Top 10 Reasons Why People QUIT UKULELE!!!

[@randomarcade6705]

another reason is that somepeople love playing the uke but cant sing and get discouraged

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

You’re so right. I didn’t think of that one!!!

[@mariajukejax9649]

If I can't hit the high notes, I just say the song lyrics in rhythm

[@molo2793]

@@jusemieortelano2840 take singing lessons 🎶

[@karenkirwan1280]

There are beautiful ukulele songs that don't require singing. Learn finger picking and strumming.

[@lewisb4126]

If you keep at it and learn more chords, you can transpose into any key you wish

[@danaanthereal3687]

I have been playing Uke for almost a year, and in no way do I consider myself an expert but here are some things that I have learned through mostly mistakes of my own: 1) Find an instrument that is the right size for you. That will mean holding different sizes and finding out what is comfortable BEFORE you buy. A trip to the music store will probably be in order for this. I have a soprano, concert and tenor. Tenor is my favorite but it is because I like the fret board space and I like the deeper sound. This will come into play for you, think about how much you can pay for one, research the brands and reviews, also-what sounds do you like? Bluesy-jazzy? Tenor has deep rich notes for this, and you may struggle with bluesy-jazzy on a soprano. Do you want more traditional sounds? Then you would be fine with soprano or concert- if that is the size you want. In other words, don't let someone else tell you that you should have this or that, because it is a very personal choice that should include your preference for fretboard size, sound you want, price you want to pay and your comfort level. 2) Ms. Bernadette could not be more right about starting out of the gate with difficult strums and songs. DO NOT set yourself up to fail. It is best to start slow and simple. There are so many really good songs out there that are as simple as can be and sound great with single strums. My suggestions to start like she says with two or three chord songs on single strums. Try the Little Mermaid, for example. Riptide is another. Three Little Birds. All of these songs have a few simple chords and you can start with single strums, and work up to island/calypso strums, chucking, etc. You do you, boo. Don't worry about if someone says oh I can play such and such right away. That is great-for them. But you want to go at your level. It isn't a race and this should be enjoyed! The first song I tried was House of Gold by 21 Pilots and I just about cried because I couldn't do it. Thought I was terrible, but the truth was it was too sophisticated to start with for me. 3) FUNdamentals. Boring? Yuck? Not so, mon ami! By working on the fundamentals first you are making future self so so happy. They are thanking you for it as we speak (or type). Think of this as building knowledge. You have to have a great foundation before you build on it. Get comfortable with holding your friend Uke. Putting your fingers in the right place on the strings. Figuring out how much pressure you have to place on the fret board. Figure out what strum makes your strummin' hand happy. Strum with thumb? Great! Or is it better with your index? Wonderful! Maybe your a pick kinda person. Hecks yeah! Doesn't matter as long as you are having fun with it.But don't think that you have to dwell in fundamentals forever. I bet you a felt pick that you can learn to play "Three Little Birds" on single strums within a day or two. Yep I'm that confident. Perfectly? Probably not but the fun is in the journey boo. Friend Uke is forgiving and mistakes are not as noticeable, unlike fussy instruments, so you will be well on your way in no time. If you find yourself thinking playing is a chore, walk away for a bit. This is all about the fun and not about yet another task that you have to to do. 4) Sing +strum: What madness is this? WHY CAN'T I DO IT? Well not right away for most of us anyway. We are all really good at doing one thing, and most of us have even mastered doing two things at once up to now. Took some time but we got it (typing for example! Two hands doing different things!) But when you are singing and playing, you are doing THREE things at once. Your Lefty is trying hard to get the chords right, Strummy is trying to pluck or strum correctly, and then your brain is trying to coordinate that PLUS sing the words at the right time and with the right notes. Of COURSE it can be overwhelming, boo! Take. Your. Time. Learn the chords/notes first. Pluck them out or single strum it. Do this a while. A good longish while. THEN if you feel up to it, add a little more sophisticated strum. Island strum or the church strut strum. Something showy. Something that will make you feel REALLY GOOD about yourself and the song. Get to know it like a Ukulele Jedi. Learn that song! I have sometimes dreamt about a song because I have immersed myself in it so much. HA! Remember, it's a journey. A process. And when you have finally learned to play and sing you are going to be so proud! Show it off! Bragging rights! Play for your friends, your family, your pet. Make a youtube vid if you are the adventurous type! Walk with a swagger 'cause you did it! 5)Don't forget that sometimes you need to put your right hand on your left shoulder, your left hand on your right shoulder, and give yourself a squeeze when you feel discouraged. You can do this. Promise. (This actually applies for other things in life too boo) 6)Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is why you wanted to learn Uke anyway-remember? Sorry this is so LONG! But really, I agree with everything Ms Bernadette is saying. Wish I would have found this vid at the beginning, would have saved me some frustration! Enjoy learning your instrument, my fellow froody ukesters!

[@cathoderaytube7497]

I like how one of the things you discovered was your finger positions on the fret board, instead of the "correct" way. It's different for everyone. P. S. I too am learning. I have a Luna soprano and a Fender concert, and I may want to get a Martin concert in koa wood (the one I tried at Guitar Center was so rich and mellow, but $300😳$$$!) someday.

