| Question #2: Low 4th string or high 4th string?
The fourth string of the ukulele (the string closest to your face as you're playing) is often tuned an octave higher than you might expect (hence the familiar "my dog has fleas" tuning). In the classroom context, however, the authors strongly recommend the use of "low 4th string" tuning, where the 4th string is replaced with a thicker string and tuned down an octave.
Why? For three reasons:
- It extends the melodic range of the ukulele. More range = more repertoire = more fun.
- It clarifies the structure of chords and scales, i.e. it's a better tool for teaching music.
- It's better for ensemble playing: some students can play melody while others play (lower) accompaniment parts.
Keep in mind:
- Converting a ukulele to "low 4th string" tuning is a reversible procedure.
- For the vast majority of the material in Book 1, it doesn't matter whether you have a high or a low 4th string. The advantage to the "low 4th string" tuning is that students can play accompaniment (i.e. "bass line") parts.
"High 4th string" tuning (a.k.a "re-entrant" tuning) is delightful and you should encourage your students to explore it, particularly once they've mastered skills and repertoire at the Book 3 level. At the outset, however, a ukulele with a low 4th string is a better way to explore the fundamentals of music.
So, the purpose of your ukulele program will largely determine your answer to Question #2.
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