How To: Play "The Penalty" by Beirut on the ukulele
Want to play Beirut's "The Penalty" on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulala. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing this indie folk song on your own u...
How To: Use Merle Travis-style picking on the ukulele
There's no getting around it: if you want to get good at playing the ukulele or any other instrument, you'll need to practice. Fortunately, the Internet is awash in free, high-quality uke lessons, like this one from YouTube's preeminent tropical tutor, Ukulele Mike. This particular tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of how to use Merle Travis picking on the ukulele. For more information, and to get started Travis pickin' your own uke, watch this helpful how-to.
How To: Play "Somewhere over the Rainbow" on the ukulele
The ukulele is a beautiful and unique stringed instrument that is perfect for the traveling musician because it is so portable and relatively inexpensive. The ukelele is a version of a small guitar that originated in Hawaii. In this tutorial you will learn how to play "Somewhere over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" like Iz. Once you get a hang of this beginner song you can impress your friends with this rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" on your uke.
How To: Play "Kauoha Mai The Keyhole Hula" on the ukulele
The ukulele is a beautiful and unique stringed instrument that is perfect for the traveling musician because it is so portable and relatively inexpensive. The ukelele is a version of a small guitar that originated in Hawaii. In this tutorial you will learn how to play "Kauoha Mai The Keyhole Hula" by Martin Pahinui. The chord progression in this song is E7 A7 D E7 A7 D for the intro and D D7 G D E7 A7 D E7 A7 D for the verse. Once you get a hang of this song you can impress your friends with ...
How To: Play Johnny Rivers' "Secret Agent Man" on the ukulele
Want to play "Secret Agent Man" by Steve Barri & P.F. Sloan on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing this ...
How To: Play "Love Story" by Taylor Swift on ukulele
If you want to play 'Love Story' by Taylor Swift on ukulele you should first start with making sure you have your ukulele standard tuned to G, C, E and A top to bottom. You will use the chords C, G, Am and F. These are the chords that are use basically through the entire song. Only at the end is a Bm chord thrown into the song. The strumming patter is Down Down Up, Up Down Up. Play this for each of the chords. You can also pick within the chords if you like this. This is the intro. For the ve...
How To: Convert a Epiphone Mandobird into a ukulele
In this video tutorial, Rob Pelletier demonstrates how to convert an Epiphone MandoBird electric mandolin into a ukulele. He calls it the "Epiphone Cukubird." For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to get started modding your own electric mandolin into an übercool custom ukulele, watch this home modding how-to.
How To: Play "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder on the ukulele
Want to play "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing "Sir Duke" on your own uke, watch this vid...
How To: Play 'I'm Yours' by Jason Mraz on Baritone Ukulele
Want to play "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz on baritone ukulele? Learn how with these video tabs, which present a complete breakdown of the song's component sections, chords, and strumming and picking patterns. For all of the details, and to get started playing "I'm Yours" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.
How To: Play "Swinging on a Star" on the ukulele
Want to play "Swinging on a Star" on your ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more inform...
How To: Play "When You Wish Upon a Star" on the ukulele
Want to play "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Walt Disney's Pinocchio on your ukulele? See how it's done with this free video ukulele lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the ukulele, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "When You Wish Upon a Star" on your own ukulele, take a look!
How To: Play "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson on the ukulele
If you're an advanced ukulele player who's played what seems like every song out there, then get ready for a challenge like none your dexterous fingers have ever faced.
How To: Play "Break Even" by The Script on the ukulele
Indie band The Script went from fledging, unknown band to Billboard 100 and massive concert sellouts after releasing their first big hit, "Break Even." A bittersweet message paired with strong guitar riffs and vocal stylization, "Break Even" captured the hearts of teenage girls everywhere.
How To: Play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on ukelele
The ukelele is a great little instrument that is easy to learn, sounds good, and is portable. How much better could it be? They work especially well for covering pop songs, since they're very simple and catchy, which is the essence of the ukelele. This video will teach you how to play the hit song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on ukelele.
