10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known When I Started Playing Ukulele!

[@ira_metal]

1. Get a better ukulele, you'll be more excited to play and more likely to stick with it 2. Join an online community, get a course 3. Memorize the basic chords 4. Learn the fundamentals of musical theory 5. Know how to count, play with a metronome or a backing track 6. Play beginner songs 7. Embrace where you at in your playing, don't be afraid to play with people who are better than you, you're gonna grow 8. Learn how to read music 9. Memorize a few songs, we are too dependent on having our music in front of us 10. Stick with it!

[@xHadesStamps]

My first ukulele probably would've been very demotivating for a lot of people. It was a Makala dolphin-bridge soprano uke, with a plastic body and laminate top. I did quite enjoy playing it (you can even see the wear and tear from all the playing I did on it), and only after about 9 1/2 of a year, I upgraded to a concert, mainly because my hands had become too large for the soprano, and because of how much wear I put on the old one. Still occasionally play it, though. Regardless, even for most people, you don't need to spend a *whole* lot to get something good enough to enjoy

[@Dabu-Dabu]

"What's the one annoying thing about this ? Dunno, leave a comment below. You left a comment below? Dunno - leave a comment below. You've seen an ad played? Leave a comment below"

[@Ukelikethepros]

haha And you did! so it worked! Thank you so much!

[@NOLAMikki]

I'm 60 years old and I bought my first uke in March of this year. I figured I'm locked in I might as well take care of a bucket list item (learning uke). I had some music training as a kid, and surprisingly the counting, reading, and understanding of the fundamentals are still way back there in the back of my brain. I love the uke and spend a good amount of time surfing KZbin to find teachers and tutorials that I like. (BTW you are one of my favorite KZbin teachers). I've managed to memorize lots of chords and am currently beginning to master some of the trickier (Bb, Bm, E, etc). Two areas where I am struggling is memorizing songs and fingerpicking. I had a long, intensive chemotherapy regimen four years ago that significantly affected my memory - and it continues to be. But I'm sticking with it and I find that the muscle memory begins to kick in the more I play. As for the fingerpicking, I've been doing a few "riffs" every day and that seems to help. But any tips on how to further develop that skill would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@banshinath8773]

I am glad I pick up your channel a day before I start my first uke. I am a beginner and going to start with a concert uke. Wish me luck

[@katekeating3635]

Thank you, Terry, for your advice on actually learning music to ensure people become muscians, not just players, should they want. I only started 4 weeks ago, at age 67, and can see some basic chords and strum patterns can provide a lot of fun - if only I could sign - my only key is 'off'. But I want to be able to play better than that, particularly finger-fingerpicking, so your messages about accepting where you are at (sucking) and sticking with it with some practice every day are key messages for me. Thank you.

[@adorablecats9891]

I’m right behind you; 66. 😊

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thank you so much kate!

[@sanada-vkk3315]

Hope you guys still doing well and expertised on uke.

[@ElizabethGross-ik3gi]

A hundred thousand thank yous! I am 76 and took my Mom's vintage Harmony ukelele from a 1940"s Hawaiian cruise to a ukelele teacher for lessons. He was an amazing model of grace and encouragement. I am not sure he expects me back, but I will be and with a serious upgrade ukelele thanks to you and my husband.

[@ivancorea]

You gave me hope. I'm 43 and I'm thinking about picking up an ukulele and practice with my kid

[@barteque_]

got a uke yesterday, this vid's exactly what i needed. i have been dancing for the last 8 years, so rhythm and timing is not a problem for me :>

[@ukulelesafarikenya]

you will enjoy the uke so much!!!

[@Ukelikethepros]

Woohoo! Welcome to the ukulele community! You are going to have so much fun!

[@Naomi-os7yx]

Definitely the hardest one for me is embracing sucking at it! I learned piano for many years and I can just go back to it and play and NOT suck too badly after even a long break, so being a novice is challenging. I would also add for anyone who has kids who are leaning an instrument *other* than ukulele and/or who love music... get them onto a ukulele! Just learning new chords/new songs is really helping me understand and appreciate the structure of music that I've loved for a long time, much more so than all the theory in the world ever did with any other instrument I've played.

