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The humble ukulele has earned a reputation as being one of the easiest stringed instruments you can learn. This charming little instrument adds a nice touch to any performance, and can lighten up the mood in any setting. If you are planning to purchase your first ukulele, you should be aware of the various considerations to keep in mind.

There are dozens of ukulele variants to choose from, and picking the right one for your needs can be tricky. This guide will take you through the various steps in how to choose a ukulele.

Step 1: Choose a Size

Many people think of ukuleles as tiny acoustic guitars. This size contributes to their portability and nimble sound. However, this instrument also comes in many size variations. The four major ukulele sizes are:

  • Soprano
  • Concert
  • Tenor
  • Baritone

Soprano

The Soprano ukulele is the smallest ukulele variant. It is a mere 21” in length, but is also the most common ukulele size. In-fact, many consider the Soprano to be the standard ukulele size.

The Soprano’s small size usually means it is the most affordable ukulele variant. This type is well-suited for beginners who are interested in learning this instrument.

The Soprano typically has twelve frets, with most chords played using the first five ones. Its scale covers slightly less than two-octaves, which makes it suitable for playing most songs. Beginners should have no problem learning the basic chord shapes and positions on this ukulele.

Concert

The Concert ukulele is slightly larger than the Soprano. It has a length of approximately 23”, which puts its size in the middle of the Soprano and the larger Tenor ukuleles.

The Concert ukulele has more frets than the Tenor. However, its tone still resembles that of the Tenor, but with a larger sound and more depth.

People with large fingers who struggle to play the Soprano ukulele comfortably should consider purchasing a Concert ukulele. It features more space between frets, and is less likely to make your hand feel cramped while playing.

Tenor

The Tenor ukulele is even larger than the Concert ukulele. It measures around 26” in length, and features wide spaces between frets. Many professional musicians use Tenor ukuleles in live performances due to their larger scale. This enables them to play a wide range of songs comfortably while making full use of the instrument’s large dynamic range.

A Tenor ukulele isn’t generally recommended for beginners. However, it never hurts to get acquainted with this instrument, as you will likely need one if you intend to work your way up to a professional performer level.

Baritone

The Baritone ukulele is the largest instrument in our list. This ukulele has a length of approximately 29”. This puts it roughly halfway between the size of a Soprano ukulele and an acoustic guitar. It is also unique for its DGBE tuning, which is the same as the tuning on the bottom four strings of a guitar. This is in contrast to the standard GCEA tuning used on the other ukuleles in our list.

If you are interested in purchasing a ukulele for its bright and nimble tone, you may want to avoid getting a Baritone one. This variant has a darker and richer sound which works well for certain songs, but it doesn’t have the tonal qualities that most people associate with ukuleles.

Step 2: Select a Material

If you are familiar with acoustic guitars, you may already be aware that build material can have a significant impact on an instrument’s sound. This applies to ukuleles as well.

Like acoustic guitars, ukuleles are made from different types of wood. This “tonewood” impacts the instrument’s tone in different ways. Some of the most common ukulele tonewoods include:

  • Spruce
  • Cedar
  • Rosewood
  • Mahogany
  • Koa

Spruce

Spruce is an exotic tonewood that is commonly used in acoustic guitars. It is known for being both stiff and light. When used in a ukulele, Spruce helps accentuate the instrument’s high frequency sounds and also provides great mid-range.

Spruce tonewood ukuleles are well-suited for many different playing styles. This makes it a popular choice for many first-time ukulele players.

Cedar

Cedar is frequently used in ukulele soundboards. It is softer and less dense than Spruce, and is known for producing more bass and less pointed mids. Cedar soundboards are also believed to create richer and more complex overtones than Spruce ones.

Rosewood

Rosewood is commonly used for the sides and backs of acoustic stringed instruments. It is valued for its beautiful appearance and tonal qualities. Rosewood is known for its low-end sound and its warm tone resonance.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a popular tonewood used in many acoustic instruments. It is considered a hard wood as it is denser than both cedar and spruce. However, it is still less dense than other hard wood types such as rosewood.

Mahogany is known to produce a focused sound that accentuates low-mid and high-mid frequencies. Its overtones give the ukulele a distinct “woody” sound that many people enjoy hearing.

Koa

Koa is an exotic tonewood that is considered truly special. If you associate the ukulele with the state of Hawaii, then Koa is the tonewood for you. This wood-type originated in Hawaii and is frequently used in ukuleles built in the island state.

Koa is known for producing a warm and clear tone with pronounced mids. It features low overtones and excellent clarity, which makes it great for both performances and recording.

Laminated Wood

Many beginner ukuleles are made from laminated wood. This isn’t a specific wood type, but is actually a combination of many wood layers. This helps the instrument produce decent sounding tones while also being more durable than solid wood ukuleles.

Laminated wood ukuleles do not require much maintenance. They also do not need to be stored in special conditions to maintain their sound. This makes them a great choice for beginners who would like to focus on learning their new instrument before upgrading to a solid wood ukulele.

Step 3: Choose Strings

Strings play a crucial tone in determining your ukulele’s sound. The most common ukulele string materials are:

  • Nylon
  • Wound Nylon
  • Fluorocarbon

Nylon

Nylon is the most popular string type of ukuleles. They produce warm and mellow tones that many people enjoy hearing. Nylon strings are great for gentle strumming and playing chords. Most beginner players will be comfortable using these strings.

Wound Nylon

Wound Nylon strings have a nylon core that is surrounded by a polymer thread. This helps produce a richer sound compared to ordinary nylon.

Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon strings are similar to ordinary nylon strings. However, they are known to produce brighter sounds and work well with the standard ukulele tuning.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a ukulele. Beginner players should consider investing in an affordable Soprano ukulele when they are just starting off. They can then upgrade to larger ones with higher quality tonewoods as they work their way towards playing in more professional settings.

Your choice of ukulele will affect your playing style and motivation, so consider reviewing the above guide before heading over to the music store and purchasing your first one.

Did you know that the name ukulele came from the phrase ju-ke-lei-li? It’s from the Hawaiian language, which directly translates to “jumping flea.” This is strongly influenced by the instrument’s cheerful and vibrant sound.

The ukulele is one of the easiest instruments you could play since it only has four strings. That’s perhaps why a lot of people consider this as the gateway to their musical journey. However, that’s not to say that the ukulele is only for beginners.

Even professional musicians sometimes prefer this instrument because of how unique its sound is. You just wouldn’t get its distinct sound from other musical instruments.

