Learn How To Play UKULELE in 1 HOUR - Class for Total Beginners

Learning to play the ukulele is a fun and charming experience that can bring joy to your life. Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this video guide will help you get started on your ukulele journey.
Welcome! My name is Bernadette and I'm a certified music teacher. I have a bachelor's degree in music and a master's degree in education. I will try my best to help you get started on your ukulele journey! To download a PDF that will support you with today's lesson, follow this link: www.patreon.com/posts/7714949...
First and foremost, it's important to choose the right ukulele for you. Ukuleles come in four different sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Soprano is the smallest size and is perfect for traveling, for children, or for those with small hands. Concert ukuleles are slightly larger, making them a great choice for beginners of all ages and sizes. Tenor ukuleles are even larger, making the fret spacing wider. If your fingers are short, you may feel like the tenor is too big. With that said, one of the benefits of having a tenor ukulele is that it is easy to rest on your lap as you play. Baritone ukuleles are the largest and have the lowest pitch (they sound more like guitars than ukuleles). Baritone ukuleles also require you to learn new chord charts and shapes.
In this video I was playing a concert ukulele by Enya. This ukulele has fluorocarbon strings, which feel much easier on the fingers and have a sweeter sound. You can see this ukulele here: www.ukelandia.com/listing/110...
Most ukuleles are shaped like a figure 8, but if you're interested in a pineapple-shaped ukulele, you can see a great one here: www.ukelandia.com/listing/127...
Once you've chosen your ukulele, it's time to learn the basics. First, learn the parts of the ukulele. The headstock is the part of the ukulele where the tuning pegs are located. The neck is the long part of the ukulele that runs from the headstock to the body. The body is where the sound hole and sound chamber are located. The sound hole is where the sound comes out, and the sound chamber amplifies the sound. The frets wires are the metal bars that run along the neck.
Next, learn how to tune your ukulele. The strings of the ukulele are tuned to G-C-E-A (from your nose to the floor). You can use a tuning app like pano tuner or a clip-on tuner to help you tune your ukulele. Here's the tuner that I was using in my video: www.ukelandia.com/listing/133...
It's important to keep your ukulele in tune, so make sure to check the tuning often. If you'd like to see my more in-depth tuning tutorial, you can find that here: • HOW TO TUNE YOUR UKULE...
Once your ukulele is tuned, you can start playing! The first thing you should learn is how to play a few basic chords. There are many chords to learn, but some of the most common chords for beginners are C, Am, F, and G7. Start by learning these chords and then move on to more advanced chords as you become more comfortable.
Another important aspect of playing the ukulele is strumming. Strumming is when you use your hand to make the strings vibrate in a rhythmic pattern. We will learn a strumming pattern in this video, but if you need a slower course for this, I have linked one down below.
Today's lesson was a crash course. If you'd like to learn how to play ukulele with me here on KZbin, here are the courses I recommend in this order:
How to Strum Ukulele
• HOW TO STRUM THE UKULE...
30 Day Uke Challenge
• 30 Day Ukulele Challenge
Strum & Sing Challenge
• How to Strum & Sing Ch...
15 Uke Song Challenge
• 30 Day Uke Song Challenge
Songs Uke Should Know
• Uke Should Know Challenge
If you'd like to support the channel, the best way to do that is by joining the patreon community here / bernadetteteachesmusic . You'll get access to free PDF printables, live lessons, and exclusive video tutorials.
You can also support by shopping in my store www.ukelandia.com or by donating a tip on PayPal here: paypal.me/bernadetteplazi
TIME STAMPS
(Move ahead or come back to a point in the video)
0:00 Introduction and overview
0:43 Tuning
4:11 Holding a soprano
5:24 Holding other ukuleles
5:50 Foot stool mentioned:
6:42 Hand placement
9:02 How to strum
12:07 Chords
24:23 More chords
30:09 Stand By Me
36:27 Review
39:07 Lion Sleeps Tonight
45:48 Down & Up Strums
47:48 Song & Strumming
49:27 Strumming Pattern
51:21 Homework
52:50 Lion Sleeps Tonight with a strumming pattern
54:20 Next Steps
Connect with me on instagram!
/ plazi

[@j.s.5585]

64 years old and new to the uke. I tried lessons several years ago and dropped out due to a too busy schedule. Fully retired now, cancer survivor and ready to pick it up as a peaceful way to sit on the porch and strum away my time! Looking forward to learning.

