Learn How to Play a Ukulele

Whether you’re a musician or not, learning how to play an instrument is fun. It is even more fun when the instrument is a Ukulele. Ukulele is a Hawaiian instrument and quite easy to learn. Most of the time, playing ukulele requires no class to become proficient.

You don’t have to do much to play a ukulele, just know the basics and practice regularly. The main benefit of playing ukulele is that it doesn’t take too long to learn. You will be the master at playing this instrument in a short time.

Today we will provide you with the basics of learning how to play the ukulele.

Learn How to Play The Ukulele

To learn something, it varies from person to person. Some are learning in a hard way, and some are learning fast.

Here we are going to discuss an easy learning method on how to play the ukulele. It will help you to learn the ukulele quickly.

First Step: You Need to Buy A Ukulele

Every professional needs an instrument to learn and play. For this, you need a right and proper instrument to learn and play. If you want to learn and play ukulele. For that, you have to buy a ukulele.

If you are a beginner, you can buy a Tenor ukulele. One question comes in your mind, why do you choose Tenor ukulele. You choose it because it is easy to play and most important it is the cheapest.

Keep in mind that do not start with a complex one. Playing an easy instrument can increase the chances of learning quickly and efficiently. Those who have a big hand they can choose alto ukulele. Alto ukulele is most favorable for big hand people.

Whenever getting your ukulele, you should focus on familiarizing yourself with it. It is essential to know all its parts. By the time you move to playing, you won’t have a hard time following written instructions.

Second Step: Tune The Ukulele

After knowing each and every part of your ukulele, the next thing you need to do is tune your ukulele. It makes a good sound when you start playing.

Tuning means tightening some loose strings or tightening them loose. For tuning your ukulele, you can use the tuner knobs which are at the top of the head. Generally, the stronger the string, the higher the note.

Most of the time, you just tighten the strings because they loosen up over time when plucked. After the tune, make sure you think each one of them is okay.

An electric tuner could help you with tuning correctly. Clip it on the head of your ukulele, and you will know if the string you lift is tuned or not.

Third Step: How to Hold Your Ukulele

It is imperative to know how to hold the ukulele. If you take it the wrong way, you probably won’t make the sound you like. Learn to straighten your back and shoulders while playing.

You want to do it without straining any part of you. Use your strongest hand to strum the strings and the other one to hold the neck. When seated, it is advisable to rest the ukulele in your lap. You can also hold it close to your chest when you are standing. A strap could also help to keep it in position.

Whatever position you choose, make sure you feel comfortable enough to play.

Fourth Step: Learn The Chords

You now know how to choose and tune your ukulele. The next step will be to learn some basic chord. To create harmony, we play multiple notes together, which we refer to a chord. You can use chord boxes to help you make a chord.

These are just representations of the frets on the neck of your instrument on a graph. On that graph, the vertical lines are the strings, while the horizontal ones are the frets. Best ukulele strings make the best sound.  Once you learn the basic chords, then you can go to the more complex ones now. 

Fifth Step: Strumming on Time

You’ve learned how to tune your ukulele, how to hold it properly, and chords. Now it’s time to add icing to it. You need to know how to strum it. It is elementary, and all you need to know is how to create a rhythm.

A melodic and cohesive tune requires rhythm. A metronome could help you here to give your strumming pace. Try to match the clicks produced by the metronome. It would help if you tried not to take any breaks while adjusting your notes to different notes.

Patience and practice will only help you to learn something. Start slowly, then pick up the pace as you move forward. Once you get used to it, you will see yourself doing it with your eyes closed.

Additional tips

1. Give yourself time to learn and be patient until you are good.
2. Wise man says that practice makes a man perfect. So practice and practice.
3. When you practice in a group, you tend to learn more than you do on your own. So play ukulele with your family and friends.
4. Primarily rest and exercise your fingers before a session.
5. Keep your fingernails short.

Conclusion

A ukulele is an easy instrument to learn, but it all depends on your willingness to learn. Some may be easy, but if you are not keen on it, some times it may not make you how to teach it. Be driven by your desire to learn, and the result will be amazing.