[@garethwatkins6347]

great advice thanks ❤

[@CopperHealer]

I've mentioned a few times to my guy that I want to learn at some point in my life but I couldn't afford the luxury. He bought me a Kala Makala concert uke and I Love it. I've had it since August, have no experience with instruments and gave up for a while because I couldn't strum until I realized I just needed to do what felt natural (I use my pointer, sometimes my middle) and now it feels like my day isn't right if I don't play. I'm still kinda bad but I pick up chords quick, your videos definitely help!!

[@Capt1caveman]

People quit playing Ukulele???

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Capt1caveman 😔 unfortunately

[@Capt1caveman]

It's just that I can't believe people do.....

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Capt1caveman 😢 I know...

[@Samiya-gy6gz]

Capt1caveman of course

[@jesusisthetruth4497]

Capt1caveman oof

[@jimkummer6734]

Teriffic teacher..under rated..learned more from your vids than all others

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Jim Kummer ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jesusisthetruth4497]

Jim Kummer :)

[@MiuMui0]

Yup me too, absolutely love her

[@Diana-zo5uv]

wow I think I'm a big exception because I have a "cheap" uke (although I'm soon getting a better quality one), and when I got it I first learnt somewhere over the rainbow and until now all the songs I've learned have been through KZbin in 2-3 days and in my opinion when tutorials go fast it pushes me to do my best and learn fast!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Diana1707 yeah! You're definitely an exception! And your cheap ukulele may have some quality to it 😉 The problem with lots of low-quality ukuleles is that they don't hold tune. Yours must be holding tune. Continue practicing, it sounds like you've got drive!!! 💪🏼

[@Diana-zo5uv]

Bernadette Teaches Music thank you! I won't stop practicing because I love it and your videos are awesome xx

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Diana1707 that's great news :) when will you be upgrading your uke? Are you shopping online or at a local shop?

[@springgreengoober]

When i was first getting a ukulele i was looking at cheap ones but then seeing all the bad reviews made me get my mahogany one for aprox £80,not the best ukulele but better than a lot of cheap ones

[@Samiya-gy6gz]

How much was it

[@sadcottonballdog]

And that’s why believing in yourself, and doing what is best for you, is very important when learning something

[@user-kc7jg3ih9g]

I'm in love with the way you say ukulele!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

☺️ thank you

[@nai7273]

I think this video is inspiring to others. It shows how and why some people have a problem playing. I am a violist and many of these apply to viola as well.

[@l.g1399]

I will never give up because you are there to guide me Miss B. Thank you.

[@sbybo]

me, got my ukulele yesterday, already learning cant help falling in love with you

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 good luck ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 let me know if you want a link to my tutorial of it ;)

[@rephaelreyes8552]

That reminds me when I started out last year, it took me 3 months to learn one summer day from Ghibli studios. And since there wasn’t any tutorials on it, I would slow down the video and learn from that. But during that time, I could just mess with my ukulele and play Am, C, F, and have lots of difficulties with G. I would always put my ukulele by my bed or sofa so that whenever I sit down or lay down, it would become a part of my habit to play a bit. Now with hard tutorials from ukulele cheats and built up of practice, I can safely say I’ve improved a lot Edit: if you bought a $20 ukulele like I did, you probably have high action on your uke. Don’t be afraid to lower the saddle and nut, there are video tutorials that can help you with that. I personally used razor knife and sand paper to deepen the nut and lower the saddle. To make your ukulele sound a lot better, buy a higher quality ukulele strings. I know this comment is kind of late but I hope it helps some viewers out there

[@4Motion54]

Hello Bernadette, ... as all things in life, learning to play the uke take time. Some people are talented and learn it a bit faster and some people need more time. I am playing in a Group and for me it is great to see how many opportunities are there to play together with people on different skill levels. Someone could pick the melody, someone could make only downstrums, someone could make a struming pattern and so on - it all fits together - and singing together is also wonderful. The uke bring people together if they are open for it. And it is a great fun! Thanks for your video!!

[@5877user]

Patience, patience, patience and consistency in practice slow and steady even if it’s 5 to 10 minutes. Totally agree. Printing out chord charts. Learn slowly until you are comfortable before moving on. It’s your journey to make it what you want. And remember to ENJOY watching different teachers to find a video teacher as enjoyable to me as you are. Cynthia Lin is another great teacher for us beginners ❤️❤️❤️

[@silliaek]

I love how with the ukulele, learning something is difficult the first day but when I come back to it the next day, everything is 30% easier.

[@raypeal1876]

27.483% for me

[@grapplehoeker]

I bought my first ukelele 3 days ago because I wanted to challenge myself and learn to play an instrument properly. I have been struggling with various tutorials and I've been practicing strumming and chords. Strumming is getting easier, but chord transitions are still a work in progress. Especially since my chord fingertips are now very sore and painful... ...and then I found you! Bernadette, you're a life saver. Your teaching style is perfect. I am not musically gifted but I love to sing while I'm driving, only when I'm alone though because my voice offends the ears of my son when he's riding with me in the back ;) For some reason I cannot duplicate a key with my voice. I did discover later in life that with a keyboard that could record notes, I could painstakingly play music note by note and then play it back. So I don't think I'm tone deaf. I'm just not very musical instinctively and have to be more mathematical and mechanical. I'm more visual than audible and I'm quite gifted as an artist, people tell me. When I listen to music and close my eyes, I see images and 'feel' the music visually. So, I know it is going to be a long and hard slog for me. I'm determined to get this done no matter how long or painful it will be ;)

[@markwilsonsd]

I'm not ready to quit but I was getting close until you said "please don't stop". So nice of you to be so personable. I'm about a month in and can play four chords but I want to play with my finger (pointer) and no matter how much I practice (1 hour a day), I can't stop my finger from making a huge pluck sound on the downstrum. I'm so frustrated. I don't want to use a pick and I'm not comfortable with other strum methods. Please help! Hello from San Diego! Your home town?

