How To Play The Ukulele Quick Start Guide and More PDF

Table of Contents
Dedication .....................................................................................................................2
Disclosure .....................................................................................................................2
Quick Announcement....................................................................................................2
Introduction ...................................................................................................................3
Why the Book? ..........................................................................................................3
Its Time to Start Learning .........................................................................................4
Chapter 1: History of the Ukulele ..................................................................................4
The Origins of the Ukulele .........................................................................................4
The Origin of the Word and Pronunciation ................................................................5
Pronouncing It Correctly ............................................................................................5
Chapter 2: Ukulele Basics ................................................................................................6
The Parts of the Ukulele ............................................................................................6
The Different Ukulele Sizes .......................................................................................9
How to Hold the Ukulele ..........................................................................................10
Chapter 3: Tuning the Ukulele ....................................................................................12
What Is the Standard Tuning for a Ukulele? ...........................................................12
Tuning by Ear ..........................................................................................................12
Piano .......................................................................................................................13
Tuning App ..............................................................................................................13
Electronic Tuner ......................................................................................................14
Chapter 4: Ukulele Chords Basic and Advanced .....................................................15
The Basics of Ukulele Tablature..............................................................................15
Basic Chords ...........................................................................................................17
Some Advanced Chords .........................................................................................20
Chapter 5: Strumming Patterns ...................................................................................26
Preparing to Strum ..................................................................................................26
Down, Down Pattern................................................................................................27
Down, Up Pattern ....................................................................................................27
Down, Down, Up Down, Down, Up, Down ..............................................................27

Thumb, Down, Up Pattern .......................................................................................28
Calypso Pattern .......................................................................................................28
A Final Strum Pattern ..............................................................................................28
Getting Better at the Patterns ..................................................................................29
Chapter 6: Lets Learn Some Basic Songs! ................................................................30
A Quick Tip ..............................................................................................................30
Happy Birthday ........................................................................................................30
Somewhere Over the Rainbow ...............................................................................33
Chapter 7: Ukulele Practice Tips and Drills ................................................................37
Stretching Your Fingers ...........................................................................................38
Simple Fingering Technique ....................................................................................38
Consider Recording Yourself...................................................................................39
Listen to and Watch Other Players ..........................................................................39
Dont Stop ................................................................................................................40
Chapter 8: How to Choose and Care for Your Ukulele, and the Accessories You
Need! ..........................................................................................................................41
Ukulele Recommendations......................................................................................41
Must Have Accessories ...........................................................................................42
Chapter 9: Fun Ukulele Players to Listen To ...........................................................44
Israel Iz Kamakawiwoole ......................................................................................44
Jake Shimabukuro ...................................................................................................45
Eddie Vedder ...........................................................................................................45
5 Most Popular Uke Songs of All Time ....................................................................45
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................46
This Long and Winding Road ..................................................................................47
Keep the Passion ....................................................................................................47
Resources: ..................................................................................................................48
1
www.superukulele.com
Dedication
To Shonee and Alexa. To my subscribers and friends. Thank you for your support.
Disclosure
This book contains a few affiliate links. This means that when you click and make a
purchase at a site via a link I have provided, I make a small commission at no additional
cost to you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16
CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising."
Regardless of whether or not I receive a commission, I only recommend products that I
personally use and genuinely recommend, and I always have my subscribers and
student's best interest in mind.
In the eBook itself, affiliate links will be noted by asterisks. I thank you for supporting my
book in this manner.
Quick Announcement
My new Super Ukulele Strumming Course scheduled to be released this year and open
to only to a handful of people. Visit www.superukulele.com for more details and watch
for the announcement in the super ukulele newsletter. Sign up for my newsletter at
http://eepurl.com/_OQev if you still need to.

Please note: there is a CHORD CHART on pages 49-50 of this book for your reference.
2
Introduction
Welcome! I really hope that you enjoy this book and I
hope that it helps to put you on a lifelong path of
loving the ukulele and the joy that this little instrument
can bring.
Why the Book?

Some of you might be wondering what inspired the
creation of this book. Well, its simple really. Its all of
you. I wanted to give back to my students and friends
who have been following me on my website,
YouTube, and all of the social media accounts.
Without your support, this book would not exist! And
now that weve hit 20,000 SUBSCRIBERS on YouTube, I wanted to do something extra
special for you guys.
Additionally, I wanted the book to be able to answer most of the basic questions that so
many students and friends ask quite often. My goal is here is to provide a book that is
simple to read and understand. One that offers some of the basics for beginners and
intermediate players. Im talking about providing the stuff that I wished I had when I first
started playing. I thought it would be great to help all of the Super Ukulele community,
and I hope you agree.
3
Its Time to Start Learning

Now that you know the whys behind this book, its time to dive right into it. Throughout
the course of this book, well be looking at the history of the ukulele, how to tune, how to
strum and play, and so much more. Lets get going!
Chapter 1: History of the Ukulele

When you think of the ukulele, what do you picture in your mind? Chances are that you
imagine the beautiful Hawaiian Islands a perfect tropical setting of azure water and
warm, inviting sand. You can probably hear some of that uke music in your head right
now.
However, what do you really know about the history of the instrument? Many people
simply believe that it originated in Hawaii, but thats only partly true. Lets take a brief
look at the origins of the uke.
The Origins of the Ukulele

Heres a fact that shocks many people. The instrument doesnt actually originate in
Hawaii. Sure, the instrument we know today as the ukulele is the Hawaiian national
instrument, but its ancestor actually came from Portuguese immigrants who came from
the islands of Madeira. 125 years ago, when they were coming to work on the sugar
plantations of Hawaii, immigrants brought along with them their own instruments, known
as the machete de braga.
This instrument proved instantly popular on the island and within about a week of
coming to the island, there were Portuguese musicians giving concerts in the evening.
4
Three of the immigrants who were aboard the ship were cabinetmakers by trade, but
they also knew how to create these instruments.
These artisans Manuel Nunes, Jose do Espirito Santo, and Augusto Dias opened up
small shops in Honolulu in 1886 to sell the instruments. King David Kalakaua of the
Hawaiian royal family was a composer and musician, and he was also fond of the
ukulele, becoming a champion of the instrument and a good player in his own right.
Dias also happened to have a good relationship with Kalakaua, and he even taught the
King how to build his own ukulele.
The Origin of the Word and Pronunciation

