The most common question for ukulele beginners is 'How Do I Play The Ukulele?' but there are many others with this musical instrument! Got A Ukulele presents their full list of beginners tips and help for new uke players.
(These are short and sweet tips for new ukulele players, but full more detailed guides can be found in my first two ukulele books as linked below.)
If you have any other questions or need more advice, just get in touch!
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My Ukulele Beginners Books - Amazon.com
My ukulele beginners ebooks - for Kindle / Paperback - Amazon.co.uk
What Ukulele Players Really Want To Know - Barnes and Noble / Nook
GOT A UKULELE BEGINNERS GUIDES and TIPS
Absolute Beginners Questions
The most common questions I get asked by ukulele beginners
Top Ten Tips for Ukulele Beginners
Ukulele History
The Got A Ukulele A-Z Glossary - all those terms you want to know!
Buying A Ukulele
How much should I spend on a ukulele?
how cheap is a cheap ukulele?
Buying online and the great uke setup myth
How to buy a ukulele
Ukulele sizes
Ukulele shapes
Ukulele pickups and amplification
What do I need to tune my ukulele?
Wood types and their influence on ukulele sound
Do I need a case for my ukulele?
Options for Left Handed Ukulele Beginners
Types of Ukulele Capo
Choosing a reliable ukulele dealer
Parts Of The Ukulele
Ukulele strings
How to change ukulele strings
All about ukulele wood
More about ukulele wood
All about ukulele tuning pegs
A look inside friction pegs - with video
All about ukulele nuts and saddles
First Steps in Playing Ukulele
Tuning the Ukulele
How to hold and strum the ukulele
What are the ukulele chords?
Ownership and Maintenance of your Ukulele
Cleaning your ukulele
Ukulele intonation
More about ukulele intonation
What is ukulele "action"?
Ukulele buzzes and rattles
Sore fingers?
When should I change my ukulele strings?
All about humidity and the effects on your uke
Ukulele finishes
Don't be afraid of learning how to adjust your ukulele - its meant to be adjusted!
How To Adjust Ukulele Action At The Saddle
My ukulele keeps going out of tune
Swapping ukulele tuners
Oiling a Fretboard
Next Steps in Ukulele Playing
What do the 4 digits mean on ukulele tabs?
How to read ukulele tabs
Growing nails for fingerpicking the uke
What is a K Brand uke?
The dreaded E Chord
Advanced Ukulele Strumming techniques
What is "low G" tuning?
Finger Stretching Exercises
What is re-entrant tuning?
A light touch - tips on avoiding finger aches and pains
How To Transpose Between Different Ukulele Tunings
Next Steps in Ukulele Playing
What do the 4 digits mean on ukulele tabs?
How to read ukulele tabs
Growing nails for fingerpicking the uke
What is a K Brand uke?
The dreaded E Chord
Advanced Ukulele Strumming techniques
What is "low G" tuning?
Finger Stretching Exercises
What is re-entrant tuning?
A light touch - tips on avoiding finger aches and pains
How To Transpose Between Different Ukulele Tunings
Effects Pedals In More Depth
General Ukulele Guides
More than four ukulele strings?
To strap or not to strap?
Fitting a passive pickup to a ukulele
On Solid Tops opening up with age
Using Fishing Line as Ukulele String
What to pack in your Ukulele Gig Bag
Do I need to be Insured?
The essential ukulele accessories
Does the finish on a ukulele affect the tone?
Playing a Ukulele in Tune With Itself
How much should I practice the ukulele?
How I record the Ukulele Videos
UKULELE VIDEO beginners tips
BUYING YOUR FIRST UKULELE
HOLDING THE UKULELE
THE PARTS OF THE UKULELE
UKULELE SIZES
CHANGING UKULELE STRINGS
CHANGING UKE STRINGS (SLOTTED BRIDGE)
FRICTION TUNERS
THE IMPORTANCE OF NUT WIDTH
TUNING THE UKE
ADJUSTING ACTION and SETUP
HAMMERING ON AND OFF
CHUCKING, CHUNKING and PALM MUTING
THE I IV V CHORD SEQUENCE
FITTING A STRAP BUTTON
HOW TO TELL IF A UKULELE IS SOLID OR LAMINATE
DEALING WITH BUZZES AND RATTLES
General Ukulele Guides
More than four ukulele strings?
To strap or not to strap?
Fitting a passive pickup to a ukulele
On Solid Tops opening up with age
Using Fishing Line as Ukulele String
What to pack in your Ukulele Gig Bag
Do I need to be Insured?
The essential ukulele accessories
Does the finish on a ukulele affect the tone?
Playing a Ukulele in Tune With Itself
How much should I practice the ukulele?