If you wish to enjoy the benefits you could get from playing the ukulele, allow us to provide you with your first lesson.

Ukulele Anatomy

For anyone to fully grasp the marvels of the ukulele, they must first understand its different parts. This will help us better understand how this instrument works and how we can maximize its potentials.

A ukulele has numerous components, but all of them fall under four major parts.

Here’s a video that shows the anatomy of the uke:

Body

The hollow part of the ukulele that connects to the fretboard is called the body. This part is further divided into three major components.

First, we have the soundboard. This is the uppermost layer of wood that you’ll find on the face of the instrument. This component significantly affects the richness and quality of the ukulele’s sound.

The hole in the center of the soundboard allows the vibrations to resonate inside the ukulele. As such, soundboards made with higher quality materials, like mahogany, will produce a richer sound.

The other two parts of the body are called the side and the back. The main purpose of these two parts is to clamp with the soundboard and enclose the hollow space inside the ukulele.

This prevents the strings’ vibrations from escaping the instrument, which then amplifies the sound.

Bridge

You will also find the bridge of the ukulele on the body. However, it plays a very crucial role that we deemed it necessary to discuss it independently.

The bridge holds the four strings of the ukulele and elevates it a few centimeters above the fretboard. It receives tremendous tension from the strings, which is why it should be glued or attached firmly to the body.

There are two major types of ukulele bridges. The first one has holes on both ends of the bridge that allow you to pass the strings through and tie them in a knot, kind of like a classical guitar.

The second one uses a series of pins to press and hold the strings firmly to the bridge, preventing them from slipping.

Neck

The extended part of the ukulele that you will see connected to the body is called the neck. This part has two major components; the frets and the fingerboard.

Different types of ukuleles also have different neck lengths. Traditional ukuleles often have around 15 to 18 frets. However, other ukuleles can have 20 or more frets.

Head

You can find the head on the other side of the ukulele opposite the body. Depending on the type and model of the ukulele, the head can vary in shape in size. However, all of them have the same major components.

On the head, you will see a series of gears and pegs. These are called tuners, which is the primary component the holds the strings together with the bridge.

Rotating the pegs will increase the tension on the corresponding strings, allowing you to adjust and modify the ukulele’s tuning.

Types of Ukuleles

If you ever want to get your own ukulele, you need to determine what type suits your preferences. Generally, there are four major types of ukuleles.

We’ll discuss their differences below.

Soprano

The smallest ukulele you may find, and also the most common, is the soprano. The number of its frets can range from 12 to 15, and the length of the total average length of the instrument is around 21 inches, just a little less than two feet.

This type of ukulele is very popular because people of all ages can use it, considering its small size. Additionally, the soprano ukulele is also the most affordable ones in the market today.

Concert

While the concert ukulele has the same standard tuning as the soprano, the former is slightly bigger at 23 inches. Additionally, the number of frets ranges from 14 to 17 and produces a rounder sound because of its round frame.

It is priced slightly higher than the soprano, but the frets are a little further apart. This makes them a better option for people with big fingers.

Tenor

With a total length of 26 inches, the tenor is the third-largest type of ukulele with 15 to 19 frets. Some tenor ukuleles will have 20 or more frets. They still use the same standard G-C-E-A ukulele tuning.

However, a tenor ukulele produces fuller and heavier sounds compared to concerts and sopranos, given its size and shape. This makes them an ideal option for professional musicians or performers.

Baritone

The biggest and longest type of ukulele you will find is the baritone, sometimes just a few inches short of an average guitar. Baritones often have 19 to 21 frets and can reach a total length of 30 inches or more.

Additionally, baritones use a D-G-B-E tuning instead of the standard G-C-E-A. This tuning scale is the same as the last four strings of a guitar.

This is why people who transition from guitars to ukuleles often prefer baritones.

How to Tune a Ukulele

Did you know that generally, ukuleles can only maintain their optimal tune for 15 minutes? Higher quality ukuleles may keep the proper tuning for a day, but still, this means you need to retune them regularly.

There are various techniques to tune your guitar, and below are some of the easiest methods you could try.

Tuner

The simplest and most convenient way to tune your ukulele is by using a tuner. Some electric ukuleles already have a built-in tuner. Nonetheless, you can purchase a separate one and clip it to the instrument’s headstock.

Upon turning it on, simply pluck each string individually and rotate the corresponding pegs until the tuner indicates it’s on the proper tone. Make sure that you follow the G-C-E-A tuning for standard ukuleles and D-G-B-E for baritones.

App

Did you lose your tuner and don’t have the time or energy to look for it? Don’t worry. You can use your smartphone, too!

There are hundreds of tuning apps you can download through your phone’s app store. They aren’t always as accurate as a dedicated tuner, but they sure come in handy when your tuner is missing in action.

Piano or Guitar

For all the music enthusiasts out there who have piano keyboards or guitars in their room, you can tune your ukulele using these instruments.

Baritones are easier to tune since they have the same tuning scale as the bottom four strings of a guitar. On the other hand, standard ukuleles may use piano keyboards.

All you have to do is to locate the G-C-E-A notes on the keyboard. However, keep in mind that your ukulele is on a higher octave, so the G-note should be above the middle C of your keyboard.

Conclusion
It’s almost impossible to imagine a world without music. Thankfully, you can contribute to the world’s pool of amazing music by playing your own instrument.

One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to learn how to play the ukulele. Be sure to visit our page regularly for your next ukulele lessons!

When you’re starting out playing the ukulele, one of the first things you should learn is how to tune your ukulele. There are a few different ways to tune your ukulele, and each type of ukulele has a different tuning.

The most common tuning for the ukulele is G-C-E-A. It’s the most common tuning, which you’ll use for most songs. It is the same tuning as the soprano recorder, so the ukulele is often called a “mini-violin.” This tuning is also sometimes called C tuning.

Of course, there is always room for experimentation in music, and you may want to try out other tunings. Here are the various tunings for ukuleles.

D-Tuning

Years ago, the standard tuning for ukuleles was D-tuning (A-D-F#-B). This tuning is still used today, but it’s not as common as G-C-E-A.

This tuning is not used very much anymore and is just used as an alternative tuning nowadays. This tuning is exactly one step below the G-C-E-A tuning, and it’s often used to play blues, country music, and Hawaiian music.

D-A-D-F is another variation of D-tuning that you may see occasionally.

Low-G Tuning

Some ukulele manufacturers offer ukuleles with an extra string with a low-G string. It is the same as the G-C-E-A tuning, except that it’s one lower than what you’d expect. It takes the concept of standard C tuning. However, it drops the G an octave to low G from a high G.

