guitar playing. I'm sure it would do the same for you.