In today's lesson, we will master the basics of Ukulele with a step-by-step approach. The ukulele is a fun and accessible instrument that's perfect for beginners. This guide will introduce you to the basics and provide you with some simple tabs to get started.
What is the Ukulele?
The ukulele is a four-stringed instrument that is similar ot the guitar, but smaller. Strumming chords play it, and it is a great instrument to get started on. It is small, portable, and many popular songs can be played on it.
Key Features:
- Four Strings: Unlike a guitar, the ukulele only has four strings.
- Small size: It is much smaller than a guitar, and highly portable.
- Sound: Since it is so small, it has a very distinct tone.
- Variations: There are different sizes; the most common is the soprano.
- Origin: Its origins have made it an iconic Hawaiian instrument.
- Body: The main part that amplifies the sound.
- Neck: Where you press the strings to change notes.
- Frets: What divides the notes up into sections.
- Strings: What are strummed while holding down chords.
Tuning The Ukulele:
The standard tuning of the ukulele is different from a guitar. This is a common mistake people make when getting one. Since it is so similar to a guitar and looks like a smaller version, it only seems fair that the tuning would be the same, minus two strings. But not the case.
Since it is a completely different instrument, it is not tuned the same. The guitar is an E instrument, and the ukulele is a C instrument.
Standard tuning for the guitar: E A D G B E = E tuning. Based on the key of E.
Standard tuning for the ukulele: G C E A = C tuning. Based on the key of C.
Here is an example of what these four strings should be tuned to. The G, C, A, & E above. It is recommended that you get an electronic tuner to make sure that the strings are tuned to the correct pitch. This is a very important part of playing the instrument. Make sure your ukulele is in tune.
Starter Ukulele Chords
The first chord to learn on the ukulele, once you have it tuned up, is the C major chord. For this, we will be reading chord charts. These are box diagrams that help us identify how to form the chords. The ukulele will be facing upward with the vertical lines representing the strings, and the horizontal lines representing the frets. Very much like the picture above.
C Major Chord
As you can see from the diagram above, you place your ring finger on the 1st string at the 3rd fret. Strum all four strings and you have now formed the C major chord. One finger on one string at the 3rd fret of the 1st string.
F Major Chord
This is the F major chord. It's one step up from the C major, because you use two fingers. Your middle or ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret, and your middle, or index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret. Whichever is best for you. Hold down these two strings on these two frets and strum all four strings.
G Major Chord
Like the one before it, this chord is a step up from the previous one. This chord uses three fingers. Your index finger on the 3rd string 2nd fret, ring finger on the 2nd string 3rd fret, and the middle finger on the 1st string 2nd fret. Shaped like a triangle.
Practice forming these chords individually, then work at switching between them. As you get better at this through daily practice, you will be able to incorporate other chords into your chord vocabulary. Be sure to take it slow and have patience with your development.
Simple Stumming Patterns
This is what your other hand will be doing as you're holding down chords. One hand is the fretboard hand, designed for chords and melody lines, and your other hand is your strumming hand, designed for strumming the strings and creating rhythm.
Strum Pattern #1:
D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D
Strum Pattern #2:
D-U-D-U-D-U-D-U
Strum Pattern #3:
D-D-DUD D-D-DUD
Notice in the 3rd strum pattern, there is no space between the last three strums. That is to indicate that these three beats are played as one. Down, up, down. So pattern 3 will go: Dow, Down, Down Up Down.
This is how rhythm and timing can be easily indicated. Remember, music is a language like any other, and here you are learning the language of music. So, if some of the concepts seem a bit foreign at first, not to worry. With practice, it will come to you.
Practice Tips:
- Start slow: In the beginning, focus on clarity and accuracy over speed. Speed will come over time. Don't rush it, or you will develop bad habits that will be hard to break later. One step at a time is best.
- Practice daily: Aim for at least 15 minutes of practice time daily. Work at forming and holding each chord for a bit before switching to another one. This will help train the muscles in your fingers.
- Listen and make adjustments: Pay attention to the sound that each chord makes. If you're not getting a clear tone, adjust your fingers and work at playing on the tips of them.
- Switch two at a time: Switching chords is not easy in the beginning, so it is best to work at two at a time, back and forth. Once you can do that, add another one. Try C & F first, then add the G.
Dive Deeper
If you'd like to dive deeper into mastering the ukulele, I recommend you check the book I authored called Learn To Play The Ukulele.
This book is a step-by-step method book for students of all ages. Designed to get the novice up and running as quickly as possible. With pictures and diagrams to help with visual aid, learning to play the ukulele has never been any easier.
In this method book, you will learn things such as:
- How to hold the ukulele.
- Ukulele chords are best used for playing songs.
- Ukulele chord progressions for playing songs.
- Ukulele scales for playing melodies and solos.
- How to read ukulele chord charts and tablature.
- How to understand basic music theory.
- How to develop great practice habits.
- And much, much more.
If you are serious about learning to play the ukulele, then this is the book for you. So grab it today, and start having fun learning how to play the ukulele, and if you have any questions, I'm just an email away. Always happy to help.
Thanks for your time learning today.
Good luck with your playing.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
