Hot Ukulele How-Tos

How To: Tune a ukulele using a digital tuner

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 Ukulele Underground. This particular tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of how to put a ukulele into standard (GCEA) tuning with a digital tuner. For more information, and to get started tuning up your own uke, watch this helpful how-to.

How To: Play a G7 shuffle strum pattern 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 play a G7 shuffle strum pattern. For more information, and to get started playing this shuffle strum pattern on your own ukelele, watch this helpful how...

How To: Play Paul McCartney's "Dance Tonight" on the ukulele

Want to play Paul McCartney's "Dance Tonight" on your 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 "Dance Tonight" by...

How To: Play "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley on baritone ukulele

Want to play "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley 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 Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" on your own uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "I Wish You Love (Que reste-t-il de nos amours?)" on the ukulele

Want to play "I Wish You Love (Que reste-t-il de nos amours)" by Charles Trenet on the ukulele? Learn how with this video tab from Glen Rose of Jazzy Ukulele, 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 "I Wish You Love" on your own uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Elephant Gun" by Beirut on the ukulele

Want to play Beirut's "Elephant Gun" 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 indie folk song on your...

How To: Use 3/4-time strum patterns when playing 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 play a number of useful three-quarter time strums. For more information, and to get started playing 3/4 strum patterns on your own uke, watch this helpf...

How To: Play "I Think I Need a New Heart" on ukulele

Want to play the Magnetic Fields' "I Think I Need a New Heart" on your 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 this popular indie ...

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 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).

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...

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.

How To: Play "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles on baritone ukulele

Want to play "Here Comes the Sun" by George Harrison of the Beatles 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 "Here Comes the Sun" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Airplanes" by B.o.B. on baritone ukulele

Want to play the introduction from "Airplanes" by B.o.B. 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 "Stairway to Heaven" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play the intro to "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin on baritone ukulele

Want to play the introduction from "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin 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 "Stairway to Heaven" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Come As You Are" by Nirvana on baritone ukulele

Want to play "Come as You Are" by Nirvana 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 "Come As You Are" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" on baritone ukulele

Want to play "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" by Pearl Jam 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 this Pearl Jam song on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5 on baritone ukulele

Want to play "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5 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 "She Will Be Loved" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Centerfold" by the J. Geils Band on baritone ukulele

Want to play "Centerfold" by the J. Geils Band 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 "Centerfold" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay on baritone ukulele

Want to play "Viva la Vida" by Cold Play 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 "Viva la Vida" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Beautiful" by James Blunt on baritone ukulele

Want to play "Beautiful" by James Blunt 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 "Beautiful" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day on baritone ukulele

Want to play "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day 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 "Good Riddance" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Rocky Raccoon" by the Beatles on the baritone ukulele

Want to play "Rocky Raccoon" by Paul McCartney of the Beatles 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 "Rocky Raccoon" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.