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Mark Wilson hey! Thank you SO MUCH for putting yourself out there. It's not always easy to ask for help, so you've already made progress!!! You were also able to identify the areas where you struggle, which tells me you're a good student. So with you we have to work on using more fingers to make chords and improving the strum, is that correct? So here's our action plan. I'm going to send you a link to a tutorial below. Practice for 15-20 minutes tops (we can increase the time later, once you feel more successful with the instrument). Then I'm going to ask that you send me a video of yourself playing as much of the video as you can. Don't worry if the first video is "horrible" in your eyes... it will help us measure your growth. So ideally this first video will show exactly where you're at. And your last video will show how much your grew

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Mark Wilson focus on your chord hand for this. Don't worry too much about the strumming right now. If possible, use the chunky part of your thumb and strum downwards. We can improve your strum later 😉

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Mark Wilson I moved to San Diego from Imperial Valley (2 hours away from you?) before moving to Okinawa, Japan!

[@markwilsonsd]

This made my day!!! Thank you!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Mark Wilson my pleasure!!! Keep in touch 😉

[@sherylquesnel9679]

You're an excellent teacher. Always come to you when I don't understand. I purchased my ukelele 5 months ago and I have just started my second set of goals and am doing your lesson challenge but sitting on lesson 1 for awhile.

[@mdgiebel]

Such a nice and inviting woman. She has chosen the correct career, her attitude and personality make me want to succeed and get good ukulele skills. Keep up the good work Ms. B.

[@maplebones]

and a raspberry blond to bout.

[@jessicaroche9925]

Thank you so much for making this video. I do all those things and I'm so discouraged, but I'll keep going!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Take it one chord at a time. Practice in shorter intervals, but more often. Instead of practicing 30 minutes, practice 10-15 and make sure you end your practice with something you're good at.

[@nansea9954]

Ms.B you are the best teacher ever. I love that you go at my pace and put the chords and chart on the screen so I know where to place my fingers. Thank you so much

[@ryangrey951]

I started playing the ukulele a bit less than a year ago, and I made the mistake of starting with something really hard. It did end up paying off in the end, since I can now do all sorts of stuff in such a short amount of time, but if you aren't really a fast learner, then I reccommend starting off with something a bit easier and slowly working your way up. Also, if you're learning a song, don't immediately start playing it at the same speed that the song you're learning is originally in. Start off slow, and then start working your way up. This is a mistake that I still make today sometimes, and it can be really frustrating to just mess up over and over again (I even punched my computer screen once because I was so frustrated). Anyway, I hope this helped out a bit. Thanks for reading

[@candecarro]

I've watched a few of your videos, and generally I find you speak a little too fast for me. But listening to this one gave me an opportunity to listen to your voice, tempo and cadence in a more conversational, less instructional way. I'm new (two months June 1) to the ukulele (and any stringed instrument). I'm 72, and have always wanted to have and know how to play a portable instrument so I could enjoy music wherever I am. I'm NOT thinking of giving it up! But the reasons some people do, as explained by you, give me some insight into some mistakes that I make as I'm learning. Very much appreciated, Thank you for your work. Cande

[@joselaplacaamigo6400]

I just want to play music that is enjoyable and want to play the ukulele because I love it's sound. I also like how compact it is

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Josè La Placa Amigò I agree!! What music do you enjoy?

[@joselaplacaamigo6400]

Bernadette Teaches Music I'm extremely eclectic here is a sample of stuff I like... beware the first song has a most epic cat ever kzbin.info/aero/PLXuV3h0acvvJlencCtbBD0KmAdmIdVZZB

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Josè La Placa Amigò hey!!! I will watch this when I’m not on the KZbin studio app (it doesn’t let me click on links) 😢 You had me at “most epic cat ever”

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

listening now! 🎵

[@nevdavid3514]

Ive been playing ukelele for almost 7 years

[@MYKroe]

I'm so grateful that you are taking your own time to share your teaching skills of the ukulele. I am 56 years old, don't read music but want to play the ukulele, however as you mentioned, the tutorials are to fast for me. I would like to start your videos from the beginning but there are so many. Where do I begin and what is the law logical progression? Oh yes, I also want to learn how to read music. Thank you.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Ken Munroe hey! This is my hobby and I love it! I wish I could do it full time :) Now that I have a nice pool of subscribers who are on the same boat as you are (wanting to learn ukulele from the beginning) I am going to start a different video series that you would follow as a progression. I'm upgrading my video equipment for it, so I should be ready to launch it mid September. Meanwhile, follow the link below. Do you have your own ukulele yet?

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Ken Munroe www.bernadetteteachesmusic.com/2017/04/free-ukulele-online-school.html?m=1

[@MYKroe]

Bernadette Teaches Music I do Bernadette. I bought a nice Kala tenor ukulele for a little under $150. Having watched your videos, thankfully I did alright. Now I just have to build up the courage and patience to learn how to play.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Ken Munroe great! You have a great ukulele 👏🏼 Well, you found my channel and you're commenting on it, which is a big step :)

[@MYKroe]

Thanks for the encouragement and again for sharing the great gift of music.