How I record the Ukulele Videos
UKULELE VIDEO beginners tips
BUYING YOUR FIRST UKULELE
HOLDING THE UKULELE
THE PARTS OF THE UKULELE
UKULELE SIZES
CHANGING UKULELE STRINGS
CHANGING UKE STRINGS (SLOTTED BRIDGE)
FRICTION TUNERS
THE IMPORTANCE OF NUT WIDTH
TUNING THE UKE
ADJUSTING ACTION and SETUP
HAMMERING ON AND OFF
CHUCKING, CHUNKING and PALM MUTING
THE I IV V CHORD SEQUENCE
FITTING A STRAP BUTTON
HOW TO TELL IF A UKULELE IS SOLID OR LAMINATE
DEALING WITH BUZZES AND RATTLES
EFFECTS PEDALS IN MORE DEPTH
UKULELE THEORY GUIDES
UKULELE THEORY GUIDES
Basic ukulele theory part 2 - Major Chords
Basic ukulele theory part 3 - Minor Chords
Basic ukulele theory part 4 - Major 7th Chords
UKULELE GLOSSARY / DICTIONARY OF TERMS
http://www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-glossary.html
RANTS
The now famous moans about bad advice!
© Barry Maz
Basic ukulele theory part 3 - Minor Chords
Basic ukulele theory part 4 - Major 7th Chords
UKULELE GLOSSARY / DICTIONARY OF TERMS
http://www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-glossary.html
RANTS
The now famous moans about bad advice!
GENERAL UKULELE RANTS
Ukulele Myths - the most commonly shared misconceptions you will find online
Bad Ukulele Advice - everyone is an expert these days, and there is some terrible advice out there, and yet more misconceptions.
The Ukulele is not the happiest instrument in the world - the assumption that all is happy in use-land and people being less than friendly and happy if you dare say it isn't..
The Day Ukulele Players Died - a Sad history of social media ukulele communities gone bad.
Stop telling beginners that the ukulele is easy!! The media buzzword - the 'easy' word - for many it's not actually true.
Why I don't really get the concept of UAS - the oddity of collecting ukuleles for the sake of it
The Magic Ukulele Problem - the oddity of those who think that the ukulele is magical - when actually it is 'music' that holds the magic.
Trying To Put The 'Easy Ukulele' Myth To Bed Once And For All - now with added statistics!
Can We Have More Ukulele Content Please? - on the slow sink to mediocrity amongst ukulele websites..
On People Who Get Offended By Ukulele Reviews - seriously, they are just opinions...
On The Never Ending Argument Over How to Pronounce 'Ukulele' - please make it stop!
It's not all Hawaii Hawaii Hawaii you know...
Ukulele Festival Overload?
On the Ukulele Versus Guitar Debates - pointless and unhelpful as they are.
A Word Of Support For The Humble Soprano - no, it's not a poor mans ukulele..
Please Be Mindful Of Your Advice on Air Travel With Ukes - it's NOT the same everywhere.
Ukulele Myths - the most commonly shared misconceptions you will find online
Bad Ukulele Advice - everyone is an expert these days, and there is some terrible advice out there, and yet more misconceptions.
The Ukulele is not the happiest instrument in the world - the assumption that all is happy in use-land and people being less than friendly and happy if you dare say it isn't..
The Day Ukulele Players Died - a Sad history of social media ukulele communities gone bad.
Stop telling beginners that the ukulele is easy!! The media buzzword - the 'easy' word - for many it's not actually true.
Why I don't really get the concept of UAS - the oddity of collecting ukuleles for the sake of it
The Magic Ukulele Problem - the oddity of those who think that the ukulele is magical - when actually it is 'music' that holds the magic.
Trying To Put The 'Easy Ukulele' Myth To Bed Once And For All - now with added statistics!
Can We Have More Ukulele Content Please? - on the slow sink to mediocrity amongst ukulele websites..
On People Who Get Offended By Ukulele Reviews - seriously, they are just opinions...
On The Never Ending Argument Over How to Pronounce 'Ukulele' - please make it stop!
It's not all Hawaii Hawaii Hawaii you know...
Ukulele Festival Overload?
On the Ukulele Versus Guitar Debates - pointless and unhelpful as they are.
A Word Of Support For The Humble Soprano - no, it's not a poor mans ukulele..
Please Be Mindful Of Your Advice on Air Travel With Ukes - it's NOT the same everywhere.
UKULELE EQUIPMENT AND BUYING (Strings, woods, straps, picks...)
The Cosmic Ukulele Strap debate - attention - it IS acceptable to use a strap - ignore the haters!
Why do we accept such cheap junk ukuleles - a look at one of the worst examples I have ever seen - inside and out!
Ukulele Bling - the myths about fancy uke finishes and marketing ploys
Snake Oil! - some people will buy anything (more marketing ploys)
Debunking the nonsense about using plectrums and picks - like straps - it's perfectly acceptable to pick if you want to!
Dealers - a little more honesty in your sales descriptions please! - on the common practice of misleading sales descriptions
The myth that all laminate ukes are bad and all solid woods are great.. - I'd take a good laminate over a bad solid wood instrument every day of the week.
The Problem with 'Over Built' Ukuleles - The cheap, heavy, dead sounding ukulele curse
On String Changing Opinions... Discussing the odd practice of arguing over which string is best for other people despite not knowing the other person or their ukulele, or the style, or their tastes....
