6 String Ukuleles Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele and Aria ATU 120/6 String Tenor Ukelele

[@stephaniedodt2389]

I just bought this for practicing scales, licks, etc. I'm a beginner guitarist that has no intention of giving up. You can even use this in bed if you are recovering from surgery. I feel much relieved that I made a good choice.

[@Justin-hb9wc]

After his first lick I immediately had a big amount of respect for him as a musician

[@ИванИванович-б9й9р]

Thank you so much! After that I decided to buy GL1.

[@steveokon5431]

What's funny is I've had my Guitalele for 6 yrs, I just bought that Yamaha CG172SF you have there, and I have a couple Les Pauls, I love the Guitalele ! Play it all the time! Hats off !

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

So thats what that guitar is? ...Are you sure your not me using a false name? Anyway thanks for the comment. K

[@Justin-hb9wc]

I've been playing just a soprano ukulele for 5 years cause i sold my guitar and I just ordered a guitarlele so it will be nice to have the much larger range

[@artravision]

Superb review. Thank you!

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

That's very kind of you, glad you found it of interest, amazes me how many people have watched this... do check out me working with a pupil: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYKxc5eCmdeZn5Y

[@scottsmith4145]

I agree with the practice part,, but those who say the muscle memory completely translates over to a full size guitar I have to take some issue with. The feel is totally different playing one of these,, sure the patterns and shapes are the same but the feel is totally different.

[@saltododges]

she is small but in the litle botles there is the best parfums and i ve heard you you sure has a joy in your hands lovely sounds

[@UndecimeBeatitudo]

I've played a couple of guitaleles some time before. Guess it's something about your audio recording device but the attack is just excruciatingly loud. Also your chops are just immaculate.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

I suppose that's good, but maybe I'm wrong.... Thanks for watching and commenting. Actually I've been using these little guitars a lot over the last few months with singers... Piano with its equal temperament is hopeless for good tuning, but you can sharpen these with micro bends to make perfect fifths and especially the major third sound in tune... Compared to a piano...

[@stratcat4461]

Thanks for posting this review, Kenny. I like the sound of the Yamaha better than the Aria and will buy the GL-1. It would have been nice if Yamaha had placed fret markers on the neck, but it's not that big a deal. I agree completely with your thoughts on practicing. Having this little guitar available to pick up and play at a whim is good advice.

[@lordreiz9208]

Great advice

[@arctichare8185]

Thanks so much for your expertise and advice.

[@desigrizzly]

you are crazy. Don’t break the guitaleles.

[@musicdudecoma1063]

Great review for guitarists! thanks a lot

[@greggoso600]

i mean.... sustain is the first objective for every stringed instrument: the better the instrument is built, the better it'll resonate, the more sustain it'll have i agree on everything else, nice video

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Thanks Greg. I do appreciate you taking the time to comment, and your thoughts on sustain in stringed instruments, yes it is one of the ways that stringed instruments are judged along with what I was talking about: initial attack (that's the higher tones of the timbre) when learning and practising,. I think I did say it was subjective, and I very much prefer the attack of a flamenco style guitar over the syrupy middle of (admittedly great instruments like) a classical guitar. Thanks again!

[@greggoso600]

@@kennymaccaferri2602 great response! nothing to argue here ahah

[@birthaappleshirt7404]

This was so helpful thanks you!

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

That's very kind. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@dsapasd]

What do you mean by "higher range than a les paul"? The LP fret board has 4 more notes in total, and both instruments can be tuned in different keys. One could argue even more than 4 more notes difference "in the instrument" if you consider how much more you can bend the top note on 22nd fret on the LP without losing too much tone... or even adding how much more usable/accessible/pronounced yet higher pinch notes can be on the LP than on the GL-1... and that drop-tuning is also more limited on the GL-1 than on the LP.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Hi David, thanks for watching! The vagaries of language en? You asked me what do I mean when I said higher? I meant it in the literal sense of higher, when talking about fretable high notes (US ENGLISH THEY SAY "PITCHES") when the instruments be a-tuned to their standard tunings. My Les Pauls have 22 frets, the 22nd fret is the pitch D6. On the Aria the highest tone in standard tuning is Eb6. Higher by one semi tone. Not too sure I follow the rest of your comment - might have to think about them. Thanks again. K

