5 Mistakes That Make Your Ukulele Sound Bad | Taught By A Music Teacher

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

TIME STAMPS 💙💙💙 (to skip ahead or go back) 0:21 Mistake 1 1:38 Mistake 2 3:32 Mistake 3 5:29 Mistake 4 7:26 Mistake 5 Comment any mistakes I didn't mention down below!

[@joseantonioperez9870]

Hola bonita dios te bendiga feliz día guapa saludos desde Marbella me encanta ukulele genial me encanta me encanta tu voz bendiciones

[@arc1105]

Time Stamps💙💙💙 I slip into these mistakes. Couldn't think of other mistakes to ask. You're back in knowledge musical, thank you for his video. Super insight video. hearing and seeing what to un-habit here, yes reminder is helpful 🎶🎤🎸🎶🙌🌏🙌🌍🙌🌎🙌

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

@@arc1105 Thank you, A!!! 💙💙💙

[@AnnesreborndollsandfunW]

Thank you for the help

[@MonkeyDGlennTV]

Teacher bernadette, i really like your tutorial vid. Can you please take a look at my vids if how can i improve my strumming? Im a self taught musician. I hope you can give me an advise on my vids.

[@lamarhani384]

Her earrings are ukuleles 😭 I love ❤️ them

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you so much! They were a gift from Taimane and they’re sold online simplylehualani Etsy Store 😉

[@165-i8s]

I love bernadette , she says I hate long intros and I'm down with that 🤘

[@kaylenefortune6697]

I bought my 1st uke 2weeks ago and currently on day 16 of the 30 day ukulele challenge. So glad I came across your channel. I now refer to you as my music teacher 😊. Love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@mariannamcdonald2001]

Love your “house for a mouse” space idea for thumb placement. I have a terrible habit of grabbing the uke in a death grip.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Awww, thank you! :) I learned that trick from a piano player!

[@msmiriamhedges1]

Death grip! Lol

[@veronicaancona4967]

Yay! I was looking for a good explanation of how to (and how not to) hold the ukulele - especially details on the thumb placement! THANK you!

[@lineasphansen8907]

I tune before I play every time. First I listen, then tune and listen again so I can hear the difference 🎵

[@deedcaro719]

I just realized that the only people who say “imagine a string on top of your head, now pull it and sit up straight” are music teachers 👨‍🏫 👩‍🏫

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

😂😂😂

[@terryjohnson1064]

Tai Chi teachers say it too.

[@SeekerGoldstone]

Dancers, public speakers, models, gymnasts, skaters, martial artists, etc. Basically anyone that's teaching others how to use their bodies.

[@mindy56374]

Every ballet dancer has heard it

[@chriskei76]

Sport teachers too

[@davidjones9931]

Not mentioned in the 5 common mistakes, but I found myself strumming from the elbow, when I practised to do it from the wrist I found I could strum more softly, strum more quickly, strum and chuck more accurately. 💕🐢

[@aimee3452]

Thank you💜

[@umaanbunathan1330]

I love your videos! I first finished the 30 day uke challenge, and know I am taking the 30 day course! I am so happy! Your videos have helped me pass my time in quarantine. These mistake videos help me become a better player! Thank you so much miss b! ❤

[@lyndagibson9699]

Great reminders!! Thank you 😊. My biggest mistake has been squeezing too hard on chords that I think are hard to play. When I lighten up and relax I can play them.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

That's interesting!! Thank you for sharing your mistake, Lynda! That's good to know and I think many people do this 💙💙💙

[@freddirogers7079]

I also find I press very hard. I think this maybe lightens in time as you build callouses and tendon strength? Or just confidence and not over focusing and having a death grip 😂🤜🏽

[@penrich-alearningexperienc9067]

thumb mistake -- It really helped with my accuracy and speed. When my hand settles in, I can see it make a lot of positive progress in my playing.

[@damanbenipal9178]

Thank you for this video, I realized that i was keeping my uke headstock too close !! relief from my wrist tension

[@vananhho5437]

Oh my goshh I LOVEE that blue background with all those ukes! Amazing video as usual! ❤️

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

VAN!!!! Haiiiii! ☺️

[@gailmcdermott2161]

Thank you for the tips! I have thumb issues with arthritis and joint degeneration. I am able to play better when positioning my thumb as you suggested, even with 2nd fret and in the center back. I am still muting some strings for some chords but it is much better than it was. Play on!

