I have a beautiful guitar that I received as a gift when I was 16 and desperately wanted to start learning. However my hands are REALLY small and I got easily discouraged. My sister just bought me my first baritone ukulele after she started learning from my uncle. I have never been more excited to learn and explore music in a way that was never offered to me before.
Yes. That is exactly the same experience I had. Guitar frustration suddenly becoming baritone ukulele excitement. I'm glad you have people in your family playing. That makes it easier and more fun. Best wishes, Angelina. Thanks for your comment that certainly brightened my day. Rich
I have tiny hands too! I found having a travel sized guitar (like one edsheeran uses) helped a lot Bar chords are still hard but it made life so much easier Just food for thought if you ever wanted to have a crack at guitar again 😁
I used to play the guitar. My brain swelled, I lost my balance and can't strum, and forgot to mention that I find it difficult to form the chords because the neck becomes big for my left hand, and have difficulty playing the guitar. Since the baritone ukelele is smaller and the tuning is the same except it doesn't have the 5th and 6th strings. I will be switching to baritone ukelele.
I totally agree with you! I struggled, my whole life, trying many times to learn guitar but failing. Waiting until maturity, thinking I'd have the time and patience but the problem wasn't patience or lack of focus, it was small hands and arthritis; not a great combination. When I was younger, the only ukulele I'd ever seen or heard was the one Tiny Tim played. It gave me the impression it wasn't a serious instrument. I wasn't crazy about the sound. My thinking got stuck. I never imagined it could produce anything beautiful sounding and never considered it above the guitar. Then, one day, a year or two ago, I walked into our local music store with time to waste and heard someone playing a guitar. I expressed my lifelong desire to learn guitar and my limitations. He said, "Sit down. Take this." It was a ukulele. He said, "How does that feel?" I could actually produce a chord and put pressure on the strings .... With a clear sound ... With no pain!!! I was in love!!! I left the store, empty-handed. I went home and learned all about ukuleles. A few weeks later, I bought a Kala electric/acoustic concert ukulele. I learned a few chords and a few childhood songs. Then, I got the ukulele fever and bought more ukuleles. Now, I have one Kala soprano, one Kala concert, one Mugig concert, one Kmise tenor and one Kmise baratone. I love them all but I think my favourite is the baratone ... because it makes me feel like my dream came true and I learned to play guitar. I'm no virtuoso but I play good enough for my own enjoyment.
Yes, that's it. For frustrated guitar players, and there are zillions, baritone ukulele gives hope and then salvation! We can quickly begin to make progress ... and the sound is delightful. We feel we are achieving a lifelong goal. It's just a little smaller than a guitar, looks like a guitar, and sounds like a guitar. Hurray for baritone ukulele! Thanks, Dawn-Marie for sharing your experience. Rich
You’ve totally succeeded if the only thing to come of this is that you’ve had fun and enjoyed yourself. Learning to play the Uke during April 2020 up to now is the reason I’m here
Have played guitars for over 50 years. Bought a soprano uke, gave it away, stuck with guitar. However arthritis and shoulder pain I can't play guitar more than minutes. Thinking a baritone uke is in my future, I miss playing and writing music. ✌
I' m right there with you Rich. I have about 6 expencive guitars and started playing when I was about 16 years old. I'm 77 years old now and still cant play guitar. About 10 years ago, I bought a Baritone Uke. Shortly after that I bought another Baritone. After that. I bought the smallest Uke thhen the Middle size. I've learned a lot on the Baritone and thats about the only one I play. I've learned more in ten years on the Uke thanI did in 50 years on the guuitar. I've even gotten to the point where I'm even writing songs. I subscribed and liked your channel. THANKS.
Glad to meet you, Buddy. You are a kindred spirit. I've posted quite a few videos about the baritone uke very recently. It really is a miracle instrument and is superior, in my mind, to all the other ukes. Use of capo allows a person to play songs in many different keys. Whatever tenor or soprano uke can do, the baritone can do, and more!
That sounds like a great topic for my next video. I love baritone but these days I seem to play concert most. It's just easier to grab and go. Still, if it came down to it, and I could only have one uke, what would it be? Baritone has the best sound, no doubt. Rich
Thank you so much for your video! I played viola, cello, and a little violin for 20 years. Thought learning a guitar would be a piece of cake. It WASN’T! I could not remember the chords… my beautiful Martin is now sitting in consignment at my local music store and when it sells I’m going to purchase a Martin baritone Uke. I love the warm mellow tones… I believe this will be my next best chance to enjoy the warm tones and actually LEARN something. I’m sure my age has something to do with this and need something I can make progress with . Your video has bolstered my hopes of achieving some success with a baritone Ukelele. 🙏♥ Thank you!
Guitar was no fun for me but I now love playing all sizes of ukulele. Very good ukuleles of any size can be purchased for under $100, so anyone wanting to get into ukulele can do so without having to spend a lot of money. 😊😊
I got my first ukulele a few days ago and got a Kala baritone …starting a bit later in life at 50 years old…I am in love with it already and it’s not even been a week. Having so much fun with learning via fine folks like yourself on UA-cam who take time to teach. Very grateful. If you are having fun …I think that’s what counts 😊 Take care ~~~ Christy from Washington State.
I played 6 string guitar from 1965 until 2014 ... then I started playing bass (which was a fun enjoyable change) for about 3 years. I had an accident on my ebike and tore my left shoulder rotator cuff and could not reach the end of the fretboard on the bass anymore. Temporarily, I picked up a tenor uke. I played it for about 4 months with some success but because I have big hands and big fingers, it was always a little tight at the fretboard ... a friend at the local music store suggested I try out a BARITONE UKE ... I did, and when I found out the tuning was similar to a guitar, I was right at home ..,. JACKPOT ... The sound is somewhere between uke and 6 string, leaning a little toward the guitar sound. And, I LOVE the sound. I also love the size, smaller and more portable than the guitar. Now and for the last three years, ALL I PLAY is BARITONE UKE. It is lots of fun and a little easier than the 6 string was ... the spacing between the strings is a wider, better fit for me. After 3 years of playing, I doubt if I will ever go back to the 6 string or the bass. I am having TOO MUCH FUN. And, at 75 years old, I am playing more often and better than ever ... By the way, my Baritones are by Mitchell and at $120 (musicians friend) to $170 (Guitar Center) it is the BEST BUY of all my guitars ... EASIER, CHEAPER and FUNNER ... It's a no brainer for me ... #LOVEBARITONEUKE
Thanks, Jerre, for your testimony in favor of baritone ukuleles. People seem to come to the bari for different reasons but lots of people love them. Me too. Rich
I already play guitar / bass / mandolin and ukulele I picked up baritone because I liked the sound. I wish people would stop gatekeeping the instruments people want to play talk about dumb.
I have never been able to play guitar and I play concert ukulele at the moment feel like getting a baritone ukulele is a good choice for some people personally for me the baritone uke gives a nice guitar like tone while still using everything else ukulele and chords shapes etc. I think its personally a good choice for ukulele players who don't fully wanna commit to guitar. Great Video Btw
Thank you. Baritone ukuleles are great for discontented guitar players, and for successful ones. As you say, that nice guitar sound, but easy to play. Rich
I’ve owned a few baritone ukes over the years, I’ve use d,g,b,e, and I’ve used g,c,e,a. The baritone sounds good any way. I prefer re entrant d,g,b,e. I couldn’t care less about what other uke players say. It’s the same in the cigar box guitar world, there are a plethora of self professed experts. I’m happy with my gorgeous big bad baritone. Period !!!, as you say in the U S of A. l love the baritone banjo ukulele as well. I bought a copy of that book, I gave it to a local ukulele club so they could raffle it.
Baritone Uke has been a game changer. As others have said, I too have small hands. I will mess with my guitar again. Right now the Baritone is building my comfidence. And it has me playing daily.
From u.k Bought sold guitars for years,I’m 66 now. Two sons both play bass in separate bands a logistic nightmare for me unpaid roadie. Could never get far with guitars, wold get frustrated and give up. Discovered the baritone uke on UA-cam! Blew me away! All over it like a rash, a slight knowledge of guitar play Really helped me, anyone interested it has to be a baritone! You won’t regret it!
@@richdavis4007 Hello from u.k. again! Thanks for that, you have inspired me even more to Keep practising. Been retired for 10 years now after 35 yrs working for one of your U.K based U.S. owned car plants. Wished I would have known about the baritone Years ago! Still hard to fit practise in sometimes, Sunday night Blink and it’s Wednesday!!! Take care pal.
@@richdavis4007 thanks, Rich. Kind as ever! I just started a new Uke channel for some music covers and originals. You were one of my inspirations to start this, so cheers! Let’s keep in touch!
Very kind words, Douglas. I have a few viewers (some who have followed me for years) who would disagree. Still, I'm always happy when people reward me for my work with a nice comment. Rich
This video is from many months ago. I'm still making videos on my channel that talk about differences and sameness between the different types of ukuleles. I think some of my recent ones might be useful to you. Rich Davis
Great advice. Don't miss out. Buy them all. I was given a soprano uke which was a bit small for my fingers so I got a tenor one before going on a course to learn. I then found that for some chords the small one is easier. I enjoy them both and I'm sure I would enjoy other instruments also.
For people with larger hands, coming to soprano after playing tenor might be a great idea. I learned on baritone and tenor and didn't enjoy playing the smaller ukes until later. Now, like you, I find some things are easier on soprano. Rich
I really appreciate this video. I love the guitar sound and didn't know if it was an appropriate warning not to get the baritone. Thank you so much for this!
If you want the ukulele sound, you can get that out of a baritone with a simple change of strings. If you want the guitar sound, you can have that, too. If you want something in between, tune low G,CEA. Baritone is a very flexible and wonderful instrument. Thanks, Nicole. Rich😊
I just loved your video...I am also a frustrated guitar player who has not gotten very far with the guitar so I was in the market for a Ukelele and had already decided to by a Baritone Ukulele, but your video just reassured me that I had made the right choice. Thank you so much for making such an enjoyable video!
I remember the days I first switched from classical guitar to baritone ukulele ... there was hope and happiness in the world again. Thanks, Maria, for your kind comment. There is music and an instrument and a way to go for us all. It doesn't have to be what we originally thought it was! Rich
I love the Baritone ukulele. I even just restrung one of my Tenor ukuleles with Pepe Romero Baby Baritone strings. My Tenor is now effectively a Baritone.
I remember when i started getting pretty into some uke music I decided to buy one. I knew a bit from picking it up over the years and I'd decided to pick up what I understood to be a tenor, because I wanted that tone and frankly concert ukes are just way to small for me to play comfortably. I ordered it online because my local music shop only had a selection of ukuleles costing many hundreds of dollars or the sort of cheap ones you'd buy for a child at a county fair. I paid a decent amount but to my initial chagrin, ended up with a baritone ukulele. That being said, as much as I was upset about a messed up order, I ended up enjoying the baritone a lot more I think especially because I had already played guitar for many years. Plus a nice pro-tip: Baritones are big enough so that you can slap a capo on the 5th fret and viola; You've got yourself a standard ukulele tuning.
So many times I've found my initial thoughts and impressions to be proved false by things that things that came about later. We get fired from our job only to get a much better one. You order a tenor ukulele and they send a baritone and in a few days you find you really, really like it! Thanks for your story Christopher. Rich
Thank you, I agree. I play electric and acoustic bass. I also have a Kala u-bass that I love. It's also tuned EADG, and I can pick out any song I've ever heard easily. Thinking about an 8-string baritone or tenor, and will tune the same. Fun hobby.