[@Helpiminapickle]

Cant help falling in love iss not that hard

[@kittykat123425]

The Elvis version is not that hard

[@Tas3n]

That was my first song

[@Helpiminapickle]

Why the hell was I such a bitch back then lmao

[@janethaines6821]

Thank you so much. This video has made me feel a lot better about myself and my accomplishment so far. 👍🏻

[@Myra1959]

I love playing the ukulele.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Myra1959 same here :)

[@jumpcitron]

C'est seulement la deuxième vidéo de cette chaîne que je regarde et je l'adore déjà 😃 Vous abordez bien les difficultés que l'on peut rencontrer quand on débute et vous ne donnez pas le sentiment que tout doit être acquis dès le début. C'est très agréable. Merci ☺️

[@puckster58]

Thank for this video. I have two problems and I believe they are inter- ralated. 1. Transition from g chord to any other chord 2. General laziness of my hands and arms to move quickly.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hi Beki! G chord is a hurdle for playing the ukulele. I made this video to help my students (you) get past the hurdle. Here it is 🤗 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaScnGuNorOkmcU

[@shamuzzy]

I tried to learn guitar a couple of years ago and just felt awkward and uncomfortable (probably just not the right type of guitar for me but I didnt know that at the time). As soon as I picked up an ukelele it felt so comfortable so I decided to learn it! My boyfriend has bought me my first Ukelele and its definitely practice and patience that will help you learn it. I’ve just been concentrating on learning about the ukelele, learning the chords and practicing transitions/strumming. I can already play songs by myself but I’m waiting till I feel more confident to sing at the same time. I didn’t have any expectations on what I’d be able to do after a certain amount of time so I enjoy it more and it’s more fulfilling when I learn something new!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hey Shannagh~! Thank you so much for sharing your music-learning journey with us. It is so important to hear how people have approached learning music when they felt discouraged or setbacks. I think the fact that you are concentrating learning chords, transitions, and strumming is setting you up for success. Continue doing that and you'll see great results :)

[@anthonyslattery8808]

Your videos are fantastic your lessons are at a pace that I can keep up with ,you also have the extra stuff that others don't like making a strap or stand for the ukulele. Please keep up the good work you have kept my motivation going.

[@CashAndSpanglish]

I think your tutorials are some of the best on youtube. I have an Oscar Schmidt concert ukulele that I purchased for $80, and I love it! The sale included a tuner, a bag to carry and store the uke and a cloth to clean it. I had never played an instrument before, and I don't know of any uke teachers in my area, so I'm just learning from youtube. My struggle is that I have short chubby fingers, bar chords are a nightmare for me, but I am determined to get them right some day!!! Hugs from Puerto Rico 🌻🌻

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Girasol that's a GREAT deal for an Oscar Schmidt!! You shopped well!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

I'll post another video on how to be more successful with barre chords 🌻

[@CashAndSpanglish]

Bernadette Teaches Music That would be awesome, thanks!!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Girasol btw! I recorded the chord switch you requested (and someone else requested). C to Em and G to G7. I will edit those and upload next week ;)

[@alexandracolon5271]

Girasol You're from Puerto Rico, me too! Which part? And do you have electricity?

[@golvic1436]

I practice every day and try to pull off at least one improvement per session (about an hour). I have been playing for less than a month and I am able to play 3 songs and just started getting consistent with strumming patterns. I can also transition between C-G-F-Am fairly well at this point but not consistently just yet, especially since I added patterns to my strum. It makes it easy to keep motivation when my daughter thinks me learning the Ukulele is really cool. Honestly, the #1 reason I would quit was lack of support, but my kid asks me to play for her every day and that just makes me want to practice more.

[@leekooler3684]

I love learning the ukulele from you Bernadette! In Kona, HI they loan ukuleles at our library. One great idea is to check your local library for one and another is to donate your ukulele to your local library when you move up to another one! Mahalo Bernadette for this great video! Lee Kooler

[@ernestosm7857]

When I started to play an ukulele I had these kind of problems but i never gave up! I started with the most easy chords and Yellow by Coldplay was an easy song to play, and now it is more easy. Great video, very helpfully for us!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hey! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your experience. People who read the comments and are thinking of quitting can get encouraged by your words :) What's your favorite song to play on ukulele now?

[@dannyjohnson9592]

Oh My God that was the best yet. I like how you changed up the word ukulele, lol that was awesome. You literally identified everything that I struggled with trying to learn to play. Lucky for me I was to hard headed to quit, the last one was the worst for me and probably still is. I always try to over achieve. But setting realistic goals is very very important. I love the way you break everything down. I told you before I call it the KISS method. Lol. You're an amazing teacher and Im thankful I found your videos and suscribed to your channel. Your videos have helped me more than any other I have found. Your the best.😁

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Danny Johnson wow, you are so kind!!! I am very glad that you were "hard-headed" to quit and that you reached out and asked for help. You asked GREAT questions and identified that your original ukulele's action was wayyyy too high. Now a great goal for you would be to learn some strumming patterns and try those out on the songs you've memorized. I'm grateful for all of your support! Thank you.

[@sarasmothers1]

Great Explanation & Suggestions! I learned to slow down stick with it & have Reasonable Expectations of Myself! More reasons Not to Quit! I was busy this morning but wanted to sit in on the Open Mic.Hopefully next time.🙂

[@marcy3959]

I had my ukulele for at least 9 years before I started playing it, I went through guitar, double bass, and piano. I never even played my ukulele. I'm picking it up now, but it doesn't sound good because I got it a sea world it is literally a 18 inch toy! I'm getting a real one soon and I love playing now! If you are a little discouraged because you have a toy uke or a low quality uke, then it's ok because those cords that sound weird now will sound so much better when your good!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

couldn't agree with you more!