[@roberteverest]

Thank you. A very useful reminder which I will share with the group I help lead. About three quarters of the group were beginners when we launched and I tried to encourage them to overcome many of these same mistakes. One other mistake I came across time and time again was the tendency to lay the ukulele in their lap and tilt the face of the ukulele upward so they could see the fretboard more easily. It was a very deeply embedded instinct for one or two of our beginners.

[@deeyanatufchi1531]

Hello mam.I have just started your 30 day uke challenge and I already feel like a pro !.You deserve a lot of love and respect for your hard work and you certainly have mine.Love from India🇮🇳

[@gerardbauer4035]

You are a wonderful teacher. I watch several uke channels but ALWAYS return to your channel to learn. You make playing look so easy. Today's video on thumb placement was very helpful for me and my short, stubby fingers :) I'm a newbie (3 weeks) and look forward to learning from you. Plus, you have such a great personality. Thank you so very much! Be well and stay safe

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

🥰🥰

[@dawncrosswhite3100]

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[@meredithmurgatroyd1270]

Hi Bernadette! I am a new subscriber, I just got my first ukulele last Saturday an have been following your 30 Day challenge and many more of your videos. I played guitar as a teenager, so am picking up chords somewhat easily.... although strumming and singing at the same time is another thing!! I wanted to say thank you for the amazing content. You have not only taught me through your videos, but also encouraged me to keep playing. I am so excited for you with your baby on the way!!!

[@squidwardjtentacles]

Thanks Bernadette. I have been playing for about 3 months and all that time I didn't realise my thumb was wrapped around the neck and moved all over the place. Every day is a school day.

[@jennyisaacs9058]

Thank you for this video! I found that getting a ukulele strap made a HUGE difference and greatly improved my playing.

[@RaeleyWatson]

If your Specific Instructions for how to keep fingernails has been a game-changer for me! The cords were not quite sounding right especially for my ring finger, the cords did not resonate the way they should. I love how specific you have been because I am learning very quickly and each day I'm discovering something new that I can fix or improve on because of you! Thank you! I have started my own KZbin channel to record my progress so hopefully with your instruction, I will be able to post videos soon. Thank you!

[@sanyatyagi645]

Thanks for the tips Ms. Bernadette!! You've been a real help on my ukulele journey! I love your fingerstyle ukulele tutorials, and that's what I'm majorly focusing on right now! (Now to be able to sing as I strum....)

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hi Sanya! Thank you so much :) Keep working! Time will help!

[@gwendolynkaren5933]

Pivot & door hinge. Keep the thumb below the middle. You should be able to REACH all the way around. My favorite tip. Thank you

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you too, Gwendolyn ❤️

[@carolineslade3174]

The thumb tip is so helpful, going to practise that one!

[@joanlyons2672]

Your voice has gotten better! I can tell you’re more confident with singing. Way to go!! Thank you for the music you make and share☺️. I went for an early morning walk in the woods. A little dark and spooky at first but so quiet and peaceful. We all need a little calm during this time.

[@lydiay3823]

The thumb on the back tip just helped me fix a mistake I've been making for years that I didn't even know about. When I play first position chords my thumb has been flat, basically muting my sound until I placed it behind the second fret like she said and the instrument sounds way brighter now!! Thank you!

[@goober7810]

Oooh I didn't know flattened fingers make such a difference! Thank you! I bought a ukulele about two weeks ago and I'm on day 4 of your 30 day ukulele challenge! So excited to continue

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Woohooo!!! You can do it!!!

[@x__0mika0__x43]

The posture advice helps a lot! I didn't notice it before cuz i didn't know it's something important but it actually was!

[@heidi500]

You are blooming, Mama B! 💙 Thanks for the tips; the thumb placement and pivot are super helpful to me. I will stick some glue on it! 👍🏼😉😘

[@bibliophile90]

Ms.Bernadette, thanks for the awesome work. You are the reason why I wanted to start learning to play ukulele. I have an issue with placing thumb at the back of the neck. I will be supporting the neck with the tips of my fingers and it’s hard to balance it especially when changing chords.

[@megh6818]

OMG!!! mistake 5!!! Thank you sooo so much! It wasn't that I felt like my fingers weren't long enough, but transitioning between certain chords were really difficult for me. This totally changed everything!