[@yinghe884]

I absolutely love the way you play guitar and your other videos on intervals and music theory. Is it possible for you to share how you right hand picks the string and how you strum? Thank you for the videos

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Hi Ying. Thank you so much for your kind comments. I teach guitar and music theory - mostly to older players either taking exams or wanting to improve their music theory or their instrumental ability. I truly believe that, when it comes to guitar, the most problematic physical problem is the right hand. And not enough emphasis is put on intermediate players who really want to improve that the right hand is where the biggest gains are to be made, especially in the short term. I believe, strongly believe that everyone needs to know how to play with both fingers and with a plectrum (and sometimes at the same time), strumming with a plectrum might look easy, but it really is not. Complicated patterns with the right hand are only really emphasised in Flamenco and Classical guitar - you hardly hear it mentioned by teachers of other genres, and when it is - it is given as an example of how to imitate another player - for example "pinch harmonics" or country picking.. not as an integral part of instrumental mastery. Saying that, none of us are masters of the instrument. What style do you play? How long you been playing? And if I did a video of strumming what would you like to see? Volume? Attack? Picking patterns? Fingerstyle? Please tell me I would like to know. Thanks again Kenny GLASGOW

[@alfredofonsecajunior9169]

Awesome video!

[@infoflation]

Thanks for the review, it was very informative. Please can you tell me some more about what you were playing between 16:08 and 16:48? I would like to learn that kind of style of playing. Any references to particular blues songs would be great.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Hullo my Greek Philosopher Mathematician friend. Sorry for the delay in replying. I was playing pull off a root note (minor third to tonic) on a bass note (tonic or key note) in four four time while inserting bluesy licks using the blues scale (it is Root, minor third, major second, minor second, minor second, minor third and major second over an octave very simple six note scale) that will give you a blues sound but the sound becomes ultra bluesy when you do what I was doing and inserting two 'fourths' for the IV and V chord BUT with tonic in the bass. There are hundreds of examples of this from mainstream players - listen to any album by Alexis Korner would be a place to start. Hope that helps. A bit.

[@Oklatucky_Guitarman]

Here I was at a shop today and five minutes later, I took the Yamaha down to standard tuning. Imagine my surprise and delight when it still sounded fairly decent. I told the shop guy that I would measure my locker at work to make sure it fits. I’m in love with that thing. Talk about a great way to spend breaks!

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Hi Adam, thanks for the comment. So you did not change the strings to take it down to standard tuning... I'll have to try that...

[@danielsan5472]

Thank You!!! 💗

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Thanks Daniel, I hope your playing is going well. Kenny

[@baltimoredude8279]

Seeing that you are a fan of the attack you are likely looking for that nice compressions snap that us electric country guitar players Chase. But I agree with you on all points. What can take some of that Echo and sustain out of an acoustic instrument is more braces and a thicker top. Unfortunately builders don’t usually listen to guys like us LOL. But great video and cheers my friend.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Dear Baltimore dude, bit late in the day but thanks for such a professional reply, happy playing. Kenny

[@simonhiggins891]

Hi, great review here. A must watch. Can you explain some terminology for me. Is the Yamaha a guitalele because Yamaha call it that? Why is the Aria called a Tenor Uke when it has 6 strings. Thanks

[@robob3ar]

Got the aria 120, pretty cool just which strings go on it, couldn’t really find the specs? I got it as sidebed guitar, but it’s so comfy to play sort of, so I love it so far.. so cheap and I think it’s gonna be car guitar/travel guitar

[@harrykirk7415]

Aria is a 14 fret. GL-1 is a 12 fret at the beginning of the neck .I think I'd prefer 14. How much does each weigh?

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Interesting comment about the frets, and true. I never noticed that. The Aria is a smaller body... Thanks. And neither of them weigh much at all.

