A ukulele is an instrument which can be classified alongside other chordophones such as the guitar. It is generally smaller in size than a modern guitar and is available in a number of different designs such as the concert, soprano, tenor, and baritone ukulele. Its popularity spread to America through immigrants from Spain and Portugal that arrived in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.Baritone ukuleles are the largest of the designs. Their popularity was increased thanks to the star of countless variety performances, Arthur Godfrey. It was due to his plucking and strumming skills that millions of Americans came to love the ukulele in the years after the end of the Second World War. It became a common sight on the TV and also was often to be heard played on radio shows. It was thought of as being a versatile instrument that anybody could learn with a little determination.The chords that are played and the sound which is produced are not so different than on a guitar. If you have experience of playing an acoustic or electric guitar then you’ll pick up the ukulele easier. To alter the sound or pitch there is a special octave gauge which can be moved.As TV became more widespread, the popularity of old fashioned instruments died down. Today with the internet in every home we may think that very few people would choose a hobby like playing the ukulele when there is now so much choice of modern interesting activities. But over the last decade there had been a resurgence of interest in the ukulele.There really is no need to be sitting in front of your TV every single night. This is not such a social activity. By learning an instrument such as the baritone ukulele you will not only be keeping yourself entertained but also your friends and family. It is quite apparent that as a nation we spend far too long sat on our couches glued to the box.Whichever type of ukulele you want to get hold of and learn, the best option would be to make a purchase online. This is because web based retailers will offer a wider choice of designs and also a price lower than a typical music store.The internet is also a brilliant resource for any advice about maintaining or playing the ukulele. There are plenty of lessons and other information you can download for free and study at leisure. It should not take you long to be playing the ukulele like a true vaudeville star.