The added low-G string makes playing bass lines on your ukulele (especially for beginners). It may be an option worth trying if you’re starting with the ukulele.

This tuning was created for ukuleles with thicker strings, specifically low G or low six strings. Low G-tuning is best used on Tenor size instruments, but Alto players can use thicker strings to achieve the same effect.

Here’s a video showing the low-g tuning we’re referring to:

Slide Tuning

Another tuning you may want to try is slide tuning. This tuning is the same as standard tuning, but the B string is tuned one whole step higher than it usually would be. Rather than the standard G-C-E-A, switch A to Bb (or A#), which gives you G-C-E-Bb tuning that is a C7.

This tuning is called “slide tuning” because it’s used to play slide guitar on the ukulele. This tuning is not very common at all, but you may want to experiment with it if you’ve already mastered the standard G-C-E-A tuning. It’s also used for playing blues, folk music, and Hawaiian music.

Slack-Key Tuning

Another tuning you may want to try is slack-key tuning. This tuning is the same as standard D-tuning, but the A string is tuned one whole step lower than it usually would be. Rather than the standard G-C-E-A, you take the A string and switch the tune down to G, which gives you G-C-E-G tuning.

This tuning is named “slack key” because it’s used for playing slack key guitar on the ukulele. This tuning is used for playing Hawaiian music and slack-key guitar on the ukulele. It’s not very common, but you may want to try it out if you’re already familiar with standard G-C-E-A tuning.

Open Tunings

Another type of tuning that you may want to try out is open tunings (also called alternative tunings). These are unique ukulele tunings, where the strings are tuned in intervals other than whole steps or half steps.

Open tunings can be a lot of fun to experiment with, and they can give your music a new sound. There are many different open tunings that you can try, but here are a few of the most common ones.

Types of Ukuleles and Their Tunings

Now that you know about the different tunings for ukuleles, you may want to try out some of them. Each type of ukulele has its unique tuning, so be sure to research which tuning is best for the kind of ukulele you have.

Baritone

Baritone ukuleles are typically tuned to D-G-B-E or non-reentrant. This tuning is the same as the standard guitar tuning. It is a very low tuning and allows you to play deeper bass notes. Many folk musicians use it.

Tuning your baritone ukulele to G-C-E-A is quite tricky. Back in the day, ukulele players need to experiment by using different strings to achieve the G-C-E-A tunings, causing harm to their instrument. Fortunately, particular strings are tailored to handle baritone ukulele and achieve G-C-E-A.

There are available baritone models that come with reentrant tuned strings. However, they’re a bit pricey, and they’re also hard to find in the market. Most baritone ukuleles are tuned to the standard D-G-B-E.

Soprano

The soprano ukulele is tuned G-C-E-A. It is the same tuning as the C tuning but has a higher pitch and sounds brighter. Alternative tunings for the soprano ukulele include A-D-F#-B, D-G-B-E, and F# – B – E – A.

These alternative tunings are reentrant tuning, which means that the strings are tuned so that they can be played together. It gives the ukulele a different sound, and it’s often used in folk and blues music.

To tune a soprano ukulele appropriately, you need a tuner. You can buy a chromatic tuner from almost any music store, and they’re very cheap. Tuning the ukulele by ear is an option, but it’s not recommended because it’s nearly impossible to tune your instrument by ear alone.

It would be best to start with the C note to tune it to the C string. Then match the A string with the E string, and so on. You have to adjust each string from low to high until you reach your desired tuning.

Concert

The concert ukulele is tuned A-D-F#-B, just like the soprano ukulele. However, the concert ukulele has a deeper sound than the soprano ukulele. It’s due to its more extended size and scale.

With standard A-D-F#-B tuning, the concert ukulele is still a bit high and can sound sharp at times. It can be pretty irritating to other musicians and your audience. To resolve this problem, you may want to tune down your instrument by a semitone (one fret) lower than standard tuning to D-G-B-E. It is called “D tuning,” and it’s a very common tuning for the concert ukulele.

Many professional concert ukulele players use this tuning to give the instrument a richer, deeper sound. You can also use other alternative tunings such as E-A-D-F# or B-E-A-D.

Tenor

The tenor ukulele is a step up from the concert ukulele in size and scale. It’s larger than the concert ukulele. The tenor ukulele has two G-C-E-A tunings, called low-G and high-G tuning.

The desired G-C-E-A tuning can be achieved with the use of thicker strings. However, many ukulele manufacturers don’t make tenor ukuleles with thicker strings because they’re harder to play.

Concert ukuleles are often used as substitutes for tenor ukuleles because they have the same tuning. You can also use the D tuning for the tenor ukulele, but it’s not as popular because it doesn’t offer a big sound change.
Conclusion
There are four different types of ukuleles: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Every kind of ukulele has a different tuning, and you need to use the appropriate string type and size of each kind of ukulele.

The most common tuning for the soprano ukulele is G-C-E-A. The concert ukulele is tuned A-D-F#-B, while the tenor ukulele is tuned G-C-E-A. The baritone ukulele uses D-G-B-E tuning.

Understanding the different types of ukuleles and how you can tune each kind of instrument differently will provide you with more knowledge about your favorite little instrument!

The ukulele is one of the best beginner instruments. It is inexpensive, a portable size, and just loads of fun!

Although it has Polynesian roots, with a strong tie to Hawaii, the ukulele has expanded beyond island tunes to encompass all genres of music. Popular artists like Jake Shimabukuro, Jason Mraz, and even Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder have brought the ukulele into a more popular music spotlight. It is no wonder it has become such a phenomenon in recent years.

If you are looking to purchase your first ukulele, you may not be aware that there are different types of ukuleles. Each one is a different size, makes a slightly different sound, and can be tuned differently. With each type of ukulele comes a slightly different experience and sound that will appeal to new and seasoned players differently.

what are the different types of ukuleles? The different types of ukulele are, in order of size, the soprano ukulele, the concert ukulele, the tenor ukulele, and the baritone ukulele. All types of ukulele can provide that tingy, island sound you desire, but each type will also provide a certain playing experience.