[@CezannieMelchor]

What’s dynamics? Could you do a video explaining how to play with dynamics? Thanks for the video I enjoyed it.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Hi Cezannie, sorry for the very late reply. What are dynamics? Good question, for me this part of guitar playing is primarily a scale where you can compare volume, or speed, emphasis of certain notes or passages and of variations in tempo. I could certainly do a video on dynamics but not sure it would be mainstream. Hope your playing is going well and thanks again for your comment.

[@字伏-o4r]

it doesn't make it easier to play guitar when it became smaller,people should know that~

[@Pendrym]

Great and useful review. You just might want to raise the volume, so all that you say does not get lost. Kudo anyway

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Thanks for your insightful reply. Much appreciated. Glad it was of some use. Kenny

[@pabslondon]

Its not just Guitaleles/6 string ukes. I have short scale (21 inch scale) electric guitars and an Ashbory bass (18 inch scale) and i play those much more than my full scale instruments because they are lying around and easier to pick up regularly

[@orbitalchiller]

Love your blues.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Merci bien.

[@thespeez]

What's the difference between the Yamaha and the Aria?

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Watch the video and find out.... K

[@lukki7ster]

I bought one of these a week ago and I hate it!! haha but the way you play it makes me want to keep it. SIGH

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Hi L Thommas. Sorry to hear that, but don't worry too much about it, it's normal to take a while to see how useful these things can be. Also with any new instrument it can be a bit weird at first, but keep at it, if however after a month you still hate it... ditch it. Make sure it is set up correctly FOR YOU. Between ourselves, I can't really play this little thing very well at all, but it is good for me to use it to practice for real guitar, which I am trying to play.... and one day, you never know...

[@lukki7ster]

haha I ditched it! Got a classical guitar. Love it!!! And thanks for replying :) :)

[@garystackhouse5787]

First time I've ever heard anybody call " a lot of sustain" a FAULT. Iy may be tougher t play for a beginner, but is that really a bad thing? It just means you have to work to make it sound clean.... so go practice, people! 🙄

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Hi Gary, thanks for the comment, thanks for watching this old video. The point you raise had come up many times and while I tried to explain the difference between "attack" and "lack of attack" in an instrument in terms of"sustain", I think I shouldn't have mentioned sustain at all, just the concept l concept of "attack". Some guy below a country player got the concept - seemingly country players on electric prize this facet on their instruments. I'm a flamenco player and know flamenco instruments which are constructed with different materials and above all with a distinct strapping give massively more attack to a similar looking but completely different instrument the Classical Guitar which has much less attack. Hope that explains what ATTACK means to players like myself. Thanks again. Kenny.

[@nmnjs]

Hi Kenny, great review. Is the fret room on a GL-1 the same as on a full size guitar (from 5th fret onwards)? I'm concerned if the neck would be too crammed to play higher notes. Thanks!

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, pretty much the same width of fret as a standard guitar with a capo on the fifth. My hands are Perry big and I don't have much of a problem - but do remember that in this video I'm suggesting these are primarily of use for practice. God's luck with your playing, and thanks again! K

[@nmnjs]

@@kennymaccaferri2602 Many thanks! I was torn between the guitalele and a 1/2 size classical. However, the GL-1 seems playable enough for practice and impromptu jams on the road. Reckon it could be a portable alternative to my full-size guitars.

[@nmnjs]

Another update. Had a chance to try the Aria today. I bonded with the Aria better than the Yamaha. Aria simply felt more guitar-like to me and didn't lack sustain. Yamaha was more mellow and felt like a different instrument. Both finely crafted. Yamaha had a bit a more refined feel, while the Aria intonated better and was more playable across the neck. Cheers!

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

@@nmnjs very interesting, please post a video if you buy the Aria. K

[@nmnjs]

​@@kennymaccaferri2602 Will do that! Compared them side to side today. Aria is more playable for single notes, like an electric, almost. Yamaha has a classical guitar feel to it. Also, two more frets and smaller body of the Aria make a difference. I think it's ratio is more spot-on against the bigger-bodied Yamaha. Btw. how is your Aria holding up after some time? Any complaints? Yamaha is known for good quality, but there's little info on the Aria.

