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BEGINNERS HANDBOOKTable of ContentsParts of a Ukulele2Types of Ukuleles3How to Hold a Ukulele4Strings and Tuning5Strumming6Reading Chord Diagrams7How to Read Strumming Patterns8Chord Chart9Ukulele Resources for the Beginner11Revised 3.23.18
Parts of a Ukulele2
Types of UkulelesThe Soprano, Concert and Tenor ukuleles are usually tuned G C E A. The Baritoneukulele is tuned like the top four strings of a guitar, D G B E.3
How to Hold a UkuleleHold the ukulele against your chest with your right forearm relaxed across the top right edge ofthe soundboard. The neck of the ukulele should be between your thumb and index finger withthe thumb comfortably on the back of the neck.4
Strings and TuningThe G string is the one closest toyour chin. The G string is alsoreferred to as the 4th string.(4)(3)(2)(1)Buy a tuner! Tune your ukulele by plucking the string and turning the corresponding tuning peguntil your tuner shows the string is in tune. The types of tuners shown here will clip to theheadstock of your ukulele. They will light up green in the topcenter of the dial when the string is in tune.5
StrummingStart out with a loose fist.Strum with the index finger of your right hand, fingernail side down. When out Strum down,you should be hitting the strings with your nail. When you're strumming up, with the fleshy tipof your finger.6
Reading Chord DiagramsG C E AThe numbers under the chorddiagrams indicate the fingersyou should use when formingthe chord. See picture above tomatch the numbers with thecorresponding fingers.7
How to Read Strumming Patterns“d” down strum“u” up strum“-” missed strum“x” muted stringAn Upper case letter means emphasize.The number over the letter shows the beat it falls on.1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &d u d u d u d u8
STUDENT UKULELE CHORD CHART“g c e a” Standard F7FmFm7FdimFaugF6Fmaj7F99
b9BB7BmBm7BdimBaugB6Bmaj7B910
Ukulele: Resources for the BeginnerMaterials Available at the LibraryUkuleles with tuners are available for checkout from the library. Search the librarycatalog for "ukulele" or ask a staff member for assistance. Anyone with a validNWRLS library card may borrow a ukulele. The loan period is 3 weeks. Ukulelesmay be borrowed from and returned to any NWRLS library location.Print Books-The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living (2010) - 787.8 DAIFirst 50 Songs You Should Play on Ukulele (2015) - 787.8 FIRUkulele Favorites for Dummies (2014) – 787.8 UKUUkulele for Dummies (2015) - 787.8 WOOEbooks at https://nwrls.overdrive.com/- Ukulele for Dummies- Hal Leonard Ukulele Method, Book 1Online ResourcesChord Charts- Student Ukulele Chord Chart, http://www.ukalady.com/Images/UkeChart.pdf- Ukulele Chord Chart for Absolute Beginners, m-Learn-To-Uke1.pdf- Left-handed Ukulele Chord Chart for Absolute Beginners, eginners-from-Learn-ToUke1.pdfFree Song Websites (with ukulele chords)-Bruce Watson, http://www.brucewatsonmusic.com/uke.htmlDr. Uke, http://www.doctoruke.com/songs.htmlRichard G's Ukulele Songbook, http://www.scorpexuke.com/ukulele-songs.htmlSan Jose Ukulele Club, http://sanjoseukeclub.org/song book.htmlVermont Ukulele Society, http://vtukes.webs.com/repertoire.htmUkulele Boogaloo, http://www.alligatorboogaloo.com/uke/tabs.htmlIf there is a specific song you want to find, simply Google the title of your song with the words "ukulelechords."11
Video TutorialsA quick Google search will easily find you thousands of ukulele tutorials. The ones below are just a fewthat are great for beginners and are completely free. You'll notice that there are different ways to strumthe ukulele; some players use their index finger, some use their thumb, and some people prefer using apick. Whichever you prefer is fine. Just play and have fun!- Learn to play the ukulele in 5 minutes - Take it out of the box, tune it, learn to strum, and play somebasic chords, y-the-ukulele-in-5-minutes/ (Chords:C, F, G7)- Easy Ukulele for Beginners: Lesson 1, https://youtu.be/d78xyol87iE (Chords: C, Am, F)- Easy Ukulele for Beginners: Lesson 2 Your First Strum, https://youtu.be/0 d0qv-uZ1g- Easy Ukulele for Beginners: Lesson 3 Your First Chord Progression, https://youtu.be/Y75A9jQ6mtM(Chords: C, Am, F)- Easy Ukulele Songs: "Twist and Shout," https://youtu.be/O2cKtv09ozE?list PL9D63E589FD1B4F7F(Chords: C, F, G7)- Ukulele Mike: "You Are My Sunshine," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v dnA3T8uuuoY (Chordsin this song: C, C7, F, G7)- Ukulele Mike: "Octopus' Garden", https://youtu.be/dTMW1HvbVQA(Chords in this song: C, Am, F, G7)Area Ukulele GroupsUkulele players tend to be a friendly bunch of people! If you are interested in playing with like-mindedukulele lovers contact a local group. Practice locations tend to change, so it is recommended that youcontact the group to confirm.- Ukulele Social Club (Panama City)Meets at the Bay County Public Library on the first Saturday of the month from 10 – 11:30 AMCentral. Beginners are always welcome! Call for more information, 850-522-2109.- Tallahassee Uke Jammers ke-jammers-347759911911583- Ukulele Orchestra of the Forgotten Coast (Port St. Joe)Meets every Tuesday at 10 AM EasternFirst United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall1001 Constitution Drive, Port St. Joe- Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews (Panama City)Practices most Wednesday from 6-8 PM CentralSee Facebook Page for 12
Ukulele players tend to be a friendly bunch of people! If you are interested in playing with like-minded If you are interested in playing with like-minded ukulele lovers contact a local group.