How To: Play Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" on ukulele
Want to play Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing this classic roc...
How To: Play the Super Mario Bros "Game Over" theme on ukelele
Want to play the "Game Over" and "Lost Life" themes from Nintendo's Super Mario Brothers? See how it's done with this free video ukulele lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this video game song on your own ukulele, watch this video t...
How To: Play a Bo Diddley beat on the ukulele
This how to video shows you how to play the Bo Diddley beat on a ukulele. You will need a tuned ukulele and basic knowledge of chords to do this. First, form a D chord. That is, place your fingers so that the first string first fret, second string first fret, third string second fret, and fourth string third fret are pressed. Use your right hand go up and down. Do not place your fingers all the way on to the fret. Only press down at the right times to create the beat. You will be making muted...
How To: Play "Is This Love" by Bob Marley on ukulele
The song, This Love by Bob Marley, is played in G minor. The first verse is played in single beat strumming in Gm, Cm, and Dm. He takes you through this pattern of chords five times. Then on to the chorus, two chords are played: Dm and Cm also in single strums. The breakdown is broke into four different frets down the neck. The 13th fret is held and demonstrated a few times, Then it starts in a double strum. The breakdown is reversed going up the neck of the ukulele. Further assistance is off...
How To: Play Triplet Strums (Rasgueado) at Song Endings on a Ukulele
This article is about how to play triplet strums like Spanish tocaores (guitar players) on a ukulele. This technique is commonly used among flamenco guitar players, and it is portable to the ukulele. This technique is also portable to all kinds of music, and it's a nice way to end a song with some kind of drumming fireworks.
How To: Strum the Chords to "Over the Rainbow" Like Israel Kamakawiwo`ole (IZ)
In this tutorial I give some basic instructions on how to plug and strum the chords to the song "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" as it is played by Israel Kamakawiwo`ole (Bruddah IZ). Basic chords are introduced with the strum pattern as used by the artist, followed by a progressive demonstration on how to do the strumming to get the rhythm. The strumming pattern is demonstrated for low-G strung ukulele as well as for standard tuned ukulele (re-entrant, high-G).
News: Va Va Voom! 22-Year-Old Electric Uke Virtuoso Is... Electrifying
In a word... WOW. 22-year-old Taimane Gardner, a Honolulu native, stuns the audience with her electric uke rendition of Bach's Toccata. Forget the fact that Taimane's skill level is incredible... her stage presence is insane! Taimane has been performing and winning ukulele contests since the age of five. Says Taimane: “I remember the day I got it. It was lying on the table and the first thing that popped into my head was ‘rock star’. I picked it up and played in front of the mirror until I br...
How To: Get jazzy with your ukulele in this intro jazz lesson
In this clear how-to video, ukulele master Glen Rose introduces the viewer to a series a jazz chords and then shows how to put them altogether to play a jazzy little number. Get strumming people, your uke awaits new music.
How To: Play a 'Silent Night' ukulele solo as arranged by Michael Lynch
Come on! Ukuleles are NOT just for Hawaiian music! Bust out your uke, put on your Santa cap and get those carols rolling. This tutorial by Michael Lynch shows you how to play a sweet solo for Silent Night on your trusty ukulele. From aloha to aloho ho ho!
How To: Play "Holly Jolly Christmas" on ukelele
Learn to play "Holly Jolly Christmas" on ukelele this holiday season. "Ukelele" Mike Lynch shows you how on this informative video, which includes chords, lyrics, strumming pattern and technical details on the instrument used to play this song.
How To: Play "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire (The Christmas Song)" on the Ukulele
"The Christmas Song" is the Christmas song of all songs, but many know this holiday favorite under a different name— "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire". It may not be as old as other Christmastime favorites, like "Jingle Bells" or "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", but thanks to Mel Tormé and Bob Wells, it's now a quintessential Xmas song, even for ukulele players.