I’m currently looking to by a Baritone Uke after having the same guitar frustrations as you! What is the brand and model number of Baritone you use? Thanks for the video!!
Super! Kmise has the market on baritone ukuleles right now, I think. Some very nice choices on eBay with decent shipping times. Thanks, Kenneth, for sharing your good news! Rich
I got my first guitar back in March and while I loved learning to play it, I found chord transitions to be difficult, especially since I have smaller hands. I bought a baritone ukulele 3 days ago and have been able to cover the songs I wasn't able to on a guitar. I remember being so afraid to buy one, because I have seen both guitar and ukulele players look down on the baritone for being neither. But while I adore my Breedlove guitar, I think the baritone will be the one I play while singing live, even if I do record and mix with a guitar. It was so uplifting for me to watch this and see all of the positive comments, because as someone who cares far too much about what other people think, I was so afraid of being judged.
Thanks so much. Baritone ukulele is a super instrument in its own right and great music can be made playing it. For people who want to play and sing, like me, baritone is perfect. It sounds so good yet is so much easier to play than guitar.😊😊
I started ukulele about your age. I'm so glad you like your baritone and wish you the best playing it! Thanks for stopping by my channel. I play or talk about ukuleles every day here on UA-cam and hope to see you again, Brenda! Rich
@@richdavis4007 Thank you Rich, it's inspiring to hear that you started ukulele at my age. I live in an isolated rural area with no music stores. This ukulele has a broken string so I ordered some online and am looking forward to getting started. I will stop by and let you know how I'm doing. I subscribed to your channel.
@@brendachristopher2693 Thanks, Brenda. I find it most convenient shopping online and never go to music stores. Other people like to, but not me. I'd love for you to let me know how you're doing with ukulele and will always be available to answer questions. Rich
Same here, Buddy! I found that those metal strings just Cut intoy fingers, lke Knivess! Although, I Am Toying with the idea of geing A 'Five-String Uke!
Superb video with a lot of truth. I just bought a Tenor as I have big fingers and a softer tone than the ones below. I was happy with the spacing of the frets but now wish I'd explored the Baritone due to the tuning as I play a bit of guitar and the Tenor chord shapes are playing with my mind. I read some of the comments and who cares what others think as long as you are happy with you lot. I'll continue with the Tenor for now, knowing there is a better way to go. Thanks for experience.
Basically I'll I've know when it comes to music is the baritone ukulele. Or at least what I feel most in harmony. I often say it's more like a guitar than a uke. But! You can get strings to tune it ukulele GCEA. My baritone ukule is Dolores, it was less than 100 bucks and my favorite insturment to play!
I agree with you 100%! I played guitar for 30 years, but arthritis cramped my style. I found the baritone uke to be the perfect way to keep playing. I love ukes, too, and have a formidable stable of them (mostly sops and concerts), but for a strong guitarish sound, my bari is indispensable. Regardless the name, I do believe the baritone is more guitar than ukulele.
Folks! I got a Baritone Uke here since 3 days (and i love it), and i have a question: It is normal i must play the chords on the two low strings really near to the frets? If i do, it sounds good, if not, strings are buzzing... If strummed, it is no problem, i have enough attention to my left hand, but finger picked is a little bit tricky, especially the f chord...;-) Don't judge me for my english, i am from germany...;-) Kind regards
Strings should not buzz even if you put your finger in the middle between two frets. Place your finger in the middle, be sure you are holding down the string and not touching any others with your finger. If the string buzzes, something is wrong. I would then check the tuners for the buzzing strings. They could be loose. Good luck. Rich
The only ukulele I had that buzzed that was caused by my fingers or tuners had a wood brace broken inside the ukulele. These are wood supports and if you look in the sound hole with a small mirror you might see if they look okay.
@@richdavis4007 I have looked around a little bit and found out some people say it is normal on the d string, if you are playing it not close enough to the fret, it can be buzzing. If i play softer, it is no problem. Or strummed it is not really audible.
@@BS38114 It's most likely your ukulele is fine. Just play and enjoy. You may automatically make slight adjustments with your fingers so it sounds right to you. I've done that with ukuleles.
rich can you explain to me about the nylon strings would that be easier for a beginner thats older with small hands i just want to play some folk chords and easy blues with my companion. thanks
For baritone ukulele I prefer PhD strings which I get from an eBay seller. They have strings for all size ukuleles and low g sets, too. The strings are softer and more mellower than, say, Aquila strings. Also, the baritone set does not have wound strings, which you might like. Here's a link to the seller and the low G baritone set. You can check for other string sets they have. www.ebay.com/itm/175015419796?epid=11031348124&hash=item28bfbb5f94:g:gREAAOSwUfdgeKnJ
The uke in this video is a Caramel CB205 solid acacia gloss. I bought it factory defect on eBay for about $65. What a deal! I have a Caramel ebony baritone with electronics coming. Price: $69.99. You can buy the same one on eBay now for the same price. Shipping will take a month or so. This is not factory defect! I like Caramel ebony or Caramel CB500 rosewood baritone ukuleles. I recently sold a Caramel ebony for $125 (with strap and gig bag). Other good choices: tinyurl.com/8ucz5mku $62.99 bundle! I really like this GCEA baritone: tinyurl.com/7kyxewmr $62.99 bundle.
I have a concert and am considering buying a baritone, do you think the frets’ size is much bigger? There are some notes i cant play on an electric guitar so I’m afraid I won’t be able to play them on the baritone ukulele!
The fret space on baritone ukulele is huge, seems to me. With large hands I'm still a little more comfortable playing tenor and concert than baritone. I guess we can get used to these things, but you are probably right to hesitate. A tenor ukulele can be tuned (with a certain set of strings) to sound like a baritone ukulele. Thanks. Rich
I had a baritone ukulele and enjoyed playing it very much until I got a tenor guitar. Tuned DGBE with metal strings, I like the sound of the guitar much more. My granddaughter is now enjoying the old baritone. Win/win.
Metal strings aren't good for baritone ukuleles. Most baritones come with two nylon wound strings and two nylon ones. D'Addario EJ87B strings: the 3rd and 4th string are a silver-plated copper wound on nylon. There are other types of baritone strings, some which can have four nylon strings and no wound strings. I wouldn't put steel strings on a ukulele, but it's possible if you choose strings made for the size ukulele you have.
I bought my first ukulele a Hola Deluxe soprano in Zebrawood 14 months ago. I had no experience playing a string instrument. No one to teach me. I could not afford a teacher. So, I bought the book "Ukulele for Dummies" Interesting book. It taught me ABOUT the ukulele but not how to actually play it. Then, I bought a thin book for children which showed how to hold the ukulele, play the first four chords & a few simple songs to play those chords. That helped. It had the music for "Three Little Birds." But, I did not really learn to play chords, strum, and sing with ukulele until I discovered UA-cam tutorials on ukulele. Now, I know several strumming patterns. 3/4 time, 4/4 time, straight time, swing time, a dozen chords & how to play dozens of songs that use only relatively "beginners" chords. But, I play only GCEA tuned soprano ukulele with high G. I would like to get a Concert ukulele. But, I have no interest in getting a Baritone ukulele. Even though it sounds wonderful, like a guitar. I am a retired senior over age 70. I don't think I have a vast amount of time to relearn everything.
You are smart in your choice of ukuleles and your persistence in learning to play and to advance has actually been watched and appreciated by me, since you have a very frequent commenter on my ukulele channel for many months. In fact, out of over 50,000 subscribers you are my best one, commenting most frequently and fully! Thanks very much, Phyllis. Rich
@@richdavis4007 I think the best things that happened in my life (well in the last year at least) 1. Learning to do Island Strum well Very many songs to play 2. Learning to do Cowboy strum well To play "Runaround Sue" "Bye bye Love" & "I'll Fly Away" 3. Learning to play Bouncy strum So I can play "Dreaming" Blondie & "Lava" 4. Newest chords learned: great addition E7 D7 (easy version) D I am finally playing the G chord To enable me to play "Angel from Montgomery" Most of that song you switch from D to G - over & over But, I still find it easier to use G7 on other songs I have tackled doing the jump strum on "Everybody's Talking" But, I am slow at learning chucking muting finger-picking Doing licks & riffs
I’m a trained singer with a big deep voice. The deeper tones of the baritone ukulele, I think, would suit my voice better?! I also find guitar just so damn hard to learn!
I just made a video on that topic which will post tomorrow. I play a song and sing along with GCEA concert and do the same with a tenor ukulele tuned like a baritone (DGBE) with capo on the 4th fret . . . it's obvious that My voice sounds so much better with the ukulele pitch lower!!
I agree that generally these books are great except for the dummy name. I also think that’s a crazy statement to make. I’m so thankful for the baritone Uke because of the accident and surgery I had two years ago that made playing guitar too difficult. When I discovered the baritone through your early videos on the first caramel baritone you bought (and I subsequently bought ) it made me so happy again. I could now play some of the same songs that I could play on the guitar that I really couldn’t ok the GCEA Uke due to the fact that I wrote it for my voice in the guitar tuning. Now that I’m playing guitar again the baritone has helped me to become a better guitar player. I still love My tenor ukes but I LOVE LOVE my baritones. To me they are like mini classical guitars and I I in fact can play some of the same songs on both the guitar and the uke. And mostly because I learned them on the 4 string baritone. Great video Rich!!
Thanks, Maria. I've always thought of the baritone uke (especially the glossy ones) as mini classical guitars. I'm glad you are able to play guitar again ... and still love your baritone ukes. I know I can't do without the guitar sound sometimes. Your comment really cheered me tonight. Rich
Do you have recommendations for Baritone ukulele that has good intonation? I got one in a beginner kit from Hal Leonard and I can't play the thing. I can tune the strings fine but as soon as you move from the first fret they are out of tune.
Kala KA-BG, Kala KA-ABP-CTG. I have many Caramel baritones and I like them. If you can find an Oscar Schmidt, that should be fine. Honestly, I haven't had trouble with the inexpensive baritones I've purchased. I have frequently purchased baritones between $60 and $80. Times are a bit different now, and shipping from China is, of course, very slow now.
@@richdavis4007 Intonation is good on those? This one, I know it's probably slapped together in a few minutes but I would have at least expected to be able to play up to the 5th fret .
@PaulBaughman2142 mine is a Lanikai and it is as bad as yours. I have done a lot of work on it but the bridge is so far out of position I would have to remove it to fix the intonation. I'm ready to buy a new baritone now. Twelve years of aggravation with the Lanikai is more than enough penance.
Nice video Rich! I am learning to play classical guitar, and find the uke a nice break just to have some fun. Am in the market for a baritone uke, and would like to know the brand you display in this video as it looks great for the price. Thanks, and Merry Christmas!
This is a very rare ukulele! It's made by Caramel. CB-205. All solid acacia. I have quite a few baritone ukes by Caramel. I have purchased them factory defect on eBay for years. Price. About $60. CB500 is a favorite. I also have a Caramel spalted maple baritone that's very, very nice. I have 15 or so baritones. My most expensive is Kala solid cedar top--$300. Pretty, but I just as soon play the $60 ones. Kala KA-BG is a good one, though laminate top. It would cost about $150. Kmise sell a couple of decent baritones for around $60. I like the one with reddish tuners. The tiger flame one I'd recommend, too.
