Ukulele Practice Tips For Beginners

[@Novismom]

I committed to just “touch “ my ukulele each day and that little thing has kept me consistent for five months so far.

[@UkuleleGo]

That's great Lea, I need to get back to doing the same. Life is taking over lately.

[@NeillR]

I do the same. Even if I only pick it up to tune it.

[@jeditalez]

Oooo thats a good idea!

[@robertall.dawson2002]

Something just came to me watching this video, I'm 65 years old and I can remember getting a plastic ukulele for Christmas at 4 years old, with no one to teach me, but I know now, the hardest thing about playing any instrument is practicing!

[@UkuleleGo]

Wow, you have memories from being 4, that's amazing. I have a terrible memory. When it comes to practice, anyone that is more advanced than you has just practiced more. It's pretty much that simple.

[@mariaportugall1933]

+Robert all. Dawson After wanting for ages to play the Ukelele I discovered Arthurs Uke Blog and this appears to be the simplest online system (google it if you are interested)

[@rubenbastidas2753]

Thanks for the video content! Forgive me for butting in, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you tried - Riddleagan Best Ukulele Remedy (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a good exclusive product for learning ukulele for beginners without the hard work. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my close friend Aubrey at last got astronomical results with it. ✔️

[@tetik5]

I all ways admire watching people playing a musical instrument since I started learning my first instrument the Ukulele I know now what they went through to get there

[@UkuleleGo]

Yeah, you never really get to see the hundreds of hours (thousands in some cases) of practice that musicians have gone through.

[@dylantraynor6987]

This is really good, most other tutorials just show how to play a song but don’t go into detail of how to practice and break down each part of playing the ukulele, cheers dude!

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome, thanks for leaving a comment

[@maryes3700]

thank you for breaking practice down into sections

[@UkuleleGo]

No problem and thanks for the comment

[@gabbyreyes1638]

Thank you! Thank you! I started playing my sisters ukelele and I just fell in love with the instrument. I've been practicing by myself trying to get everything down, chords, strumming, songs. Even though I've seen some progress I felt like I was all over the place. You've put me into the right path to keep practicing a better way. Once again, thank you.

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome Gabby

[@crayonscolortheworld1073]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I just got a ukulele as my first musical instrument and I'm struggling with strumming. I'll practice everyday and do what you just shared. Thank you so much!

[@UkuleleGo]

Congratulations, if you stick to practising every day you'll progress really well

[@dorishaus400]

Mahalo! I did learn a lot! You are a great teacher! I bought myself a uke for my 60th birthday and I’ve been struggling with rhythm. Your tips give me hope! 🤙🏼

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you, enjoy the journey

[@idiot6893]

I don’t even have a ukulele yet but I’m still watching this ;-;

[@UkuleleGo]

I am all about this comment

[@idiot6893]

eeekkk i’m getting a ukulele for christmas :))

[@UkuleleGo]

@@idiot6893 Excellent! You won't regret it

[@BigHenFor]

Thank-you for putting this up. A practice schedule is what I exactly needed to make the most progress. Subbed.

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks Ben, glad it helped

[@stonecottagepotteryfarm3189]

Can't thank you enough for making these videos available. The time you put into designing them and your detailed and thoughtful approach to really breaking it down for newbies is nothing short of amazing. Your videos are the first I've found that have help me feel comfortable with the uke, how to hold it, how to strum, how to approach practice and really how to create a path for learning it. I am excited to view each of your videos and best of all, I feel empowered that I now have a resource to learn how to play. Thank you!

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you so much for watching and also for leaving a comment. It's hugely appreciated.

[@Armadillo312]

Love those tips. Just the fact that you commit to playing *something* every day, is gold I think.

[@UkuleleGo]

Hope it helps!

[@lattelatte9678]

Thank yo so much, cause I’ve been trying to play here and there by following everyone on you tube. And I just needed someone to guide me on what I need to practice on until I get better

[@UkuleleGo]

Not a problem at all, biggest advice I can give you is to set some goals

[@mbullock5641]

I've barely spent 5 minutes implementing the tips you just talked about and already see huge progress in my playing ability! THANK YOU!!

[@UkuleleGo]

That's excellent, thank you for letting me know that it helped

[@gnocchi8889]

I just got a ukulele, and it's my first time playing an instrument. How frequently are you supposed to tune it? btw this video helped me so much, thank you!

[@UkuleleGo]

I'd tune it every time you pick it up to play it. If it's really new, then it could go out of tune really quickly, it's common with new strings/new ukes. The strings will settle faster the more you play it.