[@hannahf4049]

You really are an amazing teacher. I am an adult learner and new to music. I ended up buying a nice concert and then a tenor a week later, just to have fun, although they are likely better than beginner level (gently used). The ukulele is a very forgiving instrument. The strings do seem to make a difference on how the instrument feels on my fingertips. I try to pick mine up to repeat what I've learned on your daily lesson the night before and just play for a minute or two when I have the chance during the day, maybe a few times. I'm not in a hurry.

[@KIWIchix0r]

Your channel is the best ukulele teaching channel I can find. Thank you for seeing the gap in the market ❤️

[@suzannekessler8037]

Ive been playing a week but I've been watching your videos and they have helped so much! I practice at least an hour a day and I am surprised daily at my growth! Thank you

[@crahul1987]

I love your channel....you are the best teacher one can have......I purchased ukulele recently and started searching for tutorials from different channels.....those were really confusing......accidentally I ended up watching one of your videos, after that there is no going back......your methods are best............I enjoy learning along with your videos.......thank you :-)

[@JustJaxom]

I will be getting my first uke soon. So glad I found this video before I bring one home.

[@xoBElieveInYOUrself]

Just Jax Same

[@user-pg9kv1nq8d]

Juana Rodriguez: Because Potatoes same

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

I hope you all got ukes! ❤️

[@user-pg9kv1nq8d]

Bernadette Teaches Music thank you! mine just came in yesterday! Friday I’ll go to my dads and open it :) can’t wait

[@vololudo4671]

Thank you for being a great positive teacher. Your enthusiasm and knowledge helps keep me motivated.

[@joydebraj]

Thanks for providing the motivation to go on. I was sure that I was going to quit, but then I saw this video. Thanks again. Love and regards from India.

[@pamelapalmarini7297]

It’s cool to watch this as I am just starting... It gives me a heads up to common challenges, so I don’t quit😊

[@iamvhinzee7128]

You are such a great motivator!😍😊 Thank you for making these video!😊 God bless you more Ms. Bernadette😊

[@JillyBean860]

Just got my uke not long ago. Your videos are great and very informative. I can't wait to see more and learn how to play!!

[@colinuk4509]

Helloooo! I agree with all you said, but I've not quit because you taught me to remove my watch , roll up my sleeves and then I can play anything. But i have quit wearing green lipstick because I really really like the colour you're wearing in this video and I've had my paint store match and mix the colour for me! 💋😯 C

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

OH! My lipstick 💄 is only $4!!! Wet n Wild, Colin 😉 Keep moving your sleeves out of the way!!

[@colinuk4509]

Your Lipstick looks really nice, I personally only wear it for special occasions. It's my birthday on Friday so will wear some then! Even when I wear a t shirt I roll up the sleeves. C

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+colin uk hahahahahaaa "even when I wear a t shirt I roll up the sleeves" 😂😂😂 Wait. Is it really your birthday on Friday!?!

[@colinuk4509]

Yes on Friday, i can't joke about old age creeping in. Even my ukulele strings are going grey 👴.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+colin uk 😂

[@kieronjones5460]

Sound advice, I would also add that the same applies to the guitar. Particularly the thumb position around the neck.

[@createwithbrandi9090]

My friends are amazed I have picked it up so fast. I tell them it's because I learn from you. Thank you. I started with a blue Mitchell soprano. I now want an Enya concert since I have watched your unboxing videos. More songs please.

[@lexplay4444]

I have a bad Ukulele but I still love it......I don't care if it sounds not that good.......But I haven't think of quiting

[@davidjones9931]

Bernadette I liked your comment on just using down strums initially, and when comfortable find how the song moves...and not necessarily strumming a prescribed pattern. If I find a tutorial is going to fast, not just the level I’m at, but say how a chord transition is done...I slow the KZbin video down using the three dots in the top corner to 75% or 50%

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

Hi Ms. B. Wish I had a teacher like you when I was learning to play the guitar. I have to get that Ukulele soon :D

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Kevin aww, that's so sweet!!! Did you have a teacher or did you learn by yourself?

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

I had a teacher for the first 6 months. After that, I was on my own.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Kevin that's amazing. You've gone so far on your own and now you've become my teacher!!! We should do live chatting someday so you can teach me how to strum Gabriela style

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

Sure Ms. B :) Thanks for the kind words.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Kevin You too! Always so encouraging of this channel

[@nellyellis946]

Because of you, I fell in love with the ukulele. Now I HAVE to practice / play every day or it won‘t feel right 🥰👍🏻

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Yeah!! I know the feeling. For me it’s making content. If I don’t do something towards my KZbin channel every day, I don’t feel right!!