So now that you have a better idea of where the instrument originated and how it made
its way across the sea and to Hawaii, you are probably wondering why we dont still call
it a machete. Its actually an interesting story.
Back when those immigrants were playing on the street corners of Honolulu, the
Hawaiians who were watching them remarked that their hands, moving so quickly along
the instrument, looked like little jumping fleas. When you look at the etymology of the
word ukulele, thats what it means! The word Uke means flea and the word Lele
means jumping.
Pronouncing It Correctly
In the mainland of the United States, as well as many other parts of the world, you will
likely hear people pronounce the instrument as You-Ka-Lay-Lee. Although this might
be the common way people pronounce it, and maybe you say it this way, its incorrect.
The correct way to say the word is Oo-Koo-Le-Le. Of course, you can always just call
it a uke if you prefer.
5
No matter how you say it, I can guarantee one thingyou are going to fall head over
heels for this instrument! You could call it Leaping Louse and still get the same
enjoyment out of it.
Chapter 2: Ukulele Basics

The ukulele is a fantastic instrument thats a
real joy to play. Its relatively simple to learn
the basics, but it offers enough surprises and
nuances that you can continue learning new
techniques for many years. In this chapter,
well be covering some of the most basic
elements of the instrument so you can
become familiar. After that, well take off and start actually playing!
The Parts of the Ukulele

Knowing the various parts of the ukulele can come in quite handy when you are learning
and when you are talking with others about the instrument. You dont want to simply
smile and nod along as they are talking about the nut and the fretboard if you have no
idea what they mean!
Fortunately, its actually quite easy to learn the different names and functions for all
parts of this instrument.
Head/Headstock
The head, or the headstock, of the ukulele is the top part of the instrument. This is the
part where you will find the tuning pegs, and typically, the brand logo or name of the
company that made the instrument.
6
Tuning Pegs
The tuning pegs, sometimes called keys, are the parts that hold the strings. You can
turn these pegs, which will tune the ukulele by tightening or loosening the strings.
Nut
The nut is a light colored piece at the top of the neck and just below the head. It has a
groove in it where the strings will sit, and it, along with the bridge, helps keep the strings
in place.
Neck
The neck is the long piece of wood that connects the head and the body. It supports the
fretboard. In the above image, the neck is behind the fretboard and not seen.
7
Fretboard
The fretboard is along the front of the neck, and it provides a home for the frets. Many of
these boards are made from rosewood, but other materials are in use as well.
Fret Markers
The fret markers are the little dots on the fretboard. These dots are actually quite handy,
since they can let you know immediately where you are playing on the instrument, so
you can be sure you are hitting the right notes. The most common places to find the fret
markers are on the third, fifth, seventh, tenth, and twelfth frets.
Frets
The frets are the metal bars that run along the neck. The first fret is the one thats
closest to the nut and headstock.
Body
The body of the ukulele has a top, back and sides, and most of the bodies have similar
shapes between makers. Many different types of wood are in use when it comes to the
body of the ukulele, and some can provide different sounds. Naturally, some are more
expensive than others. We will go into more detail in the chapter on buying your ukulele.
Sound Hole
Its a simple name, but it gets the point across nicely. The sound hole is the actual hole
in the body of the instrument. This is where the vibrations, and thus the sound, come
from when strumming or picking.
8
Bridge
The bridge sits on the top of the body and is below the sound hole. It features a saddle,
which helps to hold the strings in place so they sit higher than the fretboard.
Strings
The strings are what you will strum and pick when you are creating vibrations and
making sweet ukulele music.
The Different Ukulele Sizes

There are four main sizes of ukuleles available soprano, concert (also called alto),
tenor, and baritone. Each is quite different, and it is important for the new player to
understand these differences.
Soprano
The most common type of ukulele is the soprano, which is 21 long, and has between
12 and 15 frets. The common tunings for the instrument are GCEA, and ADF#B. The
frets on the soprano ukulele are often close together, and this can cause some people
who have unusually large hands to have trouble playing the instrument.
Still, these are a very cost effective option for the most part, and are the most popular
size. Its a wonderful size instrument to start learning on for both children and adults
alike.
Concert/Alto
The concert or alto ukulele is the next up in size. It is 23 long, and it will typically
feature 15 to 20 frets. The common tuning for the alto is GCEA (reentrant or linear). It
9
has a nice full sound, and since it is a little bit larger than the soprano, those who have
larger hands will find it a bit easier to play.
Tenor
The tenor ukulele is 26 long and has 15 or more frets. The common tunings include
GCEA (reentrant or linear) and DGBE for those who want something with a slightly
deeper tone. It has a nice and full, even tone thats a bit richer than the smaller ukuleles.
Baritone
The baritone is the largest of the ukuleles, and it comes in at a whopping 30. The
tuning for this instrument is DGBE, and features 19 or more frets. This produces a nice
and deep sound when compared with the smaller ukuleles.
These are most common for those who play blues, who pick with their fingers, or who
just want a deeper sound. While it is still a ukulele, you will find that it sounds rather
similar to a guitar, and doesnt have the same high-pitch sound as the soprano.
How to Hold the Ukulele

To hold the ukulele properly, you will want to stand up or sit up straight. Proper posture
is important for your health, as well as to make sure that you have a good hold on the
instrument. You certainly dont want to drop it!
Your right forearm will support the body of the ukulele, but the grip should be relatively
loose. You dont want to drop the instrument, but you still want your right hand to be
able to strum and pick effectively.
You will support the neck with your left thumb (on the back of the neck) and forefinger
(to the front and beneath) at a slight upward angle. The grip should not be too tight, as
10
you will need to use the fingers to create chords on the strings. Once you start learning
chords, you will find that holding the instrument becomes second nature.
You Have to Relax

