So you bought a Ukulele

This post is dedicated to fellow educator Summer Charlesworth who I met at a conference at Ravenswood School for Girls. Summer recently bought a Ukulele and wants to learn how to play it. An admirable cause I ever I heard one!

This post contains links to valuable resources and music that you must know if you play Ukulele.

So you bought a Ukulele

1. First of all don’t be befuddled into buying one of the myriad of ‘learn to play rock/blues/latin/folk/ethiopian/polka tunes on Ukulele’ books. Shop around, look for books that have actual notation not just words typed in large print. Better yet, look for complete ukulele methods that take you through reading rhythms, playing techniques and how to play more than just C, F & G on the instrument.

I use Mike Jackson’s UkenPlay Ukulele book when teaching four year old’s and up. It is great because they play fun tunes using C, F & G. But you will need more than that if you want to progress.

I therefore use this excellent series of books from James Hill, Ukulele in the Classroom. I cannot speak more highly of this method and it is the best resource out there for learning to play music on the Ukulele. It covers notation, chords, various styles and best of all continues through 3 books of progressing difficulty.

As a music teacher and instrumental tutor these are currently the best books. Print off the free resources, charts and songs and see for yourself.

Once you go through these you can move onto finger-style arrangements in the style of Jake Shimabukuro 🙂 He also has an instructional iPad method available here.




2. Start bookmarking Ukulele websites that provide free charts and lessons.
Here are some to get you started:

• Ukulele tabs for every song you can possibly think of (in one sitting)
• Melbay’s Ukulele Sessions Magazine
• Ukulele Hunt for chords, tabs, videos and more
• James Hill’s Uke Magazine, Ukulele Yes!

3. Find Ukulele inspiration as this is how you will improve in technique and musicality. Watch and imitate (better yet learn) such songs and upload covers of you performing them to YouTube. Here are some inspirational Uke’er’s:

• Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain – I own their DVD’s, music and am very upset they are not Australian. This group is amazing!
• Sophie Madeleine – a lovely singer/songwriter whose charts are on Ukulele Hunt. Her music is moving, imaginative and able to express so much on a Ukulele.
• Ukulele Video lessons with Jeffrey Thomas

Lastly and most importantly, join a group or get lessons from someone you know plays well. You will improve rapidly playing in a group or with regular lessons. Just remember it is fun, contagious and highly musical, owning – and playing – a Ukulele.












Cover courtesy of knowinspiration