The ukulele is a small guitar originating from Hawaii, also known as a "four-string guitar," as the name suggests, it has only four nylon strings, making it a miniature guitar.

In appearance, the ukulele and acoustic guitar do not differ much, except in size. Commonly seen acoustic guitars range from 39 inches to 41 inches, while the most common ukulele sizes are 21 inches, 22 inches, and 23 inches, noticeably smaller.

There are two common shapes of ukuleles: guitar-shaped and pineapple-shaped. Generally, pineapple-shaped ukuleles have better resonance (which can be mostly ignored), and a more unique tone, while guitar-shaped ones have a more traditional tone, but in reality, the difference between the two is not significant.

The four strings of the ukulele have a narrower range compared to the six strings of a guitar, approximately missing seven to eight notes, particularly in the bass range. The six strings of a guitar are arranged from low to high, while the four strings of the ukulele are high, low, higher, and high, resulting in different chord fingerings. Strumming is the primary playing technique, and the tone is different from that of a guitar.

The common tone of ukuleles is generally similar, characterized by a cheerful and lively sound, unlike the deep richness of guitars but with added brightness. Different woods also produce different sensations. Tonewoods like koa offer warmth and rich low frequencies with excellent sustain.

Mahogany produces warm and bright tones, pulsating with vitality. Zebrawood, though less common, has a visually striking appearance, bright tones, and long sustain.

Acacia koa, native to Hawaii, offers warm and rich tones similar to koa but with more pronounced highs. Due to its high density, acacia koa produces brighter tones with weaker bass frequencies.

During the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition, the Hawaiian Pavilion showcased ensemble performances featuring guitars and ukuleles, introducing them to the United States. The ukulele became a musical phenomenon akin to the jazz of its time due to its high portability and relatively low cost, sparking a craze throughout the 1920s.

There's a folk saying that the ukulele is an instrument suitable for both adults and children, producing pleasant and adorable sounds while tapping into rhythmic potential. With a ukulele in hand, there's no song you can't play.

It's worth noting that despite the differences between ukuleles and guitars, they also share similarities. For example, they are both stringed instruments requiring correct finger positions and movements to play. Additionally, they share the importance of learning music theory and basic musical knowledge.

Learners need to understand proper finger positions and movements to produce accurate and clear notes. Music theory and basic knowledge are essential for both instruments, helping learners better understand and play music and laying the foundation for advanced skills and composition.

Both the ukulele and guitar are wonderful instruments, and regardless of the choice, one can discover their musical charm through practice and exploration. Due to the inherent differences in the instruments, there are inevitable differences in learning. The four strings of the ukulele mean its range is relatively small, making it simpler to play, while the guitar has a wider range, requiring learning more chords and note positions.

Ukuleles are generally played using fingerpicking or thumb strumming, with relatively simple techniques, whereas guitars offer more playing techniques, including fingerpicking, chord strumming, picking, and rhythm, requiring more practice and mastery.