@@richdavis4007 Thanks...good to know, and great deal. Question...what do you think of this buy as I know it was in your video for 5 ukes for $300? ebay.us/wYuTgy
I was looking at that one this morning. I would chose this over the Kmise ones. The only question is will you like the fretboard and bridge color? I have this same uke on the way to me in gloss, a factory defect with a headstock not shaped just right. Looks fine to me! My uke also has the lighter fretboard and bridge. I love all my Caramel baritones and these ebony ones all have unique appearance. Each one is different. Shipping will take several weeks, I expect.
@@richdavis4007 Thanks for the info. The contrast of the fingerboard and bridge against the body appeals to me, as it also matches a color in the koi design. :-)
Played 4-string bass years ago, and haven't really picked it up in a while. Played around with a bari-uke and the # of strings really made sense. Have really enjoyed learning it and having fun with the instrument. I don't play "guitar" per se. OTOH, as you kind of alluded to, it seems weird to call it a uke, since it's more of a 4-string guitar. I can kind of see why you'd either want to go all the way uke-wise or stick with a traditional guitar.
I taught myself by ear when I was 49 yrs old!!! Omg I love my electric baritone ukulele, 4 yrs later I can play along to ANY song and make up my own tuned, I have 3, I'm 52 yrs old
I agree. I have played guitar and baritone uke for decades. It’s been suggested to me that a smaller uke with standard uke tuning would provide a stronger contrast when I play with other guitarists. Maybe so, but I play alone too and in any case much prefer the deeper, richer tone of the baritone. Smaller ukuleles, which I played some in childhood, have always sounded plinky to me. You probably should play what sounds best to you.
These days I mostly play tenor ukulele tuned DGBE. Most of the time I use a capo on 2nd or 4th frets and play GCEA chords. As you say, you should play what sounds best to you. This works for me! I like lower pitches than GCEA or even Low G,CEA. Regular DGBE is great, too. I do the same with my baritones, but I prefer the tenor uke size.
This is prob a silly question but im new to all of this, I accidentally bought a baritone ukulele that is tuned GCEA , is it just a matter of buying new stings and tuning it to DGBE? thanks for your help!
Yes, It is just a matter of buying new strings for baritone DGBE tuning. You'll have to set your electronic tuner to guitar setting, remove old strings and put on new. I have baritone ukes tuned GCEA, low GCEA, and DGBE. I love them all and I could give some pretty good reasons why you might want to play yours GCEA for a while before changing to DGBE. First, your baritone could play GCEA chords and you could learn tutorials (and there are millions more) geared to that rather than baritone DGBE. There seems to be a lot more music in key of C (GCEA) than in key of G (DGBE). After you learned to play ukulele on your GCEA baritone you could buy an inexpensive DGBE and have no difficulty playing that. For that matter, it would be a cinch to move down and player tenor ukulele, too. Best wishes whatever you decide. Rich
I'm glad you choose to do that. Changing strings is a pain and you have much to gain by not doing it yet. If I can ever help, let me know. Best wishes to you. Rich
@@richdavis4007 so i finally got my baritone and im am completely in love with it! Im so happy I listened and tuned it its incredible how different the sound is compared to my soprano thanks for making me thing twice about restringing!
Rich Davis, I may be late to the table as this video is now 3 years old, but as a newbie baritone uke player, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I had the same experience you had with the guitar, and switched to ukulele because of how much easier it is to play. I started on the Tenor uke, as I thought at the time, that it was the biggest and deepest sounding uke out there. I was not exactly thrilled with the sound of the tenor as it still had that twangy ukulele sound from the tuning and I wanted to sound as much like a guitar as I could. Months later when I heard about the Baritone uke, I did some online research, and gave it a try. Now my 2 tenor ukulele's are collecting dust so to speak, while my 3 baritones, get played for hours a day. You are 100% correct, music is purely subjective and different musicians have different tastes and want different sounds. Like you, I want my ukulele to sound like a guitar and that is exactly what I got with my beautiful Baritone.
If you gotta have DGBE, you can tune your tenors that way. Bigger box on baritone will probably always sound better, but portability and easy play make having a DGBE cool and useful. Thanks for sharing your experience. Rich
Exactly, I love, no, absolutely love my Baritones. At 67 I have trigger finger in both hands and arthritis too. The Baritones in nylon strings with a nice low action are perfect for both my hands and my ears. I see by the other comments we are not alone. It also annoys me too when people somehow believe their subjective views are either somehow objective or universal. Good lord, for some there is only one time of the day for one to eat dinner and set their table, else their knickers twist into a knot as they begin to glow red with anger.
Hello Rich - I am a big fan of the Baritone Ukulele. I like the tone and size of the instrument. I think that part of the beauty of playing the baritone is how easy it is to form the chord shapes with just four fingers without difficult finger and hand gymnastics. You may have come across my blogs Humble Baritonics and The Bad-Ass Baritone Ukulele. I have tried to gather information for the baritone player for about 10 years now. I play daily and have learned from both guitar sites and ukulele sites. I think that either uke is great because they allow you to play music and sing with others. I have built so many friendships thru music. I have also ventured out into the musical world with guitarists, fiddlers, banjo players, mandolin players, and many others. I have also have a steel string tenor guitar tuned DoGBonE, or Chicago Tuning (DGBE). It takes a while to get used to the steel strings but gives me some variety. I think that when I retire someday, I will also get a bari-sized banjo. I do not try to convince anybody one way of the other about ukuleles however they are tuned: DGBE, dGBE, GCEA, gCEA, aDFbB. Just play and sing what you like. Check out some of Tom Nelson's tunes on Humble Baritonics for some finger-style bari playing. humblebaritonics.blogspot.com/ and thebad-assbaritoneukulele.blogspot.com/ Jeff
The ukulele has that re-entrant high G on the top string. There are string sets for low G, which I prefer. The Baritone ukulele also uses the low D rather than a re-entrant high D. I enjoy the baritone ukulele very much, especially on road trips as it packs so easily. Also, many guitarists are not proficient chording on the high string voicings, the baritone ukulele forces the player to revoice chord choices thereby increasing chord and neck knowledge or what I have heard referred to as knick-knack.
Thank you for additional information that might be useful to viewers. There are many wonderful aspects of baritone and other ukuleles. Low G completely changes the sound of GCEA ukuleles and makes for a very mellow and nice sound. Rich
Got my new Bari today. It needs adjusting as I need a pole to vault over the action and I’ll replace the strings with some better ones but such a lovely sound nevertheless. I’m cursed as a lefty as I don’t have the market choice of righty players. If you find one that fits it’s sold out 😒 I love GCEA and DGBE tunings but have to admit the Bari sounds so rich and full. I need a soprano now and I’ll have the lot. I’m taking out a door and covering it up to provide a wall to hang them all on. Couldn’t play a note 2 years ago but now I own 3 ukes and a guitar. Silver linings! Thanks for the vid, agree with all of it!
This glossy all solid acacia baritone was made by Caramel. It says PJ Guitars on the headstock. It was purchased from Caramel on eBay. Thanks. Rich Davis😊😊
I'm a retired software engineer with an MSEE from Stanford. Do you think I want to read Windows for Dummies? I do! It's like the missing manual. The Dummies series is high quality and comprehensive. They go way beyond the basics. I've had my eye on the ukulele book and you've convinced me to pull the trigger. I hear the exercises book is pretty good too.
Great, Mabell. Your experience has been the same as mine. I want something well written and easy to understand, but I don't want a library full of dummy books! Still, I do have a few. Rich
I wouldn't try it, Scott, even if the strings were long enough. I always like to buy strings that are designed and marketed for specific ukuleles and tunings. This simplifies life for me. Some people love to experiment but not me in this case. Rich
I'm sure someone has mention this but here it is again. Using a Baritone Uke .. guitar tuning) ... if you want a UKE sound ... put a Capo on the 5th fret and its magic instant UKE sound you want and the best part with a capo on the 5th fret you have the same EXACT TUNING as you would on a standard Uke. ... by the way if you do the same thing to a standard tuned guitar (Capo on the 5th fret) and only play the first four strings ... E, B, G, & D ... instant Uke ! ... Take Care happy playing all!!!!
Yes! The intervals are the same, only sometimes the fourth string on a uke is an octave higher, giving it that traditional uke sound. But if you already play guitar and you want to play ukulele, you don't have to learn anything new because the chord shapes and the intervals between the strings are the same regardless. You are just playing in a different key. If you can't transpose to know what chord you are playing, you only need to study a little bit. It isn't hard. I bought a $100 baritone twelve years ago and I almost never play my guitars anymore. I have a lot of chronic pain in my neck, back, and shoulders from old injuries and playing the baritone doesn't hurt like playing a guitar does. Plus, I instantly began looking at the fingerboard differently as soon as I picked up the baritone. The first thing I did with it was figure out a fingerstyle arrangement of Over the Rainbow that uses the whole neck. It made me a better musician almost instantly because I could find chords and inversions and piece together extended chords without having to think about all the notes, just the the third, the seventh, and whatever extensions I want to play. I don't even worry about the tonic anymore. It was totally freeing as a campfire picker and grinner because what I am playing isn't the same as what my guitar and mandolin playing friends are playing yet it fits and adds color that they usually are not playing. After twelve years, I am ready to upgrade to a higher quality instrument, another baritone, but which one I've not decided yet.
I’m in the market for a baritone, I own a tenor and soprano already, love them, I just want the deeper voice of the baritone and it’s versatility. Plus it never hurts to have another useful instrument on the wall!
I've purchased many great baritones for $60 or $70, some with electronics. Most of these were Caramel factory defects purchased on eBay. CB500, CB904 etc. There's a Caramel zebrawood baritone gloss with electronics $64.99. Shipping will be a month or so, but free.
It's just fine to like a certain sound or tuning and not like others. It may be that sound agrees with our singing voice ... or maybe we don't want to sing like Tiny Tim. Rich
I am a frustrated guitar player and want a baritone ukelele. I love the sound. I saw a video where the person had a special kind of tuner to attach to the ukelele. What do you think of those? I have always used a piano or an on line tuning video.
Clip on tuners are pretty much standard equipment. They are cheap and can easily be used to tune ukulele, guitar, bass and other instruments. You need a pretty good ear to tune with a piano. Baritone will be perfect for you. Ten times easier to play than guitar but has the same sound for the first four strings. Rich
@@richdavis4007What is the biggest difference between a $60 ukelele and a $200. I am looking at them and trying to figure out what to get. I really love the sound of the baritone, it does resemble a guitar and I like that.
It's a glossy acacia Caramel baritone. CB205. The name on the headstock is PJ Guitars, oddly enough. If you search this online, I think you will find that I'm the only one that has one of these! Thanks, Peter. Rich
Dear Rich, thank you! I agree entirely! The Baritone was the saving of my active musical enjoyment as the arthritis advanced (I retired at the end of '99) First the 12-string guitar had to go, then the Dobro. Back in the '70s my barre chords up and down the neck of the 12 were my party piece. . I have struggled with Soprano Ukes (my huge hands) since the mid '50s, and a Tenor is OK, sorta. But the Baritone? That's the one for me. If one wants a higher pitch instrument, then a capo on the 5th fret gives the same pitch as a Soprano. And then one can take it off! Yes, the inexpensive Baritones can be very good - we have the Aklot and Kmise (very similar) but do prefer our Tanglewood Baritone when it is available. There is a global tradition of 4-stringed instruments in this range reaching back to the 16th century, that Mr Dummy seems to be well out of touch!