[@fragdad]

Your "Beginning music reading" has just arrived this week. It's easy to read and understand. It's like a magician showing how the trick is done. Tip No. 11 record your progress on your mobile phone. You will amazed how much you have learned, from when you started. (Edit should have said record last min or 2 of your practice). My journey started in Sept. This year.

[@ukulelesafarikenya]

I m doing the same and so shocked I actually remember stuff. It must be witchcraft ahahah

[@Ukelikethepros]

So great to see this! Keep working and improving!

[@brianrobinson5870]

Memorize your chords, play many instruments, this is key.

[@nielsdeclercq8511]

Cries in baritone, uku half tone lower, uku, guitar&bass

[@nielsdeclercq8511]

And the fucking ocarina finger settings for the # and b notes

[@Ukelikethepros]

Totally Brian!

[@ericsinchina]

I've been memorizing chords...but only how to play them...not the actual notes (which is really what's needed)

[@AngelOrtiz-q5f]

I memorized giant woman

[@caesarjohnmatencio9739]

this is my 4th day playing ukulele..thank god i found this..i'll follow this on my journey

[@steveweiland5841]

I'm about to be 45 years old and have never played any instrument (except for maybe the kazoo lol) nor do I know a lot about reading music. I had just gotten my first uke and am still trying to learn basic chords and getting my fingers to stretch with finger exercises. This is also my very first time commenting on anything KZbin. This is a great community! Thanks Terry!

[@darwinia8]

I played guitar for years, learning on my own. I paid for this by not learning the basics well. Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals.! Embrace the basics: counting and keeping time, memorizing all basic chords, and practicing consistent strumming patterns. and you'll progress steadily. Good luck!

[@Ukelikethepros]

woohoo Welcome to the family Steve!

[@susansheartbeats]

I am starting from the same staring block: no experience with Any instrument, cannot read & music & don't know what " chords" looked like :-) This site is fantastic, right? You are months out from me; as I only purchased my uke yesterday--hey, I'm 65!! LOVE the "sounds" I am making for the first time in my life. Have tons of fun...I know I am! I'm so grateful you were so honest about "we true beginners--from scratch".

[@joeymulo3323]

I try to play uke about 2 days it's so hard my fingers like burning. No experience in any instruments I'm 23 hope can play good sounds soon.

[@JM-my2wf]

I agree with adamtwelve. I got an ok soprano uke with terrible strings and very high action a couple years ago. I liked it but it was hard to play, learned some chords and then set it on the shelf. In March when I had to close my shop for a while due to covid, I got a beautiful tenor Ohana uke. What a difference, ease of playing and sounds beautiful even if I just strum simple chords. I also did a huge amount of research on different types of ukes, strings etc before I got my second uke. A great sounding instrument makes all the difference and keeps one inspired to do more.

[@zedpassway4140]

These things are all “right on”. Just starting to play classical ukulele at age 72 years old, but I’ve played classical violin for more than 60 years.

[@ksrt2654]

I think that advice #1 is so right on and really applies to everything. If you have bad colored pencils, you’re going to hate drawing with colored pencils, if you have a crummy bicycle, you’re going to hate bike riding. Good equipment makes such a huge difference in your actual ability to do something. The trick is knowing what’s the minimum quality of equipment that’s good for starting out.

[@lisapais4869]

I want to be good immediately and tend to jump into things that are too hard. Great info here.

[@kaiosekka]

I am 31 and started to pick up the uke (my first instrument in fact) at the end of june. I have no musical forground. But I still try to play at least every 1-2 days for at least 30-60 mins. Lerning to stretch my fingers, repeating chords etc. Only via yt. Thanks to you and your videos (and this video) I know I should get maybe a course or so. But to embrace where i am: I feel good for my current skill level but generel I suck :D But hey I can do the easy chords, can play songs "somewhere over the rainbow" and "riptide", can do some fingerstyle already AND most importantly: I STILL ENJOY EVERYDAY WITH THE UKE :D

[@Ukelikethepros]

Wow what a great comment! so glad to know that! keep rocking!

[@h8stupidppl]

As long as the instrument brings you joy its all that matter, keep strumming!!

[@kaiosekka]

@@h8stupidppl it still does :D

[@sarahabbey8216]

I just ordered my first uke from your website, so all the points were helpful! I've wanted to learn the uke for years so am excited to begin the process of embracing the suck :)

[@LouiseMacKenzie-u9y]

50+ years and I decided to buy a ukulele and tried to play it again Already after a month I’ve upgraded to a better uke and playing with a friend.. We are having a wonderful time learning together. Thanks for your top 10 tips.