[@angelmendez8147]

Great 😊

[@yeisnz1939]

Amazing ❤️

[@teddyblackey204]

Well done for beating cancer, proud of you 🎉😊❤

[@j.s.5585]

@@teddyblackey204 Thanks! Had stage IIIb colon cancer - 8+ year survivor now.

[@geniusofjoy]

Cancer survivor here too 56 and the learning as well. I have a hearing impairment and my arthritic hands aside, I’m having a ball!

[@Alex-bq4wo]

All the “Look up” prompts are so on point, it’s incredibly obvious you’ve taught MANY people. Amazing!

[@jannafolsom1069]

I told my husband, it's uncanny! I'm Always looking down when she says LookUp! He said, that just means she knows her shit. Pay attention. 😂❤

[@tannymanny1000]

Seriously though, she caught me so many times.

[@Post6HonorGuard]

I am 71 and I love the way you teach. My Nick name is sarge I prefer that. I’m gonna subscribe and look forward to see what I can learn. Thank you for this.

[@dmalyavin]

Every time she says it I want to start the chorus for Chop Suey!

[@dmalyavin]

AI's version: Look up (look up) Grab your chords and play a little ukulele Strum the strings, don't let them sound all crazy (strum the strings, don't let them sound all-) Why'd you leave your picks upon the table? Here you go, create a tune that's stable, you wanted to Grab your chords and play a little ukulele, you wanted to Strum the strings, don't let them sound all crazy, you wanted to Why'd you leave your picks upon the table? You wanted to

[@bikka122]

I swear you always know EXACTLY when to say "look up." I felt like you were in the same room looking directly to me haha I get distracted easily. You are an amazing teacher thank you so much!

[@nativearbor6]

I'm an old disabled Marine just had my 63rd birthday and wanted to learn to play an instrument. Many of my friends are musicians and I used to play percussion in a band long ago, congas, and bongos, djembe, and ashiko. So a friend of mine bought me a ukulele for my birthday and here we are. I love it when you say LOOK UP, because you have busted me nearly every time looking down at my ukulele 😂. Thank you

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you so much for your service and thank you so much for being here! Where in the world are you? I’m in California!

[@eloisety1392]

If all teachers were like you, no student will flunk their classes. Thank you so much!❤

[@amoguschees2724]

15 and starting because im always getting told im just like my great grampa, i never met him but he played the uke!!!! its lots of fun :3 ALSO THE LOOK UPS ARE ON POINT

[@isaacwonson5373]

I’m 52 and from Australia 😊. Due to an illness I haven’t worked and hardly left the house. I was bored felt useless and falling into deep depression. I bought a ukulele years ago and found it too hard to play. I felt to try learning to play it again and thank God I came across you here. I’m feeling I’ve accomplished something hard and now have a hobby I can do at home that makes me happy. It also made my son and my husband seeing and hearing me practice and play they are proud of me. I’ve gone through quite a lot of teaching that I just couldn’t do. You made it so easy on every level you are gifted thank you and don’t stop ❤

[@user-wz9hu4tn9n]

61 and just retired. My children are all musically inclined and now I am nurturing my own love of music by learning the Ukulele! Yay!

[@emekdenizdemirci]

Today is November 21st 2023. I live in Brooklyn,New York. I just got myself a soprano ukele at 8pm from someone around the corner through Facebook Marketplace for 25$. I searched for 'ukelele for beginners' and i clicked on the first video on youtube. I could not connect with the first one but it led me to you. It's 10 pm and i know 4 chords and couple of songs along with basics of ukele, at the age of 39 :) Thanks to my beautiful teacher. You really made a difference in my life. I'm ready for the second video :)

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hey! How’s it going now? 🫶🏼

[@emekdenizdemirci]

I slowed down a bit but it's been going great@@BernadetteTeachesMusic

[@MrTacosAndBurritos]

I'm a 40 year old Taco and this is the best "lookup" class I ever had 😅

[@tuna4484]

I'm a 66 year old cattle rancher in North Central Montana. It's 20 degrees below zero outside but it's warm inside as I'm strumming along with your excellent Ukulele training Bernadette! When I get things down with this uke I'll go out to the cattle and play for them (when it warms up). Thanks a bunch!

