“My Sharona” on my favorite 4-stringed instrument…

There’s a certain musical instruments that just don’t get no respect.

For example:

• ukulele
• harmonica
• maracas
• rubber bands around a kleenex box

Instruments like these seem like mere volkeninstruments, instruments of the people, and as such don’t warrant serious study or practice.

But have you ever actually tried playing maracas?

Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones makes it look easy and sound great. I’ve tried it. I wind up looking like someone trying to look like Mick Jagger playing maracas and failing. And I don’t even have the benefit of a wind machine like the real Mick Jagger.

On the other hand, I’ve tried rubber bands around a Kleenex box, and, as much as the instrument allows, succeeded.

WATCH: Danno plays “My Sharona” on a Kleenex Box

Why? What’s the difference?

Well, believe it or not, I spent some time mastering the Kleenex box.

I created a practice plan, a clear goal, and allotted time to work on it. I knew what skills I needed for the song chosen (“My Sharona”).

Granted, the whole process took about 3 minutes, but I really did go through all those steps.

Even with slightly more evolved folkeninstruments like ukulele and harmonica, there’s still a tendency to view them as toys, and as such, the logic goes, you don’t want to invest too much time or money learning how to play the things.

But here we are.

I’m writing and you’re reading a ukulele newsletter.

So today, I want you make a vow.

Stop thinking of your ukulele as a ukulele.

It’s just another way to make music. It’s not The magical fairy instrument that will solve the world’s problems.

Like a Kleenex, you only get out what you put in — which came out sounding a little more disgusting than I’d intended.

Focused on the fun,
— Danno

About the video:

RIDDLE ME THIS: What has four strings, is inexpensive, fun to play, and is NOT a ukulele?

“THEY” always told me you can’t play rock-n-roll on a kleenex box with rubber bands, but rock-n-roll is all about being a REBEL, so here am I am, stickin’ to ’em!

Rock on, rockers!