Where the facts come from
Every factual claim on this site links to its source. This is the full list.
How we checked
Each fact was written alongside its source. Our build script stores the source text and, for every fact, checks that the key words and figures really appear in it. 36 of 36 checks passed when this site was last built (checked 3 Nov 2026). Where we couldn’t read a source, we left the claim out. We quote short phrases only, and never reproduce anyone’s diagrams or photographs. Chord shapes and tab on this site are worked out from the tuning and checked by computer.
What we leave out
This is a beginner’s guide to the ukulele. It doesn’t cover songs still in copyright (only traditional tunes, melody only, no words), advanced techniques or choosing between particular makers. Where a source gives two answers or says something in two ways, we show both rather than pick one.
Britannica (3)
- Britannica: ukulele (6 facts)
- Britannica: tablature (3 facts)
- Britannica: harmony (chords) (4 facts)
Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History (2)
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History: 5 things you probably didn’t know about the ‘ukulele (15 facts)
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History: the great 1915 ukulele craze (4 facts)
Department for Education (England) (1)
When sources disagree
Where sources give different answers, we show all of it, with links, and say how we handle it.
What does the word “ukulele” mean?
- Britannica says the name ukulele is Hawaiian for “flea”. Britannica: ukulele
- In Hawaiian, ʻuku means flea and lele means to jump. Smithsonian National Museum of American History: 5 things you probably didn’t know about the ‘ukulele
- The Smithsonian gives three possible explanations for the name: jumping fleas, jumping men, or a gift from afar. Smithsonian National Museum of American History: 5 things you probably didn’t know about the ‘ukulele
How we handle it: Britannica says the name is Hawaiian for “flea”. The Smithsonian says ʻuku means flea and lele means to jump, and gives three possible explanations: jumping fleas, jumping men, or a gift from afar.