Thanks for sharing your experience with string instruments and your transition to baritone ukulele. What a wonderful, flexible ukulele the baritone is!!😊😊
I’m a beginner and I’m very slowly working my way through that book. I have a tenor and a concert but had I known earlier what I know now, I would’ve gone straight to the baritone. The truth is many places I’ve researched (books, UA-cam videos, websites, forums and FB groups) advised against learning the baritone first due to the lack of material. I prefer the guitar sound but the guitar is so much harder for me. Anyway, I’m awaiting my custom baritone and I’m just so excited! Thank you for this video!
Thanks, Susan. If you like the guitar sound but find learning guitar difficult, you'll love baritone. I never could understand about lack of material for learning baritone. There are plenty of tutorials on UA-cam and instruction for other size ukuleles can be applied to baritone. Rich
Rich Davis yes but when I first started, I didn’t know that. I had been made to think that it’s a totally different animal. How wrong I was but now I know better. Had I known this earlier, I would’ve skipped the tenor and concert with gcea tuning. Well, better late than never.
@@seetsusan We probably take a few false steps before we find the right path. I did and still do sometimes. For quite a few years I did not like soprano ukuleles then I got smitten by one.
Thanks, Paul. I'm not a dummy, but I'd never advise someone not to get a baritone ukulele. That was an author slip up I think. Best wishes to you. Rich
I changed the video description to answer this question for future viewers. It's a Caramel solid acacia. If you search it you will probably find only videos I've made about it. CB205 is the model.😊😊
@@richdavis4007 Thank you Rich. I love the sound and the look and would like to switch from my tenor to a baritone. Your're videos are very helpful and enjoyable. Thanks for quick reply. O...P.S. I was trying to read the make of it and could not make it out in the video's. It looks like it says "B Guitars?"
Good video. By reading some of the comments I don’t think people actually watched it. I purchase a baritone Uke because it was like my guitar. Easier to carry with me while camping, fun and simple. Every instrument is good! Music is good!
I own two baritone and love the sounds but also own several tenor and concert and like the sounds of them too but I think I like the sound of the baritones the best. I also own Ukulele for Dummies, I don't know why I bought it as I haven't read it but just skipped through it. I agree with you but everyone should own both. I enjoy you videos. Cheers.
Thanks so much, Keith. I'd be lost without my baritone ukuleles, and I'd be very, very unhappy if I didn't have the other sizes, too. I have my copy of Ukulele for Dummies and I wouldn't want to give that up either, though I generally learn from other sources.
I’m coming form the opposite side I’m a drummer that has always wanted to learn guitar but found it to hard so picked up a ukulele and found it so much more enjoyable however I had the sound of one
Agreed!! I just bought a Baritone Uke and I was THRILLED that it was small enough for my hand. My only want for this instrument is that the low D was actually an octave lower so that you could get some more richness!! I personally think of the traditional Uke as a “C” instrument and the baritone Uke as “G” version and a scaled back version of the guitar. Honestly, it would be so smart for beginning guitar players to start with the baritone Uke and then transition to guitar as they grow larger and more skilled as a musician!! Love your video!!
For people very used to GCEA, DGBE sounds so much deeper. You can tune soprano, concert and tenor to sound lower, but baritone DGBE is as deep and guitar like as ukulele can get. You may need a bass ukulele!
i gave up guitar after 35 years because of arthritis. came across the baritone uke. didn't have to learn any new chords etc. i now own 3 baritones, including a fender jazzmaster clone, a tenor tuned as a baritone, and a 6 string baritone hybrid.
I'm so happy you've managed to keep playing and enjoying music. Baritone helped you keep going ... it gave me a start. I have a tenor tuned DGBE, too. Do you like the way yours plays? Rich
@@richdavis4007, i do. tried all kinds of string combos and was ready to scrap the idea. then i decided to just put a set of baritone strings on it. perfection!
Awesome info and great spirit👍 I m just a beginner Here in UAE lowest price for an Epiphone acoustic guitar is $122 and a Makala Baritone is $108 Strange price difference! I checked Tenor and Baritone today - Baritone sound is better like a Guitar
Baritone should be $90 if guitar is $122. It's considerably smaller. It sounds like the first four strings of classical guitar. I hope you find the instrument you want! Rich😊
I started on the Soprano, but swapped it for my Aklot tenor after only a couple of weeks. I really want a baritone, but I've been torn on the tuning. Maybe your book would warn about going from low-g tenor to GCEA baritone😂😂😂 I want to play guitar a little too. I think I'll get a Caramel baritone and a guitar because they use the same chords. I "might" say goodbye to the tenor and standard ukulele chords.
Caramel baritone is a good idea. I'll be talking about my Caramel CT500 tenor in tomorrow's video. It is the same (except in size) to the CB500 baritone, one of my favorites. Caramel spalted maple baritone is very nice as is the CB417. One idea is to learn to play the baritone and then when you get a guitar you will be able to play it. Just play it exactly as you would the baritone with the first four strings. Playing C, G etc on the guitar is quite a stretch after being used to four strings.
@@richdavis4007 I'm planning on getting the Caramel CB305 Solid Spruce Top Quilted Maple Baritone Acoustic & Electric for $99 on Amazon. I really like having the tuner and electronics built-in.
The stupidest part of this is that the author could have worked with the publisher and they could have put together a book for baritone. Instead of a warning, they could sell more books.
I want one to use as an interesting acoustic bass guitar, I think it would be interesting to still have four strings, but with the higher two rather than the lower two strings.
@@richdavis4007 One of the guitarists I've been working with since the 80s bought a concert ukulele, and has learnt all kinds of songs on it, so I thought a baritone would be fun to play basslines on when I jam with him. He's even learnt Bohemian Rhapsody in it's entirety, and wants me to record vocals to his ukulele version! 😬 I think we're just going a bit stir crazy now we're not gigging regularly, but after nearly 40 years, it's time to mess around and branch out a bit. As another guitarist I work with is fond of saying, we're on this planet for a good time, not a long time!
There are interesting chord shapes you figure out on a baritone uke that you would never use on a guitar. because you don't have all the notes available in the first position. Like Cmaj7. If you play the C on the B string, where is the seventh? A long stretch to reach it on the G string and then you lose the fifth and to get the third, you have to fret the D string as well, so 2410. Or just play 5500 GCBE. Easy!
Caramel CB205A all solid acacia baritone. If you search this ukulele you'll probably only find videos on my UA-cam channel about it. It's the only one I've ever heard about anywhere.
I love baritone ukes. Just play whatever you want
I agree. Start anywhere, play anything and just have fun. Most of us are not going for classical training to be concert players. Rich
I have a beautiful guitar that I received as a gift when I was 16 and desperately wanted to start learning. However my hands are REALLY small and I got easily discouraged. My sister just bought me my first baritone ukulele after she started learning from my uncle. I have never been more excited to learn and explore music in a way that was never offered to me before.
Yes. That is exactly the same experience I had. Guitar frustration suddenly becoming baritone ukulele excitement. I'm glad you have people in your family playing. That makes it easier and more fun. Best wishes, Angelina. Thanks for your comment that certainly brightened my day. Rich
I have tiny hands too!
I found having a travel sized guitar (like one edsheeran uses) helped a lot
Bar chords are still hard but it made life so much easier
Just food for thought if you ever wanted to have a crack at guitar again 😁
Get a tenor guitar. Only four strings.
I used to play the guitar. My brain swelled, I lost my balance and can't strum, and forgot to mention that I find it difficult to form the chords because the neck becomes big for my left hand, and have difficulty playing the guitar.
Since the baritone ukelele is smaller and the tuning is the same except it doesn't have the 5th and 6th strings.
I will be switching to baritone ukelele.
A solution for the six string is Jeff Healey or Stanley Clark.
I totally agree with you! I struggled, my whole life, trying many times to learn guitar but failing. Waiting until maturity, thinking I'd have the time and patience but the problem wasn't patience or lack of focus, it was small hands and arthritis; not a great combination. When I was younger, the only ukulele I'd ever seen or heard was the one Tiny Tim played. It gave me the impression it wasn't a serious instrument. I wasn't crazy about the sound. My thinking got stuck. I never imagined it could produce anything beautiful sounding and never considered it above the guitar. Then, one day, a year or two ago, I walked into our local music store with time to waste and heard someone playing a guitar. I expressed my lifelong desire to learn guitar and my limitations. He said, "Sit down. Take this." It was a ukulele. He said, "How does that feel?" I could actually produce a chord and put pressure on the strings .... With a clear sound ... With no pain!!! I was in love!!!
I left the store, empty-handed. I went home and learned all about ukuleles. A few weeks later, I bought a Kala electric/acoustic concert ukulele. I learned a few chords and a few childhood songs. Then, I got the ukulele fever and bought more ukuleles. Now, I have one Kala soprano, one Kala concert, one Mugig concert, one Kmise tenor and one Kmise baratone. I love them all but I think my favourite is the baratone ... because it makes me feel like my dream came true and I learned to play guitar. I'm no virtuoso but I play good enough for my own enjoyment.
Yes, that's it. For frustrated guitar players, and there are zillions, baritone ukulele gives hope and then salvation! We can quickly begin to make progress ... and the sound is delightful. We feel we are achieving a lifelong goal. It's just a little smaller than a guitar, looks like a guitar, and sounds like a guitar. Hurray for baritone ukulele! Thanks, Dawn-Marie for sharing your experience. Rich
@Sam Armstrong No and not likely to. It is not painful or bad enough. A little massage works wonders every time. Thanks. Rich
@Sam Armstrong Yes, of course, but I can't be high all the time! Lol
😊
You’ve totally succeeded if the only thing to come of this is that you’ve had fun and enjoyed yourself. Learning to play the Uke during April 2020 up to now is the reason I’m here
Have played guitars for over 50 years. Bought a soprano uke, gave it away, stuck with guitar. However arthritis and shoulder pain I can't play guitar more than minutes. Thinking a baritone uke is in my future, I miss playing and writing music. ✌
Rock on!
I' m right there with you Rich. I have about 6 expencive guitars and started playing when I was about 16 years old. I'm 77 years old now and still cant play guitar. About 10 years ago, I bought a Baritone Uke. Shortly after that I bought another Baritone. After that. I bought the smallest Uke thhen the Middle size. I've learned a lot on the Baritone and thats about the only one I play. I've learned more in ten years on the Uke thanI did in 50 years on the guuitar. I've even gotten to the point where I'm even writing songs. I subscribed and liked your channel. THANKS.
Glad to meet you, Buddy. You are a kindred spirit. I've posted quite a few videos about the baritone uke very recently. It really is a miracle instrument and is superior, in my mind, to all the other ukes. Use of capo allows a person to play songs in many different keys. Whatever tenor or soprano uke can do, the baritone can do, and more!
My baritone ukulele is hands down my favorite of my ukuleles. I adore it and if I could only keep one, I would absolutely keep my baritone.
That sounds like a great topic for my next video. I love baritone but these days I seem to play concert most. It's just easier to grab and go. Still, if it came down to it, and I could only have one uke, what would it be? Baritone has the best sound, no doubt. Rich
Same, the baritone is such a beautifully sounding instrument. Definitely my favorite type of ukulele.