[@DanielConklin]

Thank you! I was one of those who started 35 years ago and gave it up because I didn't have any help or direction. Now I'm really starting to enjoy the learning process, videos like yours help with the guidance part.

[@backrowmage]

Points one and five resonated with me. My first ukulele was a cheap soprano that ended up being way smaller for me than I thought, and when I got my second ukulele (a tenor) my playing started to slowly improve. And of course my timing needs work haha

[@Ukelikethepros]

Totally! keep practicing!

[@michelle-psl4441]

Wow, Terry, talk about getting a better ukulele! You took a giant step up! My top from your list are: - Get a better ukulele - Learn music theory from the start - Work more on timing/rhythm - Learn how to read music - Memorize songs - music & words Keep sharing these great videos!

[@gourmet53]

You get goosebumps because you are so passionate about what you do...........which is very cool.....rock on brother.

[@phaylett1]

loved all your suggestions....going for my chord chart now!

[@Ukelikethepros]

Awesome, keep on crushing it. Rock on!

[@kayzium67]

Hi there, i maybe having a mid life crisis of the good type, im about to turn 55, i suffer from aggoraphobia and mental health issues, BUT, i finally got my 1st 2 tattoo's which i have wanted for decades, and I finally made a point of Learning to play my Uke that has been sitting next to me since last Christmas, I joined a local group in my community which for me is good as its right on my door step, and i will be having personal lessons once a week. Thanks for these 10 tips, they REALLY are helpful to me. oxox

[@NurseHamster]

Those are really good. I have more below that I wish I had known. Joining a band helped a lot. I am playing a tenor guitar which is 4 strings and tuned like a baritone ukulele. 11). How to pick the right size ukulele that is right for you. 12). How to take care of your new ukulele. 13). Find out what a good set up is for the action of your ukulele. 14). Use economy of motion when changing to another chord or in strumming 15). Don't be afraid to change hand and finger positions to make a chord sound better or to make a chord change work better. No, I am not talking about inversions here. Angles matter. 16). Play in the dark or with your eyes closed and see how many chords you can nail. 17). If a chord or part of a song is giving you problems, Isolate that problem and work on it. Don't play the whole song over and over. 18). Slow down until you can play the song right. 19). Learn how to play a simple three-chord song in every key. This will build transposing skills. 20). Play songs you like or you will lose interest. 21). Assign fingers to frets. Index = 1st fret Middle = 2nd fret ring = 3rd fret pinky = 4th fret. Know that there are occasional exceptions. 22). On chord changes try to land the fingers at the same time. If you cant then try to land the fingers on the strings first you will strum first. 23). Run through all the things you have memorized every week so you don't forget. 24. Read music for 20 minutes every day. Never read the same song twice. Old hymnals work great. 25). Record yourself often and critic. You will see problems you didn't think you had. 26). Guard your practice time. If you don't you won't. 10 minutes is better than nothing. 27). Listen to music. 28). Go to concerts 29). Read a music history book. 30). Go to ukulele jams to play and discuss music with other musicians. 31). Work on your weaknesses. Try to conquer that hard chord. 32). Fake it until you make it. Play a part of that hard chord if you can't play the whole thing or substitute that Bm7 for the Bm if it sounds OK and you can still play the song. 33). Plan successes so you don't frustrate yourself. 34) Realize there are a lot of music tabs that are clearly wrong. I hope some of this helps!

[@bapajap]

Nice! Thanks. Excellent!

[@1davechandler]

Started playing on February 2023 and joined a group in our 55 and over community here in AZ., the ukulele I got is a Vangoa tenor from Amazon for $56.00, so far I'm happy with my purchase and it has a good sound to it compared to others in the class. We meet every Sunday during the winter months for 1 hour. I would like to look into a better ukulele but I think this was a great one to start with. You have some great videos and I have been playing along with one of them. The song Margaritaville that you go into detail is the one I like.