Want to know a secret about holding the ukulele? All you have to do is relax. Too many
beginners have a death grip on the instrument, and that makes it difficult to move your
hands freely. Now, as any musician knows, or will learn, you need to be able to move
your hands and fingers if you want to have mastery of the instrument. So, loosen up that
grip a bit, and you will see just how much better it feels and how much more quickly you
can progress.
Also, when you are first starting, its best to learn in a seated position so you can get
more comfortable holding the instrument. As you progress, you can stand and play.
You better believe I will place a very large focus on relaxation in the next book Im
currently working on.
11
Chapter 3: Tuning the Ukulele

The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, and the journey to becoming a
ukulele player starts with learning how to tune the instrument. In the past, people had to
learn how to tune their instruments by ear, but today, you have a veritable wealth of
resources and options at your disposal when it comes to tuning. Lets look at each of
these choices.
What Is the Standard Tuning for a Ukulele?

Standard tuning for the ukulele is G-C-E-A. Starting with the #4 string and down. You
can use other tunings, but for beginners and even intermediate players, this is all you
will need to know for now. Its the default for soprano, alto, and tenor ukuleles.
The fourth string, or string closest to your chin, is the G. The C is the next string down,
followed by the E and the A, which is the thinnest of the strings. When you strike each
of these strings without touching the fretboard, it should play those notes in that order.
This is how you will determine whether it is in tune or not.
Too Flat or Too Sharp What Do I Do?

If you are tuning, and you are too flat, you will want to tighten the string when you turn
the tuning peg. If you are too sharp, you will want to loosen the string until it hits the
right note.
Tuning by Ear
For many, this is undoubtedly the most difficult method of tuning a uke, at least when
you first start playing. After youve played for a long time, you will get to know the sound
12
of each of the notes intimately, and it will actually become one of the easiest and fastest
ways to tune.
Some people will not be able to learn to tune the ukulele by ear, but dont worry! You
have plenty of other options as well, and many of these are much easier.
Piano
Another way to tune is to use a piano, or a keyboard, if you have one around. Simply
play the key on the piano that matches the string you are tuning.
You will start by finding Middle C, which is the C thats literally the closest to the middle
of the keyboard. You will start by tuning your ukuleles C string to Middle C, as its the
same note and octave. Once you are able to match the C, it becomes easy to match the
rest of the strings. Find the closest G, E, and A to the right of Middle C, and then you
can tune your strings to those keys which gives you the G-C-E-A, all in the 4th octave.
While this is a bit easier than learning to do it strictly by ear, you will find that it still takes
a very good ear to make sure you are getting the notes perfect.
NOTE: If you have a low G for the 4th string, just tune that string to a G in the 3rd octave
and youre set!
Tuning App
The Internet has changed the way that people do just about everything, and that
includes tuning stringed instruments. Online apps are very easy to use, and they will
make use of your computers onboard microphone.
You will hit one of your strings, the G, for example. The microphone picks up that sound
and then the app will let you know if you are sharp, flat, or playing an entirely wrong
13
note. Then, simply tighten or loosen the pegs to get closer to the correct note. Hit the
string again, and then see what the app says. Follow this method for all of the strings
until you have them in tune. Its nice and easy.
You can find apps through your desktop or laptop, and you can check out some
downloadable apps for your smartphones and tablets as well. This will ensure you have
a tuner with you no matter where you go.
My Website
You know how I like to make things as easy as possible for you, dont you? Well, to
make tuning as easy as possible, were going to have a tuner right on my website, so if
you need to get your uke in shape and ready to play, just visit
http://www.superukulele.com/.
Electronic Tuner
Another very simple method of tuning the ukulele is with an electronic tuner. Its a very
simple method, but you will need to spend a bit of money on a tuner. Fortunately, you
can get some decent ones for under $20. See page 40 under Must Have Accessories
for this inexpensive digital tuner that I use all the time: http://goo.gl/RyMcp8. To use the
electronic tuner just turn it on and play each of your strings to see how far away they are
from the standard G-C-E-A that you want. The tuner will let you know how far off you
are and in which direction to change the pitch of the string. Then, simply turn the pegs
tighter or looser to make them match the standard tuning. Its really quite simple, and
having a tuner on hand is a very good idea.
The tuner I mentioned above even clips onto your headstock so you dont have to hold
it while tuning. The uke does it for you!
14
Chapter 4: Ukulele Chords Basic and Advanced

In this chapter, well be looking at some of the most
common chords that you will find when you are
learning ukulele songs. Knowing these chords is
essential if you want to learn how to play, and
fortunately, they are all quite simple to learn.
Before that though, lets look at ukulele tablature
and how to read it. This will help you when you are
learning chords, and when you start to learn songs.
The Basics of Ukulele Tablature

