Courses  Instructors  How It Works Plans & Pricing Blog Resources 
x

Log In

Log In 
Don't have an account? Sign Up

Reset Password

Submit 
An email has been sent with instructions on how to reset your password.

Sign Up For Free

Then join a course

Our store is currently undergoing maintenance. Check back in a few hours.
Already have an account? Log In

10 Tips For Playing Ukulele

ukulele tips

The ukulele is one of the most endearing instruments on the planet. It's lightweight, full of good vibes, and will generally make people happy hearing it - as long as you know what you're doing that is. So, here's 10 helpful ukulele tips to keep in mind that will make you sound great wherever the music takes you. 

1. Take time for terminology

The ukulele is composed of three main components: the headstock (where you find the tuners), the neck (where the frets are, and where generally your left hand goes to play notes or chords), and the body, which holds the saddle, bridge, and sound hole (which is generally where you place your strumming or picking hand).

ukulele tips

2. Learn how to tune

Though you can explore a number of tunings, the standard tuning for a ukulele is GCEA. It helps to be in tune, especially when jamming with other people, so you might want to get a clip-on tuner you can easily carry with you.

3. Learn the basic chords

There are a few simple chord shapes to learn, which will get you started on ukulele. A chord chart is useful so you can see the shapes visually, which will help reinforce your learning process and memory. These include triads, open chords, and barre chords, among others.

ukulele strum

4. Remember: Strumming is key

Strumming goes in two directions: up and down. Strumming patterns are made up of various combinations of up/down- and combined with the speed/timing of your strum, can drastically change the feel of a song. When learning a new pattern, or if one is tripping you up, you might want to start at a slower pace and work your way up in speed so that your strumming is consistent.

ukulele tips

5. Learn how to pick

Picking is the alternative to strumming, when playing ukulele. You can pick lightly or with gusto, but you want it to be a deliberate choice. Often, you want range and dynamics in your song, and a good way to do that is to break it up with picking on one section (perhaps softer) and strumming in another section.

ukulele tips

6. Practice solo techniques

It’s not guitar (which can trip up some players coming from guitar). However, a lot of the same techniques can be used while soloing. Sliding into/between notes, hammer-ons, pull-offs and bends are all great tricks to creating a solo.

ukulele tips

7. Learn the different types of ukulele

You may be surprised to find out there are different kinds of ukuleles, based on different sizes. Soprano is the smallest, then concert; tenor is the largest of “normal” ukuleles, and finally there is the baritone — really its own beast with its own tuning. Find the right ukulele for you!

8. Explore different genres

It’s great to discover different musical genres. Ukulele originally comes from Hawaii, so there are lots of opportunities to learn Hula music, but you can play whatever you like if you can figure out the strumming and/or picking patterns… jazz, pop, reggae, surf, rock ’n roll, blues, you name it!

9. Take care of your instrument

Get a well-padded case for it, handle your little uke with love, and detune your strings before flying in an airplane because drastic temperature changes affect instruments.

10. Have fun

Sometimes learning new things can be frustrating if you want to do them perfectly — but it’s all for naught if you’re not enjoying it. It’s called “playing” ukulele for a reason! So follow your bliss, learn songs you enjoy and have a grand ol’ time just rocking out. The rest will come with time.

ukulele tips

Ready for more ukulele tips? Click here for free sample lessons with Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel! 

 

Related Ukulele Blogs:

Comments

X

Affordable Plans

Each subscription is for a single school. Pricing and features can vary slightly per school.

$35
1 Month membership
renews monthly
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$35/month (prepaid)
$90
3 Month membership
renews every 3 months
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$30/month (prepaid)
$240
12 Month membership
renews every 12 months
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$20/month (prepaid)
X