[@druid_ttv22]

Well... I just want to say thank you for teaching ukulele. Im an absolutely beginner and with your help im doing great in my opinion ;-) Best greetings from bavaria, germany ;-)

[@tiffunney9465]

I’ve gotten so much value from this channel in two weeks I can’t wait to put my thumb on my new invisible dot 😁

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you, Tiff!!! You know... with some beginners I do add a little sticker in the thumb spot so it could be a visible dot ;)

[@ryanleahy704]

Thanks. I only got my 1st Uke two weeks ago and these tips were very helpful. My fingers are long enough!

[@anpanvero7236]

Bernadette! Thank you for your videos! I started playing two months ago and I’m progressing much faster after finding your channel. I’m having that same ukelele delivered on Friday! I’m so excited. I originally wanted a concert ukelele but I got a soprano instead; now I’ll have two :) I’m in love with the instrument and can’t wait to keep progressing while watching your videos. Thanks again! Much love from Puerto Rico :)

[@sharlenesh1]

I wanted to know what kind she had as well..I love the sound and the strap as well

[@brendamartin9178]

I have been following you for well over a year now and you NEVER disappoint. Thank you for another AWESOME video!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

THAAAANK YOUUUUU!!! :D

[@ctag7817]

Thank you for this video!! I started playing a week ago and I was having trouble with playing certain cords (G major) because my fingers were bending in a very strange way... turns out my fingernails were too long! It’s so much easier now😊😊

[@lindyloops9965]

Bernadette this video is sooooo AWESOME!!!! And the BLUE wall is striking!!!! Thanks for the very useful tips. I am so happy that I joined the Patreon family. I will check out the link for this ukulele. It's kinda a "must have"!!!!!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hi Lindy!!! Thank you so much for being a part of the Patreon fam!! :D And thank you for the compliment on the blue wall! It was so fun to put together!

[@myriamlee5326]

Thanks miss B. for those advices. It’s been a real challenge for me to learn the ukelele and I’m enjoying it a lot. I’m on the 30 day challenge.

[@rohinichettiar4399]

Ms B You are the best music teacher! You are so kind, so encouraging! You are an inspiration!! Lots of love

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you, Rohini!

[@dianvandervelden1636]

Thank you so much!!!! First time that i played my bm chords without doing difficult joga-positions! =)

[@p.art4705]

I bought a Ukulele after watching your videos and I'm learning through the 30 day challenge and other videos of yours. Thank you so much for them....they really helped alot....I'm loving every minute of it. 💖

[@MiuMui0]

Same

[@gladyssegarra5726]

The thumb helped me a lot with my Bm chord. Thank u very much.

[@jgoodnakhla]

Thanks. # 5 was a mistake to some degree. I was keeping my thumb on second fret but had it extending. By concentrating on keeping it on the middle of the second fret, I can feel I have more control even though it will take some time to get used to the newer feel. Thanks again.

[@arc1105]

Thanks Ms.B, refreshing reminder I'm on third time watching now again. Lovely hearing each string acoustically, great mic. Biggest music challenge, my ego when it whispers into songs when in the ego free zpd. Appreciate your reminders... practice, practice, right technique first... for ukulele music forever muscle memory's. Love the blossoming Enya flowering ukuleles floating in the clear blue sky room. Your Abby Lyon music was a lovely surprise. Welcome back Ms.B 🎶🙏🎶

[@thendrix58]

OH MY GOOD LORD! I've been placing my thumb in the wrong place FOR 2 YEARS!!! I have been putting it where it felt natural for me which was gripping the edge of the fretboard! The song by Linda Rondstadt called "Faithless Love" has a chord change of Eb to Ab, and the "web area" between my thumb and my index finger would scream for mercy when I'd play it. It's been so awkward & painful that when I come to that note, I make the worst wincing face - every single time! I will break this habit! (Fist in the air!) THANK YOU, BERNADETTE! (Also, my "LOOK UP" t-shirt came in and it's SO cute!!!! Hugs!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hi Terry!!! I’m so glad to hear that you found a solution to your switch from Eb to Ab! Some people do put the thumb where you used to put your thumb before this video with no problem. I have just seen that putting the thumb in the back center gives so much more reach and flexibility. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ShawnaTC440]

Love your videos and live sessions! My ukulele skills have improved drastically over the last 3 months. One mistake I've worked on is playing too fast. It really helps to play new songs at a very slow tempo to make sure the chords sound correct. Then speed up the tempo gradually until the song can be played at the right tempo.

[@heatherwyman2740]

My Snowshoe Ukuleles (Chicopee, Ma) have pretty flower inlays like yours! I had to look twice.

[@musicenvelope8119]

Wow thank you so much for sharing errors and HOW to correct them. That thumb tip I can imagine will really help me!