[@Walamonga1313]

Reason 11 is because it's too easy lol. I'm being serious, a friend got a ukelele but he quickly got bored of it (he was already a great guitar player) and he just dropped it in like 2 months and focused on guitar. It's probably because it feels more limiting, since it has less strings and frets so less note choices.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

That’s true too. It may be “too easy” and easily cast away by some. I would argue that it’s different and has different strengths and weakness compared to guitar or other string instruments

[@Greg-tj8rg]

I love the pink hair~ A lot of the songs I look up to try and learn wind up having tricky strumming patterns for me or chords I'm not ready for yet. Having a hard time finding good songs for starting out

[@Kidofcandor]

You have the best beginner videos. I can already tell you have the gift of teaching! Yay! Hoping I find more so I can lead more chords (I hVe a chord chart), transitioning from chords, and understanding strumming pattern. So any videos on that from you would be amaze! :):) thank you 😊 I have a kala Makala. As I was having my clarinet repaired, I saw it and thought it would be great to play around the holidays (that was the original goal) and then also to create my own songs. I'd love your suggestions '

[@stellitsa12]

I am saving to buy one and i 'm very excited because i have learned sooooo much from your videos that when i have it in my hands i think i willl be able to play!!!

[@ArtyBilli]

So.. I know this is a super late reply.. I was basically hooked up on buying a Violin/Piano/Flute (I just wanna learn these instruments- a complete beginner). But I lack funds. Then while searching for a relatively cheap Instrument, Ukelele came up. Now I am saving approx $100 for my first ever Musical instrument : UKULELEEEE!! 😍 And the first thing I will do is... Completing the One month challenge of Miss B. Yeiiiiii!!! I will need 3 more months to reach my target.

[@ArtyBilli]

Someone please give me a spare ukulele if you can! I CAN'T WAIT ANYMOAAAARRR 😭😭😭😭😭

[@vitko06]

My little sister got a ukelele and I know more than her. I love the ukelele so much, but my little sister is struggling because she can't play the F chord. What should I do?

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Try this! Have her watch it 😉 It helps my students kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6amkmWQqKeDbbM

[@rantes100]

Thank you, gracias por tu canal! Lucky for me, I found your channel early on when I started... been playing for 3 weeks and have already bought my 3rd ukulele... ja ja... ya estoy enviciado!

[@KnittingFairyGrandPrairie]

Thank you for your kind encouragement!

[@rickboer7715]

You keep me motivated

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Thank you, Rick! Sweet comments like this keep me motivated too ❤️

[@purplesandwich5847]

Losing interest is my greatest fear when playing instruments. I first started of with the marching bass drum but got fascinated with the snare. I looked up many stick tricks and rudiments that i can do but, there are times that i just don't have the motivation or the enjoyment when i hold my drumsticks. Same goes with my ukulele. I got my very first ukulele last week as a christmas gift from my aunt and now i've been using it everyday. Looking up songs on my level and looking up some tips and tutorials on the internet. But there are moments that i just don't feel the "fire" within me. So i just sit down and at times, play the same songs all over again or just looking up chords that are new to me. I just hope i can keep going and keep learning the ukulele in the near future.

[@elizabethblackey4587]

Our local library is buying 20 ukuleles for people to borrow and they will also be providing some classes. I'm anxious to join in when they do this. I think this is not only a wonderful way to get people exposed to trying an instrument without the financial commitment, but a great way to get people into the library where there are so many other great things besides books.

[@nicolefox8903]

I haven't been learning for long, so not reached a point of wanting to quit yet, but I do know that one of the most helpful things for me (especially as I'm autistic), is to take it step by step. Learn one thing at a time & learn each thing until it drives me to tears of boredom, before moving onto the next thing - because being overwhelmed sucks and is a real interest/goal killer. :) Thank you for this video! I wanted to avoid that feeling of wanting to quit, because I'm enjoying learning so much. :)

[@charlieskinner6386]

Sorry to hear about the break-up, but I love the pink! Also, i saw your previous review of the blue Kala; just wondering if you've played the Kala Ziricote?

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

I haven't played the Kala Ziricote, have you? :)

[@BlairRosen]

I love Ukulele so much. I just posted some ukulele music, albeit not the typical sound. I think it's an extremely diverse instrument. Been playing strings in one or another sense for... 28 years about but I've only played ukulele for 9 years and it's character is very unique from guitar. And I've switched from guitar to ukulele entirely because I can do more. As an example I play almost exclusively slack key tuning. I thought I invented it and then someone told me what it's called (I'm self-taught musician), but I realized when he told me that the diversity of tuning styles for ukulele is also perhaps broader than guitar. For instance, typically guitar is steel strings so they can't take the tension of brighter sounds and you can also get away with relaxing ukulele strings as well. Another bonus of ukulele is that all your chords are closer together bringing access to notes and therefore the imagination for tuning styles you just never conceive of on a guitar. For me ukulele is the best thing that ever happened to me in music. Another thing (sorry long winded) is that you can't play those more "cultural" sounds (I don't know what else to call it) in folk music from across the world on a guitar all the time but I find that if ukulele doesn't just compliment a song in modern American folk but is the lead instrument in it, or island or Western European styles, while the guitar can't always supplement the ukulele sounds, ukulele can supplement all guitar, or supplant it may be the better word. All the guitars in the world could burn right now and ukulele could keep it all alive, the melodies. But if all ukulele burned we would actually not only lose a lot of musical soul but many melodies written on ukulele would be lost. I wouldn't say it's because guitars can't play the same notes, BUT ukulele carries a kind of soul into it's notes which produce the musical environment that makes them possible. I might be biased by my experience but personally I just see so much in it I could never get out of a guitar. I think playing metal (which I used to do) is one of the most specific things I can think of that makes a guitar special. Classical folk too but even then they receive a lot being backed often with ukulele, banjo and mandolin.

