Ukulele Basics

The ukulele is a small, four-stringed instrument that originated in Hawaii and is known for its bright, cheerful sound. In the Hawaiian language the word ukulele translates as ‘jumping flea’. Here are a few basics to get you started:

It’s good to have a basic understanding of the Ukulele

Types of Ukuleles

There are four main types, varying in size and tone:

Soprano – Smallest (21 inches), classic ukulele sound, a great starter instrument
Concert – Slightly larger (23 inches), warmer tone
Tenor – Deeper sound, more frets (26 inches), sounds a little more guitar like
Baritone – Lowest pitch, similar to a guitar (30 inches) often tuned to the highest four strings of a Guitar.

Tuning

The standard tuning for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles is G-C-E-A (from top to bottom string when held as if playing the uke).

The G string is usually tuned higher than the C string, giving the ukulele its signature bright sound or re-entrant tuning, i.e. the strings are not ordered from low to high.
A baritone ukulele is tuned like the highest four strings of a guitar: D-G-B-E.

Basic Chords

Start with some easy beginner chords, there’s lots of songs you can play with two or three chords:

C Major (C) – Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string
G Major (G) – Index on 2nd fret (C string), middle on 2nd fret (A string), ring on 3rd fret (E string)
F Major (F) – Index on 1st fret (E string), middle on 2nd fret (G string)
A Minor (Am) – Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string

Basic Strumming Patterns

Try strumming down with the back of nail of your index finger and gently up with your fingertip. A basic strum is D-U-D-U (Down-Up-Down-Up). Try different variations and get a feel for the rythym and the song you are playing. D-D-U-U-D-U (Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up) is a popular pattern. When you are starting out, try to count in your head and play down strums on 1,2,3,4, for the upstrums play these in between 1 and 2 and 3 and 4…

Keep your wrist relaxed and strum with your fingertips.

Playing Tips

Hold the ukulele close to your body for better control.
Strum over the area where the neck meets the body for the brightest tone.
Practice transitioning between chords smoothly, try different patterns of chord sequences to build up your muscle memory so it becomes easier to transition from one chord to the next.

Play the songs you like

It might sound obvious but look up a song you like, find the chords for free online from sites such as ultimateguitar.com and give it a try. If you can only play C,F and Am to begin with find a few songs with those chords and get good at them, with time you’ll pick up those extra ones. TAs you learn more chords, this opens up a whole number of new songs. There’s still some great one and two chord songs, just get a rhythm going and enjoy it. Uke can do it!

Join our Ukulele Club

The ukulele is a fun instrument, it doesn’t really take itself seriously and nor do we! Send us an email and join us for a strum in our Roundhouse or around our firecircle if it’s nippy.

Suggested donation £5
Voluntary Donations towards MOP accepted

For more info and Sign up:
https://tinyurl.com/MOPUkuleleStrum

All stringed instruments welcome and all ability levels (children must be accompanied by an adult).

Ukulele club – Sign up

Join Our Ukulele Group Whatsapp

Learn a few chords, some strum patterns and play a few songs. Songbooks and Ukuleles available to try or bring your own and “Strum what ya brung”. A selection of shakers and foot percussion also available to try!