Want some Ukulele beginners videos? You may be aware that there are numerous Got A Ukulele review videos on YouTube. If not - you can click the link below to go to the channel and why not subscribe?
But I also have done a number of videos aimed at the first time ukulele owner. Shared below to help you out!
HOW TO BUY YOUR FIRST UKULELE
First up - a beginners guide to buying your first instrument - what to look for!
HOW TO TUNE YOUR UKULELE
Not as simple as it sounds - covers all forms of tuning, including how to tune if you are without a tuner!
HOW TO HOLD THE UKULELE
Next up, not as obvious as it may sound - probably one of the most asked beginners questions
UKULELE SIZES
A look at the main ukulele sizes and their differences. Busting the myth that any one scale of ukulele is in any way 'better' than any other..
HOW TO CHANGE UKULELE STRINGS
Sooner or later you will want to change your strings. Yes, they are not designed to last forever - I change mine every month or two - they are designed to be changed!! Think of them like tyres for your car.
ALL ABOUT FRICTION TUNERS
One of the biggest myths about ukuleles is that all friction tuners are bad news. They are not - there is good and bad in everything!
ADJUSTING UKULELE SETUP
Sadly these days, many entry level ukes can arrive badly in need of adjustment - it's not something to be scared of, and in fact I would encourage any player to explore how their uke works - these things are designed to be adjusted!
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR UKULELE
Cat amongst the pigeons time - seriously though - this is all you need.
FITTING A STRAP BUTTON
How to fit a strap button to a ukulele
HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOLID AND LAMINATE WOODS
HOW TO DEAL WITH BUZZES AND RATTLES
Follow the steps in order!
HOW TO ADJUST UKULELE ACTION AT THE SADDLE
Dont be afraid!
HOW TO PLAY THE SONGS IN MY REVIEW VIDEOS
(You asked, in your droves, I succumbed..)
THE ESSENTIAL UKULELE ACCESSORIES
Really, the minimum I recommend
UKULELE SHOPPING OPTIONS AND QUALITY CONTROL
Choose your channels wisely!
WHY WON'T MY UKE STAY IN TUNE?
LEARN THE PARTS OF THE UKULELE
INTERVIEW WITH ALEX AT SOUTHERN UKULELE STOREWhich explains the back story to the reviews and how they work!
Hi, I am total beginner and am a few weeks in now from purchasing my starter Uke (Makala Dolphin). I've learnt a few chords whilst learning some simple songs that were undoubtedly originally written for guitar (and realized just how hard it is to play and sing at the same time). Could you suggest any songs that are written for the Uke that is suitable for a beginner ? i.e. good for learning the basic principles.
In reality - many earlier songs that were written for ukulele tend to be complex with multiple jazz chords. The easiest songs you will find are basic guitar driven songs - country songs, nursery rhymes etc. Look for two or three chord songs - if you go to the songs tab on this blog you will find a list - most (though not all) of those are very simple.
Just discovered your site. Although I've "dabbled" in guitar for a number of years, have yet to pick up the ukulele. I'm leaning towards a tenor, but the decision has yet to be made. Looking forward to browsing here and learning more. (I'm a huge fan of "The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain". Unfortunately, they don't make it to the states very often.
Hi, I have just watched your video on buzzes. I have developed a buzz on the E string at the nut. Should I change it round as per your video (I am fairly hopeless when it comes to practical tasks-just ask my wife!!)? Thanks, Gary
Possibly - I would work through the points in that video in order. 1. Check it's not something else rattling 2. Swap the string on it's length, 3. swap the string for a new one - beyond those you are looking at adjusting more difficult things.
Hi Barry, I'm a total beginner and I've been watching your video's but haven't found any info on left handed uke's. Is it ok to just reverse the strings, I have read that the nut has to be filed out for the thicker C string? Or is it better to try and find a l. h. one. (I'm thinking of buying an Enya EUC - X1, they have one called OMS-04 as well but they seem very similar.) I'm in Australia and ukulele's are quite expensive here, especially left handed ones. Thanks for your time. Regards, Sandra
If you enjoy this blog, donations are welcomed to allow me to invest more time in bringing you ukulele articles. Aside from the Google ads, I don't get paid to write this blog and for reasons of impartiality a not sponsored by brands or stores. Your donations all go back into the site to allow me to keep bringing you reviews, and in the end the ukuleles acquired are given to local schools and charities.
Hi, I am total beginner and am a few weeks in now from purchasing my starter Uke (Makala Dolphin).
ReplyDeleteI've learnt a few chords whilst learning some simple songs that were undoubtedly originally written for guitar (and realized just how hard it is to play and sing at the same time).
Could you suggest any songs that are written for the Uke that is suitable for a beginner ? i.e. good for learning the basic principles.
when learning to strum and sing at the same time. First try mastering the song. After that try single strums find out when the chords change
DeleteIn reality - many earlier songs that were written for ukulele tend to be complex with multiple jazz chords. The easiest songs you will find are basic guitar driven songs - country songs, nursery rhymes etc. Look for two or three chord songs - if you go to the songs tab on this blog you will find a list - most (though not all) of those are very simple.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your site. Although I've "dabbled" in guitar for a number of years, have yet to pick up the ukulele. I'm leaning towards a tenor, but the decision has yet to be made. Looking forward to browsing here and learning more. (I'm a huge fan of "The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain". Unfortunately, they don't make it to the states very often.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI have just watched your video on buzzes. I have developed a buzz on the E string at the nut. Should I change it round as per your video (I am fairly hopeless when it comes to practical tasks-just ask my wife!!)?
Thanks,
Gary
Possibly - I would work through the points in that video in order. 1. Check it's not something else rattling 2. Swap the string on it's length, 3. swap the string for a new one - beyond those you are looking at adjusting more difficult things.
ReplyDeleteHi Barry, I'm a total beginner and I've been watching your video's but haven't found any info on left handed uke's. Is it ok to just reverse the strings, I have read that the nut has to be filed out for the thicker C string? Or is it better to try and find a l. h. one. (I'm thinking of buying an Enya EUC - X1, they have one called OMS-04 as well but they seem very similar.) I'm in Australia and ukulele's are quite expensive here, especially left handed ones.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your time.
Regards, Sandra
If you use the search box at the top and search ‘got a ukulele left handed ‘ you should find a long article I wrote on that very subject!
DeleteThanks for the info. Cheers Sandra
Delete