[@elitwinks5822]

your teaching is a godsend. thank you. I suffered brain injury and cognition is difficult. Got loaned my first UKE last night, and the pace of other tutorials is way too fast for me. Your softness, and delivery, pace, and teaching is so soothing, and clear, and crucially so easy to absorb. Thank you so much.

[@Insaniqueen]

I'm only 13 and this has brought me a step closer to my dreams. Thank you ❤.

[@konsmatoyo7575]

same lol

[@jcjimc43]

I'm a newbie aged 76 and have thoroughly enjoyed your lessons for beginners. Its clear and precise with lots of great tips.

[@embercrowley1940]

I’m 51 years old and was a little nervous trying to learn ukulele, you are the best teacher ever!!

[@Bevieevans8]

Amazing teacher! I’m 64 and from the UK and Ive just picked up my ukulele. I’ve watched and paused and looked up for about an hour and half and I feel a lot more confident. I just need my index and second finger ends to be a harder! Thank you so much 😊

[@katehayford5086]

I’m 55 and spend my weekends contra dancing and hanging around with lots of musically talented people. Many of them ask me if I play anything, and I always have to say “no”. Their response is, “it’s never too late!”, so here I am. :) Thanks for the fun and low pressure lesson! I look forward to continuing!

[@kevinorr6880]

I LOVE when you say “look up.” It makes me think you are talking especially to me!

[@wylancslass]

Awww this takes me back when I first started to learn to play with you 3 years ago! Where has that time gone?!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Awww it’s cause time has moved differently these past 3 years, I think 🤔

[@terryrobinson3764]

​@Bernadette Teaches Music

[@terryrobinson3764]

​@Bernadette Teaches Music ❤

[@terryrobinson3764]

😮😮311ķ12uù7❤❤❤

[@MaggieLouHernandez]

You are such an amazing teacher. I felt like I was on a real class face to face. You know exactly what to say with all the expressions. I wish all teachers have that passion. Thank you so much.

[@suprajayne]

I am 52. Bought my uke about 10 years ago & gave up soon after picking it up. Just started subbing for an elementary music class with NO music knowledge. I pulled out my uke & watched some videos which I then taught. Best days in that classroom! Enjoying your style, thank you!

[@sewfanchan5722]

51 yo & a mother of 3 young adults children from Malaysia. Thought I'm too old to start. So happy to have come across your channel. I've always dream of playing an instrument & singing on my own. Hope this comes true soon. You are a great teacher indeed. Thank you ❤

[@user-vy9sc7ro1y]

I found this so helpful. I am 60 and a teaching assistant. I was told my class of 7yr olds will be learning the ukulele in Sept …..so I decided to buy one and try to learn a little bit myself so I can help them. I am really enjoying it…. It’s such a cheerful instrument. I have always wanted to learn to play something.😊

[@SuperThomb]

You lady brought big smile on my face. Bought ukulele yesterday 😅 and started your video not even a hour ago. Thank you for doing such a great job and giving enthusiasts like me all this joy!❤

[@maureenmccauley9680]

I'm 62... I live on Vancouver Island, Canada. I fell in love with Uke years ago and decided to learn to play during Covid. Last summer I broke my wrist quite badly. I can now bend and move fingers again. Happy I found you on KZbin and Patreon. I like your teaching method. It's getting me back into the swing of things again. Thanks 😊

[@RietteSteenman]

56 years old and got the link via a friend. I rally enjoy your way of teaching

[@andrewcribbin656]

My first lesson in playing the Ukulele! I live in England and am 62 years old. My city has a fortnightly Ukejam and when I've completed the 30 day challenge I'm going to join!