Same
Thank you so much for your video! I played viola, cello, and a little violin for 20 years. Thought learning a guitar would be a piece of cake. It WASN’T! I could not remember the chords… my beautiful Martin is now sitting in consignment at my local music store and when it sells I’m going to purchase a Martin baritone Uke. I love the warm mellow tones… I believe this will be my next best chance to enjoy the warm tones and actually LEARN something. I’m sure my age has something to do with this and need something I can make progress with . Your video has bolstered my hopes of achieving some success with a baritone Ukelele. 🙏♥ Thank you!
Guitar was no fun for me but I now love playing all sizes of ukulele. Very good ukuleles of any size can be purchased for under $100, so anyone wanting to get into ukulele can do so without having to spend a lot of money. 😊😊
I got my first ukulele a few days ago and got a Kala baritone …starting a bit later in life at 50 years old…I am in love with it already and it’s not even been a week. Having so much fun with learning via fine folks like yourself on UA-cam who take time to teach. Very grateful. If you are having fun …I think that’s what counts 😊 Take care ~~~ Christy from Washington State.
I started music much later than you and baritone ukulele was the instrument that got me going. Very best wishes to you, Christy. Rich
I played 6 string guitar from 1965 until 2014 ... then I started playing bass (which was a fun enjoyable change) for about 3 years. I had an accident on my ebike and tore my left shoulder rotator cuff and could not reach the end of the fretboard on the bass anymore. Temporarily, I picked up a tenor uke. I played it for about 4 months with some success but because I have big hands and big fingers, it was always a little tight at the fretboard ... a friend at the local music store suggested I try out a BARITONE UKE ... I did, and when I found out the tuning was similar to a guitar, I was right at home ..,. JACKPOT ... The sound is somewhere between uke and 6 string, leaning a little toward the guitar sound. And, I LOVE the sound. I also love the size, smaller and more portable than the guitar. Now and for the last three years, ALL I PLAY is BARITONE UKE. It is lots of fun and a little easier than the 6 string was ... the spacing between the strings is a wider, better fit for me. After 3 years of playing, I doubt if I will ever go back to the 6 string or the bass. I am having TOO MUCH FUN. And, at 75 years old, I am playing more often and better than ever ... By the way, my Baritones are by Mitchell and at $120 (musicians friend) to $170 (Guitar Center) it is the BEST BUY of all my guitars ... EASIER, CHEAPER and FUNNER ... It's a no brainer for me ... #LOVEBARITONEUKE
Thanks, Jerre, for your testimony in favor of baritone ukuleles. People seem to come to the bari for different reasons but lots of people love them. Me too. Rich
I also love my Baritone too Sir and mine is a Mitchell Spruce top
I already play guitar / bass / mandolin and ukulele I picked up baritone because I liked the sound. I wish people would stop gatekeeping the instruments people want to play talk about dumb.
Thank you. I agree. Rich
I have never been able to play guitar and I play concert ukulele at the moment feel like getting a baritone ukulele is a good choice for some people personally for me the baritone uke gives a nice guitar like tone while still using everything else ukulele and chords shapes etc. I think its personally a good choice for ukulele players who don't fully wanna commit to guitar. Great Video Btw
Thank you. Baritone ukuleles are great for discontented guitar players, and for successful ones. As you say, that nice guitar sound, but easy to play. Rich
I started with a concert and now own a baritone. I can't really play a guitar that well at all. But I think that is an odd blanket statement.
Thanks, Bruce. I agree. Rich
I was not expecting this video but this was I need it! Thank you
Great. I'm glad it worked out! Rich
I’ve owned a few baritone ukes over the years, I’ve use d,g,b,e, and I’ve used g,c,e,a. The baritone sounds good any way. I prefer re entrant d,g,b,e. I couldn’t care less about what other uke players say. It’s the same in the cigar box guitar world, there are a plethora of self professed experts. I’m happy with my gorgeous big bad baritone. Period !!!, as you say in the U S of A. l love the baritone banjo ukulele as well. I bought a copy of that book, I gave it to a local ukulele club so they could raffle it.
Super! Love those baritones. Long live the baritone ukulele. Any tuning is fine with me, too. Rich
Scrolled down and noticed you replied to basically every single comment and that's really cool and respectable as a creator
I respond to all comments but rude or profane ones. Many comments
inspire me to make videos. Thanks for noticing. Rich😊
Baritone Uke has been a game changer. As others have said, I too have small hands. I will mess with my guitar again. Right now the Baritone is building my comfidence. And it has me playing daily.
Yes, baritone is a blessing to many of us!
From u.k
Bought sold guitars for years,I’m 66 now.
Two sons both play bass in separate bands
a logistic nightmare for me unpaid roadie.
Could never get far with guitars, wold get frustrated
and give up.
Discovered the baritone uke on UA-cam!
Blew me away!
All over it like a rash, a slight knowledge of guitar play
Really helped me, anyone interested it has to be a baritone!
You won’t regret it!
I enjoyed your story!
@@richdavis4007
Hello from u.k. again!
Thanks for that, you have inspired me even more to
Keep practising.
Been retired for 10 years now after 35 yrs working
for one of your U.K based U.S. owned car plants.
Wished I would have known about the baritone
Years ago!
Still hard to fit practise in sometimes, Sunday night
Blink and it’s Wednesday!!!
Take care pal.
Time is passing too fast for us too, but ukulele now must be done!
Indeed, Rich - could not agree more with you, as usual. Hope you are well my friend! Thales here
Thanks! Very happy to hear from you, Thales. Super uke play you've uploaded on YT recently!!
@@richdavis4007 thanks, Rich. Kind as ever! I just started a new Uke channel for some music covers and originals. You were one of my inspirations to start this, so cheers! Let’s keep in touch!
Good luck and thanks for your kind words! Rich@@GeekandUke
You sir are a wise man!
Very kind words, Douglas. I have a few viewers (some who have followed me for years) who would disagree. Still, I'm always happy when people reward me for my work with a nice comment. Rich
Got my baritone ukulele today. Thanks for the encouragement!
Good for you. Enjoy!!! 😊😀😄
Nice advice. I’m considering a baritone as an addition to playing ukulele. Thanks for the insight.
This video is from many months ago. I'm still making videos on my channel that talk about differences and sameness between the different types of ukuleles. I think some of my recent ones might be useful to you. Rich Davis
Great advice. Don't miss out. Buy them all. I was given a soprano uke which was a bit small for my fingers so I got a tenor one before going on a course to learn. I then found that for some chords the small one is easier. I enjoy them both and I'm sure I would enjoy other instruments also.
For people with larger hands, coming to soprano after playing tenor might be a great idea. I learned on baritone and tenor and didn't enjoy playing the smaller ukes until later. Now, like you, I find some things are easier on soprano. Rich
I really appreciate this video. I love the guitar sound and didn't know if it was an appropriate warning not to get the baritone. Thank you so much for this!
If you want the ukulele sound, you can get that out of a baritone with a simple change of strings. If you want the guitar sound, you can have that, too. If you want something in between, tune low G,CEA. Baritone is a very flexible and wonderful instrument. Thanks, Nicole. Rich😊
@@richdavis4007 thank you so much for this Rich!!
God bless you sir!
@@nicoleviejou6401 I'm so glad if my video and words helped. Very best wishes to you. Rich😊
Your Explanation is warm and personable and was a delight to listen to
Its because people like you exist that I fee like music is a good world
Thanks for your very kind words. My best wishes to you today. Rich
I just loved your video...I am also a frustrated guitar player who has not gotten very far with the guitar so I was in the market for a Ukelele and had already decided to by a Baritone Ukulele, but your video just reassured me that I had made the right choice. Thank you so much for making such an enjoyable video!
I remember the days I first switched from classical guitar to baritone ukulele ... there was hope and happiness in the world again. Thanks, Maria, for your kind comment. There is music and an instrument and a way to go for us all. It doesn't have to be what we originally thought it was! Rich
I love the Baritone ukulele. I even just restrung one of my Tenor ukuleles with Pepe Romero Baby Baritone strings. My Tenor is now effectively a Baritone.
Every time I come back to baritone I say, "that's it. I'm not going to play those other ukes!"
I remember when i started getting pretty into some uke music I decided to buy one. I knew a bit from picking it up over the years and I'd decided to pick up what I understood to be a tenor, because I wanted that tone and frankly concert ukes are just way to small for me to play comfortably. I ordered it online because my local music shop only had a selection of ukuleles costing many hundreds of dollars or the sort of cheap ones you'd buy for a child at a county fair. I paid a decent amount but to my initial chagrin, ended up with a baritone ukulele. That being said, as much as I was upset about a messed up order, I ended up enjoying the baritone a lot more I think especially because I had already played guitar for many years.
Plus a nice pro-tip: Baritones are big enough so that you can slap a capo on the 5th fret and viola; You've got yourself a standard ukulele tuning.
So many times I've found my initial thoughts and impressions to be proved false by things that things that came about later. We get fired from our job only to get a much better one. You order a tenor ukulele and they send a baritone and in a few days you find you really, really like it! Thanks for your story Christopher. Rich
Thank you, I agree. I play electric and acoustic bass. I also have a Kala u-bass that I love. It's also tuned EADG, and I can pick out any song I've ever heard easily. Thinking about an 8-string baritone or tenor, and will tune the same. Fun hobby.
Romance of the strings! You are in tune with it. Thanks, Rick. Rich
I’m currently looking to by a Baritone Uke after having the same guitar frustrations as you! What is the brand and model number of Baritone you use? Thanks for the video!!
Here's a good one for a great price. Thanks, friend. Rich
tinyurl.com/y4x596xx
It sounds beautiful!
I think the baritone is the best sounding ukulele, but all are fun and sound great. Rich
Hi Rich 👋 Got my $59.99 Kmise baritone from eBay yesterday and I can tell already that I'm going to enjoy it!
Super! Kmise has the market on baritone ukuleles right now, I think. Some very nice choices on eBay with decent shipping times. Thanks, Kenneth, for sharing your good news! Rich
I got my first guitar back in March and while I loved learning to play it, I found chord transitions to be difficult, especially since I have smaller hands. I bought a baritone ukulele 3 days ago and have been able to cover the songs I wasn't able to on a guitar. I remember being so afraid to buy one, because I have seen both guitar and ukulele players look down on the baritone for being neither. But while I adore my Breedlove guitar, I think the baritone will be the one I play while singing live, even if I do record and mix with a guitar. It was so uplifting for me to watch this and see all of the positive comments, because as someone who cares far too much about what other people think, I was so afraid of being judged.
Thanks so much. Baritone ukulele is a super instrument in its own right and great music can be made playing it. For people who want to play and sing, like me, baritone is perfect. It sounds so good yet is so much easier to play than guitar.😊😊
Thank you for your advice. I'm 65 years old and I was just gifted with a baritone ukulele and I love the sound, it hits a sweet spot inside me.
I started ukulele about your age. I'm so glad you like your baritone and wish you the best playing it! Thanks for stopping by my channel. I play or talk about ukuleles every day here on UA-cam and hope to see you again, Brenda! Rich
@@richdavis4007 Thank you Rich, it's inspiring to hear that you started ukulele at my age. I live in an isolated rural area with no music stores. This ukulele has a broken string so I ordered some online and am looking forward to getting started. I will stop by and let you know how I'm doing. I subscribed to your channel.
