History of the Ukulele
When a group of Portuguese immigrants came to Hawaii in 1879, they brought an instrument called a braguinha with them. The Hawaiians who heard them play the instrument were very impressed with the speed of the speed of the musicians' fingers as they danced across the fretboard that they called the instrument "ukulele", which means "jumping flea." That was the image that was brought up by those flying fingers!
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Parts of the Ukulele
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Strumming
Strumming Patterns
How to Read Chord Charts
(not for lefties)
C Major | red dot
A minor (Am) | blue dot
F Major | blue dots
G Major
Chord Combo Practice
Done playing?
Watch: "How to Make an Ukulele"
Famous Ukulele Performances
Play-Alongs with C, Am, F, G
Chords: C, F, Dm
Songs with More Chords
Ukulele Performance Videos
Where can I buy a ukulele?
I recommend this ADM 21" Economic Soprano Start pack from Amazon if you are looking for a good starter ukulele. It comes in light blue, pink, black, light brown and dark brown and includes a bag, tuner, strings, strap, picks and a polishing cloth. It's been on sale- I paid $35 (on sale) for the ones I ordered for music classes.
Students have also asked me about the ukulele I play. I am enjoying playing the Lohanu Ukulele I also purchased here on Amazon.
If you plan to play regularly, I recommend upgrading to this clip-on tuner made by Korg. Snark tuners are also a good choice.