[@BradHasty-e7c]

62 yrs old, just retired and loving your teaching technique: I have next to no musical background but am picking this up pretty well. And I am having fun!

[@herminefostet-smith7571]

I am learning Ukulele at my senior citizens club, so I came online and found your lessons. I am liking it. I am 66 years old but I just love to practice new things. Thank you.

[@lisasavage6052]

Thank you Bernadette for your style of teaching, you make me feel I can do this! Your calmness and the way you explain it is perfect for beginners. I tried to start playing w/you a couple years ago but got too busy, so I’m back now starting from the beginning! Thank you for being here for us so we can be proficient in playing!😊

[@erikapl9765]

33 years old from the philippines and my first time learning to play an instrument. not 15 minutes in (probably) to the video and i found myself crying. no worries, it was a good cry!! i think my inner child healed a little bit today. thank you so much xx

[@saralamoureux2106]

Hello from New York. 37 year old mom of one. I played flute and piano through high school, but haven't played either in years. I started teaching myself ukulele through KZbin while I was pregnant but couldn't quite get the strumming. This tutorial was such a game changer for me. Thank you!

[@campusa8742]

I am 66 years old and live in Arizona. I've always loved how the ukulele sounds and about a year ago I spoke to somebody who was playing the ukulele at a gathering that I was at. She encouraged me to learn, she said she was confident I could learn to do it. That gave me enough confidence to start looking into it. I bought my first ukulele on Amazon two days ago. Then, I looked online for lessons. I came up on you, Bernadette, and I love your teaching style. "Look up" keeps me focused. 😅 Thank you for that. I am going to keep practicing this first lesson until I have it down perfectly. And then I will look at your other lessons. And then I will consider becoming a member of your Patreon group. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely beautiful talent with us. 😊

[@tasiafituhill8656]

Loved learning ukelele with you Bernadette. I am 58 years young and from NZ currently in Fiji. You make it so easy to learn. Thank you.

[@naomiugh]

Hi I’m 14 years old and I’ve had my ukelele since last year and I’ve been slacking ngl 😅 but now I’m motivated to actually learn to play and this videos was sooo helpful! I love the way you teach! It feels like I’m actually one on one with you. I can’t wait to advance in my skills to actually play a full song!

[@castrojuarezniyet6229]

Same girl! I also got mine last year and until now I'm learning

[@UkeShrum]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”q

[@ronjefferson3785]

I think you will be so popular at gatherings of family and/or friends. as you play for them. I wish that I had started when you did because it would have been so much easier. Keep up the work,

[@user-br8yy4qy1x]

The question is did the video help?

[@melissadotson1854]

I asked for a ukelele for my 50th birthday last month and thought I was doing "okay" learning from some other videos, but I'm amazed at what you covered in an hour and how much more comfortable I am playing these beginner skills! Even though I can't play much (yet!) I love how happy I feel after practicing. Thank you so much for this video! You're a great teacher. I'm looking forward to following your recommended challenges. Happy playing everyone!

[@mariafagan6661]

I could cry with appreciation… I’ve been waiting for things to click more with this process… this video has brought me so much clarity and I am so thankful I stumbled upon your lesson. Thank you beyond words!

[@craiglawrence4526]

I'm 71 and just found you and feel more confident in my ability to learn the ukulele now after watching your "Learn How To Play UKULELE in 1 HOUR - Class for Total Beginners" Thank you for the great lesson. next up for me is your 30 day challenge.

[@dukenukem5911]

I am 56, and about a week ago I decided I wanted to learn to play the ukulele. I believe it's because the sound is so uplifting and the joy it brings to a person's day. Thank you for the lessons. I will continue to learn so I can bring that same joy into other people's lives.

[@dudefortunate5522]

Something really minor but does wonders for me is every time you say look up, i tend to very easily wonder off but just the sharp look up makes my brain immediately refocus

[@joanwhite5609]

Im 65 & bought my 1st uke yesterday. Gave it a good go today with your video - really enjoyed making good progress. Can now look forward to my new retirement hobby with great enthusiasm. Thankyou😊

[@nickintheport]

55 years of age and grateful to have found your lessons on KZbin. Using your lessons to bond with my boys who are helping this old guy to play music (uke) with them.