@@brendachristopher2693 Thanks, Brenda. I find it most convenient shopping online and never go to music stores. Other people like to, but not me. I'd love for you to let me know how you're doing with ukulele and will always be available to answer questions. Rich
Same here, Buddy! I found that those metal strings just Cut intoy fingers, lke Knivess!
Although, I Am Toying with the idea of geing A 'Five-String Uke!
You are absolutely right! We all have the right to chose the sound we like!
Thank you, friend. Best wishes to you. Rich
Thank you. This helped a lot😊
I'm glad it did! Rich
Superb video with a lot of truth. I just bought a Tenor as I have big fingers and a softer tone than the ones below. I was happy with the spacing of the frets but now wish I'd explored the Baritone due to the tuning as I play a bit of guitar and the Tenor chord shapes are playing with my mind. I read some of the comments and who cares what others think as long as you are happy with you lot. I'll continue with the Tenor for now, knowing there is a better way to go. Thanks for experience.
You could put DGBE strings on tenor so you can play guitar/baritone chords. I have a Fender tenor tuned like that.😊😊
This Christmas I got my first baritone ukulele from Beaver Creek. I love it so much. ♥️
If there was no such thing as baritone ukulele, I'd invent it. I really, really like them and am happy you like yours! Rich
@captain crankypants Thanks, friend. I agree. Rich
Basically I'll I've know when it comes to music is the baritone ukulele. Or at least what I feel most in harmony. I often say it's more like a guitar than a uke.
But! You can get strings to tune it ukulele GCEA. My baritone ukule is Dolores, it was less than 100 bucks and my favorite insturment to play!
I agree with you 100%! I played guitar for 30 years, but arthritis cramped my style. I found the baritone uke to be the perfect way to keep playing. I love ukes, too, and have a formidable stable of them (mostly sops and concerts), but for a strong guitarish sound, my bari is indispensable. Regardless the name, I do believe the baritone is more guitar than ukulele.
Yes yes yes to everything you say. Thanks! Rich
I agree. It's silly advice. The baritone is the only one that doesn't sound like a toy to my ears.
Beautiful sound, for sure! Thanks. Rich 😊
Folks! I got a Baritone Uke here since 3 days (and i love it), and i have a question: It is normal i must play the chords on the two low strings really near to the frets? If i do, it sounds good, if not, strings are buzzing... If strummed, it is no problem, i have enough attention to my left hand, but finger picked is a little bit tricky, especially the f chord...;-)
Don't judge me for my english, i am from germany...;-)
Kind regards
Strings should not buzz even if you put your finger in the middle between two frets. Place your finger in the middle, be sure you are holding down the string and not touching any others with your finger. If the string buzzes, something is wrong. I would then check the tuners for the buzzing strings. They could be loose. Good luck. Rich
@@richdavis4007 Hello Rich, thanks for your fast response. Tuners are fine, there must be another problem. Will search for this more tomorrow...
The only ukulele I had that buzzed that was caused by my fingers or tuners had a wood brace broken inside the ukulele. These are wood supports and if you look in the sound hole with a small mirror you might see if they look okay.
@@richdavis4007 I have looked around a little bit and found out some people say it is normal on the d string, if you are playing it not close enough to the fret, it can be buzzing. If i play softer, it is no problem. Or strummed it is not really audible.
@@BS38114 It's most likely your ukulele is fine. Just play and enjoy. You may automatically make slight adjustments with your fingers so it sounds right to you. I've done that with ukuleles.
rich can you explain to me about the nylon strings would that be easier for a beginner thats older with small hands i just want to play some folk chords and easy blues with my companion. thanks
For baritone ukulele I prefer PhD strings which I get from an eBay seller. They have strings for all size ukuleles and low g sets, too. The strings are softer and more mellower than, say, Aquila strings. Also, the baritone set does not have wound strings, which you might like. Here's a link to the seller and the low G baritone set. You can check for other string sets they have. www.ebay.com/itm/175015419796?epid=11031348124&hash=item28bfbb5f94:g:gREAAOSwUfdgeKnJ
I am looking to buy a Baritone Ukulele DGBE. What is that uke you use in this video or would you suggest a baritone less than $100?
The uke in this video is a Caramel CB205 solid acacia gloss. I bought it factory defect on eBay for about $65. What a deal! I have a Caramel ebony baritone with electronics coming. Price: $69.99. You can buy the same one on eBay now for the same price. Shipping will take a month or so. This is not factory defect! I like Caramel ebony or Caramel CB500 rosewood baritone ukuleles. I recently sold a Caramel ebony for $125 (with strap and gig bag).
Other good choices:
tinyurl.com/8ucz5mku $62.99 bundle!
I really like this GCEA baritone: tinyurl.com/7kyxewmr $62.99 bundle.
Really enjoyed your video
Thanks so much! Rich
I have a concert and am considering buying a baritone, do you think the frets’ size is much bigger? There are some notes i cant play on an electric guitar so I’m afraid I won’t be able to play them on the baritone ukulele!
The fret space on baritone ukulele is huge, seems to me. With large hands I'm still a little more comfortable playing tenor and concert than baritone. I guess we can get used to these things, but you are probably right to hesitate. A tenor ukulele can be tuned (with a certain set of strings) to sound like a baritone ukulele. Thanks. Rich
Going from guitar to ukulele. Two is the correct answer! wish I had got the baritone as soon as playing guitar with arthritis was becoming a problem.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I understand completely what you are saying. Rich
I had a baritone ukulele and enjoyed playing it very much until I got a tenor guitar. Tuned DGBE with metal strings, I like the sound of the guitar much more. My granddaughter is now enjoying the old baritone. Win/win.
I've never played or heard a tenor guitar. Since I have 80 ukuleles I better stick to uke!! Thanks for sharing your experience.😊😊
Thanks for the video Rich. Do you have to change nylon strings to metal strings to make it sound better?.
Metal strings aren't good for baritone ukuleles. Most baritones come
with two nylon wound strings and two nylon ones. D'Addario EJ87B strings:
the 3rd and 4th string are a silver-plated copper wound on nylon. There are other types of baritone strings, some which can have four nylon strings and no wound strings. I wouldn't put steel strings on a ukulele, but it's possible if you choose strings made for the size ukulele you have.
@@richdavis4007 Thank you for your reply.
grandpa humor is like dad humor aged like fine wine
Thank you for your kind words. Rich
Thank you for this video!
I'm very glad if it helped you. Rich
I bought my first ukulele a Hola Deluxe soprano in Zebrawood 14 months ago. I had no experience playing a string instrument. No one to teach me. I could not afford a teacher. So, I bought the book "Ukulele for Dummies"
Interesting book. It taught me ABOUT the ukulele but not how to actually play it. Then, I bought a thin book for children which showed how to hold the ukulele, play the first four chords & a few simple songs to play those chords. That helped. It had the music for "Three Little Birds." But, I did not really learn
to play chords, strum, and sing with ukulele until I discovered UA-cam tutorials on ukulele.
Now, I know several strumming patterns. 3/4 time, 4/4 time, straight time, swing time, a dozen chords & how to play dozens of songs that use only relatively "beginners" chords.
But, I play only GCEA tuned soprano ukulele with high G.
I would like to get a Concert ukulele. But, I have no interest
in getting a Baritone ukulele.
Even though it sounds wonderful, like a guitar. I am a retired senior over age 70. I don't think I have a vast amount of time to relearn everything.
You are smart in your choice of ukuleles and your persistence in learning to play and to advance has actually been watched and appreciated by me, since you have a very frequent commenter on my ukulele channel for many months. In fact, out of over 50,000 subscribers you are my best one, commenting most frequently and fully! Thanks very much, Phyllis. Rich
@@richdavis4007 I think the best things that happened in my life
(well in the last year at least)
1. Learning to do Island Strum well
Very many songs to play
2. Learning to do Cowboy strum well
To play "Runaround Sue"
"Bye bye Love" & "I'll Fly Away"
3. Learning to play Bouncy strum
So I can play "Dreaming" Blondie
& "Lava"
4. Newest chords learned: great addition
E7
D7 (easy version)
D
I am finally playing the G chord
To enable me to play "Angel from Montgomery"
Most of that song you switch
from D to G - over & over
But, I still find it easier to use G7 on other songs
I have tackled doing the jump strum
on "Everybody's Talking"
But, I am slow at learning
chucking
muting
finger-picking
Doing licks & riffs
Love the baritone uke your playing . What is it?
Caramel all solid acacia gloss. I have the only one in the world that I know of. Headstock says PJ Guitars. CB205 is model number. Thanks. Rich
I’m a trained singer with a big deep voice. The deeper tones of the baritone ukulele, I think, would suit my voice better?! I also find guitar just so damn hard to learn!
I just made a video on that topic which will post tomorrow. I play a song and sing along with GCEA concert and do the same with a tenor ukulele tuned like a baritone (DGBE) with capo on the 4th fret . . . it's obvious that My voice sounds so much better with the ukulele pitch lower!!
I agree that generally these books are great except for the dummy name. I also think that’s a crazy statement to make. I’m so thankful for the baritone Uke because of the accident and surgery I had two years ago that made playing guitar too difficult. When I discovered the baritone through your early videos on the first caramel baritone you bought (and I subsequently bought ) it made me so happy again. I could now play some of the same songs that I could play on the guitar that I really couldn’t ok the GCEA Uke due to the fact that I wrote it for my voice in the guitar tuning. Now that I’m playing guitar again the baritone has helped me to become a better guitar player. I still love My tenor ukes but I LOVE LOVE my baritones. To me they are like mini classical guitars and I I in fact can play some of the same songs on both the guitar and the uke. And mostly because I learned them on the 4 string baritone. Great video Rich!!
Thanks, Maria. I've always thought of the baritone uke (especially the glossy ones) as mini classical guitars. I'm glad you are able to play guitar again ... and still love your baritone ukes. I know I can't do without the guitar sound sometimes. Your comment really cheered me tonight. Rich
Rich Davis exactly! And I’m so glad!
😄
Do you have recommendations for Baritone ukulele that has good intonation? I got one in a beginner kit from Hal Leonard and I can't play the thing. I can tune the strings fine but as soon as you move from the first fret they are out of tune.
Kala KA-BG, Kala KA-ABP-CTG. I have many Caramel baritones and I like them. If you can find an Oscar Schmidt, that should be fine. Honestly, I haven't had trouble with the inexpensive baritones I've purchased. I have frequently purchased baritones between $60 and $80. Times are a bit different now, and shipping from China is, of course, very slow now.
@@richdavis4007 Intonation is good on those?
This one, I know it's probably slapped together in a few minutes but I would have at least expected to be able to play up to the 5th fret .
I don't know about the instrument you got. Sounds pretty bad.
@PaulBaughman2142 mine is a Lanikai and it is as bad as yours. I have done a lot of work on it but the bridge is so far out of position I would have to remove it to fix the intonation. I'm ready to buy a new baritone now. Twelve years of aggravation with the Lanikai is more than enough penance.
Thank you, the question you answered would soon be on the tip of my tongue.
Happy to help!😊😊
I was like you. This is perfect for my smaller hands!
Yes. Yes. Yes!
Nice video Rich! I am learning to play classical guitar, and find the uke a nice break just to have some fun. Am in the market for a baritone uke, and would like to know the brand you display in this video as it looks great for the price. Thanks, and Merry Christmas!