[@lucyosorio3998]

This was so relatable... specially the "singing and strumming" and "dead notes" and the low quality ukulele :( I feel I'm getting better but then I hear the covers on KZbin and it's really frustrating that even though you're doing things right it just doesn't sound as you want it to sound...

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

I am really sorry to hear that you are frustrated. I am working really hard on this channel to make content EASY an accessible for ABSOLUTE beginners. Follow this and other KZbinrs that break things down and give it time. We all have a different learning curve

[@maryquint3254]

This video was extremely helpful to me. Thank you, Teach💕

[@magenta6754]

Really good advice, especially about the barre chords. Thank you

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

thank you, Magenta! Glad you found some advice here :)

[@brittneyrichmond6724]

My favorite video of your so far! “If you don’t like it you don’t have to stay.” You are straight forward but still nice. All these reason are why i could never play guitar. I needed to learn the basics and never found the right teacher. The last reason you added was why it took me four years to start learning ukulele. It might be a good thing because I waited got a good quality one and found you. Lol

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

You know, Brittney, I've really been enjoying reading your comments. I feel like I am getting to know you. I also tried learning guitar but I was trying to learn on the wrong one. Thankfully I found ukulele, gained some skills, and can now dabble on guitar again. Good thing you didn't quit on music. So happy you're here and you're learning :)

[@brittneyrichmond6724]

Bernadette Teaches Music thank you. 😁

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

😘

[@qcupid2749]

I love this video. Thank you so much for the helpful information.💓 I have been wanting a ukulele for about a week or two now.

[@Lkjhgfdsa-l2h]

I’m planning to buy a Ukelele this month to start off the new year!!! I’m definitely not giving up and my New Years resolution is to be good at the Ukelele by the end of the year, this will be the channel I go to for learning purposes :) what concert Ukelele do you recommend to beginners that are a little under $200? I know decent Ukeleles don’t cost that much but it’s the most I would spend.

[@altafxx]

For me, can't help falling in love is pretty much easy for me. I start with this song as first. And yes, i do have problem with barre chords. What really help me alot is, try to play the barre chord 10 times before going to sleep. Then, try again right after you wake up. Believe me it does work.

[@paulmaddock4822]

Don't compare yourself to others be happy with the progress you are making set believable achievable goals one step at a time 15mins a day does it

[@ifilmalways7122]

Although I'm fairly new at playing I have no intention of quitting and just going from my own experience with instruments I will in fact get better (I Hope).. I love this video mostly because anyone who plays an instrument finds joy in others who pick up the same instrument and grows with it.. The more the merrier!

[@Woofwoof369]

I bought my uke from guitar Center and it’s the cheapest they offer which was like $30 and it doesn’t sound good because I played on other ukes but I can definitely make a songs sound good with it

[@sireruntalon]

I really love your videos and teaching style, they have helped me a lot to start and I am still trying to accomplish your different challenges, I have found overtime sites such as cifraclub, ukulele tabs, and others with the tablature as you suggest and one that help a lot was ukebuddy which has chords, scales arpegios and a lot of things to learn. I hope you to continue the really good work. By the way, I love your Spanish, and if you want to practice I would love to be of help and return some of the learning I get from you.

[@annapotpot]

Thank you very much. I just started studying how to play the ukulele 3 days ago. This is very encouraging. I am so glad I found your channel. I subbed. :) Could you kindly list down the songs that you recommend for beginners?

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+annapotpot I think this is a good place for you to start www.bernadetteteachesmusic.com/2017/04/free-ukulele-online-school.html?m=1

[@thehiphypnochick]

You totally rock, Bernadette... love your videos 🥰🤘🦋

[@cw1265]

Hi Bernadette, thank you so much for your videos and tutorial. I almost quit because my fingers were hurting so much due to the high action and I was trying to learn too much, too fast. Thanks to your advice, I've slowed down and I've just got myself a more decent ukelele (the music store guy recommended an Enya similar to yours!) and now I'm enjoying learning/playing so much more. Thanks for all that you're doing for hopeful beginners like us!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hi Cynthia! 👋 Thank goodness you didn't give up! Yes. High action on its own is enough to make a person quit! Next week (starting in September) we will do a 30 day uke challenge. Every day there will be a tutorial to take you from beginner to proficient by the end of the month! I think this would be good for you! Here is the playlist link. Tune into it every day in September and you'll see a new video for your uke challenge that day! 30 Day Uke Challenge

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmW3nHmkas-tY6M

[@cw1265]

Thanks Bernadette! I will definitely give the 30 Day Uke Challenge a try! I'm having a bit of a struggle strumming with my index finger (finger getting stuck in strings and keeping it quiet enough so the neighbours won't complain) and feel more comfortable using my thumb. But I will get there one day! Take care and have a great day!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Oh wow 😲 Cynthia! The 30 day uke challenge will be perfect for you!!! I talk about strumming with the index finger and I also talk about how to avoid fingers getting caught! 😃

[@cw1265]

Brilliant! I'm looking forward to that particular video! Thanks for taking the time to reply our messages, it definitely makes me want to try harder. By the way, I love your other videos, cats and your blue Enya! : )

[@musichuntermakanu1890]

Hi I agree with you very much ! All point you have clearly analised in the video is pretty reasonable! I like your videos very much!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Musichunter makanu thank you!! Are there any other reasons you can think of?

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Musichunter makanu thank you 😊 thank you so much!

[@frufbot2593]

i just started a week ago and i can play cant help falling in love somewhat well! ive been doing my best to work up to it everyday!