[@camdix3250]

This is wonderful! I'm 65, was given the gift of being able to read music through piano lessons by my parents when I was young and am now trying to learn a bit on the ukulele. I think your best piece of advice was "stick with it". Persistence is so important to so many things in life. It's all to easy to give up - especially now with videos, music etc. at our fingertips on the internet - and one needs to put in some time to become even a little competent at just about anything. Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. Best wishes.

[@cherrierichardson1032]

# 7 . #10. I did change my strings to strum left handed and learn chords right handed ( I am left handed). It has made the world of difference for me. Free lessons at my library has been a game changer for me. Trying to stay with the basics since I know nothing about music and I am 72. Trying to stick with it for good brain memory. Thank you so very much for a great video!

[@yanh.v]

Thank you this was very helpful!

[@drpkmurphy]

I started playing during Covid 2020 at age 65. I can attest to the facts you have shared. I think I was up against all 10! Lol.. you are right, I didn’t quite and although I am not Jake S. I have made great personal progress….emphasis on personal….

[@sheilahdang11]

so far so good with my approach to understand what I need to do. I have aquired a wealth of information here on youtube. I was curious to know the benefits of using certain woods for making the Ukuleles. I learned loads ex: Light and elastic woods that can resist string tension without deforming the instrument are best for the top of the ukulele/soundboard. knowing the instrument itself was first for me. I've gone to other areas of knowledge, example knowing the tones to expect from Ukulele according to the wood or variety of wood they are made from. KZbin is plenty sufficient for me. there are amazing teachers here.

[@suzannemeck]

You are inspiring, thank you! Just started a month ago and am loving my Uke. A little bit of practice every day and I’m seeing dramatic improvement.

[@gailordroberts]

Thank you. I’m a rookie. It’s not easy. Appreciate your effort.

[@adamtwelve]

Buying a midrange uke is probably the best advice in my opinion, the sound difference alone can inspire you to play versus getting discouraged when everything you play sounds dull and lifeless on that cheapo uke you bought for 30 bucks.

[@nielsdeclercq8511]

Makala mk-t is a great one for 80€, i started on a cheapo and it just feels like a toy, not an instrument that goes for every instrument, for woodwinds to brass to stringed instruments. Cheap instruments are cheap, if you inform yourself you get what you pay for.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thank you Adam!

[@roxannemcv4259]

My uke is below 30bucks ;-: u hurt me. But anyways i enjoyed playing it. So it's what matters

[@adamtwelve]

@@roxannemcv4259 exactly

[@sueribeiro8871]

Yes I have a starter uku and tomorrow I’m buying a better one , can’t wait!

[@anthonywillet222]

My grandmother taught me how to play the Ukulele when I was 8. C F and Gm7 chords. My dad recently passed away and while going through his things I found it ! It was the first stringed instrument I learned,( later picked up the guitar). Thank you for the great info, I think I’ll go buy myself a better one lol ( #1 on the list). Anyway, thanks for the video, great job !

[@BirdGardenChannel]

Great video Terry and a good to remake/update at times!

[@JohannesHofstetter-pd8iw]

In some way i see myself in most points you've shown us today. Thx for sharing 👌👌

[@Cassieanne]

Definitely #1! I bought something like 7 ukes before I paid a little more for a better one and finally stopped buying...for now anyway!

[@suzanrudulph4141]

You told me everything i needed to hear. Thank you.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Wooho! I'm so glad, thank you Suzan!

[@janinemurphy6713]

This is great Terry, this week is a year since I first found ultp’s and I agree on all of this. No 5 is the hardest for me. No 8 is my goal for 2021, no 7 Oh what can I say, the challenges this year have been awesome, and Blue Christmas is the first one I played at my level, played with a backing track and singing. And last week Tennessee Waltz is the first song I have fully memorised both on Baritone and on standard tuning and I’m so proud of myself for sticking with it. Best teacher, best community.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thank you so much Janine I'm so glad you are a part of the ULTP Family!

[@michca53]

Just starting out!! happened to be in Hawaii and someone recommended Kamaka. Low and behold they actually had a Left handed one one hand. A six string tenor!! So i am a newbie learning an amazing six string LOL! Great video thank you

[@kielakki3590]

Thx Mr. Terry I started getting better of my chords

[@ellenaltamore797]

#9 I have NOT memorized an entire song yet. Thanks for the nudge. That will start tomorrow!

[@WandaSings4God]

Just purchased a Les Paul Concert Ukulele and looking forward to playing it!