[@susanniklinski5109]

I am 60 years old. I have tried playing guitar several times, but was always frustrated because it is so big and difficult to handle at times. A family member suggested a ukulele might be easier to manage, so I got one, found your course and gave it a try. I love it and can't wait to learn more. You are a great teacher. I will look into your other courses and continue on my uke journey.

[@RebeccaLondon-hd4pd]

Thank you for the fantastic intro class. I did it over the course of a week so I could really master the chords. I'm 55 and surviving a chronic pain condition. I need to keep my mind occupied and am so happy I found you!

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I'm 52, and I tried guitar a few years ago and gave up. I have been working on this video for a week now and just watched it again today, and I almost, basically kept up with the songs and the strum. I am more excited than ever before! Thank you so much! Once I exhaust your KZbin content you WILL see me sign up for your lessons. 30 day challenge here I come!

[@mimip154]

Hi Bernadette! My husband has a business trip planned to HI and since I'm nursing a shoulder injury, I was planning on just lying on the beach when I saw the hotel had Ukelele lessons. That brought me here! Now I have a new Ukelele from your shop which sounds great and is very pretty ( Enya Bougainvillea ). I'm starting the 30 day challenge , and I wanted to thank you for the lessons! You are wonderful and have a very sweet voice!

[@aykutozger1164]

44 years old and just did my very first ukulele class one hour ago with your video. Amazing class. Will continue watching your lessons. Thank you!

[@mariehofmann4479]

25 years old from Germany, travelling in Mexico right now - so hi from the beach ;) just bought my ukulele in Guatemala! love your channel!! Thank you Bernadette ❤️

[@sp1tzo395]

i’m 30 minutes in and had to take a break, but already this is so helpful. more than anything i’ve tried so far. the “look up” is so helpful bc i often look down lol. such a good teacher thank you so much! i think i may really get good because of this tutorial

[@gingerjones7645]

Hello, you are a wonderful teacher. I am 77 yrs old and I am so excited to learn the ukulele. I presently play the NA FLUTE and love that. Now I have added a new instrument. I feel like a kid again learning is so good for us seniors.

[@sankeshia]

32 years from Jamaica, first time playing a uke always wanted to learn. These lessons are a godsend. Thank you so much!!!

[@DTCampingAdventures]

43 yrs old, new touke - loving this basic lesson! Thank you so much Bernadette!

[@iwans278]

Hi Bernadette, thank you - I am 54 and this is my first time learning ukulele. And it jus fun and not to difficult. Great teaching❤❤❤

[@vancamerawoman7399]

68 years young in Australia. Having a great time with your lessons Bernadette. You are a terrific teacher!😊

[@anacarlson9893]

I'm 60 and just bought my first ukelele today! I loved your first lesson and I'm looking forward to learning more. Thank you. You're a great teacher. ❤

[@nekojitacindy6293]

I'm a kindergarten teacher in Italy and i wanted to bring more singing in the classroom so I'm learning the ukelele. I'm hoping to learn a song for my kids by Christmas. I'm 33 years old, thank you for being such a great teacher!

[@jimhowerton7970]

I'm 70 and my wife is 68 and we're both getting ready to learn ukes together. I've played stringed instruments since high school but she's a true beginner. I bought her the Ohana CK-14-CL based on your description of how "it just sings...wooh", also I really liked the Hibiscus flower inlay in the fingerboard. I appreciate your emphasis on strumming hand technique and general ergonomics, thanks, and cheers.

[@thibachngaly-hartig5123]

Hi Bernadette, I am 46 years old, live in Germany and just started last Monday. That's my first instrument I learn. I tried different Apps and a few videos, but wasn't quite happy. This video actually helped me a lot. Especially with the cord changes. Thanks so much. Your video got me so much ahead. I definitely try the challenge.