The Four Types of Ukuleles

Before digging into the four types of ukuleles, let’s go over some of the basic terminology used to describe ukuleles, their size, and their features. Some key terms to describe the features of a ukulele include:

  • Length. For the purpose of this article, length is meant to describe
  • Neck. The neck of the ukulele is the long, slender piece of wood or plastic where the left hand creates the finger shapes and chords.
  • Body. The body of the ukulele is the largest part of the instrument. This is where the strings are connected and the right hand strums when you play.
  • Head. The head of the ukulele is at the top of the neck on the opposite end from the body. This is where the tuning pegs are for the strings.
  • Frets. Frets are raised lines on the neck of the ukulele. They are markers to help make the chords and notes. Number of frets also provides the range the instrument can play. More frets on the neck means the ukulele will have a wider range of notes and tones available to the instrument.

The one feature that all ukuleles have in common is that they all have four strings. While these instruments may look like tiny guitars, the main difference isn’t the size, it is that ukuleles have four strings while guitars have six strings (or sometimes twelve strings).

For the vast majority of ukuleles you will encounter, the strings are made of nylon. Less common are strings made of fluorocarbon. Flourocarbon is similar to nylon, but has a brighter overall tone. The fluorocarbon strings have been known to last a bit longer as well. In more rare instances, metal strings can be used on a ukulele to produce a more tingy sound.

Soprano Ukulele

The soprano ukulele is the most common size of ukulele and is likely what you picture when you think about the ukulele. Often the soprano ukulele will be referred to as a “standard ukulele.” This stems from the soprano size being the original size of the instruments. Through the years, the instrument evolved to encompasses larger sizes with different tones to create variety.

It is the smallest size of ukulele and measures approximately 21 inches (52 cm) long. The neck of the soprano ukulele typically has between 14 and 17 frets.

Standard tuning for a soprano ukulele is GCEA. When tuning the strings of a soprano ukulele, the G string is the top string when you are holding the ukulele with the neck in the left hand. From the top strings, the strings going down are tuned to C, E, and A respectfully. Unlike the ukulele’s cousin the guitar, the tones do no go from lowest to highest in sequence on the standard tuning of the ukulele. In fact, the second C string is the lowest string on the ukulele.

Soprano ukulele can be a fantastic starting point for beginners, especially for youth. Children and teens can find the fun-sized instrument to be more well-suited to their smaller hands. Adults with smaller than average hands may find it more enjoyable to play a soprano ukulele than some of the larger counterparts as well — and definitely more comfortable than a standard guitar. Another bonus is that, generally, it is easier to find an affordable option in the soprano ukulele size than in some of the larger ukulele sizes.

Concert Ukulele

The next type of ukulele is the concert ukulele. The concert ukulele is slightly larger than the soprano ukulele. The average size of a concert ukulele measures in at approximately 23 inches (58 cm). The neck is about an inch longer than the soprano ukulele with an average of 14 to 17 frets. In some exceptions, a concert ukulele will have more fret on the neck.

The concert ukulele gets its name because of its larger size. The neck is approximately one inch larger on the concert ukulele than on the soprano. The body of the concert ukulele is also larger providing more space for sound to resonate. With more space for the vibrations, concert ukuleles can produce bigger sound that is well suited to performing, hence the “concert” name.

If you are looking to perform with a ukulele, particularly in a acoustic setting, the concert ukulele could be a better fit for you. Concerts are often preferable, as well, to players with larger hands that struggle with the daintier size of the soprano use. There is also a bit more of a range of notes and chords available with the addition frets in comparison with the soprano ukulele.

Tenor Ukulele

The next type of ukulele is the tenor ukulele. The tenor ukulele is bigger than both the concert and soprano styles of uke. Total length of a tenor ukulele is approximately 26 inches (66 cm) long with 17 to 19 frets on the neck.

The longer fret board and bigger body of the tenor ukulele provide the player a wider range for more advanced playing. For this reason, the tenor ukulele is popular for playing intricate solos, riffs, and licks more modeled after the style of a lead guitarist. Because of this, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro utilizes the tenor ukulele to perform the complex songs and covers. If you’re wanting to play a lot of guitar-style solos on the ukulele, or translate a lot of guitar heavy tunes to the uke, a tenor ukulele might be preferable for your goals.

The tenor ukulele is usually tuned to the standard ukulele tuning of GCEA, just like the soprano and concert ukuleles.

Here’s a video demonstrating the different types of ukuleles:

Baritone Ukulele

The last and largest type of ukulele in this series is the baritone ukulele. Average size of a baritone ukulele is approximately 30 inches (76 cm)long. Frets for a baritone ukulele range from 19 to 21 frets.

What sets the baritone ukulele apart from the other types of ukuleles, besides its larger size, is the tuning. Instead of the standard GCEA tuning, the baritone ukulele is tuned DGBE. The DGBE tuning is exactly the same as the highest four strings on the standard tuning of a guitar.

This different tuning can make finding resources and learning for beginning ukulele players difficult for the baritone ukulele. This is because many resources assume your ukulele is tuned to standard tuning. For example, lets say you look up the chords or tab for a popular song you would like to learn on the ukulele. Chances are the resources you find will assume your ukulele is in standard tuning when it provides the chords to that tune. If you try to play those chords on a baritone ukulele, you will quickly find it doesn’t match up to the original song because the tuning is so different.

However, if you are already a seasoned guitar player, you may find transitioning to a baritone ukulele a bit easier since the tuning is the same as the four highest-pitched strings on the guitar. Seasoned guitar players may also feel at home with the longer neck and bigger size of the baritone ukulele, even if it is much smaller than a traditional acoustic guitar.

 

Learning how to play ukulele chords and changing between them is perhaps one of the most exciting things. The reason for this is that every song you hear is composed of chords, and you’ll often hear the same ones played over and over. The most common of them is covered here.

So as you learn a handful of these you will be on your way to playing hundreds of songs and even thousands if you wanted to.

How do you play basic chords on the ukulele? You can play basic chords on the ukulele by using your fingers to hold down from one to four notes on the fretboard which make up a chord. There are different chords which are made up of different notes. Each chord will have a different positioning for your fingers on the fret board. The most common chords typically uses two to three fingers.

This article will help you learn how to play chords easily and the second half of this article goes over how to change between them! I’ve put together clear step by step instructions to help you. I hope to make your journey easier while you learn how to play them.

These basic chords I will show you in great detail really are the most popular and the most common. There are so many you can learn, but the reality is that there are a small amount of them that are most significant.

Read more

If you’re new to playing the ukulele, you have a lot to learn. Not only do you have to practice chords, scales, and strumming patterns, you have to learn about the many parts and components of ukuleles.

One of the most important ukulele components to worry about is the strings. Choosing the right strings is vital to the overall sound and playability of your instrument.

Need help picking the best ukulele strings for you? Read on! This guide has all of the information you need.