[@shannonjones815]

Love all of the positivity and encouragement! So many good tips to help us avoid common pit falls.

[@Ukelikethepros]

So glad!

[@lawriereekie841]

Excellent list. I would add to learn a couple of scales to help learn the fretboard and enable future jamming

[@Ukelikethepros]

Amazing advice! thank you!

[@wildnaturalista]

I've been wanting to play the ukulele but I have one that was my nieces and it refuses to stay in tune, buying a new one today!

[@kirahoshi5398]

I relate to no.5 the most since I first played the piano I always practiced by myself that I didn't know my timing was so off , I didn't even realized it until some senior who played the piano for some time accompanied me , thanks to her I can play with more accuracy and now trying to learn the ukelele .I hope my journey of learning this string instrument becomes successful .I wish myself and everyone learning the ukelele luck.good luck to all of us.

[@sharonlamanda4488]

All great points, Terry! I started on a lower concert instrument with decent tone to see if I even liked the uke and moved up to a better instrument in a tenor size. Once I knew I liked a tenor, I saved and had one built. Community is so much more important than I would have thought. Why is that? When I played piano, there was never a need for a community. I love "Embrace sucking!" So true! And I'm definitely going to check out your reading music course. Although I've read music for years and played other instruments, for some reason it hasn't connected with playing notes on the uke. I can play chords all day long in the proper rhythm, but no melody line.

[@jeannemurphy6875]

#3 - yes, taking classes really helps.

[@wylancslass]

Holy shit Terry. You went from a sub servant Baritone to a KoaLoha! Hats off to KoaLoha for sponsoring you! I wish we all had that opportunity. A KoaLoha instrument is my dream Ukulele. Buying a KoaLoha or a Kanile'a is out of most peoples price range. Bernadette Teaches Music has been priceless for me. Found her very early on thanks to KZbin recommendations. This is a great sales pitch for your Channel and the Ukulele's you sell.

[@fishermcflystreamside]

Awesome info. I was aware of most of your points, but a reminder is always helpful and the others will be very helpful. Thanks

[@joshfuentes6523]

It's my first day beginning to learn to play a ukulele. Great video!

[@tjbissues5889]

Number 1 thing I wish I had known is get some good advice like this video. Thank you and all the others who give their time to teach and show what is out there... Have a good festive season. Stay safe. T.👍

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thank you so much, Merry Christmas!

[@ukulelesafarikenya]

Totally agree with all the points. I watched and followed all possible youtube ukulele teachers and got confused. I eventually enrolled the uketropolis with James hill and the Ukelikethepros premium and I couldn't be happier. The lessons are so well structured and the exercises make a lot of sense. I m doing the music reading right now and I'm impressed how you make something boring so enjoyable. You are a genius and an inspiration.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Wow! Michela thank you so much for your kind words! You are the best and you know I love your videos, very entertaining!

[@ukulelesafarikenya]

@@Ukelikethepros wow you actually saw my videos? I'm honoured. I'm planning to do all your courses, one by one...:-)

[@TheDarkSixMusic]

Thanks Terry ! I'm living in the caribbean (MARTINIQUE) and when i decided to start playing the ukulele the only one I found in the store was the Peavey Composer AU. It has good projection but the more I was playing it, the more the sound coming from the side hole was bothering me. It was too bassy for me so I bought a Kala Ka-C. Now two years later I want a Flight Fireball

[@kimlee601]

I wish i would have watched this before my boyfriend bought me a ukulele. Just got a cheapie and now looking at a quality one. Thanks for the info and so excited to get started!

[@trevorgambacorta1069]

I connect with point #1 & #2: I bought a Ukulele a year ago. It is okay but is not great. It doesn't produce great volume, the strings do not sound great so I definitely need a new Ukulele. And I need a membership online, as I have been doing exactly what you said, I've been scowering youtube viewing Ukulele song tutorials but do not feel like I am growing/making the progress that I want to be making. I will definitely be joining an online community to improve my playing! Thank you so much for this extremely helpful video tips!!