[@insertanynameyouwant5311]

I tried Yamaha GL-1 (black) and a very similar thing from Flight recently. Both sounded horrible, completely dead tone, like a toy. Could be just a problem of old strings, but I`m not sure...still looking for a nice guitalele for travelling

[@gshargrave2140]

It might have been your strings. I'm happy with D'Addario EJ45 Pro-Arte Normal Tension Classical Guitar Strings on my GL-1. The factory-installed strings that came with the instrument weren't a good match, and wore out very quickly. I really like the tone now.

[@driewiel]

I have a question. I just ordered a plastic (polycarbonate) Korala guitalele. The reason is I'm going out camping and 1. I can get wet, 2. it's lighter! But I hope the sound won't be too bad. My question is: Do you think the Yamaha GL-1 would survive the temperature differences? In other words would you leave it outside in a waterproof bag? Or do you think I made the right choice by going plastic? Of course you can't really know for sure without having played a Korala PUG-40. But maybe you have? If so you are free to tell me it is rubbish. I already ordered! And I will compare it to a wooden guitalele myself.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

drie wiel you made the right choice! Sounds interesting,. while sound is important, if you are going to be playing this while it is wet or outside in the rain, waterproofness trumps sound, material and even style. Suggested medley on your first camping trip as the heavens open (that means starts to rain) of you are hiking up a mountain stream:. Singing in the rain, Handel's Water Music, Stormbringer, It's raining in my heart, Raindrops keep falling on my head (my...Korala).... and then finish with We Shall Gather at the River in the style of the Scottish band Wet Wet Wet. Have fun.

[@driewiel]

Thanks. Yes I hope I will have a lot of rain to justify my choice! If you see a tent paddling by it'll be me with my new instrument.

[@humbler711]

Hi, can i tune those guitalele as ebgdae. it looks good for practice where i can't bring my regular guitar, but my main concern is the tuning because as a beginner i don't want to learn two diferent chord shape for the same chord therefore i prefer standard tuning on the guitalele.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

+humbler711 Interesting question. If I am correct you are asking whether you can tune the open strings of the small guitars to standard tuning EADGBE instead of up a fourth in ADGCEA? Of course you can. Just detune the strings... Better still would be, so that the strings would have correct tension, to put on a set of strings that are designed for a baritone guitar (that's a guitar that is usually longer in neck and has the lowest pitched string tuned to B, C, Db or even sometimes as high as D - the strings are available). A small guitar like that would be equivalent to a baritone guitar tuned to B but barred at the fifth fret. Wonder why no one has thought of doing that? With the heavier strings you would tune to EADGBE and it would feel 'normal' in terms of tension. Then you would not have to transpose.... Hope this helps.

[@tanyushmusic]

Have you compared it to Gretsch and Ibanez guitarelles?

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Hi In Tune. No I haven't. This video was years ago, there are many more brands available now. As I say in the video there are others and I mention a couple of them (towards the end), but not the two you mention. I'm not a gear reviewer (or even that knowledgeable about gear), I'm an accompanist who is interested in practice methods and these old videos are from that angle, if you have limited time on a full sized guitar these can help. Thanks for your comment. Kenny

[@nick4985]

sounds like a rubber band being plucked too hard on a pencil box

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Exactly the sound i was looking for. Thanks for your interest.

[@ryanwylie8495]

Your good !

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

I'm ok. Trouble is I can play - worst thing that ever happened - I put a lot more effort in when I couldn't...

[@KANTNV]

как-то мерзко мужик за струны дёргает, в его руках все гитары звучали мерзко)

[@carlnewtonfishing6045]

Your'e bloody good.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

And you are very kind to say so. You a player yourself? I mean guitar.

