Hot Ukulele How-Tos


How To: Play Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" on the ukulele
Want to play "You Raise Me Up" 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 popular song on your own uke,...

How To: Play "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues on the ukulele
Want to play "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues 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 "Nights i...

How To: Use chord families when playing the ukulele
If you want to get really good at playing the ukulele, it stands to reason that you'll need to practice. Happily, the Internet is awash in high-quality video lessons like this one from the folks at Ukulele Underground. For more information, including a step-by-step overview, watch this free video ukulele tutorial.

How To: Play the "On Top of Spaghetti" song on the ukulele
Want to play "On Top of Spaghetti (All Covered with Cheese)" 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 repertor...

How To: Play "Europa" by Carlos Santana on ukulele
In this how-to video, you will learn how to play the Carlos Santana song "Europa" on a ukulele. You will need a tuned ukulele and knowledge of basic chord shapes. The chord progression consists of the chords Gm, C7, F, Am, and Dm. End the previous progression with the chords Gm, A7, Dm, A7, Dm. Repeat these progressions in succession. These two progression make up the majority of the song. If another person is playing the chord progressions, you can do improvised soloing over the entire song....

How To: Play "C-A-T, Popoki Spells Cat" 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 "C-A-T, Popoki Spells Cat," an old Hawaiian song in the key of A. The chord progression in this song is A B7 A E7 A B7 E7 A. Once you get a hang of this beginner song you can impress your friends with this rendition of "C-A-T, P...

How To: Play "Little Grass Shack" in the key of G on the uke
Check out this beginner ukulele lesson of "Little Grass Shack" in the key of G.

How To: Play Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" on the ukulele
Want to play Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" 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 popular American s...

How To: Play "Take Me Home, Country Roads" on ukulele
Want to play John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" 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 John Denver's signature so...

How To: Play "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones on the ukulele
Want to play "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones 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 "Paint It Bla...

How To: Strum a rumba rhythm 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 a rumba rhythm on the ukulele. First you will learn the technique for a slap, then the rumba pattern. The slap should sound for the same duration of each strum on the ukelele. Once you get a hang of this technique you will be ab...

How To: Play "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai" on the ukulele
Learn the solo version of this magnificent song for your uke. You just need to be willing, and ready, and of course own a ukulele.

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: 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 "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: Do the shake on the uke
This is a tutorial on how to do the shake for the banjo uke using Formby's rhythm. You use your index finger to go over all of the strings--the shake is all a matter of timing.

How To: Play "Hey Soul Sister" by Train on baritone ukulele
Want to play "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train 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 "Hey, Soul Sister" on your own baritone uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.

How To: Play "Pennies from Heaven" on the ukulele
Want to play "Pennies from Heaven" by Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston 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 pl...

How To: Use a capo with your ukulele
Whether you play guitar or ukulele, or whatever instrument that actually uses a capo, being able to successfully use a capo is important for creating new sounds and new forms of amber for your chords. In this video you will learn how to use a capo to change the notes of the open strings to create new chords more easily up and down the neck.

How To: Play the song "Santeria" by Sublime on the ukelele
We love songs played on the ukelele because the instrument always makes the tunes sound lighter, brighter, and makes us feel like we're lounging around a beach in Maui with a margarita in hand. If you're a ukelele player looking for a fun new song to try, check out this ukelele tutorial for playing "Santeria" by Sublime.

How To: Tap when playing the ukulele
In this clip, you'll learn how to incorporate a tapping technique into your ukulele playing. If you want to get really good at playing the ukulele, it stands to reason that you'll need to practice. Happily, the Internet is awash in high-quality video lessons like this one from the folks at Ukulele Underground. For more information, including a step-by-step overview, watch this free video ukulele tutorial.

How To: Play "On Moonlight Bay" on the ukulele
Want to play "Moonlight Bay" 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 information...

How To: Play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on the ukulele
Want to play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" 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 mor...

How To: Play "A Whale of a Tale" on the ukulele
Want to play "A Whale of a Tale" from Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea 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 start...

How To: Play the "Mele Kalikamaka" Christmas song on ukulele
Want to play "Mele Kalikamaka" (or "Pooka Shells") Hawaiian Christmas carol 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 this tropical X-mas carol on your own ukulele, take a look!

How To: Play "The Unicorn Song" by the Irish Rovers on ukulele
Want to play "The Unicorn Song" by the Irish Rovers? 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 info...

How To: Play the Super Mario Bros "Starman" theme on ukelele
Want to play the "Starman" theme from Nintendo's Super Mario Bros? 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 this classic video game instrumental on your own ukulele, take a look!

How To: Play "Me and Bobby McGee" on the ukulele
Want to play Kris Kristofferson & Fred Foster's "Me and Bobby McGee" 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 pla...

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 "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" on the ukulele
Want to play "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" 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 traditional Afri...

How To: Tune an eight string ukulele
In this video, a man with an 8 string ukulele teaches you how to tune such a musical instrument, which is similar to tuning 4 strings of a guitar.

How To: Play Beirut's "Elephant Gun" on ukulele
This video tutorial demonstrates the ukulele strum to Beirut's "Elephant Gun." The strumming pattern is as follows: Up, Up, Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up, Down. When you strum, use your finger as opposed to your thumbnail and pluck just the C and G strings (or in this case C# and G#). And that's it. For a complete video walkthrough, watch this helpful ukulele lesson.

How To: Play a Spanish piece 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 Spanish piece on the ukulele. Once you get a hang of this beginner song you can impress your friends with this easy Spanish song on your uke.

How To: Hold and tune your ukelele
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 tune and hold your ukulele. Once you get a hang of this technique you will be able to play some easy songs on the uke.

How To: Play clawhammer style on the ukulele
Play clawhammer style on the ukulele. Clawhammer style is used for banjos but you can apply it to the ukulele for a great sound.

How To: Instantly transpose on the ukulele
This is a useful tutorial for handling transposition and key changes. It works just as well on other stringed instruments like mandolin, tenor or plectrum banjo, whatever.

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!