[@whycook1674]

Thanks a lot for this info! I have been confused by this for 2 weeks as my ukulele is also a new one! Much appreciation!

[@loripisciotta]

THANK YOU for the great tips! My practice time has been all over the place because as a beginner I have so much to work on. This is really helpful. I will set goals and break my time down into 5 minutes increments.

[@UkuleleGo]

Let me know how it works out for you

[@The.Wellerman]

I've been playing for about three months. Thanks for the concise tips on how to practice I really appreciate it.

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome, hope it's useful

[@FutabaNatchan1998]

I just had my ukulele. This is very helpful and I will be watching your tutorials from now on ! You are awesome 🌟

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you 🙌

[@jupisdaily7299]

I'm losing motivation on playing my ukulele, so I'm trying to slowly play my ukulele everyday.

[@UkuleleGo]

It happens to me from time to time, there have been periods of 6 months where I've barely played in the past

[@amandarojas5990]

This is great! I’m gonna try to stick to this practice method.

[@milablazquez6210]

I want to learn how to play the ukulele by finger picking and I saw your video. Thank you so much... Such a good mentor. Thank you. I will be practicing now!!

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks for the nice comment, just stick with it and practice regularly and you'll breeze through it

[@FoxSkylark.]

0:58 - 1:04 ... Preach my man, preach. :' )

[@UkuleleGo]

Haha

[@kawaiiplants]

Thanks for sharing! Really good lesson🎶

[@Miami799]

Wonderful, golden advice. Thanks mate!!

[@UkuleleGo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Grr8jon]

Great tips especially the 20 min practice session on certain things. I think that’s great. I keep focusing on different things, but if I perfect one thing I know I’ll get better. Thanks so much for this.

[@UkuleleGo]

Crazy how much a little focus helps

[@valeriesawczyn7370]

Thank you that is a great help and I will try

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you for watching!

[@denisenadeau5243]

thanks for this very helpful advice

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome

[@carmenslee6234]

Good advice. I’m a bit sleepless sometimes and my uke is on my bed. I just reach for it and do some practice.

[@UkuleleGo]

Some practice is better than none

[@lindasmith6668]

Great suggestions...we'll do!

[@UkuleleGo]

Good for you

[@paulaivens8063]

Thanks for sharing, great simple tips. I really struggle with muting more than anything.

[@UkuleleGo]

I have a specific video for muting that should help you

[@paulaivens8063]

@@UkuleleGo What is the title?

[@UkuleleGo]

@@paulaivens8063 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4esk2CXfd2lfrM

[@paulaivens8063]

@@UkuleleGo I’m not struggling so much with strumming it’s when I try to do a chord especially a chord change. My fingers hurt so much when I press them down. Sometimes they sound clear mostly they go muted or just sound awful.

[@sereneoliver1477]

Thank you so much! I have found this very helpful. Beginner teaching myself.

[@UkuleleGo]

Not a problem, hope it goes well

[@KegaB3]

Love the little nonsense right to the point air of this, very helpful

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you

[@AhilianFreestyle]

Great tips! Thank you

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome

[@Mezilesialan]

Really good lesson. Well organised. Relaxed and reassuring. Thank you.

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks Alan

[@andreamuller8468]

Thank you so much for the cool Tipps:)))

[@UkuleleGo]

My pleasure

[@OldMrBoston1949]

Excellent, tips!!! Clear and concise.

[@UkuleleGo]

Bill Rafferty Thanks, I appreciate your comment

[@meissoun]

I started playing 2.5 months ago on a borrowed ukulele and bought my own soon after. For me, one of the best things about the ukulele is that I can sing along with it. So this way of practicing would bore me to death 😁 I started with 3 simple songs and then slowly added more. Now I can easily practice one hour a day because I enjoy the paying and singing at the same time. My first song was Guantanamera by the way and basically my boyfriend put his uke into my hands because he was tired of me always asking him to play for me while I was singing. 😂 I guess different people have different motivation.

[@UkuleleGo]

It all depends on your goals, if you're happy enough strumming and singing then four chords will go a very long way

[@hannekepannekeu]

THANK YOU!

[@UkuleleGo]

You got it

[@robd7703]

thank you. You are a good teacher. Much appreciated.

[@slcswim]

just found this video and it's so great! I just got my first ukulele yesterday, and i had no idea where to start when it came to practicing! I only know about four chords by memory, but everything else is like I'm gripping at the air and hoping I'll grab hold of something. Thank you so much for these tips!