Why The Fear Of Changing Strings? - really - there is no need.
Choose Your Ukulele Dealer Carefully - and why I urge caution with some!
Why Choosing A Ukulele Based on Ability to Hold Tune Is Wrong - it's all about things that are adjustable!
A little imagination in your headstock designs please - why does everything need to look like a Martin?
Online Ukulele Shopping and Quality Control - choosing your buying channels
The Cosmic Ukulele Strap debate - attention - it IS acceptable to use a strap - ignore the haters!
Why do we accept such cheap junk ukuleles - a look at one of the worst examples I have ever seen - inside and out!
Ukulele Bling - the myths about fancy uke finishes and marketing ploys
Snake Oil! - some people will buy anything (more marketing ploys)
Debunking the nonsense about using plectrums and picks - like straps - it's perfectly acceptable to pick if you want to!
Dealers - a little more honesty in your sales descriptions please! - on the common practice of misleading sales descriptions
The myth that all laminate ukes are bad and all solid woods are great.. - I'd take a good laminate over a bad solid wood instrument every day of the week.
The Problem with 'Over Built' Ukuleles - The cheap, heavy, dead sounding ukulele curse
On String Changing Opinions... Discussing the odd practice of arguing over which string is best for other people despite not knowing the other person or their ukulele, or the style, or their tastes....
Why The Fear Of Changing Strings? - really - there is no need.
Choose Your Ukulele Dealer Carefully - and why I urge caution with some!
Why Choosing A Ukulele Based on Ability to Hold Tune Is Wrong - it's all about things that are adjustable!
A little imagination in your headstock designs please - why does everything need to look like a Martin?
Online Ukulele Shopping and Quality Control - choosing your buying channels
RANTS ON UKULELE PLAYING and PERFORMING
But we don't have a budget for bands! - the dreaded expectation that you must play for free
Is it acceptable to play this on the ukulele? - a rant against those who want to pigeonhole the uke to a single style
But That's Not On The Song Sheet! - get out of your band rut - explore!
On Ukulele Strumming Patterns - no need to be so rigid in your practice!
The Ukulele Busker, David Cameron and The Madness of The Ukulele Community
It's OK to have individual ukulele tastes! - Just because we play the ukulele doesn't mean we all have to like the same stuff!
Don't avoid using that forefinger! - Break free from your capo!
A High Five for ukulele players who do things their way - A shout to those who don't play by the established rules.
But we don't have a budget for bands! - the dreaded expectation that you must play for free
Is it acceptable to play this on the ukulele? - a rant against those who want to pigeonhole the uke to a single style
But That's Not On The Song Sheet! - get out of your band rut - explore!
On Ukulele Strumming Patterns - no need to be so rigid in your practice!
The Ukulele Busker, David Cameron and The Madness of The Ukulele Community
It's OK to have individual ukulele tastes! - Just because we play the ukulele doesn't mean we all have to like the same stuff!
Don't avoid using that forefinger! - Break free from your capo!
A High Five for ukulele players who do things their way - A shout to those who don't play by the established rules.
© Barry Maz
Many thanks and much gratitude for you taking the time to make this very helpful and comprehensive site.
ReplyDeleteRob
Thanks Rob - much appreciated
ReplyDeleteHi Barry! I recently bought a Makala Dolphin Ukulele, I have no experience whatsoever with playing instruments and I'm quite apprehending because I'll basically be learning by myself all from scratch. My question is...Is it feasible to learn how to play the ukulele all by myself, just viewing tutorial videos and reading Ukulele beginner books? I'm pretty motivated but just wondering if my lack of knowledge and playing skills will prevent me to learn all by myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response, I really love this blog.
HI Inès - I know many people who learned solo, but a far better method is to either have some lessons or play in a uke club - playing with other people is the fastest way to improve. Check out the club listings page (link at the top menu) and see if there is one near to you. But otherwise - no its perfectly possible to learn by your self.
ReplyDeleteHi Baz,
ReplyDeleteI'm a few weeks (and 3 Ukes) in now. I've learned a few easy tunes and now i'm tackling barre chords
At the moment with my small hands some of them are impossible, but i can do them if I use my thumb, is that acceptable if want to progress as a player or should i work on my finger strength/flexibility?
Neil
ReplyDeleteIn this beginners section is a post on finger stretching - I think they are good for warm ups on finger stretching. Beyond that the answer is really only practice practice practice. You are learning to push your fingers into positions they are not used to - but with regular play and stretches, trust me - it WILL come with time.
Hi - a quick thanks for this resource, I'm sure a lot of work has gone into it. Picking up genuine tips/tricks & knowledge is invaluable to me 'teaching myself'. I just watched your I, IV,V chord progression - I never knew that & have been playing guitar over a year, that's reall handy & helpful. What a great instrument this is - so easy to learn simple tunes after learning the guitar - just bought a banjolele, I'm hooked! Thanks again, Jim
ReplyDeleteVery helpful
ReplyDelete