This is a very rare ukulele! It's made by Caramel. CB-205. All solid acacia. I have quite a few baritone ukes by Caramel. I have purchased them factory defect on eBay for years. Price. About $60. CB500 is a favorite. I also have a Caramel spalted maple baritone that's very, very nice. I have 15 or so baritones. My most expensive is Kala solid cedar top--$300. Pretty, but I just as soon play the $60 ones. Kala KA-BG is a good one, though laminate top. It would cost about $150. Kmise sell a couple of decent baritones for around $60. I like the one with reddish tuners. The tiger flame one I'd recommend, too.
Here's a link to a video I made recently: ua-cam.com/video/PtiEe7rAu30/v-deo.html
@@richdavis4007 Thanks...good to know, and great deal. Question...what do you think of this buy as I know it was in your video for 5 ukes for $300?
ebay.us/wYuTgy
I was looking at that one this morning. I would chose this over the Kmise ones. The only question is will you like the fretboard and bridge color? I have this same uke on the way to me in gloss, a factory defect with a headstock not shaped just right. Looks fine to me! My uke also has the lighter fretboard and bridge. I love all my Caramel baritones and these ebony ones all have unique appearance. Each one is different.
Shipping will take several weeks, I expect.
@@richdavis4007 Thanks for the info. The contrast of the fingerboard and bridge against the body appeals to me, as it also matches a color in the koi design. :-)
You are so lovable. I agree, the baritone has a beautiful sound!
I appreciate your very kind words. Thank you! Rich😊
Played 4-string bass years ago, and haven't really picked it up in a while. Played around with a bari-uke and the # of strings really made sense. Have really enjoyed learning it and having fun with the instrument. I don't play "guitar" per se.
OTOH, as you kind of alluded to, it seems weird to call it a uke, since it's more of a 4-string guitar. I can kind of see why you'd either want to go all the way uke-wise or stick with a traditional guitar.
I tried sticking with the guitar, but it just wasn't fun. Baritone is as big as I go and four strings is as many as I need. 😊😊
I taught myself by ear when I was 49 yrs old!!! Omg I love my electric baritone ukulele, 4 yrs later I can play along to ANY song and make up my own tuned, I have 3, I'm 52 yrs old
I guess baritone worked for you, then. Ho ho! I love your story. Rich 😊😊
I truly believe . It take a certain person to play Baritone. A genuine person. We are beautiful people. Remember that!
Okay. I certainly will!
I agree. I have played guitar and baritone uke for decades. It’s been suggested to me that a smaller uke with standard uke tuning would provide a stronger contrast when I play with other guitarists. Maybe so, but I play alone too and in any case much prefer the deeper, richer tone of the baritone. Smaller ukuleles, which I played some in childhood, have always sounded plinky to me. You probably should play what sounds best to you.
These days I mostly play tenor ukulele tuned DGBE. Most of the time I use a capo on 2nd or 4th frets and play GCEA chords. As you say, you should play what sounds best to you. This works for me! I like lower pitches than GCEA or even Low G,CEA. Regular DGBE is great, too. I do the same with my baritones, but I prefer the tenor uke size.
This is prob a silly question but im new to all of this, I accidentally bought a baritone ukulele that is tuned GCEA , is it just a matter of buying new stings and tuning it to DGBE? thanks for your help!
Yes, It is just a matter of buying new strings for baritone DGBE tuning. You'll have to set your electronic tuner to guitar setting, remove old strings and put on new. I have baritone ukes tuned GCEA, low GCEA, and DGBE. I love them all and I could give some pretty good reasons why you might want to play yours GCEA for a while before changing to DGBE. First, your baritone could play GCEA chords and you could learn tutorials (and there are millions more) geared to that rather than baritone DGBE. There seems to be a lot more music in key of C (GCEA) than in key of G (DGBE). After you learned to play ukulele on your GCEA baritone you could buy an inexpensive DGBE and have no difficulty playing that.
For that matter, it would be a cinch to move down and player tenor ukulele, too.
Best wishes whatever you decide. Rich
@@richdavis4007 thank you so much for your I think I will stick to the g c e a for a while before switching over. Thanks again!
I'm glad you choose to do that. Changing strings is a pain and you have much to gain by not doing it yet. If I can ever help, let me know. Best wishes to you. Rich
@@richdavis4007 so i finally got my baritone and im am completely in love with it! Im so happy I listened and tuned it its incredible how different the sound is compared to my soprano thanks for making me thing twice about restringing!
I am happy to say I OWN 2 BARITONE UKULELES. I love them and the sound they produce. I also own many other Ukuleles and I love them all. Thank you🐣
I'm glad to hear that. All ukuleles are wonderful and people start playing which size they like! Rich
Rich Davis, I may be late to the table as this video is now 3 years old, but as a newbie baritone uke player, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I had the same experience you had with the guitar, and switched to ukulele because of how much easier it is to play. I started on the Tenor uke, as I thought at the time, that it was the biggest and deepest sounding uke out there. I was not exactly thrilled with the sound of the tenor as it still had that twangy ukulele sound from the tuning and I wanted to sound as much like a guitar as I could. Months later when I heard about the Baritone uke, I did some online research, and gave it a try. Now my 2 tenor ukulele's are collecting dust so to speak, while my 3 baritones, get played for hours a day. You are 100% correct, music is purely subjective and different musicians have different tastes and want different sounds. Like you, I want my ukulele to sound like a guitar and that is exactly what I got with my beautiful Baritone.
If you gotta have DGBE, you can tune your tenors that way. Bigger box on baritone will probably always sound better, but portability and easy play make having a DGBE cool and useful. Thanks for sharing your experience. Rich
Exactly, I love, no, absolutely love my Baritones.
At 67 I have trigger finger in both hands and arthritis too. The Baritones in nylon strings with a nice low action are perfect for both my hands and my ears.
I see by the other comments we are not alone. It also annoys me too when people somehow believe their subjective views are either somehow objective or universal.
Good lord, for some there is only one time of the day for one to eat dinner and set their table, else their knickers twist into a knot as they begin to glow red with anger.
Thanks for sharing your opinions and feelings about baritone ukuleles. Yes, for many of us this is the perfect instrument. Rich😊😊
Hello Rich - I am a big fan of the Baritone Ukulele. I like the tone and size of the instrument. I think that part of the beauty of playing the baritone is how easy it is to form the chord shapes with just four fingers without difficult finger and hand gymnastics. You may have come across my blogs Humble Baritonics and The Bad-Ass Baritone Ukulele. I have tried to gather information for the baritone player for about 10 years now. I play daily and have learned from both guitar sites and ukulele sites. I think that either uke is great because they allow you to play music and sing with others. I have built so many friendships thru music. I have also ventured out into the musical world with guitarists, fiddlers, banjo players, mandolin players, and many others. I have also have a steel string tenor guitar tuned DoGBonE, or Chicago Tuning (DGBE). It takes a while to get used to the steel strings but gives me some variety. I think that when I retire someday, I will also get a bari-sized banjo. I do not try to convince anybody one way of the other about ukuleles however they are tuned: DGBE, dGBE, GCEA, gCEA, aDFbB. Just play and sing what you like. Check out some of Tom Nelson's tunes on Humble Baritonics for some finger-style bari playing. humblebaritonics.blogspot.com/ and thebad-assbaritoneukulele.blogspot.com/ Jeff
Thanks for stopping by my channel. Great to hear from people with lots of music experience! Rich
4:50 - It is Beautiful, isnt it? Here he to the bari uke players!
😊😊😊
I agree with you. Love the guitar, love the baritone ukulele, and on occasion play the tenor, ukulele.
Thanks so much, Mary. Glad to meet you! Rich
The ukulele has that re-entrant high G on the top string. There are string sets for low G, which I prefer. The Baritone ukulele also uses the low D rather than a re-entrant high D. I enjoy the baritone ukulele very much, especially on road trips as it packs so easily.
Also, many guitarists are not proficient chording on the high string voicings, the baritone ukulele forces the player to revoice chord choices thereby increasing chord and neck knowledge or what I have heard referred to as knick-knack.
Thank you for additional information that might be useful to viewers. There are many wonderful aspects of baritone and other ukuleles. Low G completely changes the sound of GCEA ukuleles and makes for a very mellow and nice sound. Rich
Got my new Bari today. It needs adjusting as I need a pole to vault over the action and I’ll replace the strings with some better ones but such a lovely sound nevertheless. I’m cursed as a lefty as I don’t have the market choice of righty players. If you find one that fits it’s sold out 😒
I love GCEA and DGBE tunings but have to admit the Bari sounds so rich and full. I need a soprano now and I’ll have the lot. I’m taking out a door and covering it up to provide a wall to hang them all on. Couldn’t play a note 2 years ago but now I own 3 ukes and a guitar. Silver linings!
Thanks for the vid, agree with all of it!
Thanks, Terry, for sharing your experience! Rich
Where did you get your Baritone? What brand is it?
This glossy all solid acacia baritone was made by Caramel. It says PJ Guitars on the headstock. It was purchased from Caramel on eBay. Thanks. Rich Davis😊😊
Kind of a click baity title but justified. I have three guitars... But ukuleles are just fun and baritones are the coolest imo
😊😊
I'm a retired software engineer with an MSEE from Stanford. Do you think I want to read Windows for Dummies? I do! It's like the missing manual. The Dummies series is high quality and comprehensive. They go way beyond the basics. I've had my eye on the ukulele book and you've convinced me to pull the trigger. I hear the exercises book is pretty good too.
Great, Mabell. Your experience has been the same as mine. I want something well written and easy to understand, but I don't want a library full of dummy books! Still, I do have a few. Rich
Can you put concert strings on a baritone ukulele? If you can it would be like having two instruments.
I wouldn't try it, Scott, even if the strings were long enough. I always like to buy strings that are designed and marketed for specific ukuleles and tunings. This simplifies life for me. Some people love to experiment but not me in this case. Rich
Here... Check these out. (Unless for some reason you wanted concert strings specifically).
No. But there are also GCEA strings available.
NO. doubt they'd be long enough anyway
I'm sure someone has mention this but here it is again. Using a Baritone Uke .. guitar tuning) ... if you want a UKE sound ... put a Capo on the 5th fret and its magic instant UKE sound you want and the best part with a capo on the 5th fret you have the same EXACT TUNING as you would on a standard Uke. ... by the way if you do the same thing to a standard tuned guitar (Capo on the 5th fret) and only play the first four strings ... E, B, G, & D ... instant Uke ! ... Take Care happy playing all!!!!
Thanks for giving us some music instruction and ukulele tips!😊😊😊
Yes! The intervals are the same, only sometimes the fourth string on a uke is an octave higher, giving it that traditional uke sound. But if you already play guitar and you want to play ukulele, you don't have to learn anything new because the chord shapes and the intervals between the strings are the same regardless. You are just playing in a different key. If you can't transpose to know what chord you are playing, you only need to study a little bit. It isn't hard.