[@UkuleleGo]

Congratulations on your first ukulele, enjoy playing!

[@serenalite]

I am very happy I saw your lesson! Thank you so very much!!

[@UkuleleGo]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@JedF2010]

Nice tips, thank you.

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome

[@rykanxd]

Thanks, I never thought of approaching it like this!

[@UkuleleGo]

Rykan you're welcome

[@mrjelyfishtv3665]

After wanting for ages to learn the uke I discovered Arthurs Uke Blog and this appears to be the simplest home study method (check it out on google)

[@UkuleleGo]

Not one I've heard of before, I'll take a look

[@jakejoymulyk5866]

Thank you sweet stuff

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks

[@G..G..]

Great video. Thx.

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome

[@EatMyUke]

Great and wise tips buddy!

[@UkuleleGo]

EatMyUke Thanks Stan

[@Soyurimartinez]

thanks for sharing mate! really helpfull, its my second week playing after 2 year to bought t hahaha

[@UkuleleGo]

My pleasure, enjoy!

[@maria-hz2pd]

great video, you're so didactic!! will be doing the 20 minute practice session :)

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you! Really appreciate that

[@journeywithshefali]

Great tips! Do you mind sharing the fingerpicking pattern (0:50)? It sounded really nice.

[@UkuleleGo]

It was just 4-3-2-1-2-3- over and over, I played the pattern twice over a C and twice over an F

[@yaa63]

Thank you very much

[@UkuleleGo]

My pleasure

[@yaa63]

@@UkuleleGo...really appreciate it...and the tips...very helpful indeed...and for all that you have a new subscriber.

[@UkuleleGo]

@@yaa63 it's all good, thanks for the sub!

[@wangqi4686]

Great tips, thanks!

[@UkuleleGo]

You're very welcome

[@dragonsanonymous]

Thanks for your great vids! What size ukulele are you using in this video?

[@MissLeianna]

Great advise! Thank you ! 😃

[@michaeljackson7361]

Great advice man thank you

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome

[@ArtGirlJan]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@UkuleleGo]

No problem

[@alanread6596]

Excellent video very informative and helpful

[@UkuleleGo]

Glad it helped Alan

[@Scorlistica]

Great tips!👍🏼

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks

[@gregsullivan3668]

Great video - your Uke youtube videos are the best.

[@UkuleleGo]

Greg Sullivan Thanks Greg

[@KaityMarie.]

Can you explain what strings you are hitting for the finger picking? It sounds pretty

[@UkuleleGo]

Sure thing, if you mean the part where I'm playing during the 20 minute practice session I'm just picking GCEAEC over and over

[@elite_lp6525]

Very Good

[@Iaem129]

Thank youuu ☺💕💕

[@UkuleleGo]

Not a problem

[@kayleighb2007]

Thank you for the videos! 😊

[@UkuleleGo]

Kayleigh Buswell You're more than welcome

[@dogtrainer3897]

Great😊

[@UkuleleDeathSquad]

Great advice!👍

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you

[@lotusluo4694]

Thank you!

[@UkuleleGo]

Not a problem

[@susancurrie6721]

Thank you so much for your recommendations! When finger picking, is a certain finger supposed to be designated to a particular string? I love the sound of finger picking but tend to use my pointer finger for all strings. My guess is that doing with one finger is not as smooth as using all fingers. Susan

[@UkuleleGo]

Susan Currie Hey Susan, hope you find it useful. I have a video specifically for fingerpicking kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXeslZaegrKCd80 that should get you up and running. Check out the supporting article over at my site for more tips too.

[@kathjordan2497]

Ok thanks

[@dee-cu6qf]

I got my uke this coronavirus lockdown, so far so good. My only goal now is grew thicker calluses on my fingers to lessen the pain when fretting .. haha... does it even count?

[@UkuleleGo]

Does it count as a goal? I'd say so!

[@odyca_owela1140]

This is actually way more helpful than I thought it would be, thank you lol

[@odyca_owela1140]

Also how do you personally strum

[@UkuleleGo]

I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing?

[@UkuleleGo]

@@odyca_owela1140 It varies based on what I'm playing, usually index finger though

[@odyca_owela1140]

@@UkuleleGo All good, a lot of people aren't helpful for beginners, but this was perfect

[@jwoodard621]

When does the sore fingertips go away thank you for the videos

[@UkuleleGo]

Honestly I can't remember, it's almost 20 years since my fingers adapted. At a guess I'd say around 4 weeks of regular practice but maybe a little less.

