I sing. In fact, I’m a pretty good singer. For awhile I made my living singing, and I got that gig from singing.
However, the only instrument I have ever mastered is the French Horn.
It is not possible to accompany yourself singing with the French Horn.
I tried piano. However, at the best of times, I am rhythmically challenged, and to do two different things with my hands at the same time is simply beyond me. (I am pretty sure my piano teacher threw himself a party the day I quit.)
I tried guitar. A little better, but to save my soul I cannot bar (that is holding down multiple strings with one finger). I have strong fingers (I type for a living), but they are chubby little fuckers and I think they simply do not have the firmness to bar.
What’s a fat old lady to do?
The fat old lady got herself a ukulele!
I LOVE MY UKULELE.
There are only 4 strings to deal with (instead of 6 on a guitar), and while my barring is admittedly pathetic, I can mostly get by. I can practice it pretty much anyplace, and, unlike the French Horn, I don’t end up irritating the cats and our neighbors.
So I am now a fat old ukulele lady; I finally have an instrument that I can play while I sing.
Uke’s are so cool. I really need to get one…one of these days.