What Are the Strings on a Ukulele?

The vast majority of ukuleles utilize four strings. While there are exceptions to this, they are fairly rare. If you’re a beginner player, you’re almost undoubtedly going to be using a 4-string ukulele.

When these strings are strung to the instrument, they are typically strung with the thinnest string on top and the thinnest string on the bottom as well assuming a standard tuning of GCEA. So string 2 and 3 are thicker then 1 and 4. Strings do not reduce in thickness from the top down as a guitar would.

However, with low-G tuning, which is an alternative tuning with a thicker g-string, it would be thickest to thinnest from strings 4 down to 1.

While ukuleles can be tuned in a variety of different ways, they are generally tuned to standard tuning. In this tuning, the thinnest string is tuned to G, the next thickest string is tuned to C, the next thickest string is tuned to E, and the thinnest string is tuned to A.

Ukulele String Materials

Ukulele strings can be made out of a number of different materials, all of which come with their very own benefits and drawbacks. Below, we’re going to review the most popular materials used for uke strings.

Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon strings are durable, low-maintenance, and of very high quality. These strings stretch very little over time, allowing them to stay in tune regardless of the environment which surrounds them.

Relatively inexpensive, they are a suitable option for beginner ukulele players. Possessing a brighter, punchier tone than most other types of strings, they are on the louder side.

Nylon

Nylon strings are the most commonly used type of uke strings on the market. This is so for two reasons: 1, most ukuleles are initially strung with nylon strings, and 2, nylon strings are extremely affordable.

Because nylon strings differ so much from brand to brand, it’s difficult to give their sound an overall classification. However, most would describe nylon strings as having a “warm” tone.

One of the problems with nylon strings is that they tend to stretch out over time. This can make them difficult to keep in tune. However, if you’re a beginner who’s just starting to learn the instrument, they are an excellent choice.

Wound Nylon

Wound nylon strings possess a nylon base. This base is wrapped in a synthetic polymer which helps to bring a bass-like low end to the sound of the ukulele.

In most cases, you’ll find that wound nylon strings are only used for the two thickest strings in a set of strings. Most typically, they are used for baritone and tenor ukuleles.

One of the problems you’ll find with these types of strings is that they can create a bit of a scraping sound as you move your fingers up and down them. For some players, this scraping sound is a nuisance which must be avoided. For other players, however, it’s welcomed with open arms.

Wound nylon strings have a warm and full tone that comes across as downright pleasant. As a beginner, there’s no reason to stray away from wound nylon.

Titanium

If you’re looking to make your ukulele as loud as possible, you should opt for titanium strings. These strings are more like guitar strings and are capable of projecting all the way across a room.

Durable and low-maintenance, they pack a bright punch. In this sense, they are very similar to fluorocarbon strings.

Wound Metal

Wound metal strings are similar to wound nylon strings in that they produce a full, bass-like sound. However, whereas wound nylon strings have a warm tone, wound metal strings have a punchy tone.

Again, because they’re wound, they can make a bit of a scraping noise as you run your finger across them. However, if this is not a distraction for you, there’s no reason not to give them a go.

Steel

On occasion, you’ll see a ukulele-based instrument strung with steel strings. Generally, this is when that instrument is a hybrid with a guitar, banjo, or other stringed instruments.

If you have a standard ukulele, you should not use steel strings. Steel strings will put too much tension on your ukulele, slowly damaging its neck as well as its bridge.

Choosing the Right Length

These ukuleles come in a wide range of sizes and thus require strings of varying lengths. Below, we’re going to discuss string lengths for the most common ones.

Soprano Ukulele

The smallest of all ukuleles, soprano ukuleles have a scale length of 13 inches. The scale is the distance from the bridge of the uke to the nut of the uke. The overall length of soprano ukuleles is 21 inches.

Concert Ukulele

Concert ukuleles are just a bit bigger than soprano ukuleles, measuring in at 15 inches in scale, and at 23 inches in total. When buying a package of strings, keep your eyes open for these lengths.

If they’re not present on the package, the package should specify directly that the strings are compatible with concert ukuleles.

Tenor Ukulele

Tenor ukuleles measure in at 17 inches in scale, and at 26 inches in total length. Again, the packaging of the strings you’re perusing should have these lengths indicated on it.

Baritone Ukulele

The biggest of all ukuleles are baritone ukuleles. These measure in at 19 inches in scale, and at 30 inches in total length. There are all types of strings available for baritone ukes, from titanium to nylon and more.

Popular Ukulele Strings Manufacturers

There is an essentially endless list of companies that manufacture ukulele strings. While any company is capable of releasing a high-quality string, there are a few specific companies that have proven their ability to distribute quality strings over a long period of time. It’s advised that you purchase strings from one of these companies.

They are as follows:

D’Addario

D’Addario is one of the absolute top names in the world of stringed instruments. They make everything from guitar strings, to bass strings, to banjo strings, to mandolin strings, and much, much more. They, of course, also make ukulele strings.

You can find uke strings of all kinds from D’Addario. Not only do they manufacture nylon strings, but fluorocarbon, and titanium strings as well.

The fact of the matter is that you can’t go wrong with D’Addario strings. They provide top-notch sound at a fair price.

Martin

While Martin primarily makes its living in the world of guitars, it has, quite successfully, tried its hand in the world of ukuleles. The company makes strings for all ukuleles, all of which are made out of high-quality fluorocarbon.

Whether you have a soprano, baritone, concert, or tenor ukulele, Martin uke strings will serve you well. All of their strings are available for a very reasonable price.

Aquila USA

Aquila USA is widely seen as one of the most prestigious string manufacturers in the country. This company uses a special type of nylon to create their strings; a nylon known as nylgut. It is meant to mimic the sound and feel of traditional animal-based ukulele strings.

These strings are affordably priced and are manufactured to fit with all types. Regardless of the uke you play, Aquila will accommodate you.

Aquila strings is among the highest quality strings you can get for your uke. The good news is that there are many ukulele’s that already come with them and if they didn’t come with them you can always upgrade.

Cheaper ukuleles that are mostly under $50 don’t come with them such as the color Dolpin Makalas. They come with stock nylon strings. Which is why I recommend starting with a Kala 15S at a minimum.

La Bella

One of the oldest surviving musical string manufacturers in the world, La Bella creates absolutely top-notch ukulele strings. This Italian company has been in business since the 1640s and has demonstrated an incredible competency for impeccable quality.

This company makes strings for ukes of all sizes. So, whether you play a soprano, a concert, a tenor, or a baritone, it will have you covered.