[@carlnewtonfishing6045]

@@kennymaccaferri2602 I can play and few basic chords and play along to some songs I like. Been trying for years, But seem to have got stuck there (over 55yo now) can't seem to progress. So I thought I would give the guitalele a go. Came across your video and you made it look so easy.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

@@carlnewtonfishing6045 Well good luck to you, you are still "young" enough to learn anything on the guitar or any instrument (well maybe not the Tuba)... take it easy, step by step, no huge leaps and play with others as much as you can at any level at all, I've coaching students in their sixties who have made amazing progress in a couple of years - a general thing seems to be that they remain more interested if they regularly play with other people - even for an hour a week. Thanks again for your kind comment - I'm actually an accompaniest (for hire) more than a live player of my own music these days myself - and even though I get nice comments - even people like me have a lot to learn. Take care Kenny

[@lordreiz9208]

Skillz

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Thankkz. Much appreciated. Kenny

[@JustasG]

I tried few very cheap guitars and not very good experience. What you recommend from these little bit more expensive, but anyway for beginning trying to find as cheap as possible but good enough. Valencia or Yamaha better for flamenco? I am now in India so I have limited guitars in a list to buy, can you tell which would be better? Yamaha few models: C40 (97$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXi6oK2Le7mXsKs C40M (95$). Does M means Matt Finish? C40II, mark 2 I don't know what is the difference these are little bit price higher but I can afford. There are few Valencia, heard they are also good brand, less price, 200 Series Full size (62$) this one I don't know if neck is normal 4/4 size, need to check 3000 Series Full Size (75$) VC564 4/4 Series 560 (85$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH6cm5tqrN2hfdU

[@charlieasoste]

Can you fit the GL1 into a suitcase?

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

Charlie Soste That depends on the size of the suitcase. Personally, I hook a man's leather belt through the handle attachment and drape it over the bag I carry as hand luggage . Never had a problem at an airport or on a plane.

[@simonandthelyricalpoets]

I really enjoyed this comparison video. I'm new to the GL1, and it's a remarkable instrument - in fact I find it hard to put down! Liked and subscribed - if you get the chance to check out my music channel, that would be much appreciated.

[@andrewguttry6886]

If you didn't hit the things so hard we might hear more tone and less rattle and fret buzz! Slapping strings against the fretboard does nothing to demonstrate how these things sound. And there's nothing wrong with sustain; the GL-1 isn't designed as a flamenco guitar, so your comment in that respect is redundant. In most guitars good sustain is not only desirable, but is indicative of a well made, resonant instrument. Poor review, poor playing frankly; and 'sublety' and 'restraint' are two words that should be included in your lexicon. John Coupland's review of the Guitalele should be your guide...

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

I've already dealt with the misconception about sustain in my reply to Greg. I do appreciate you taking the time to comment, and your thoughts on sustain in stringed instruments, yes it is one of the ways that stringed instruments are judged along with what I was talking about: initial attack (that's the higher tones of the timbre) when learning and practising,. I think I did say it was subjective, and I very much prefer the attack of a flamenco style guitar over the syrupy middle of (admittedly great instruments like) a classical guitar. To you Andrew I would only add two t things: I'll give you the benefit of the doubt this time and put it down to impulsiveness because of tiredness or poor judgement; because your comment does you no justice at all, secondly and this is my own belief, my opinion if you like: If contentious almost polemic commenters such as yourself (in this case) were to put the same amount of energy you put into impulsive gut feeling clap trap comments into forming original opinions (about sustain say) and really practiced over a few months not only to listen but to actually hear consider over a decent time before replying.... accordingly without polemics or , that might lead over time to you being less hidebound in both your demands of others' opinions and less vicarious in your beliefs. If, and I stress if, you did that, you might eventually think for yourself, be better musician and certainly would be a better and a happier human being. In short, you're an amateur. And it shows.

[@andrewguttry6886]

@@kennymaccaferri2602 I've been playing for over 50 years Kenny, both professionally, semi-professionally and in a teaching capacity. I suggest you keep your assumptions about my 'amateur' status to yourself. All the best.

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

@@andrewguttry6886 I've heard you playing. You are an amateur.

[@punns643]

You sick!

[@kennymaccaferri2602]

You rich!

[@clacclackerson3678]

These are beautiful little instruments yet almost every sound you extract from them is ugly.

[@Justin-hb9wc]

He's just picking the strings too hard other than that he's a great player

[@clacclackerson3678]

@@Justin-hb9wc Why does he pick them too hard? I have a theory. What's yours?

[@faustajoksaite6411]

kz

[@johncosimo4261]

Stop showing off dude