What in the world is tablature? If youve never
played a stringed instrument, then theres a good
chance that you have no idea. Its similar to sheet
music, but its something of a shorthand method thats far more user friendly whether
you are advanced or you are just beginning.
When you look at tablature music, you will see four parallel horizontal lines with equal
separation between them. These lines represent the strings on your instrument. The
bottom line represents G. The next line above G is C, then E, and finally A.
Its helpful to imagine that this is your ukulele fretboard if you were to lay your uke in
front of you with the headstock to your left. Once you get that concept in your head,
reading the tablature is actually quite simple. (see figure 1 below)
15
Figure 1. Intro to Happy Birthday on Ukulele
The tablature will let you know what strings to play, and what chords to play. It does this
by using numbers placed on the aforementioned lines. If the number one were on the G,
it would mean that you place your finger above the first fret and play then pluck or strum
that string. If there were a zero, then you would hit the open string without placing a
finger on any of the frets. If both the one and the zero were in the same vertical position,
you would play them at the same time. This is often how they will represent chords.
If you notice arrows on the tab going up or down, this indicates the strumming direction.
If you see this, pay attention, as it can affect the way the song sounds more than you
might imagine. Well get more into strumming in the next chapter.
Once you grasp the basic concept of tablature, its a simple and great way to learn
some new songs. In my next ukulele book Im currently working on I promise to include
even more great examples of ukulele tablature. I absolutely relied on good tab as a
beginner ukulele and guitar player, and I know that you can benefit from it as well.
16
Basic Chords
Lets start with the basics. These are the essential chords. Once you learn these and
how to string them together pun intended you will be able to play a number of
songs, and you will be able to create some of your own unique and fun music.
Reading the chords is a bit different from tablature, and its important to know the
difference. When you are looking at the chord diagrams below, youll see that they
represent the ukuleles neck as well.
The vertical lines represent the strings, and the horizontal lines represent the frets. The
far left string is G, followed by C, E, and A. The thick line at the top represents the nut.
Fret 1 is the first line below the nut, followed by fret 2 and so on.
The numbers on the diagram indicate the fingers that you will use when you are fretting
the strings.
1 = Index finger
2 = Middle finger
3 = Ring finger
4 = Pinky
T = Thumb
If there is an O above the representation of the nut, it means you will strum these
strings openly, without fretting anything. If there were no indicator, it would mean that
you would not strum that string for the chord.
17
C Chord
The C chord, which you see in the diagram below, is very simple to play. Simply hold
your ring finger on the third fret first string, and strum all strings, leaving the G, C, and E
strings open.
A Chord
The A chord is just as simple. Take your index finger and place it above the first fret on
the third string, and place your middle finger above the second fret on the fourth string.
Strum all four strings, leaving the E and A strings open.
18
F Chord
Playing the F chord is a little bit trickier, but still easy enough to handle. You will place
your middle finger on the second fret on the fourth string, and your index finger on the
first fret second string. Strum all strings leaving the C and the A strings open.
G Chord
To play the G, you will be using three fingers. You will place your index finger on the
second fret of the third string, your middle finger on the second fret of the first string,
and your ring finger on the third fret of the second string. Strum all strings leaving the
fourth string (G) open.
19
D Chord
To play the D chord, you will use your index finger to create a bar across the second fret
of three strings G, C, and E. You then use your fourth finger, or pinky, on the fifth fret
of the A string. This is a little more complicated, but the frets should be close enough
together to make it doable with just a little bit of practice.
Some Advanced Chords

Now that you know more about the basics, its time to look into some of the more
advanced chords out there. You will find that these can come in rather handy for quite a
few different types of songs, so its a good idea to add them to your repertoire.
Dm7
D Minor 7 looks complex, but your fingers will get the hang of it! Your index finger will
hold the first fret of the E string, your middle finger will hold the second fret of the G, and
your ring finger will fret the second fret of the C string. You will use your pinky to fret the
third fret on A.
20
Am
A minor is extremely simple. All you need to do is place your middle finger on the
second fret of the G, and then strum that along with open C, E, and A strings.
E7
To make the E7 chord, you will use your index finger on the first fret of G, your middle
finger on the second fret of C, strum E open, and use your ring finger on the second fret
of the A string.
21
G7
G7 is a nice and easy one too. You will play G open, and then use your index finger for
the first fret of the E string, your middle finger for the second fret of the C string, and
your ring finger for the third fret of the A string.
F9
To play F9, use your middle finger to hold the second fret of G, strum C open, use your
middle finger on the third fret of the E string, and strum A open.
22
Are these all of the chords? Not by a long shot, but its more than enough to get you
started in the right direction. On the next page youll find a chord chart with all of the
above chords, as well as new chords that you can try out. Keep this chart handy, so that
you can keep on practicing and getting better. The more you practice, the easier it will
be to switch chords and learn to play new songs.
23
Chord Chart
page 1
24
Chord Chart
Page 2
25
Chapter 5: Strumming Patterns

Now that you have an idea of what the chords look like and how to make them, its time
that we go a little bit deeper and start looking at the different strumming patterns that
you can use when you are playing ukulele. These strumming patterns will help to give
the instrument that patented jangly sound that everyone loves so much.
Preparing to Strum
Remember the importance of posture, and of learning to relax when you are playing.
This is the only way that you will become good at actually strumming.
Heres another good tip. You should grow out the index fingernail on your strumming
hand, as this will make it much easier to get the sound that you want. The nail doesnt
have to be too long. Having it just about a millimeter or so above the tip of your finger
should do nicely.
Something else to consider is that strumming the ukulele is nothing like strumming a
guitar. When you strum a guitar, you move the entire hand up and down much of the
time. Ukulele is different. You want to keep the arm relaxed, and then keep your wrist
loose and flexible. Youll strum by rotating the wrist rather than the entire arm.
To get a bit of a louder sound out of the ukulele, you dont need to strum harder or use a
pick. All you need to do is rotate your strumming hand downwards slightly so that more
of your nail actually meets the strings. This will give you the power you need without
getting your finger all caught up in the strings.
Keep it all relaxed index finger, arm, wrist, shoulders, etc. The more relaxed you are
the better you will play, and the better youll sound! Now, lets look at some strumming
patterns so you can get started with some songs.
26
Down, Down Pattern

This is a very simple pattern. All you need to do is strum down. The important part is
staying on the right beat. It is easy. Count slowly to four, and hit the down strum each
time you say a number. Practice at different speeds as well, as different songs will have
different beats.
This is a good strumming pattern for someone who is brand new to any sort of stringed
instrument. Its simple to learn, and you should be able to master this pattern in no time
at all.
Down, Up Pattern
Now, we will add something a bit different to the mix a strum that goes up. Dont
worry; its easy! With this pattern, you will again count to four, saying one and two and
three and four. When you say one, you strum down and then immediately strum up
when you say and. When you say two, you repeat the pattern down and then up.
down
(one)
up
down
up
down
up
down
up
(and) (two) (and) (three) (and) (four) (and)
Down, Down, Up Down, Down, Up, Down