[@hello_leah]

I got self-conscious and straightened my posture as I watched this... and I'm about to trim my nails RIGHT NOW. 😂 Great reminders! Have a good day, mama! 😉🥰

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

💙💙💙 Leah!!!! It feels so good to be called mamaaaa! 💙💙💙

[@onlyonekoa24]

That should be her new branding! Lol

[@leahlalalele]

Yess that blue wall is stunning! A problem I have is when learning unfamiliar chords my hand tends to hurt and cramp up initially. Am I pressing too hard? Do I need to do some ukulele yoga?? Thank you for these reminders Ms B!

[@dreadservicegetcrowned]

I have the very same ukulele ..I was holding mine a little to low . Thank you

[@jaquelynesperon5420]

Hi miss bernedette. Because of you I learned how to play a ukulele. I'm not yet good at it, but I'm trying my best to follow all your advice. Thank you so much 🥰

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you, Jaquelyn!! 💙💙💙

[@sylviabailey831]

Excellent video. Really helped in terms of position of instrument an d Left thumb.

[@lohugs5391]

Thank you! going to try the Thumb trick! Wish me luck!

[@kathyking5191]

Purchased a white one through the link in the comments. Can't wait to try it. Love your lessons!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Woohoo!!! Hope you love it!! 💙💙

[@emakoxha5690]

I glad that I found your channel, because I'm considering buying a ukulele and start to learn at home. So happy you showed up on my feed!

[@AshokGupta-et5yp]

Thank u so much miss B . Ur smile and a very happy good bye always makes my day. ❤️🙂

[@erikapk]

Such a helpful video - thank you so much! Where is this beautiful ukulele strap from?

[@harrietottaviano2834]

simple good tips... thumb and wrist position a big deal....and head stock space

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you, Richard :D

[@hellenicmuse]

Great lesson for beginners! Sometimes one knows something is wrong but is clueless how to improve posture and handling of instrument! Great tips! Many thanks!

[@HWPcville]

When I lay my ukulele down I always try to find something to place the neck on so the key winders don't touch something. It always seems to detune the second & third strings if they touch the table top. Thanks for taking time to record and post your videos.

[@lenkamal]

Oh, you help me a lot to solve my thumb issue.. Thank you so much

[@fatmaninthesun1]

My ukulele arrived today and I found this video very enlightening Thank you.

[@nandinichakrabarti1852]

Hello Miss B, hope you are well!!! Love that the edited content is back! Sharing this with all my ukulele pals ❤️❤️❤️

[@ritamartland9102]

Very helpful - I don't know what I do with my thumb but it must move a lot and rest on its side as I managed to create a very hard lump right on the bone on the inside of the thumb

[@helenstone8526]

Wow the thumb tip has helped me play those tricky chords.

[@Pete_R63]

I'm only to mistake #1 but I would think that as you lower the ukulele, your wrist would bend the opposite way- curling inward rather than bending outward. You see that curl inward on a lot of punk rock guitarists and bassists that hold their instruments down at the waist or even below! I have a little less range of flexion in my left wrist due to a break from a skydiving accident.

[@e.m.imagines2616]

Headstock position is SO helpful! Thank you B!

[@PaulSlinger]

Great. Comments on mistakes, always have trouble with playing D.

[@W0lfm0ther]

not sure if you already have a video on this but knowing when to change your strings or if your not holding the cords correct is something I've been struggling with recently. I've been playing pretty well up until recently something sounds a bit off. I'm not sure why. Thank you for this video and you channel! It's been so helpful!

[@TweakMDS]

Nice, I've been playing Uke for about 5 days and the thumb placement tips really helped me. I've played a few other instruments before, so the tuning by ear is less of an issue, but I was definitely using my thumb all wrong. I'm glad I got this early enough, before many bad habits settled in :) My wife has been playing Uke for about two years so was able to teach me a bunch of chords, but she's also kind of self taught (with some online guidance), so isn't used to catching habits like this.

[@StephaniRoberts]

Thank you!! This is awesome. We have 3 Ukes that have become wall decorations only and I’d love for us to learn together and just enjoy the process and have fun vs getting bummed out because we don’t have a teacher. You’re awesome!! My daughters are 8 & 12 and I know it may take a while but maybe if I start they’ll join in. So glad I found you!! And congrats on becoming a mama! 💞🌸💝

[@ciarrasmith6826]

Thank you thank you! So helpful. I always struggle with my thumb position.