[@OldLadyBakes]

Many moons ago, “Embrace the Suck” was one of my mantras 😁 (maybe even shared with kids now and then, especially when they were struggling through something). But I love being new at something... so much less pressure lol... More importantly, thanks for the video, man! Love your energy! I am 💯 new to string instruments, and I let far too many years pass with barely an instrument in my hands. But thankfully, due to some new health “challenges” I got to make all new hobby choices 😁. Got a uke, and I fell in love. So I went straight to KZbin to find out how to strum it. For hours I fiddled around with 4 or 5 different players/teachers. Thankfully, I soon latched onto just one teacher, and I’m super grateful for her. She “checks all the boxes,” as they say ... a certified music teacher, very active with her page *and* consistently active with her page over time, etc. I really enjoy her style of teaching, and she is •sweet, •patient, •firm (turns out I do well with three) Bernadette Teaches Music. And I’m really grateful to all the talented folks like you out here!

[@im1snaab]

Looks like I'm 6 months behind you at this point but I took found Bernadette Teaches Music and agree, she is fantastic! I signed up for lessons at the local guitar store, will get a much better instrument and also pepper in the 30 day Uke challenge with Ms. B and with practice I hope to be in a much better position 6 months from now!

[@desertpotter1003]

Thanks for all the info, just gathering up info, my classes start in March 😬

[@richardnaimy8709]

Thank for sharing. I started fell into many of these traps, got frustrated and stopped playing. A year later I am back! Trying to be smarter this time around. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. Thx Richard

[@tree1377]

# 9 for sure, depending too much on reading the chords and not trying to memorize. I'm gonna try it! Thanks 👍

[@AGranddude]

The best thing I did was join the Uke Like The Pros Community. I not only learn a lot from Terry, but from the whole community of members. Also, I would recommend taking the Reading Music Course. This really helped me understand how things work.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thank you so much Barry!

[@adorablecats9891]

Thank you so much for these 10 tips; I definitely need to work on #9 (memorizing a few songs). I play guitar but just quit playing about a year ago I picked up the ukulele a few weeks ago and just signed up for a class and I am loving it. Even wanting to start playing on my guitar again. Do you have motivated me even more and I’m so grateful.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Amazing Anita! go for it!

[@roseannaffinito2530]

Thank you. Great info that has helped me with chords.

[@rakehell404]

Wait. So I should leave a comment? You were kind of equivocating on that a bit, I think. I am so glad I did band in school becauae being able to read music really helped me learn guitar and now uke. You're teaching style is very effective. Keep it coming - great stuff.

[@missyjessen2934]

Totally resonate with not wanting to be really good NOW!!! Thank God I didn’t give up when I first started and had such difficulty coordinating the 2 hands one strumming one on chords. Now I just try to “suck less” than I did yesterday.

[@aramriley7062]

Started on a peanut shaped Amahi soprano and loved it…..now on a concert size Martin and I annoy my wife daily with it……..and loving it!

[@samanthavaneenwyk9998]

Helpful tips, even though I've already done then all, lol, as a piano and guitar player I'm familiar with the basics of music and know to pick songs I like that I WANT to learn to help me stick with it and memorize quickly. Had my uke for 3 days and already have 2 songs memorized. Hardest part is learning new finger positioning for chords different than guitar. I play to the songs and my 5 year old "drums" on cushions so we enjoy that time together and practice everyday!

[@by.purefilms]

So this is where I start now ... DAY 1 and you guys know what. Im excited and I am motivated! I've already played accordion for some years, so I guess I know what music should sound like haha But this is another level ... but that's life. Try and error! Learn, make, repeat .... simple as that Already curious on this comment looking back in a few years haha. Cheers

[@jimstyx]

I can't explain it I woke up Sunday thinking about ukelele, I turned on youtube googled ukelele and in 2 hours decided to buy an enya nova u concert, that ks to your vids can't wait till it gets here

[@Ukelikethepros]

haha that's cool thank you Jim

[@cindylk11]

I can relate to #1. and #8. My first ukulele was a Kanile’a Island Series. An absolutely beautiful Koa wood ukulele. My husband bought it for me, so I was very fortunate. That was about 6 years ago. I really want to learn how to play the ukulele, even though I can’t read music, I’ve always played or sung by ear. I remember taking guitar lessons when I was a teenager, and I sucked big time. That’s when I stopped playing guitar. I never thought that I could actually learn how to play any instrument, but thanks to your video, I know there’s hope.