Now that you are starting to get the hang of it, this should actually be quite easy to
figure out. As the name suggests, simply strum down twice, up once, down twice more,
up once and then down once. Repeat.
Since these are slightly more difficult than the first two patterns, check out a simple way
of looking at the counting pattern. The top is the direction of the stroke, and the bottom
is your count. A chart like this will follow for all of the other strumming patterns.
27
down
down
up
down
down
up
(one)
(two) (and) (three) (four) (and)
Thumb, Down, Up Pattern

This ones a little bit different. First, you will hit a string with just your thumb, and then
you will strum down, and then up. Use the same counting technique of one and two
and so on. The important thing to remember is that you are plucking with the thumb
before the down and up, and in this case the thumb starts on one.
This should help you get the counting correct:
thumb
down up thumb down up
(one)
(two) (and) (three) (four) (and)
Calypso Pattern
Here is one of the most important strum patterns you will learn, as it is a part of many
different ukulele songs. Its not too difficult, but make sure you master this pattern. It
goes down, down, up, up, down, up. You will love the way this sounds, and it can give
any song that authentic Hawaiian feel.
Down
down
up
up
down
up
(one)
(two) (and)(and) (four) (and)
A Final Strum Pattern

You will start by using your thumb to pluck the G. Some call this a modified calypso
strum because it is very similar to the down, down, up, up, down, up pattern. The
pattern is down, down, up, down, up, down, up.
28
down
down
up
down
up
down
up
(one)
(two) (and) (three) (and) (four) (and)
Getting Better at the Patterns

Okay, right about now, you are probably thinking that you get the idea of the strumming
patterns and that you can do them without too much trouble. However, maybe its just
not sounding right quite yet.
Part of this might be because you need to make sure that you are doing it in rhythm.
Staying on the beat is very important in all types of music. Also, you will want to start
adding those chords that we covered in the last chapter. This helps to make even your
practice sessions sound great, and you will be able to practice your chords at the same
time as your patterns.
Another thing that you need to consider is just how comfortable you are with the
instrument. Do you remember when we talked about being relaxed when you play? If
you arent relaxed and at ease, you will find that getting the right sound out of the
patterns is more difficult. It might not be your knowledge of the strumming patterns or
the chords that are throwing you at all it might be that you are having trouble relaxing.
Need even more help with strumming the ukulele?

Take my new Super Ukulele Strumming Course scheduled to be released this year and
open to only to a handful of people. Visit www.superukulele.com for more details and
watch for the announcement in the super ukulele newsletter. Sign up for my newsletter
at http://eepurl.com/_OQev if you still havent.
29
Chapter 6: Lets Learn Some Basic Songs!

Now that you have the strumming patterns, chords, and know the best way to hold your
ukulele, its time that you put it all together into some songs. Dont worry; we arent
going to have you try anything too complicated. The two songs in this chapter are fun to
play, you likely know the lyrics by heart already, and they are a perfect way to increase
your confidence so you can go on and learn some truly complicated pieces.
A Quick Tip
Keep in mind that when you are plucking an open string, it means you are not holding
your finger on any fret on that particular string. Just plucking it as it is, or open.
Happy Birthday
First, lets look at Happy Birthday, a song that everyone knows. Once you have this
one in your repertoire, you will find that friends and family will always ask you to bring
your uke with you to the parties so you can play while everyone sings along. You may
also watch my video lesson for Happy Birthday by following this link: http://goo.gl/riCJFs
Lets look at a couple of ways to play the song.
Simple Single Note Technique

If you would like a very simple version of this song to play, where you dont even need
any chords, here it is! All you need to do is:
Part One:
Pluck the number four string 2x

30
Pluck the number one string 1x
On the first string, place your finger on the third fret and pluck the string 1x
On the first string, place your finger on the second fret and pluck the string 1x
Part Two:
On the first string, place your finger on the fifth fret and pluck the string 1x
Part Three:
On the first string, place your finger on the tenth fret and pluck the string 1x
On the first string, place your finger on the seventh fret and pluck the string 1x
On the first string, place your finger on the second fret and pluck the string 1x
Pluck the first string open
Part Four:
On the first string, place your finger on the eighth fret and pluck the string 2x
31
And Many More
Pluck the number four string
Pluck the number one string
On the first string, place your finger on the first fret and pluck the string 1x
As you can see, this is extremely simple, and you should be able to get the hang of it in
no time at all.
Add some Chords

You only need three simple chords! G7, C, and F. They are all very simple, and you
should know them well by now.
Part One:
Now, you will play a G7 chord 1x
Part Two:
Now, you will play a C chord

32
Part Three:
On the first string, place your finger on the tenth fret and pluck the string 1x
Now, you will play an F chord
Part Four:
On the first string, place your finger on the eighth fret and pluck the string 2x
On the first string, place your finger on the fifths fret and pluck the string 1x
Now, finish it up with a C chord
And Many More Part Two
Pluck the first string
On the first string, place your finger on the first fret and strum up and down with
your strumming hand.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Another favorite, and one that sounds amazing on ukulele, is Somewhere Over the
Rainbow. Even though you will see that it is a relatively simple song, it sounds quite
impressive when you play.
33
A good tip, if youd like to try it, is to buy a Low G for your number four string, as it can
make this song sound even fuller. This is how IZ played it. If you dont have it, dont
worry; you can still play without it and simply go with your regular G.
Now, lets learn how to play it!
How to Strum
You have a few options. You can keep it rather simple and use all down strums if you
would like. However, you dont have to keep it quite this simple if you dont want to. In
fact, its better to change up your strum pattern and add something more interesting, as
it will give the song more of an authentic sound.
Consider using the following strumming pattern down, down, up, up, down, up, the
Calypso. Yes, this is a bit more complex, but when you nail it, you are going to love the
way this song sounds.
You can still get more complex as your skills and your confidence grow. Use some
thumb plucks similar to what you would use for the Calypso strum pattern. Keep in mind
that as you are learning to play, you can modify and alter the strum. If you cant get that
Calypso feel right now, you will be able to soon enough. Just keep practicing.
What Chords Do You Need?