How To: Play "(It Must Have Been Ol') Santa Claus" on the ukulele
Learn how to play "(It Must Have Been Ol') Santa Claus on the uke with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing this popular Christmas st...
How To: Play "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" on the ukulele
Want to play "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" on your ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For m...
News: 14-Year-Old Kid Shreds on Ukulele With His Teeth
14-year-old Siuta Veaila is the champ of the world's first Ukequest (New Zealand's contest for teen ukulele talent). Siuta was trained by master ukulele player, Sione Aleki, who passed down his pearly white picking talents.
How To: Play "Home for the Holidays" on the ukulele
Learn how to play "I'll Be Home for Christmas" on the uke with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing this classic Christmas song on yo...
How To: Play "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" on the ukulele
Learn how to play "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" on the uke with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing this classic Christmas song on...
How To: Play "Rude Boy" by Rihanna on the ukulele
Want to play "Rude Boy" by Rihanna on soprano, concert or tenor ukulele? Learn how with this video tab, which presents a complete breakdown of the song's component sections, chords and strumming & picking patterns. For all of the details, and to get started playing "Rude Boy" on your own uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.
How To: Play "Let Me Love You" by Mario on the ukulele
Want to play "Let Me Love You" by Mario on soprano, concert or tenor ukulele? Learn how with this video tab, which presents a complete breakdown of the song's component sections, chords and strumming & picking patterns. For all of the details, and to get started playing "Let Me Love You" on your own uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.
How To: Play movable barre chords on the ukulele
In this ukulele lesson, learn how to play movable barre chord shapes on a soprano, concert or tenor ukulele. With the uke, as with any other instrument, if you want to improve, you'll need to practice. Fortunately, the Internet is awash with free, high-quality ukulele lessons like this one from Ukulele Mike Lynch. For more information, and to get started incorporating barre chords into your own ukulele playing, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Play a C major chromatic scale warm-up exercise on the ukulele
In this ukulele lesson, learn how to play a C major chromatic scale warm-up on a soprano, concert or tenor ukulele. With the uke, as with any other instrument, if you want to improve, you'll need to practice. Fortunately, the Internet is awash with free, high-quality ukulele lessons like this one from Ukulele Mike Lynch. For more information, and to get started warming up with this exercise yourself, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Finger chords when playing the ukulele
In this ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike Lynch, we learn how to finger chords without inadvertently muting strings. With the uke, as with any other instrument, if you want to improve, you'll need to practice. Fortunately, the Internet is awash with free, high-quality ukulele lessons like this one. For more information, and to get started playing ringier chords on your own uke, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Fingerpick when playing the ukulele
In this ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike Lynch, we learn how to incorporate fingerpicking into our playing. With the uke, as with any other instrument, if you want to improve, you'll need to practice. Fortunately, the Internet is awash with free, high-quality ukulele lessons like this one. For more information, and to get started fingerpicking on your own ukulele, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Play the intro to Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" on the ukulele
Want to play the introduction to "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley on a soprano, concert or tenor ukulele? Learn how with this video tab, which presents a complete breakdown of the song's component sections, chords and strumming & picking patterns. For all of the details, and to get started playing "Redemption Song" on your own uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.
How To: Play "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars on the ukulele
Want to play "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars on soprano, concert or tenor ukulele? Learn how with this video tab, which presents a complete breakdown of the song's component sections, chords and strumming & picking patterns. For all of the details, and to get started playing "The Lazy Song" on your own uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.
How To: Play "Billionaire" by Travis McCoy on baritone ukulele
Want to play "Billionaire" by Travis McCoy on baritone ukulele? Learn how with this video tab, which presents a complete breakdown of the song's component sections, chords and strumming & picking patterns. For all of the details, and to get started playing "Billionaire" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.
How To: Play "A Land Down Under" by Men at Work on baritone ukulele
Want to play "Land Down Under" by Men at Work on baritone ukulele? Learn how with this video tab, which presents a complete breakdown of the song's component sections, chords and strumming & picking patterns. For all of the details, and to get started playing "Land Down Under" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.