People play musical instruments for different reasons, but they all share the same passion for it. It doesn’t matter what age you start because the notes and chords are ageless. If you want to start with something easy, the ukulele is your best choice. It more or less sounds like an acoustic guitar, but it is easier to master. The hardest thing is to start, and everything will gradually come together. The following guide will help you learn to play the uke like a pro.
Get a Suitable Uke
The first step is to find a suitable uke that fits your musical and aesthetic tastes. They are available online and in music shops. You should get a decent one because the cheapest option will have a low-quality sound. Ukes come in four sizes that you get to choose from according to their sound and your level of expertise.
The smallest and most common uke is the soprano, which is the most reliable option for beginners, especially those with small hands. If you want to go for a bigger instrument, the concert uke will give you more space and offer the same sound as the soprano. Consider a tenor uke if you are unsatisfied with the size of the previous two. They all get tuned the same way and produce almost the same sound with different degrees of fullness. The largest uke is the baritone, which has a deeper sound and resembles the guitar much more
Tune It
After welcoming your ukulele home, you need to tune it before you start playing. There are a couple of ways that you can tune it to reach the perfect sound. The easiest option is downloading an application that listens to each chord as you strum it and gives you a green light when it is in tune. If you have a musical ear, you can adjust it until it sounds right. Numerous videos online will provide you with the correct sound; all you have to do is listen and match.
Search for Songs
Before learning how to play, you need a little push and reassurance that the journey is not going to be as long as you expect it to be. When you check the internet and search for easy ukulele songs for beginners, you will learn that you can master so many tracks on your first lesson. You may even find famous songs that you love, such as Twist and Shout by The Beatles or You are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash. After mastering a couple of chords, you will be able to invite your friends over and jam together.
Know the Role of Your Hands
Your hands are holy when it comes to playing any musical instrument. You need to know what to do with them and keep them in harmony to produce a beautiful sound. Your first hand is the chording hand which holds the strings by placing fingers on different frets. Consider cutting the nails on this hand to have more control over the chords. The other hand is for strumming to express rhythms. You can keep your nails on this one because they will serve as a pick.
Learn Strumming Patterns
Here comes the part that will make the song what it is. Learning strumming patterns is the most important thing after getting the hang of the chords. You will find charts that explain which finger goes where on the uke. However, when it comes to strumming, you won’t find it written down.
Consider starting with a basic pattern, a simple up and down or down only. After a while, you can add some slapping or pause in the middle for dramatic effect. When your ears get used to a certain song and you understand its rhythm and tempo, you will be able to come up with a matching pattern.
Play and Listen
The more you practice, the better you will get. You should learn to pick up on your mistakes and correct them. However, it is hard to play and listen at the same time, so record yourself. After that, you will be able to learn from yourself and refine your style. If you have a friend who plays the uke, meet and play together because it’s a great way to learn. If not, you can use instructional videos and play with an instructor or even play along to any random song on music channels.
Playing the ukulele can be the hobby you never knew you needed. This fine instrument will suit you if you have small hands, especially if you get the soprano. Motivate yourself by searching for popular songs for beginners, checking the chords, and coming up with strumming patterns. Learning isn’t linear, so even if you feel you are making a lot of mistakes, keep practicing. You are bound to get the hang of it eventually.