[@Saadiaaaloviesss]

I’m an 11yro beginner, and at first I thought learning UKULELE is soooo hard, even if I try watching other videos! But as I’m watching your video, I feel as if your here with me! The way your saying: “look up look up look up” makes me feel I can easily play the UKULELE!! Especially ‘cause of the way you are explaining!! I love your vibe! Thank you so much!❤

[@janetkelly6909]

Hey Bernadette!! I'm a 65 yo Aussie who's just started learning to play the uke. I love your lessons 🥰 they're so clear and accessible....and fun!!! It's a great addition to my local beginner lessons! Thank you so much...I'm loving this happy little instrument 🪕

[@UkeStefan]

Flashback to 2020, when I started playing the Uke with your 30 day Uke challenge and the Lockdown livestreams. What an epic time....♥

[@DominiqueBoller]

I am 47 and learning ukulele for the first time. This was SOO helpful for a beginner. Thank you!

[@susanwestgarth2467]

So loving your class Bernadette-I am first time music student at 73yrs of age!! I have joined a ukelele group locally and the fun we have should be illegal!!!

[@kathylicato234]

I am 58 years old and a complete beginner so this has been so helpful! Love your soft spoken instruction and the way you use humor to get a point across!

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

Me too! I love, "look up", "look up". 😊

[@2011yes]

Loving learning to play the Ukelele. I started 2 years ago but did not have enough mental space to learn. The tide has turned and now i can concentrate, enjoy and learn. I hope my memory will hold up and remember all the lessons! Thank you Bernadette, you are an excellent teacher!

[@cappuccinoclouds8145]

I wanted to learn to play ukulele for the longest time and I finally got one for my 27th birthday. Greetings from Copenhagen 🥰 Bernadette, truly thank you for everything you do. You’re the best music teacher on KZbin ❤ I feel blessed and extremely privileged to have the chance to learn from you

[@sweetpeaqueen1788]

Yes,,,,I agree Cappuccino ~~~ Bernadette’s the best. There are other good ones but it’s he way that I want to hear and learn !!! 😊

[@dougdebiase1827]

Bought a ukulele not too long ago and got frustrated trying to learn to play. I found This video series and it has been amazing and I’m back now learning to play and appreciate this teaching pace.

[@imalibra20]

You’re amazingly captivating as a teacher. I just came by before attending an 8-week ukulele for beginners course at the community college, but you’re going to be a hard act for any use teacher to follow! I will use your channel to supplement my RW learning.

[@Lownfast36]

43 years old and just beginning to play acoustic guitar around 2 months ago. My stepdaughter had me try her Uke and I really dig it. This video will help tremendously on my journey with both instruments. Thank you so much. The part of this lesson that I find most helpful is the portion near the very end where you give the next steps. Great job!

[@ukecrush]

Fabulous video, Bernadette! 💗 Good luck to all the beginners watching this video ... don't give up ... you'll love the uke and the lovely and supportive uke community!

[@seesraider]

I am 58 yr old woman and learning the UKE as part of my rehab. I got into a motorcycle accident and have lost much use of my arm and my hand is limited. This is a fun way for me to keep my right side moving. My PT loves the idea. You are so good at what you do. I feel like you see me when you say look up look up! Thank you for being part of my therapy.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hi!! How’s your recovery going?

[@seesraider]

So so. I’m permanently disabled so it’s a long haul. I need one on one lessons for UKE so I am searching for someone. Even if it’s via Zoom I need it. Thank you for asking. I love watching you. Your students are so fortunate.

[@leonorasalandanan8650]

54 years old here in the Philippines really eager to learn how to play ukelele .thank you for the great lesson you share i thought i will learn through you.looking forward for more lessons..thank you so much .God Bless you

[@AK-fz2vo]

I am 13 minutes into this WELL constructed tutorial. I am a brass/woodwind player of almost 50 years. Decided to try a stringed instrument. Thanks to Sir Paul (happy belated birthday BTW), I decided on the ukelele. This tutorual is perfect for a serious musician looking to branch out. The explenations on holding, strumming, and undersranding the ukelele are spot on. I have taught music for years, and explaining basics AND keeping interest is not easy. 12 out of 10 stars!!!

