Marilyn was playing a Ukulele. It was made by Martin, and was pink!
A beginner ukulele player can find easy songs to play on a ukulele in ukulele playing guides that can be purchased at the local music store or book store, or by asking a ukulele teacher.
You can play any music on the ukulele, so everyone that has written music could be named. Many Motown hits were first sounded out on the uke, and the other instruments added into it, and eventually the uke removed.
He plays a Martin Tenor ukulele.
The link below will provide the tabs for playing Bubbly on the ukulele.
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A ukulele is pretty inexpensive, as little as $20 in most places and that is more than enough to get you started. There are hundreds of YouTube videos that can help you learn to string, tune and play the ukulele. Share a couple of good ukulele videos with your dad and say you want to learn to play like that! I would recommend Jake Shimabukuro as a serious musician and not a comedy routine. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is another good one to share. And check YouTube for videos of ukulele players doing one of your dad's favorite songs.
If there are a million songs, you can certainly play them. The ukulele will have at least 48 different notes that you can play, giving it a pretty wide range.
Ukulele Hunt web site below has lots of music for ukulele including this one.
An ukulele is a musical instrument, see my profile picture!
Israel Kamakawiwoole's main ukulele was a Martin Tenor.
You can find the tabs and chords at Ukulele Hunt at the link below.