I bought a $100 baritone twelve years ago and I almost never play my guitars anymore. I have a lot of chronic pain in my neck, back, and shoulders from old injuries and playing the baritone doesn't hurt like playing a guitar does. Plus, I instantly began looking at the fingerboard differently as soon as I picked up the baritone. The first thing I did with it was figure out a fingerstyle arrangement of Over the Rainbow that uses the whole neck. It made me a better musician almost instantly because I could find chords and inversions and piece together extended chords without having to think about all the notes, just the the third, the seventh, and whatever extensions I want to play. I don't even worry about the tonic anymore. It was totally freeing as a campfire picker and grinner because what I am playing isn't the same as what my guitar and mandolin playing friends are playing yet it fits and adds color that they usually are not playing. After twelve years, I am ready to upgrade to a higher quality instrument, another baritone, but which one I've not decided yet.
I’m in the market for a baritone, I own a tenor and soprano already, love them, I just want the deeper voice of the baritone and it’s versatility. Plus it never hurts to have another useful instrument on the wall!
I've purchased many great baritones for $60 or $70, some with electronics. Most of these were Caramel factory defects purchased on eBay. CB500, CB904 etc. There's a Caramel zebrawood baritone gloss with electronics $64.99. Shipping will be a month or so, but free.
@@richdavis4007 I’m hitting ebay now! Thank you.
Thanks Rich !
You bet!😊😊
Thank you!♥
You're welcome 😊
Why do you have to switch
Just Augment
I don’t want a Uke sound
It sounds like old Tiny Tim songs
It's just fine to like a certain sound or tuning and not like others. It may be that sound agrees with our singing voice ... or maybe we don't want to sing like Tiny Tim. Rich
I love Baritone ukulele ❤️ and All the others as well. Depends on my mood and what song I want to play.
I love them all, too. Baritone sounds best for me to play but concert is so easy and convenient to pick up and make music. 😊
I am a frustrated guitar player and want a baritone ukelele. I love the sound. I saw a video where the person had a special kind of tuner to attach to the ukelele. What do you think of those? I have always used a piano or an on line tuning video.
Clip on tuners are pretty much standard equipment. They are cheap and can easily be used to tune ukulele, guitar, bass and other instruments. You need a pretty good ear to tune with a piano. Baritone will be perfect for you. Ten times easier to play than guitar but has the same sound for the first four strings. Rich
Thank you so much.
@@maryjo8882 😊
@@richdavis4007What is the biggest difference between a $60 ukelele and a $200. I am looking at them and trying to figure out what to get. I really love the sound of the baritone, it does resemble a guitar and I like that.
I could not make out the brand of the Baritone you used. Mind sharing?
It's a glossy acacia Caramel baritone. CB205. The name on the headstock is PJ Guitars, oddly enough. If you search this online, I think you will find that I'm the only one that has one of these! Thanks, Peter. Rich
@@richdavis4007 looks that way. Thanks!
@@longislandcourt3060 I haven't seen another. Glad you checked, too. Rich
Dear Rich, thank you! I agree entirely! The Baritone was the saving of my active musical enjoyment as the arthritis advanced (I retired at the end of '99) First the 12-string guitar had to go, then the Dobro. Back in the '70s my barre chords up and down the neck of the 12 were my party piece. . I have struggled with Soprano Ukes (my huge hands) since the mid '50s, and a Tenor is OK, sorta. But the Baritone? That's the one for me. If one wants a higher pitch instrument, then a capo on the 5th fret gives the same pitch as a Soprano. And then one can take it off! Yes, the inexpensive Baritones can be very good - we have the Aklot and Kmise (very similar) but do prefer our Tanglewood Baritone when it is available. There is a global tradition of 4-stringed instruments in this range reaching back to the 16th century, that Mr Dummy seems to be well out of touch!
Thanks for sharing your experience with string instruments and your transition to baritone ukulele. What a wonderful, flexible ukulele the baritone is!!😊😊
@@richdavis4007 You are so right. Our local group have been rehearsing for tomorrow's Jubilee event in Renhold, a nearby village. Wish us luck!
I’m a beginner and I’m very slowly working my way through that book. I have a tenor and a concert but had I known earlier what I know now, I would’ve gone straight to the baritone. The truth is many places I’ve researched (books, UA-cam videos, websites, forums and FB groups) advised against learning the baritone first due to the lack of material. I prefer the guitar sound but the guitar is so much harder for me. Anyway, I’m awaiting my custom baritone and I’m just so excited! Thank you for this video!
Thanks, Susan. If you like the guitar sound but find learning guitar difficult, you'll love baritone. I never could understand about lack of material for learning baritone. There are plenty of tutorials on UA-cam and instruction for other size ukuleles can be applied to baritone. Rich
Rich Davis yes but when I first started, I didn’t know that. I had been made to think that it’s a totally different animal. How wrong I was but now I know better. Had I known this earlier, I would’ve skipped the tenor and concert with gcea tuning. Well, better late than never.
@@seetsusan We probably take a few false steps before we find the right path. I did and still do sometimes. For quite a few years I did not like soprano ukuleles then I got smitten by one.
lack of material?
@@monoped8437 I don't understand that either.
You have good reasoning skills.
Thanks, Paul. I'm not a dummy, but I'd never advise someone not to get a baritone ukulele. That was an author slip up I think. Best wishes to you. Rich
What model is your baritone? Thanks for your videos
I changed the video description to answer this question for future viewers. It's a Caramel solid acacia. If you search it you will probably find only videos I've made about it. CB205 is the model.😊😊
@@richdavis4007 Thank you Rich. I love the sound and the look and would like to switch from my tenor to a baritone. Your're videos are very helpful and enjoyable. Thanks for quick reply. O...P.S. I was trying to read the make of it and could not make it out in the video's. It looks like it says "B Guitars?"
@@giovanna7308 P.J. Guitars. Caramel label in the sound hole. It was purchased directly from Caramel Ukulele and shipped to me.
Good video. By reading some of the comments I don’t think people actually watched it. I purchase a baritone Uke because it was like my guitar. Easier to carry with me while camping, fun and simple.
Every instrument is good! Music is good!
Thanks, Nate. Your reason is a good one. Kind of like a travel guitar for outdoors. Rich
I own two baritone and love the sounds but also own several tenor and concert and like the sounds of them too but I think I like the sound of the baritones the best. I also own Ukulele for Dummies, I don't know why I bought it as I haven't read it but just skipped through it. I agree with you but everyone should own both. I enjoy you videos. Cheers.
Thanks so much, Keith. I'd be lost without my baritone ukuleles, and I'd be very, very unhappy if I didn't have the other sizes, too. I have my copy of Ukulele for Dummies and I wouldn't want to give that up either, though I generally learn from other sources.
I’m coming form the opposite side I’m a drummer that has always wanted to learn guitar but found it to hard so picked up a ukulele and found it so much more enjoyable however I had the sound of one
Baritone is the ticket for many of us!
Agreed!! I just bought a Baritone Uke and I was THRILLED that it was small enough for my hand. My only want for this instrument is that the low D was actually an octave lower so that you could get some more richness!! I personally think of the traditional Uke as a “C” instrument and the baritone Uke as “G” version and a scaled back version of the guitar. Honestly, it would be so smart for beginning guitar players to start with the baritone Uke and then transition to guitar as they grow larger and more skilled as a musician!! Love your video!!
For people very used to GCEA, DGBE sounds so much deeper. You can tune soprano, concert and tenor to sound lower, but baritone DGBE is as deep and guitar like as ukulele can get. You may need a bass ukulele!
@@richdavis4007 yes!! I tried restringing the low d with a thicker string, but with not much success. I’ll have to look into the bass uke!!
I love gcea an octave lower on my baritone. Thats the mellow Sound i was searching for.
i gave up guitar after 35 years because of arthritis. came across the baritone uke. didn't have to learn any new chords etc. i now own 3 baritones, including a fender jazzmaster clone, a tenor tuned as a baritone, and a 6 string baritone hybrid.
I'm so happy you've managed to keep playing and enjoying music. Baritone helped you keep going ... it gave me a start. I have a tenor tuned DGBE, too. Do you like the way yours plays? Rich
@@richdavis4007, i do. tried all kinds of string combos and was ready to scrap the idea. then i decided to just put a set of baritone strings on it. perfection!
@@monoped8437 How about that! I've got a tenor uke that needs a change of strings ... I'll try your way and make a video. Thanks! Rich
@@richdavis4007 i use the Aquila 21Us
My baritone uke got me through the pandemic ….I adore it
Super! I love them, too! Rich
Awesome info and great spirit👍
I m just a beginner
Here in UAE lowest price for an Epiphone acoustic guitar is $122 and a Makala Baritone is $108
Strange price difference!
I checked Tenor and Baritone today - Baritone sound is better like a Guitar
Baritone should be $90 if guitar is $122. It's considerably smaller. It sounds like the first four strings of classical guitar. I hope you find the instrument you want! Rich😊
@@richdavis4007 Many Thanks and Best Wishes 👍
😊
I started on the Soprano, but swapped it for my Aklot tenor after only a couple of weeks. I really want a baritone, but I've been torn on the tuning. Maybe your book would warn about going from low-g tenor to GCEA baritone😂😂😂 I want to play guitar a little too. I think I'll get a Caramel baritone and a guitar because they use the same chords. I "might" say goodbye to the tenor and standard ukulele chords.
Caramel baritone is a good idea. I'll be talking about my Caramel CT500 tenor in tomorrow's video. It is the same (except in size) to the CB500 baritone, one of my favorites. Caramel spalted maple baritone is very nice as is the CB417. One idea is to learn to play the baritone and then when you get a guitar you will be able to play it. Just play it exactly as you would the baritone with the first four strings. Playing C, G etc on the guitar is quite a stretch
after being used to four strings.
@@richdavis4007 I'm planning on getting the Caramel CB305 Solid Spruce Top Quilted Maple Baritone Acoustic & Electric for $99 on Amazon. I really like having the tuner and electronics built-in.
The stupidest part of this is that the author could have worked with the publisher and they could have put together a book for baritone. Instead of a warning, they could sell more books.
Thanks for sharing your opinion on this! Rich
just ordered this book and the book on CF Martin ukuleles. Mom had an A body F-hole Martin Mandolin. Cuban mahogany so pre Castro.
That sounds like a very special Martin mandolin! Ukulele for Dummies is a comprehensive book with much to offer. Thanks, Larry. Rich
I want one to use as an interesting acoustic bass guitar, I think it would be interesting to still have four strings, but with the higher two rather than the lower two strings.
Okay! Sounds fun to me. 😊😊
@@richdavis4007 One of the guitarists I've been working with since the 80s bought a concert ukulele, and has learnt all kinds of songs on it, so I thought a baritone would be fun to play basslines on when I jam with him.
He's even learnt Bohemian Rhapsody in it's entirety, and wants me to record vocals to his ukulele version! 😬
I think we're just going a bit stir crazy now we're not gigging regularly, but after nearly 40 years, it's time to mess around and branch out a bit.
As another guitarist I work with is fond of saying, we're on this planet for a good time, not a long time!
Thanks for sharing your experience with baritone uke and guitars. Rich
There are interesting chord shapes you figure out on a baritone uke that you would never use on a guitar. because you don't have all the notes available in the first position. Like Cmaj7. If you play the C on the B string, where is the seventh? A long stretch to reach it on the G string and then you lose the fifth and to get the third, you have to fret the D string as well, so 2410. Or just play 5500 GCBE. Easy!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.😊
What baritone was that you showed?
Caramel CB205A all solid acacia baritone. If you search this ukulele you'll probably only find videos on my UA-cam channel about it. It's the only one I've ever heard about anywhere.