In a nutshell, yes you can. They tune, and play the same. The difference is a much different sound, and as you play you might differ your playing style some as you learn the differences, and how they sound with any specific song. I have both, and play certain songs with the Banjo Uke because I like that specific rag time type of sound for that specific song, and other songs, it doesn't quite sound right. So, as you play, you will find you play them differently due to personal tastes, and song types. But again, in a nutshell, they play, and can be played just the same.