[@ATerriblePianist]

For someone else hat have big hands and tryna do the G7 chord what is your advice?I have a sorprano Ukulele so ya know

[@UkuleleGo]

Honestly my advice is just the same, stick with it, practice regularly and focus on the thing you're struggling with. If this guy can play a ukulele this small I'm sure you can make it work on a soprano kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ2wh6tun7qNn5o

[@minghaobestboi]

Thank youuuu

[@UkuleleGo]

You're more than welcome

[@laravibez4691]

Awesome 🔥

[@SainiJatin]

Thanks it was awesome Its my Day 2 of learning but i can't strum upwards And i don't even know if i will be able to I am confused if i strum with my index finger or thumb or all the fingers No matter what i choose i still can't strum upwards

[@UkuleleGo]

Have you seen my video on strumming for beginners?

[@jennaallen1256]

i’ve been playing for about a month, and upward strumming gets so much easier

[@UkuleleGo]

@@jennaallen1256 glad to hear it's getting easier

[@jyotijha5988]

Hi, thanks for this wonderful video. I am a beginner and currently on day 3 of my practice. So i am still learning how to change chords. I am able to do down strum but If i try playing a strumming pattern with up strum i struggle a lot with changing chords and more with singing along. So i am unable to get to a song this way.. i am not understanding if i should solely focus on getting fully comfortable with changing chords to be able to get the up- strum..or should i continue with only down strums for now. Would be great if you can suggest how we can prioritise all this.. and once again, great tips.. I'm eager to apply it now.

[@UkuleleGo]

Day 3 is pretty early to be worrying too much. I can give you one tip that will help a lot though, if you have an up strum at the end of a bar and you need to change chords, don't wait until you've played the up strum to start the change. Up strums between chord changes often happen while the hand is switching position and you're essentially up strumming without any chord in place at all.

[@jyotijha5988]

@@UkuleleGo thanks for the quick response. I will apply this tip. This had actually been a question in my head from quite some time, and I didn't even know it until i got this answer 😀😀 can't thank you enough.

[@UkuleleGo]

@@jyotijha5988 you're welcome, you caught me at a good time

[@saraboltralik8910]

thanks dude!

[@UkuleleGo]

No problem

[@louiswiley6121]

Are u right handed or left handed. The photos shows you holding the uke both ways??

[@UkuleleGo]

I'm right handed, I think I just flipped a still from the video for the thumbnail

[@T8Hants]

Thanks for some very down to earth advice, I've been 'messing' with a very cheap Red Star uke that I was given about four months ago and I have now bought a Baton Rouge concert for Christmas. My one problem, if it is a problem, is that chap that introduced me to the instrument tuned it as a mandolin - GDAE, because he said the basic two finger chords were easier, which I found to be true. So now I wonder if I should tune the new uke the same, or go and tune it to standard and have to relearn all the chords again. Is the C on a mando' tuned uke the same as a standard uke's C?

[@UkuleleGo]

T8Hants No problem, I guess it really comes down to personal preference. GDAE is essentially baritone tuning, the chord shapes remain the same - you're just playing a different chord - does that make sense?

[@saimonobadiahlydia9838]

Give me som batter idea growing fingers nd strumming too.!

[@UkuleleGo]

Growing fingers I can't help with I'm afraid

[@toonthemoon5248]

got my ukelele couple weeks ago and the 20 miute thing is really nice but idk if its just me but i play like 3 hours per day because i like to play alot is that too much or is it ok too?

[@UkuleleGo]

More time is definitely better but it's a difficult bar to hit every time. A friend of mine started at the gym a while back and he said he was going to go 6 days a week, he lasted about 2 weeks and then because he couldn't maintain it, he felt like he'd failed and gave up altogether. That's sort of why I'm a big fan of keeping it realistic and the doing more as you see fit.

[@jasminesalian4963]

Hi, thanks for this video, really good information for a Uke beginner. The major problem right now would be holding the uke right coz it slips during chord changes, do you have a video that would help in that.

[@UkuleleGo]

Hey Jasmin, thank you and I'm glad that it's helping. I haven't yet made a video on holding the ukulele but it's one I could look at in the future. I'd probably suggest the simplest method of all, just get yourself a strap, unless you have a reason not to. Let me know.