To play the song, you will need to have certain chords mastered. The chords you need
are C, Am, F, F9, G, E7. Weve covered how to play all of these chords earlier, so go
back a chapter to refer to the chord diagrams if needed. In addition, this song includes
an E minor.
34
To play the E minor, you will place your index finger on the second fret of the first string,
your middle finger on the third fret of the second string, and your ring finger on the
fourth fret of the third strong. You will play the fourth string open.
Remember to use the Calypso strum pattern throughout for each of the chords. Now,
lets see how to put all of those chords together.
The Intro
Each one of the chords will follow into the next chord after you play the Calypso
strumming pattern.
C = 1x
Em = 1x
Am = 1x
F = 1x
C = 1x
Em = 1x
Am = 1x
F9 = 1x
F = 2x
Its a very good idea to watch some videos or listen to some tracks of people playing
this song on uke so you can get a good idea of just how the rhythm goes.
Understanding that rhythm is the key to help you really sell this song.
You can also add an extra bit to the introduction as an option if you would like. This is
from Israel Kamakawiwooles very popular rendition of the song. Heres how it goes.
Now you will play the strum pattern for each of these chords twice.
35
C = 2x
Em = 2x
F = 2x
C = 2x
F = 2x
E7 = 2x
Am = 2x
F = 2x
Do you need to have the extension of the intro? Its not necessary, but it does add
another dimension to the song.
The Chorus
This is the part that everyone knows and loves. Again, you will play the strum pattern
twice for each of the chords.
C = 2x
Em = 2x
F = 2x
C = 2x
F = 2x
C = 2x
G = 2x
Am = 2x
F = 2x
The Verse
Now, were on to the verse!
36
C = 2x
G = 2x
Am = 2x
F = 2x
C = 2x
G = 2x
Am = 2x
F = 2x
Thats all there is to the verse, and by the time youve mastered this part guess what?
Youve mastered the entire song. As you can see, even though it might sound complex,
its still relatively simply to play. With just a little bit of practice, you will find that you
really can play this song.
Now that you have a couple of solid songs under your belt, you should feel very good
about learning even more songs on the uke. Who knows, you might even want to start
writing your own songs at some point!
Chapter 7: Ukulele Practice Tips and Drills

By now, you have a lot of skills and techniques under your belt, and you are well on
your way to becoming a great ukulele player. However, its also important that you learn
some other practice techniques and drills that will help you to become an even better
player. After all, you should always be striving to become better at everything you do,
and that includes playing the ukulele.
In this chapter, well cover a few tips, ideas, drills, and techniques that can help you to
improve.
37
Stretching Your Fingers

Something that you might notice when you first start to play is that you might have some
sore fingers. This occurs for a couple of different reasons. First, your fingers arent used
to the strings, and it will take a little time to build up some tougher skin on your fingers to
make playing a bit easier. This happens with everyone.
Another thing that could be causing a different type of pain in your fingers is simply
trying to make all the chords and change from one chord to another quickly. It can
sometimes seem impossible to have your fingers get into the right chord shape. While it
gets easier with practice, you can do a few other things that might be able to help as
well, including some simple stretches.
You dont even need your uke for this. Consider doing it a couple of times a day, as well
as before and after you practice to help keep your fingers limber and nimble. Simply
stretch your fingers by pressing them toward the palm and then toward the back of your
wrist, alternatively. Rotate and stretch your wrist.
This helps to get the blood flowing, and it helps get the fingers ready to play. It also
helps to avoid cramps before, during, and after playing.
Simple Fingering Technique

To make your fingers faster, and to replicate that jumping flea look, you have to
practice. A very simple drill that you can do utilizes just the first four frets of the uke
although you could change this up if you wish.
Start by using you ring finger on the first fret of G, and pluck the note. Quickly follow by
using your middle finger to fret the second fret on G, and pluck that. Do the same with
the third fret using your ring finger, and the fourth fret using your pinky. Then move to
38
the third string and do the same thing. Do this for all of the strings. Run through the drill
a few times before every practice or play session.
When you are doing this, not only will your fretting fingers get some practice, but you
will also be practicing your plucking with your thumb. As you progress, you can make
things more challenging by skipping strings, going in reverse, and anything else that
would throw you for a loop!
Consider Recording Yourself

Do you want to get better? Sometimes, its difficult to know exactly what it might be
thats holding you back with your playing. Something that you may want to start doing is
actually recording some of your practice and playing sessions. You can record with just
an audio recorder, but its really a better option to include video. This way, you can
literally see if you are making any technical mistakes when you play.
Since most people have access to a smartphone with a video recorder, or even a point
and shoot camera that offers video, it should be quite easy to do. You can see if your
posture is bad remember, you want to stand or sit straight. You can check your
technique for strumming, making chords, plucking, hitting individual notes, and more.
Its also fun to watch yourself, especially when you compare your improvement over
time.
Listen to and Watch Other Players

In the last chapter, I will provide you with
names of some of the top uke players out there
from today and yesteryear, so you can check
out their music. It certainly does pay to watch
the legends, but you can get quite a bit from the
39
YouTube sensations and current artists working today.