[@craigbriscoe9237]

Hi Terry, after a few years of playing guitar I've acquired my first uke. I'm super chuffed and loving it already. Thanks for the videos

[@elizabethrenelt9297]

Hi I’ve been playing uku for the last 6 months and all these point are spot on. Yep it’s great to grab my uku and play around but I definitely need to get the music basics to be able to progress moving forward. I’m going to definitely look into some of your basic courses. Uku is my happy place 😊

[@chrisli435]

Thank you! As a very beginner, your advices are gold for me.

[@nicoloweiss6529]

I leave a comment just as you asked to do so. I am obviously a genius at ukulele, that is why I am here. I think I score 10 out of 10, thanks for the video!

[@WhisperWorksGaming]

I’m glad I took a keyboard class in high school. While I didn’t walk away being a pro, I learned how to understand sheet music, which was my goal.

[@leroybrown4797]

Oh yeah I am gilty of that, I went to Guitar center and got the $50 uke on clearance. it went out of tune due to traveling to and from my community college. then I invested in a breedlove acoustic electric and do not regret my decision. upgrading my uke was the best thing I could of done better sound quality easier to play, and overall more happy and excited to play.

[@isaaccollins3835]

i got a great ukulele and i've learned a lot of songs and i write the chord progression in the song down on paper so i remember what song needs what chords

[@josielynyambao5924]

Thanks,I’ve learned a lot from you,like with my very good manager/friend who patiently teached me how to play ukes..appreciated much🙏

[@bobchance2005]

Agree with #1 completely. I started with a 'kit' and was thrilled about it. But I just couldn't do barre chords to save my life. Then I got a Republic tenor wood/resonator from GoodWill and POOF! Barre chords aren't hard at all! Who knew? Then I bought a Cordoba Baritone (that's how I found your videos), and then a Lanikai Thinline Concert. Can't wait to get something even better -- but I need to be able to play much better before I can justify it. Also, a shout out to Mr. Wiseman, my childhood music teacher who, I suspect, really hated kids. But he taught me to read music, and for that I am forever grateful.

[@barbaralyle6807]

Thanks 🙏🏼! I didn’t know these videos existed when I contacted you inquiring about purchasing a ukulele! Nailed it 👍🏻

[@joanmarquez1872]

My timing is terrible. I always find it hard to play with other musicians. Looking forward to hearing what you have to teach about it.

[@TwixyNo]

My very first ukulele was the Kala Mandy Harvey tenor. It is easy to tune but the action is too high. I have a friend who is a luthier and he is going to lower the action for me once Covid says it’s OK. A couple of weeks ago I bought a Cordoba Soprano beginner uke from you and I hadyou lower the action and put on a low G string instead of the high G string because I like the way that sounds. Believe me I am still a beginner. Lowering the action was smart and so worth the money which was not a lot at all. I have always sucked as a beginner at anything so I embrace the suckage.

[@subhadrasurban5493]

I’ve always loved music and one of the instruments I really wanted to learn how to play, is the ukulele. I wish I had one of my own. 🥺 Though I’m glad one of my friends lend me hers and now I’m starting to learn how to play some songs and be self-taught.

[@enolamusic2004]

Good luckkkk🌷🌸

[@subhadrasurban5493]

awwww, my heart! 🥺 thank you so much kind stranger, i’ll do my best i promise

[@NatureStudio25]

Yaayyy u can do thisss lets goooo ....... I bought an uke yesterday too

[@subhadrasurban5493]

my heart, my soul 🥺 thank youuuuu, and yes, i’ll believe i can do it. though i wish i could also afford a good one of my own. i actually posted a couple of videos on my youtube channel with me playing, hope i’ll see yours too!

[@NatureStudio25]

@@subhadrasurban5493 my one not that good either but still it should work out i suppose ,lets see ..... Well then i should see ur vids haha

[@jacquicosgrove6288]

Number 11 - Play with other people. I have found that playing with others in a group or club really helped me progress like nothing else. A stretch goal like joining your group for a public performance of some kind is a great motivator too.

[@user-mv9vg8nc5o]

I get my ukulele tomorrow!!! I’m so excited and this video helped me a lot thank you terry!