How Often Should You Restring Your Ukulele?

There is no hard and fast rule for how often you should restring your ukulele. It depends, in large part, on how much you play your ukulele. The more you play your instrument, the quicker its sound quality will diminish.

If you’re playing for hours every day, you would be best served by changing your strings every few weeks. If you only play your instrument sporadically, you can usually get by with changing them every few months.

If you break a single string, it’s usually wise to replace your entire array of strings. There’s no point in throwing on a fresh string with a group of worn-out strings.

Looking for More Information on Ukuleles?

Did this article help you to find the appropriate ukulele strings? Are you looking for more information on the instrument?

If so, you can find it right here at EasyUkuleleSongs.com. We have information on just about anything a beginner ukulele player could ever need. Chords, tabs, tuning tips and buyer’s guides all exist on our website.

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Ever wanted to learn how to play ukulele? You’ve come to the right place.

The Ukulele is an excellent instrument to learn at any age. Lightweight and portable, it is the perfect addition to a summer night campfire circle or a terrific way to transition into playing the guitar.

People are drawn to the Ukulele for various reasons, from the wallet-friendly cost of buying a Uke compared to other instruments, to the fun, playful sound it produces. In this article, we will share our easy-to-follow guide on all things basic ukulele. Before you know it, you’ll be strumming to your heart’s content.

There are many different ukes to choose from, such as the baritone ukulele, the soprano ukulele, and even the banjo ukulele. However, before we get into choosing the right ukulele so that you can perform your first ukulele song, it seems fitting to explain where the ukulele originated.

The Ukulele originated in Hawaii during the 19th century when Portuguese immigrants brought a tiny guitar-like string instrument, similar to a banjo, to the island. Entertained by this new sound, the Hawaiians created their own variation of this instrument and called it the Ukulele. Depending on who you ask, ukulele means “jumping flea”, (perhaps in reference to the movement of the player’s fingers as they play) or “the gift that came here” – uku (gift or reward) and lele (to come).

The ukulele’s warm, jaunty sound is definitely something worth learning to play. Ukelelists remind us of our time on the beach, toes in the warm sand, and cool ocean breeze in our hair. Sometimes, they serenade us with sweetly romantic melodies that warm our souls.

How To Play Ukulele

Whatever the tune, the ukulele brings with it light and airy sounds that are unique and unparalleled. As with learning any musical instrument, it’s hard to know where to start. This guide will break it down into 5 easy steps to help you learn to play the ukulele faster.

Step 1: Buy the Right Ukulele

It is important to research the ukulele you want and, if possible, go and try it out in the store before you make a purchase. A good ukulele will bring you joy for decades, so best to choose one that is best suited to your needs in order to get the most out of it!

There are four main sizes of ukuleles: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The soprano, at 20 inches (51cm), is the most traditional and most common size. In terms of its look and sound, this is the size that most people associate a ukulele with. The concert is a size up from the soprano at 23 inches (58cm). Although slightly louder, it still has the classic ukulele sound and is somewhat easier to handle due to its longer neck and spacing between frets. As of late, the tenor – 26 inches (66cm) – has become increasingly popular. This size deviates ever so slightly from the classic sound with a hint of a classic guitar. This is the most popular size amongst professional and well-known ukulele players. The baritone ukulele is the least popular option. At 30 inches (76cm), it has the deepest tone and more closely resembles a classic guitar in terms of tuning, sound, shape, and size.

The materials used to make your ukulele will also affect its quality and sound. Koa comes from Hawaii and, therefore, is used to make Hawaiian-made ukuleles. Its grain is esthetically beautiful and gives off a warm sound. Most high-end ukuleles are made from Koa. Mahogany is typically used for mid-range ukuleles (although it has been used for expensive ones as well) and creates a softer sound. Spruce is also a common wood-type and typically used for lower-end ukuleles. When it comes to laminated versus solid wood, the latter, although more expensive, is always the best option in terms of quality and sound.

If you are serious about learning the ukulele, skip the cheap starter sets ($20-$30). Anything lower than $50 will not be of great quality and cheaply made ukuleles tend to fall out of tune very quickly. There are many good ukuleles and starter sets anywhere from $50-$100.

Step 2: Learn How to Hold It

Much like a guitar, how you hold your instrument has a significant impact on how you play. When you learn ukulele, you don’t want to be stiff or feel awkward with your uke in your hands. You also want to make sure that you don’t hold your ukulele too tightly, as the sounds have to vibrate through the body. If you grip it too hard, those vibrations will be restricted, and the tone will be different.

With your left hand, let your thumb rest against the back of the neck of the ukulele. Then keep the instrument close to your chest or stomach, whichever feels most natural. Many beginners find it easiest to play sitting down at first, so they can rest the body of the ukulele on their thigh as they play. When standing up, you have to focus on securing the ukulele against your body while also strumming chords and melodies. Try getting comfortable in the sitting position before moving onto standing while playing. Learning ukulele is much easier when you are relaxed and content.

Learning to hold your ukulele properly from day one will save you from awkwardly having to fidget and reposition yourself later when you’re ready to bring your musical talents out into the world. Learn to hold your ukulele both while seated and while standing (so you can pick up and play any place, any time).

While seated, try resting the base of your ukulele on one of your legs with your strumming arm on top, allowing the neck of the ukulele to move around easily and freely while you play.

When standing up, use your strumming arm to hold the ukulele against your chest. Pro tip: don’t hold your ukulele too tightly – the sound needs to be able to vibrate through the body of the instrument. Sure, you could always buy a shoulder strap, but you don’t really need one and you’ll look way cooler without one!

Step 3: How to tune a ukulele

If you do not tune your ukulele, you will not produce the pleasant, harmonious sound you are looking for. This can be particularly irritating when you are trying to play a specific song and it just doesn’t sound right. One of the most common ways to tune a ukulele is to use an electric tuner. You can find these at most music stores. You can also use an online uke tuner by visiting websites like www.ukutuner.com. These sites use the microphone in your computer to help you tune your ukulele. A great option if you don’t want to invest in a physical tuner or remember to constantly keep it with you. Lastly, you can manually tune your ukulele on your own. This requires a trained ear and some patience. There are some extremely helpful videos on YouTube that teach manual tuning. If you’re looking for one, we recommend checking out this video. These are valuable resources when learning how to play ukulele.