[@SharonRobinson-vs4sv]

I was gifted a soprano ukelele for Christmas ‘23. I found your posted lesson before I got it so I was ready to start learning. I’m so new to it but your instructions are so clear. This has been something I’ve wanted to learn for a long time. I’m retired and eager to learn at the pace of your instruction as well as make time to practice. This is a nice class.

[@amandawright1372]

56 years old and totally new to the Ukelele. Anxiety sufferer and thought it would be a good way to focus and reduce stress and angst. Love your style of tutoring and looking forward to getting proper time to sit and learn. I have downloaded your video and hope to get an hour at the weekend to watch and learn. I don't want to pick up any bad habits. **I have now had time to sit down and watch this video and have managed to learn two new songs!! I just need to practise, practise, practise to get my chord switches quicker and my strumming properly up to scratch. I'm really enjoying myself!! Thanks😁

[@joannecordaro7180]

65 year old female reading teacher in St. Petersburg, FL. You're an excellent teacher!

[@deetda79]

I won a sweet ukulele at my husband's company picnic a few summers ago - FINALLY decided to learn how to play it. I'm SO happy I found you Bernadette! You're a skilled teacher and it's clear you're experienced. Thank you for sharing your gifts!!

[@extrasaltycheezit]

Please keep doing these videos! They are so helpful I’m trying to learn ukulele from rock bottom. Thank u so much :)

[@rachelr8946]

I am 21 years old, and I'm from New York! I started off playing the uke with your videos and the 30-day challenge that you had, but nursing school took a lot out of me, so I had to stop playing for a while. Now I'm back at it, and this video that you had was so helpful in me remembering the different cords that you taught in the 30-day challenge and the strumming. Your videos make me feel like you are right with me and that I'm getting a 1:1 lesson. Love it!

[@vikvik8155]

I am grateful Bernadette, during the lockdown i ordered a uke and learned from scratch from your tutorials❤❤❤ you are amazing. God bless!!!

[@ronjefferson3785]

During COVID-19, I received a Ukulele as a gift. I found an old video of yours trying to teach me to play in several lessons. I was getting it, but life got in my way, and I stopped. Lately, life got out of my way, and now I'm restarting. For me, at least, this tutorial if far better than your previous beginner tutorial. I don't know if I have gotten better at learning or if what you taught me before did somehow get through my thick head. I have enjoyed this tutorial immensely and will try to make my way through the rest of your tutorials. I'm coming up on 69 rapidly and I'm happy to find that you can teach an old dog new and better tricks.

[@herbert1661]

Thank you so much Bernadette for the beautiful, loving, patient and fun lesson. I enjoyed it thoroughly and am learning a lot from you. Happy Strumming!

[@markfinucane9824]

I'm 68 years old, fighting cancer with time on my hands. I always wanted to play an instrument, so now, thanks to this great teacher, I can put 4 chords together and I FEEL LIKE ERIC CLAPTON! Thank you so much Bernadette for bringing music into my life. I cant wait to see how the other lessons come together.

[@johngraham5948]

All the best 👍

[@tessaosullivan2395]

56 years old and bought a used ukulele to learn something new on our "staycation." This first lesson has been extremely helpful as now I know how to hold it and how to get my fingers to lift and bend to get to G7. I am looking up😊

[@lynnfosnaught286]

I’m 74 years old and live in the US. I played clarinet in school and tried playing the keyboard a couple years ago. I had a really hard time learning how to do that and quit. It did help introduce me to chords. Clarinets don’t play chords. I really enjoy how you present the material and at such a good pace. This is the best beginner ukulele video I’ve tried. Your concentration in curriculum really made a difference! Thanks so much!!!!!