[@mrmisfit635]

You're a great Ukulele player and teacher... distractingly beautiful as well❤️☀️

[@DanielFlores-ku8os]

This was a great instructional video as usual Bernadette. I particularly liked what you mentioned about fingernails. I never Really paid much attention to my fingernails until I started playing ukulele. Now I have to pay close attention to them. Often I will notice my playing starting to sound sloppy and buzzy and know immediately my fingernails are too long again on my right hand, I am left handed, preventing me from using proper form. Keep up the great work. 😊

[@bertrandburchell3348]

You are a wonderful teacher, It is a pleasure listening to you.

[@cd3631]

thanks Bernardette, i really love how all of your vids are simply VERY helpful :D

[@reefconnectwithnatalieloba9023]

Your earrings are amazing 👏 This was so helpful, thank you! Especially the first 2.

[@tiffanyx8577]

Thanks for explaining the real basics. It’s super helpful for those of us with no previous abilities

[@sharlenesh1]

First time seeing you and your video. I like it and will continue to watch. What type of Ukelele do you have? The sound is beautiful..

[@amitandutube]

Great tips and well presented too. Thank you.

[@wendyrobinson5988]

Thumb position was a game changer for me. Thanks so much

[@theodoraeloh61]

Thank you for this. I don’t even have a ukulele but I’m watching this, hoping to get one someday 😁❤️

[@nandinichakrabarti1852]

all the tips are so wonderful, especially the last one!!! 🤗 thank you Miss B

[@debbieaitatus]

Thank you! Positioning off Ukulele & fingers/thumb helped this totally beginner out 😁

[@terrib4852]

Thank you so much for this video. I knew I was holding my Uke wrong, but I didn't know how to fix it!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hi Terri! Thank you so much! I am glad I could help :)

[@sparkscommunication6430]

Thanks for the door hinge image for my thumb location. Helps lots and simplifies it for my brain:)

[@jaimelynn2771]

Thank you for this video! I’m realizing I made a lot of mistakes, which led to frustrations. I haven’t touched my ukulele in months. I loved playing and learning... but I need to get motivated again.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Oh come back to ukulele!!! It misses you!!!

[@11jokerchen11]

I'm happy to see a video from you again!

[@shannonholle4654]

hey, i see your comment on a lot of these videos! i was just wondering what your pronouns are, no reason in specific i was just curious 🤷‍♀️

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Luuuuu!!

[@danraymond1755]

Love your teaching. Very easy to understand. Thanks so much.

[@inksouls8463]

I'm new with ukelele, and I'm learning alone, I can say I'm nailing it but still I love this kind of advices because for those who doesn't have a teacher, it's very hard to figure it out where to put the fingers, correctly, and I used to fail a lot with my thumb ... My thumb usually was outside ukelele 'cause I felt it give me more control to grab the instrument... Even when I start applying your advice, I felt I couldn't do it because the finger slips away... Because of the sweat I guess.... I'm still working on this... One of my biggest questions was, why to do the chords with the fingers we see everyone using... Why can't I use my own logic... Then I understand it's because when we change chords it's more easy (ex from C to LAm) usually I used my first finger for C ... But then to switch for LAm it was much harder, so now I know ... 3rd finger for C and so my 2nd finger is ready for LAm... It sounds stupid... But I never had a teacher... I copy what people do... And I get my own questions... Another one is singing and playing at same time... My brain explodes haha... I can play one song correctly without mistakes... (But no singing)... If I try to sing my right hand just dies... Hahaha she starts having convulsions... And loses the rhythm ... Well... I'll find away Thank you for your Video! Was amazing

[@ralphiewho]

Regarding nail length, a decade or so ago an Austin Texas band called themselves "Shorty Long" in keeping with the nail length for the string instruments. Neat.

[@ALR0808]

As always, thanks you so, very much. Your help and advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you X

[@vi9572]

I love the way how you make things looks easier and learn faster ❤️

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you, Vi!!! 💙💙💙

[@clobolikesrocks9590]

I think I'm going to put a little sticker for my thumb on the back until I get out of the sliding around habit. Thanks Bernadette!

[@yolioms]

Hi B, can you educate me on how to determine which concert key a ukulele is in please? Thanks for your amazing tips!! Cheers!

[@simplyelaineros]

I am so proud I am the 91st member of Ukelandia♥️♥️♥️

[@kevinbarry3480]

Good to see you again.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you, Kevin! Thank you for checking in :)