Always take the time to watch other players and see what interesting things they do with
the instrument. You will find that it can help to improve your appreciation of the ukulele,
and it can inspire you to become a stronger player.
Dont Stop
This ones nice and simple. Dont stop playing. Far too many players, no matter what
instrument they decide to pick up and try, dont keep it up. They learn a bit about the
basics, but they find it too challenging to continue, or they feel they arent making the
progress they want. Few people will pick up a uke and be a virtuoso when they strike
their first chord.
It takes time and dedication. As long as you are willing to practice, you will get better. In
fact, with practice, we can go out on a limb and say that you will be pretty good before
you know it. However, nothing worth having comes without the hard work, so make sure
that you are actually practicing and learning as much as you can!
Watch for new ukulele lesson announcements from my newsletter and visit my website
for links to new and existing free lessons.
40
Chapter 8: How to Choose and Care for Your Ukulele, and the
Accessories You Need!
While knowing how to play is important, you also need to make sure that you have the
right uke and all the accessories you need to make playing even more fun. You will
need your ukulele, naturally, and some other important gear, such as a tuner, strings,
and a bag, and a stand.
When you are choosing a ukulele, you need to make sure that you choose the right one.
Even though you want to buy the first thing that you see, youll want to make sure that
you temper your excitement and make the right choice
Ukulele Recommendations
What are some of the best ukuleles out there? If you havent played before, then its
almost impossible to know what you should choose! Well, I can help you with that too.
You want something that will sound great, something that looks great, and something
that wont set you back a fortune. Lets look at some of the top recommendations for
ukes on the market today.
http://goo.gl/nu1PVz TENOR UKULELE*

Kala KA-10. An awesome ukulele that I've used in most of my lessons on YouTube.
Highly rated on Amazon, easy to play, and a screaming good price.
http://goo.gl/uWGIQE TENOR UKULELE**
Kala Tenor Ukulele - Cutaway w/ EQ Gloss
A very nice handsome ukulele that comes with all the bells and whistles like a built in
41
tuner, equalizer, volume control, Grover tuners, cutaway, and is made from the famous
Hawaiian Koa.
http://goo.gl/HKxwhD TENOR UKULELE***
Martin 1T IZ Tenor Uke. My FAVORITE Ukulele! This beauty is build after the Martin
Ukulele used by the great Israel Kamakawiwo' ole, AKA "IZ". A must have for serious
Uke players and collectors. The price is higher than average for this uke.
http://goo.gl/wqAe2Z SOPRANO UKULELE
Kala KA-MK-S Makala Soprano Ukulele Bundle
Comes with Gig Bag, Tuner, Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth. Not as versatile as
a Tenor Ukulele and smaller fretboard, but an authentic sound for a great beginner
price.
http://goo.gl/38gfK3 CONCERT UKULELE
Oscar Schmidt OU5 Concert Ukulele Bundle
Comes with Gearlux Case, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, Clip-On Tuner, and Austin
Bazaar Polishing Cloth - Hawaiian Koa. A good Concert size ukulele for the price.
http://goo.gl/Ys6wii BARITONE UKULELE
Oscar Schmidt OU52E Mahogany Baritone Acoustic-Electric Ukulele - Natural. A good
Baritone ukulele that is easy to play with a deeper sound.
Must Have Accessories

After you have a nice ukulele, its time to start looking at
some of the other accessories. Once again, these are great
products. Ive had experience with many of them, and Im
42
sure youll have just as great an experience. So what type of items will you need?
Well, you need to have a bag for your uke if you plan to take it with you. Since its a nice
and small instrument, its something you will certainly want to have with you as much as
possible. A good gig bag will ensure that it stays nice and safe when you travel. When
you are at home, youll need a stand where you can put the instrument. You might even
want to buy a strap, which can make it easier to hold. Finally, having a tuner on hand is
always a good idea.
If you have something from each of these categories, you should have everything you
need to enjoy your ukulele now and for many years to come.
Lets look at some great accessories!
http://goo.gl/RyMcp8 SNARK TUNER
Even if you have a built-in tuner on you ukulele, you may have a dead battery on it and
a need to use the trusty Snark Ukulele Tuner. Cheap and dependable. I've used it so
many times.
http://goo.gl/tnRSXz SOPRANO STRINGS
Aquila AQ-4 Soprano Regular Set High G Ukulele Strings.
http://goo.gl/GMlJx2 TENOR STRINGS
(106U) Aquila Super Nylgut Tenor Set. Awesome strings for the price for a Tenor
Ukulele.
http://goo.gl/jjb8NN TENOR STRINGS W/ LOW G
(107U) Aquila Super Nylgut Tenor Low G Set. If you want your tenor uke to sound the
way "IZ" uke sounded when he played "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", you need a set
with a Low G for the number four string.
43
http://goo.gl/kezPhM CONCERT STRINGS W/LOW G

(104U) Aquila Super Nylgut Concert Low G Set. Make your concert uke sound deeper.
Good set for a decent price.
http://goo.gl/okDCqJ BARITONE STRINGS
Aquila USA Aquila Baritone Ukulele Strings. Just some good standard strings for your
Baritone Ukulele.
http://goo.gl/cVNZG6 UKULELE STAND
You need to have something to set your ukulele on to keep it from being damaged, and
this stand is a great option.
Chapter 9: Fun Ukulele Players to Listen To

Were almost at the close of the book, but not to worry! Your journey with the ukulele is
just beginning, and it never has to end. In this chapter, we will look at some great
ukulele players, as well as songs and albums you should listen to as a means to expand
your uke horizons. Some of these are the classics, and some you might not have heard
of before. Ive included some picks that you may never have even known touched the
ukulele.
Israel Iz Kamakawiwoole
His medleys of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World are
extremely popular, and catapulted this player to even more fame. These songs were
used in a number of television shows, commercials and films over the years, which is
probably where you first heard the music of Iz.
44
Its important to realize that he was far more than just these songs though. He
incorporated the ukulele into many different types of music, including reggae and jazz,
and he remains one of the most popular players in Hawaii today. Check out all of his
albums Ka Anoi, Facing Future, E Ala E, and N Dis Life.
Jake Shimabukuro
While he was a recording artist with some fame in Japan and Hawaii in the early 2000s
a video of him uploaded to YouTube in 2006 that really made him famous. The video
showed him playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps on the ukulele. It became an
instant hit, and it was one of the first videos to go viral. Check out his album Grand
Ukulele, and look him up on YouTube.
Eddie Vedder
Yes, its that Eddie, the front man for the band Pearl Jam. Heres a name that you
probably didnt realize had anything to do with the ukulele, but he loves the instrument.
In 2011, he released an album appropriately titled Ukulele Songs. Its a very interesting
album and it takes the instrument into some different directions that many might not
expect. It is very well worth listening to so you can see just whats possible with the
instrument.
5 Most Popular Uke Songs of All Time