Step 3: Learn the Basics First

Don’t go crazy trying to learn full songs or complex music theory right off the bat! Learning the basics first will make it so much easier and faster to pick up new songs later on. Start by learning the basic chords, major and minor chords first with the aid of a chord chart, and then move on from there. Online charts are great resources when trying to learn chords. Chord charts will help visually with finger placement. Start slowly – it is far more important to play properly than quickly. As you begin to pick up on the basics, you will get faster, I promise.

Many people go straight to trying to learn their favorite songs. And while this is tempting, it will better serve you in the long run to be familiar with your chords. One you have these fundamentals down, you will be able to figure out any song you love, rather than being limited to one or two that you know well. The most common chords are A, C, D, E, F and G. These are the ones you will want to learn first to build a solid foundation. If you struggle with the E chord, don’t fret (pun intended!). Many people find this chord difficult as you have to stretch your fingers quite far and the position is a little tedious at first. But as you learn, this chord will eventually become second nature. It is a popular chord in many songs, so you’ll get lots of practice as you progress.

Once you have gotten the hang of the basics, try looking up some song tabs online and learning how to put some chords together. Again, play slowly and really focus on each chord and proper technique.

PRO TIP: Make it a habit to tune your ukulele every time you pick it up so you’re consistently learning the right sounds of the notes you’re playing. There are online guides to tuning that can help with this or buy an electronic tuner from your local music store.

Once you have your major chords down to a science, it’s time to move on to minor chords. These chords are known as the “emotional” chords, as their tones are less joyful and exciting. They produce a sound that is much more pensive or moody. A minor, D minor and E minor are the most common of the minor chords. For a visual representation of these chords that you can refer to, we recommend checking out this article. It provides straightforward photos you can use to determine where to place your fingers. When you have mastered your minor chords, you can move on to seventh chords.

Step 4: Practice Strumming

Strumming is the part most people want to dive into! After all, there’s nothing like strumming away on a ukulele or another stringed instrument. It’s the thing you notice most when you watch other musicians play, and there’s a reason for that! You can strum gently or aggressively, quickly or slowly, and how you do so evokes a different emotion in the people who are listening. So, in order to start strumming, you will want to find a song that you are familiar with. Then, you’ll want to identify the strumming patterns. Basically, this is the rhythm of the strokes as you strum your chords. As a beginner, you’ll likely start by strumming in a downward direction. This is perfectly okay, but you will notice with time that you aren’t able to get the correct pace of a song by strumming in one direction only. Adding upward strokes gives a song a more dynamic and interesting rhythm. Most ukulele players play upward strokes by dragging the nail of their thumb in an upward direction over the strings. However, if you feel you need a pick, that works too!

Proper technique from day one is always important – trying to relearn it later on or correcting bad habits is hard. In the beginning, you’ll likely stick to the basic strum (up and down), but after awhile you might want to try some more advanced techniques such as slapping or palm muting to really give some depth and variety of sound to your music. Strumming guides online will help to teach different techniques – try some out, practice them and really get a feel for how each one changes the sound of your ukulele. This is just as important as learning your chords (if not more) since song tabs posted online will not have strumming patterns to accompany them (for copyright reasons). Getting a ‘feel’ for the rhythm of your music will help you overcome this hurdle and really bring those song tabs to life.You may even want to try using a metronome when learning new songs or strumming patterns – this will help establish and maintain rhythm as you learn to play.

PRO TIP: Fingering exercises are like strength training for your digits and will not only improve your physical playing ability, but it will also help you to develop calluses so you can play for longer without any pain! It only takes about 10-15 minutes a day and your fingertips will thank you!

Step 5: Watch and Play With Others to Strengthen Your Skills

Get out into the world and collaborate with other ukulele players! Not only is this super fun, sharing tips and techniques with one another will totally expand your knowledge and skill. As a beginner, there is always something you can learn from a more experienced ukulele player. If you have trouble finding fellow ukulele players out in the real world, the Internet is always a great place to turn. Watch YouTube videos and try to play along, while really focusing on the rhythm and tempo. This will help sharpen your skills and really bring you into the next level of play.

Take it a step further

The final brick in laying your basic ukulele foundation is learning to read a song, so that you can then learn to play it. The most common way to do this is to read tablature. For ukulele, a tab consists of four lines that represent your strings, and numbers that represent your frets. Remember that tabs are always read from left to right, and that when you see chords, there will be numbers directly under one another on different lines (strings). For a more detailed breakdown of tablature, visit this useful guide. It is an excellent way to learn ukulele chords.

With these ABCs covered, you are well on your way to becoming a seasoned uke player. Of course, there is always more to learn. But these essentials will stay with you for as long as you continue to play. Countless Ukulele and instrument players never master the underlying elements of playing. By understanding your musical instrument on an integral level, you ensure that no matter what song you want to learn, you can figure it out by relying on your core knowledge.

Above all, the most important thing when learning to play the ukulele is to HAVE FUN! The ukulele should be just as enjoyable and relaxing to play, as it is to listen to. As they say in Hawaii, Pomaika`i (good luck)!

Congratulations on learning ukulele for beginners!

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If you are looking forward to learning some songs on your ukulele, you might have asked this question at some point. I know I have. With a little practice and research, I got it down to a process that will help you.

How to change ukulele chords quickly? You can develop the skill of changing ukulele chords quickly by consistently practicing changing between the chords very slowly, starting with two chords at a time, and doing so repeatedly. As you do this often, chord changes become more seamless since your muscle memory will recall it for you when you try to change between chords.

Practice the Changes on Common Chords First

You probably don’t think of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and Beyonce’s “If I were a boy” as similar songs. Yet, the truth is, those 2 songs and hundreds more are created with the same 4 chords.

A great example of these 4 chords can be heard in a song played by “The Axis of Awesome“. In their medley, The Axis of Awesome uses the same 4 chords to play the most popular pop songs. You can hear how songs you’ve loved your whole life are simple to play.

It only takes knowing a few chords to play songs by Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Adele, Taylor Swift and more! The four strings on the ukulele make learning chords easier than on most instruments.

Read more

If you’ve wondered how to strum a ukulele without hurting your fingers then this article is for you. The more time you spend playing the uke, you will likely come to the point where you finger starts hurting. Let’s dig into that today.

How to strum a ukulele without hurting your fingers? You can avoid hurting your fingers while playing the ukulele by naturally developing calluses over time. As you play ukulele more you will start to develop calluses which builds resistance on your fingers and decreases sensitivity. These calluses will eventually prevent your fingers from hurting since it will have a thicker layer of skin to protect it.

Now is the right time to play more ukulele, getting better at it, and protecting your fingers along the way. It’s now a raging trend with the younger generation, particularly on YouTube.

