Ukulele A-Z - F is For....

My next installment of the Ukulele A-Z - this time, the letter F!

Figure

The distinctive pattern produced by a wood's grain, annual rings, rays, coloration, or knots. A nicely figured uke can be desirable as well as expensive!


Fingerboard

The area of the neck over which the strings run and into which the frets are mounted. The fingerboard is where your fretting hand holds the notes by pressing down on the strings between the frets. Fingerboards are often made out of a strip of dark wood or dark stained wood applied to the neck of the ukulele.


Fingerstyle

The technique of playing the ukulele by picking individual strings with the fingers or a pick, rather than strumming them.


Finish

The term used to describe how a ukulele body is finished in manufacture - either glossy, matte or painted (usually)


Flat

Lower in pitch. (deeper)


Flatpick

A triangular or teardrop-shaped piece of nylon or plastic used to pluck or strum the strings. Not something that is usually used to play a ukulele, but anything goes!


Flea and Fluke

Names of modern designed ukuleles with distinctive shapes and moulded plastic backs. Their design is exact and are rarely badly set up. Manufactured by the Magic Fluke Company in the USA.


Four/four time

A time signature of four quarter beats in one bar of music.


Fret

The thin strips of metal set into the neck of a ukulele to allow you to change notes. By holding a string between frets, the fret nearest the bridge acts as a nut and shortens the length of the string, hence sharpening the note higher.


Fretting

The action of placing a finger between frets, thus changing the length and pitch of the string.


Fret Marker

The dots inlayed in the fingerboard of the ukulele to help finger placement and finding notes.