[@michaelbonner5397]

I am there! Thanks Terry

[@robertvalencia1707]

Terry, I agree with you 100%. Low G sounds great. I also like high G for Hawaiian songs. I have a high G Kamaka concert, a low G Koaloha tenor, and a great Kala tenor that I installed a set of baritone strings made for the tenor uke that you sold me. That Kala blew me away with its deep low to high sounding strings tuned D, G, B and E. There is, as you know, an advantage to the baritone tuning because when you play a baritone using ukulele chords, you’re playing in a different key. Easier for some singers. However, if you play ukulele songs notated in uke chords, you can easily convert to baritone notated chords by increasing the chord by a fourth, ie uke charts showing a C chord, elevated by a fourth would become an F, so if you finger a uke F on a baritone it will play a C chord. This allows you to play a baritone with a uke class and match the chords your classmates are playing. Thank you Terry for your outstanding instructions and classes. Your priemum membership offer is worth every penny spent because you provide us with everything you create. This is a very valuable feature and I learn new things every time I check in. You have provided more than I can absorb, but I’m going to keep trying. Thanks a bunch.

[@stephr5914]

'Learn all your major chords!' *sweats in E major* Funnily, I found that those harder songs with those harder chords has actually made me stubborn enough to learn them. I started getting clear sound on B minor in 3 days thanks to Waves by dean lewis, as it's one of my favourite songs. After 10 days of playing, my fingers are much stronger! Even time spent not playing is valuable, because I would magically get better after taking a break for a few days. And E major is slightly less scary. A great beginner song is I still haven't found what I'm looking for by U2, only 4 chords, with a strong strumming pattern to really get into the rhythm! ! To other beginners, I highly recommend getting a capo, as it opens up so much repertoire and reduces the awkward chords that are hard to transition between (as in the case of that U2 song). And simply hearing those sounds is an instant mood booster, guaranteed!

[@Ukelikethepros]

Steph, great tips and great job on your dedication and commitment to get better on the uke. Let us know if there is anything I can do to help you and come join one of our weekly LIVE Q & A sessions at ukelikethepros.com

[@roxanemarin5387]

Great tips. Thank you!!!

[@janfinley5760]

I got my upgrade on my birthday ❤️. My first was a gift and $30 . Now I’m playing a concert acoustic electric ❤️

[@alexharper7699]

I failed tip 1, just bought a cheap £25 uke but I'm loving it, back to it once I figure out how to re-string...and hey my 40th birthday is coming up

[@dianesilverstein6475]

Thanks for sharing this video. I started playing 2 months ago, so all of your points resonated with me. I haven't played any musical instruments in the past. I definitely am not embracing where I'm at in my playing 😒. I'll work on turning this around! I've done pretty well at memorizing chords, but my finger placement s*ucks unless I watch. Strumming, another big challenge and holding the beat. Going to look for a metronome app. I am looking for a tenor (I have an Aklot concert), so I am heading to your site to check everything out! Thanks again!

[@Cellomoji]

Just found your channel! Excited to dive into learning. Total newbie but looking forward to getting better. Thanks for the tips!

[@jeremiahschreiter452]

Hey Mr. Carter. I've been playing ukulele since last spring. I got an Hola tenor ukulele and have had a great time with learning it. I had the wonderful (and stressful) experience of putting my low G string set on immediately after getting it. I am very comfortable with music theory and have played piano (and some other instruments) for over 8 years now. My focus is on learning the theory that applies to stringed instruments like the uke. I love how we can transpose the chords by keeping the same shape. I really like working with scales and improv for this reason. Instead of learning 12 major and minor scales with different keys (black and white are spread differently for each key) we can just keep the same "shape." I just ordered an electric acoustic guitarlele tonight. I look forward to getting use out of the lower strings. I love the size of the uke. I have tried electric guitar even, but even the thinner body is too cumbersome for my liking. Have a nice night Mr. Carter.

[@michaelwach8452]

I would put signing up for a course or specific online community at the end of the list. I have signed on to several online courses, and I find that each instructor wants you to do something different with your ukulele: perform, jam with a group, play a specific kind of music. It's far wiser, and cheaper, to do the first 9 things on the list, and discover what YOU want to do--what aspects of playing motivate you. Then find an instructor or a community that matches that.

[@chantal4265]

Thank you for all your gifts to uke players. I do need to learn to read music and to count. And I do suck! Your ressources are a big help!

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thank you so much!