While learning to play the ukulele is a little trickier than mastering a traditional guitar. The good news is there are a lot of guides there that can help you learn become a better ukulele player without problems.

You might have the dedication needed for your ukulele playing. Yet there are times when you might get sore from all the playing. It’s important to know why it hurts and what you can do about it.

It’s also possible that you might not be playing the instrument in a proper way. Are you curious how you can play the ukulele in a better, less painful manner? Read on and find out more.

1. Use Your Dominant Arm to Strum

If you’re right-handed, you need to use your dominant hand to strum your instrument. You might get tempted to use it for fretting since it does all the fancy things. But you need to understand that your strumming hand has the most importance.

You might stumble and fumble with the chords here and there. It’s possible that no one might notice it, even when you hit a few fluffed notes. But if your strumming speed slows down or becomes faster, people will surely notice it more.

Strumming is a fundamental aspect of playing a song using a ukulele. Its importance is such that the different genres of songs have more strumming patterns than chord patterns.

2. Use the Right Strumming Posture

When you need to assume the right posture to learn ukulele playing, put the instrument down for a bit. You should try putting your strumming hand in front of your body’s middle. It’s the place where your chest and stomach meet.

Ball the hand up into a light fist in a way that the fingertips touch the palm. Make sure that it isn’t pressing into it, however. Make use of your index finger and point at your left shoulder and rest your thumb in between that finger’s first and second knuckle.

This is important because it gives your fingers extra means of stability. This ensures that you make clearer sounds when strumming the ukulele.

3. Strumming Your Ukulele in the Right Spot

After assuming the right posture, pick up your ukulele. Position it in such a way that your index finger is right above the instrument’s G-string. It’s the area where your ukulele’s neck meets its body.

The location stated above is the sweet spot. Each type of ukulele has their own spots where you can make the most out of the strumming sounds. For example, soprano ukuleles have the sweet spot where its body meets the neck.

Larger ukuleles have different sweet spots. In most cases, the spot is the area between the sound hole and the end of their bodies. The best way to know is to experiment and see which one sounds best without straining you.

4. Strum the Ukulele in a Proper Manner

If you find your fingers hurting due to your strumming, you might not be doing it properly. This way, you’re exposing yourself to various risks like carpal tunnel syndrome. To prevent this, the right method of strumming your ukulele is to keep it loose.

Tightening it up makes your sounds seem robotic while tiring your fingers out much faster. Another good thing to follow is to use your wrist to strum rather than with the use of your arm. The up and down motion you do with your arm will make it more tiring for you quite fast.

Move your wrist and ensure that your forearm does no other motions than rotating. There’s no need for you to strum wider than your instrument’s strings. It becomes more difficult for you to steady the rhythm and tire your fingers much faster.

When strumming down, ensure that your nail will hit the string first. Your finger’s pad should hit it when strumming up. This is a well-balanced pattern between softer up-strum and forceful down-strums.

5. Stay Relaxed

When you’re playing the uke, you need to relax. This isn’t limited to your hands and arms. You need to relax your entire body. It can get a bit difficult since you might tense up without noticing while you concentrate on playing.

This can make you feel more tired, and your fingers might hurt even more. To avoid this, you need to make a conscious effort to relax. Start with your arms and shoulders before you get back to strumming your instrument.

It’s a common beginner mistake to press your fingers on the strings harder than needed. Try to play a note and check whether you’re pressing too hard. Check if you can try other techniques to ensure that you don’t put too much finger pressure.

With practice, you can get better and more used to it. If the pain is worse, it might be better for you to increase the frequency of your practices. Do this while decreasing the time you spend for each practice session.

6. Hand and Finger Exercises

A good reason behind your sore fingers is the fact that they aren’t used to bending and moving. Sometimes, it feels stiff when you start playing your ukulele. The simplest solution for this is to start doing some hand and finger exercises before starting.

There are a lot of hand and finger exercises out there you can use. Doing these exercises on a regular basis can help strengthen them and make them more flexible. A lot of the more adept and professional players out there do it.

You become more comfortable playing with the instrument as your fingers become more flexible. If you want to start going for other stringed instruments, you can use these too. Don’t underestimate the possible healing effects of doing some simple hand and finger stretches before and after strumming.

7. Get Calluses Faster

Sometimes, it can take a long time to get the proper calluses to play the ukulele. It’s especially the case when you’re still starting to learn the basic chords. However, there is a way for you to get the right calluses to make the experience pain-free for you.

What you need to do is to soak your fingertips in alcohol. This helps make the skin become drier and make the calluses form at a faster rate. Water can make the calluses weak, so make sure you get your fingers as dry is you can.

This only applies when you’re still trying to form your calluses. After all, the more you play, the tougher they become. Before long, water can’t affect it anymore, so no more need to keep them dry all the time.

8. Leave the Blisters Alone

Beginners will always get blisters on their fingertips when they first learn to play the ukulele. These are sore and unappealing, but don’t try bursting or picking them. This is the foundation of your calluses and prevents pain as you play more instruments.

You need to resist the urge. One of the best tips out there is to use a surgical spirit. Put your fingertips in it a few times during the day–10 minutes is often enough to help harden the skin.

It might be tempting to apply plasters to your fingertips before playing. Avoid it because it’s going to make you perform worse as time passes by. It affects your learning process and makes you less accurate in placing the chord patterns.

9. Take Time Off When It Hurts a Lot

Most of the time, you get uncomfortable playing the ukulele. Your discomfort can be a good thing, so it’s okay to ignore it and continue practicing. A lot of chords can make your fingers uncomfortable when you’re just starting out.

Once you start feeling immense pain, it’s time to stop. You might have the enthusiasm and spirit to persevere through pain, but it’s not a good idea. You don’t want to get serious problems such as tendinitis or some other crippling condition.

Heed your body’s warnings. Superficial pain will go away after a short while. The serious, more severe ones will stay until you stop and take time off.

Learn How to Play Ukulele Today!

Strumming is one of the most basic things you need to learn when you start studying how to play the ukulele.

With the right form and posture, you can get the expertise to play the songs you want without pain. Always know when to stop and relax — chronic pain is serious and can stop you from playing.

Use these tips to know how to play without stressing your hands and fingers too much. Take your time and set your pace for your health. It’s okay to take breaks, but never stop practicing to maintain flexibility and skill.

Did you enjoy this simple guide? If so, you might want to know how to pick the best ukulele strings. Read this related post to learn how to ensure your fingers won’t hurt while playing your favorite instrument.

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