[@tastelesssoperatatouille4396]

BROOOOOOO, I've been trying to find a way to play an E cord without destroying my fingers. And the moving my thumb helped A LOT! Thanks!

[@leegibson1298]

Hi Bernadette - I have had my ukulele for 6 weeks - been learning chords, and also sitting in a park playing in a quiet spot, finding which chords kinda go together, creating my own little tunes. Once a week I join a group of about 20 uke players in a local pub and find it very difficult to play other peoples songs, but I keep trying and will not give up. I live in London. This is the first youtube video of yours that I have seen and I thought it was fab, so will definitely check out your beginner tutorials. kind regards - Lee

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Lee Gibson I can't believe that you're so brace that you put yourself out there to play with other uke players this early on!!! You're going to be an awesome player in no time. The best way to learn is to play with better musicians. And to make your time easier playing with the uke players, I recommend you memorize the top 10 most popular uke chords.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Lee Gibson kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6LEeYqJgLSZbMU

[@leegibson1298]

Hi Bernadette, cheers - now I just have to find those 10 chords - thanks for getting back to me from across the planet. Peace to you and those you love - Lee.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Lee Gibson ask and you shall receive! 10 most popular chords: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7XZoGPobh8e6s

[@leegibson1298]

Thank you for the link Bernadette, appreciated. Hope you have a cool day. Lee.

[@guitaleleoeuvre]

I play a GUITalele (because I was spoiled by being a guitarist first!) Take the 2 strings away from the top of a properly tuned guitalele and you get a standard uke! (At least, as I understand it!) But, I play with a plectrum! I'm a mad-lad! I love uke music! But, I'm NOT really a ukulele player despite my love for guitalele/small guitars tuned to "A"! You certainly CAN bang a uke with a guitarist's approach! (I'm the proof!)

[@prevengeix8551]

Yes Sensai, I'm on day 86 of the 30 day challenge and just really love the notes I get to play. I'm actually 20 days in, but I do the same lessons over and over so around lesson 8.

[@cddum4992]

If you quit an instrument it means it is not for you. I have played the guitar for 1 year and i got a looooot of difficulties, the barré, singing+playing, solos, but i simply practice or find something to make things easier. I find your chanel because i wanted to get an ukulele in tune. It is a bit hard to get used with other tunning and less strings but it doesn't look so hard at you:)))). Now i'd like to play some classical music and some metal. I want to see the ukulele limits:)))))). I am sure you won't read my comment but i want to say thank you because you made me got interested in this

[@KILO-uv2wi]

Love your videos and teaching style Bernadette. Thank you!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Kim Maye aww, thank you so much!!! Where are you watching from?

[@KILO-uv2wi]

Bernadette Teaches Music 😊you're very welcome. I'm watching from Strasburg, Virginia. I'm west of Washington, DC. I've been play ukulele since January. I truly appreciate teachers like you, Cynthia Lin and Katie from One Music School for all of your hard work on these videos. I've learned so much in 8 months from all of you. ❤️

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+Kim Maye!!! I love Cynthia and Katie too!! They are SO nice and genuine. They seem like wonderful people. Funny we like the same teacher ☺️ Greetings to Virginia! I ask where you're from because sometimes I do live videos. Knowing where my subscribers are helps me plan the time to go live. I hope you can play Silent Night or Jingle Bell's soon! It will be fun to practice some music for the holidays

[@elizabethe1574]

I just got a ukulele for Christmas and I'm super confused on strumming. I've never really played and instrument before do you have any advise?

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

I will take some time to make a video about this, but meanwhile check this one out :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWelfpdqe8aljdU it's by one of my fav uku channels

[@elizabethe1574]

Okay thank you!

[@rjhikes6248]

The high action was one of the issues that I noticed right away with the cheap Blvein Ukuleke. It’s ok near the nut but gets really high as you go up the fretboard. I think that was the cause of notes gradually getting sharp as I move up the fretboard because you have to push the string so far. I could have spent only a little more and got a nice Enya or something else nice.

[@getupjohnnyboy24]

Hello I have a ukulele and I am a beginner and i don't play it anymore because you are right I was trying just too hard songs but now thanks to you I will try with more easy one

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

+get up johnny boy try starting with The Lion Sleeps Tonight 🦁 It only uses C F C G7 😉

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

How you doin on uke?

[@getupjohnnyboy24]

Bernadette Teaches Music actual i am doing great I know how to play the lion sleep tonight, and riptide Thanks for asking😁😁😁

[@Martin_Entertains]

Wow, it never occurred to me that anyone would quit the ukulele. It's awesome! It's super easy to play and make REAL MUSIC. I'm just a few weeks in, but really excited to be able to play complete songs that people will like. Also looking forward to hanging out with like-minded musicians. Let's jam!

[@impitiscotch9953]

So true and also too bad because playing Uke makes people happier. I started 9 months ago and trust me I will never quit. I try to do it in the proper way with extremely targeted tutorials and I think it works. I also try to practice 15 minutes every day. For this year 2018, I will monthly enter the Ukulele Cheats Challenge to improve my skills. To have goals, to practice every day, and with the good youtubers (

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

that is great! I am glad you have a routine that's working for you. Good luck with the challenge! I love watching the entries for the Ukulele Cheats challenge. They're so entertaining :D

[@awarenessvillage]

Thanks for all your teaching and help! I'm on the 8th video of your 30 Day Challenge. I'm learning and having fun!