[@jasminesalian4963]

@@UkuleleGo Hey thanks for your revert. Yes, getting a strap fixed looks like the best option so far coz I have tried many ways to hold it but failing. The only reason getting a strap fixed is difficult coz my ukelele doesn't have a pin to put a strap and to get the pin drilled in most of the instrument shops are shut due to the lockdown here, I may have to try some diy for the strap. Thanks a ton for the reply means alot.

[@UkuleleGo]

@@jasminesalian4963 there are some straps that don't need a strap button. They actually hook around the sound hole, I think maybe the brand called Hug make them. I'm not sure where in the world you are though.

[@jasminesalian4963]

@@UkuleleGo Oh Okay I didn't know that, thanks. I am from India.

[@UkuleleGo]

@@jasminesalian4963 ok I'm not sure if they ship to India, you can wrap a strap around the body across the sound hole also. Shouldn't be too difficult to make one yourself

[@kknight339]

Cool.....

[@jwoodard621]

I'm 4 weeks nearly learning

[@Ak-pr1wg]

Is there something like "this finger goes here and not there"? I'm usually staring and copying on which finger was being used in the video

[@UkuleleGo]

Not sure I understand?

[@johnjlenikiko4284]

I commented here to be notify

[@puritadrinkingfountain5143]

How do I make my fingers stop hurting? I have really soft hands and it means I can only practice for five minutes at a time and my fingers hurt for the rest of the day!! 😭

[@UkuleleGo]

They will stop hurting with time. Five minutes in fine, soon you'll be able to do 6,7,8 and way beyond. It can be a bit frustrating to begin with but it will come with time

[@Csasil]

What about scales? Do you thing scales are a useful practice task for uke playing?

[@UkuleleGo]

Scales are definitely useful but it's important to understand why and what they will help with. I wouldn't recommend just playing up and down the scale as it doesn't teach you much.

[@Csasil]

@@UkuleleGo Cheers for your thoughts on this.

[@alyssadelgado8232]

When it comes to using your fingers to strum I kind of struggle. It sounds dull and I’m not sure how to position my hand properly

[@UkuleleGo]

I also have a strumming for beginners video that should help

[@nakshatarasp1508]

Which website were u talking about some pdf's printouts something?

[@UkuleleGo]

My website, head to ukulelego.com

[@Kwood10]

👍🏻Thanks

[@DDDD17890]

Lol, I just did all these tips naturally, asking myself why I am so adhd, not being able to do long boring sessions. 😂

[@UkuleleGo]

Sounds like you're on the right path

[@lilicesar8386]

TYSVM :-)

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome

[@millie9693]

What ukulele type do you think would be best for a beginner?

[@UkuleleGo]

• Millie • Hey Millie, thanks for commenting. There's not really a one size fits all answer to this one I'm afraid. What I would really recommend is trying a ukulele out, borrowing one is a great way to find out but you could also head to a store and try a few out. If it's a brand you're after you could try Kala (they have a great reputation) and make ukuleles at all price points. Any more questions let me know!

[@millie9693]

Ukulele Go okay,I'll try checking out Kala ASAP. Thank you for your response!! :)

[@kathjordan2497]

Hello is there an easy way of playing the f minor chord. My fingers are much to short to reach ,

[@UkuleleGo]

You could just play 1-0-1 and not strum the bottom string

[@jwoodard621]

Does it matter what price you spend on your uku mines £50

[@UkuleleGo]

The chances you'll end up with a better ukulele are higher if you spend more money but there are still good ukuleles at the budget end of the market. What did you buy?

[@mariondavidsonamovingeulog4407]

Gods of Mexico…😊

[@UkuleleGo]

I don't know what it means but thank you

[@johnwiggins3950]

These are all easy cus im already doing at least 5 hours a day lol. its 3am when I am watching this cus I cant put my uke down

[@UkuleleGo]

5 hours, that's amazing - you'll be a virtuoso in no time

[@johnwiggins3950]

@@UkuleleGo thanks!

[@lilycj430]

John Wiggins your poor fingers

[@keatongolden8572]

Any here 2020 👀👋🔔

[@UkuleleGo]

I am if it helps

[@theurbanfarmer4227]

You look like the actor Hugh Laurie!

[@UkuleleGo]

First person to ever say that me, and I get a lot of lookalikes

[@theurbanfarmer4227]

@@UkuleleGo I should reiterate - a MUCH MUCH Younger version of Hugh Laurie!! :-) - and a much better Ukulele player I'm sure! :-)

[@UkuleleGo]

I just started thinking about that and realising he's got about 20 years on me :)

[@dinzzz217]

Strumming is challenging for me.

[@UkuleleGo]

It's tough but stick with it