While this list will probably be a bit controversial, I thought Id include a list of the most
popular at least some of the most popular ukulele songs of all time. If you havent
heard all of them, then you have some homework to do.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Tiptoe Through the Tulips

45
Ill See You in My Dreams
Aint She Sweet
Aloha Oe
Now, this is just a small list, but its a nice start. Once you start listening to some of the
great ukulele players out there, you can start adding to your own list of favorites. I keep
my own separate ukulele playlist on my devices so I have quick and easy access to
ukulele music. I listen to this playlist often and I can even say that Im almost surely in a
better mood when I do. The ukulele must be one of the sweetest instruments on the
planet, and if you havent figured this out yet, Im certain you will soon.
If you made it this far in the book, I know you are already making big steps in getting
better at playing the ukulele, and that you are motivated to do so. Listening to songs
from talented artists and watching their techniques in video format will give you deeper
insight and can only help you improve even more.
Conclusion
Now you have a wealth of skills that will take you from an absolute novice to a decent
player, and it will get you there faster than you might actually think!
Im constantly impressed by the dedication many people have in improving their ukulele
playing skills, and I must say that this motivates me to give my studentsmy
friendsanything I can in order to help in any way. I know in my heart that many of the
readers of this book will, through their dedication, play important roles in the next
generation of influential ukulele players in this world. You may one day become that
ukulele artist that others want to listen to and learn from. And youll have a great deal of
FUN along the way!
46
This Long and Winding Road

Ive loved the ukulele all of my life. Its a love that will never leave me, and its
something that I want to share with the world. Everyone should and can play this
instrument. There is a low barrier to entry in terms of cost. Its small and portable, loud
when you need it to be and quiet when you dont. It can play a range of different types
of music, and it has a beautiful legacy. These things are the joys of the ukulele I want to
share with my students, my friends.
Thats why I started my website and my YouTube channel. Thats why I continue to pour
my heart and soul into showing people the ukulele.
Its unbelievable to think that Ive hit 20,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel. With
so many people wanting to learn and showing their love for the ukulele, its become my
mission to give as much to my students and friends as possible. The result is the book
youve just completed. My hope is that you came away learning something about the
ukulele, and that it fuels a passion for the instrument that lasts you the rest of your life.
Keep the Passion

My passion for the ukulele will never end, and I hope that after reading this book and
learning a few songs, you feel the same way. Nowwhat are you doing still hanging out
around here? Go have some fun with your ukulele!
And one quick thing

Im getting a little crazy here and Ive decided to write yet another and more complete
ukulele book. If there is anything in particular you would like me to include, please leave
me a comment via my YouTube channel or by visiting the contact page on my website.
47
Resources:
http://www.superukulele.com
https://ukuguides.com/guides/parts-of-the-ukulele-explained/
http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-sizes-soprano-concert-tenor-baritone/
http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/ukulele-history
http://www.get-tuned.com/tuning-the-ukulele-to-itself.php
https://ukuguides.com/tips/10-ukulele-tips-for-beginners/
http://www.gotaukulele.com/2011/03/ukulele-beginners-tips-finger.html
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15486-ukulele-songs/
http://jakeshimabukuro.com/
48
Chord Chart
Page 1
49
Chord Chart
Page 2
50

How To Play The Ukulele Quick Start Guide and More PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

How To Play The Ukulele Quick Start Guide and More PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Table of Contents

Down, Down, Up Down, Down, Up, Down ..............................................................27

http://eepurl.com/_OQev if you still need to.

Why the Book?

Its Time to Start Learning

Chapter 1: History of the Ukulele

The Origins of the Ukulele

The Origin of the Word and Pronunciation

Chapter 2: Ukulele Basics

The Parts of the Ukulele

The Different Ukulele Sizes

How to Hold the Ukulele

You Have to Relax

Chapter 3: Tuning the Ukulele

What Is the Standard Tuning for a Ukulele?

Too Flat or Too Sharp What Do I Do?

Chapter 4: Ukulele Chords Basic and Advanced

The Basics of Ukulele Tablature

Figure 1. Intro to Happy Birthday on Ukulele

Some Advanced Chords

Chapter 5: Strumming Patterns

Down, Down Pattern

(and) (two) (and) (three) (and) (four) (and)

Down, Down, Up Down, Down, Up, Down

(two) (and) (three) (four) (and)

Thumb, Down, Up Pattern

down up thumb down up

(two) (and) (three) (four) (and)

(two) (and)(and) (four) (and)

A Final Strum Pattern

(two) (and) (three) (and) (four) (and)

Getting Better at the Patterns

Need even more help with strumming the ukulele?

Chapter 6: Lets Learn Some Basic Songs!

Simple Single Note Technique

Pluck the number four string 2x

Pluck the number one string 1x

Pluck the number four string 1x

Pluck the number four string 2x

Pluck the number one string 1x

Pluck the number four string 1x

Pluck the number four string 2x

Pluck the first string open

And Many More

Pluck the number four string

Pluck the number one string

Pluck the number four string

Add some Chords

Pluck the number four string 2x

Pluck the number one string 1x

Pluck the number four string 1x

Now, you will play a G7 chord 1x

Pluck the number four string 2x

Pluck the number one string 1x

Pluck the number four string 1x

Now, you will play a C chord

Pluck the number four string 2x

Now, you will play an F chord

Now, finish it up with a C chord

And Many More Part Two

Pluck the number four string

Pluck the first string

Pluck the number four string