[@bbittera1425]

I bought a ukulele today and been watching your videos. Your lessons are amazing! I've only ever played cello, so this is a whole new world to me, but I'm loving it! Thank you Bernadette - from a fellow Bernadett :)

[@ramblerjessica3263]

I've always wanted to play ukulele but never had the time. My foundation in piano and guitar have made this video so rewarding! I'm 44 and I wasn't sure I could learn something new but here I am. Your " Look up"s are so on point! You are a wonderful teacher!!! 💚✨

[@wendyramirez5311]

I’m turning 45 this year and have decided to pick up the ukulele this week. I borrowed two ukulele kits from our library in hopes that me and my sons would enjoy learning a new skill this summer… however, so far it’s just me 😅 oh well, that’s ok! I’ve seen several beginner vids and yours is definitely the best for me!! Thank you ❤

[@keithhibberd4057]

I am 77 and have just come back from a cruise to see the Northern lights in Norway. I joined a Ukulele beginners course which was great fun. Your Lesson one is really good, I love the pace, and way you teach. Am looking forward to further lessons with you.

[@mardiyahs9742]

I'm from Adelaide South Australia, I'm 71 I really enjoy your classes and am learning, albeit slowly. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@mariav.4832]

My first lessons on an instrument, the ukulele. And this video helped me a lot. Bernadette understands a beginner. Step by step and you will get there. Thank you for your lessons! You make many of us happy. 🥰

[@josephinesexton6654]

Thank you Bernadette. What a fantastic help. I’m 82. Just started ukulele with my partner in a seniors learning group. So many useful tips

[@SRDragon1]

I’m 60. I’ve been wanting to learn an instrument and the ukulele just called to me. I found a starter Uke and started searching tutorials. Your’s is my second I really like the way you explain things. I also get a kick out of you telling us to “look up”😂 BTW I am in CA but I’m moving back to the east coast. Can’t wait to learn more.

[@marianfletcher7584]

Hello Bernadette from England. Thank you for such clear and helpful tuition for a new ukulele player of 68. Hope to follow your 30 day challenge x

[@Evadedeken]

Hi Bernadette, I'm 43 and from the Netherlands, just bought my first instrument ever; the ukelele! I love it! Your lessons are pleasant, thank you!

[@lisapol]

Had ukulele for 3 years. Not used, had a cold and got it out, and found ur youtube. Think I'm going to try some of ur sessions, really like how you teach. 0 knowledge of music or instruments. 53yrs watch this space. If I stick to it, you will be seeing more of me. ❤

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

TIME STAMPS ❤ (Move ahead or come back to a point in the video) 0:00 Introduction and overview 0:43 Tuning 4:11 Holding a soprano 5:24 Holding other ukuleles 5:50 Foot stool mentioned: 6:42 Hand placement 9:02 How to strum 12:07 Chords 24:23 More chords 30:09 Stand By Me 36:27 Review 39:07 Lion Sleeps Tonight 45:48 Down & Up Strums 47:48 Song & Strumming 49:27 Strumming Pattern 51:21 Homework 52:50 Lion Sleeps Tonight with a strumming pattern 54:20 Next Steps Connect with me on instagram! instagram.com/plazi If you'd like to support the channel, the best way to do that is by joining the patreon community here www.patreon.com/bernadetteteachesmusic. You'll get access to free PDF printables, live lessons, and exclusive video tutorials. You can also support by shopping in my store www.ukelandia.com or by donating a tip on PayPal here: paypal.me/bernadetteplazi

[@terryrobinson3764]

l

[@bheelville]

Thank you so much Bernadette ❤ I have learned a lot from the fingering to strumming I love how you teach people. Thanks again 😘

[@kartiksharma2516]

Thank you so much for being my ukulele teacher. I love how you remind in between asking us to look up as if you are seeing me in person. Because literally I am always looking at my ukulele but whenever I hear u saying look up I bring my focus back to you. Thank you for making these videos.

[@ninaneal62]

Hi Bernadette, I had a Ukulele for my birthday a couple of years ago, I came across your channel then, but I was working and didn't have the time to dedicate to practicing enough. I'm retired now and trying to do a little bit of practice every day. This tutorial is brilliant for anyone just starting out. I love your teaching style. The ghost practicing is such a good idea. I live in the UK, we're currently on holiday in West Wales in our caravan. My uke is with me and I'm dedicating an hour (when my husband is doing the washing up) to practice every day. It's the 30 day challenge next 🎼🎵🎶

[@user-we6eu6lu6r]

Just turned 70, and NEW to Uke, love this video, will soon have an ENYA Uke, currently on an Adm Uke.