Discovering the Ukulele: A Beginner's Guide to Learning This Fun and Easy Instrument

Recently, I was inspired to learn a new skill quickly and efficiently based on a YouTube video that claimed it would only take 20 hours of practice to learn any new skill. Happily, I found that this advice holds true for the ukulele. Despite having very little musical experience, I was able to pick up the basics in a short amount of time and enjoy playing this delightful instrument.

Getting Started

If you're thinking of learning to play the ukulele, there are countless resources available online. YouTube is a treasure trove of tutorials, and one of my favorites is The Ukulele Teacher. These tutorials are great for beginners, offering clear instructions and guidance on everything from basic chords to chord progressions.

My Journey with the Ukulele

After watching a video on YouTube, I was eager to buy a ukulele and started my learning journey. It took me about a month to learn the basic chords and strumming patterns, and every moment was enjoyable. The ukulele is a charming instrument that sounds great and is incredibly satisfying to play.

Getting Formal: A Real Ukulele Class

Recently, I attended a ukulele instructional class, where I learned more advanced techniques and strumming patterns. The class provided a valuable opportunity to practice and improve, and I was able to strum basic chords and even follow along with a few songs. This experience helped me refine my skills and made me eager to continue playing.

Playing and Teaching

What a delight it is to play and teach the ukulele! Here's one of my tutorials for fingerstyle playing. You can also check out my tutorial for Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer. If you're interested, do try Yousician! This app has made learning the ukulele a lot of fun, especially for those struggling with the early stages. It's a fantastic tool to help you progress quickly and play like a pro in no time.

Discovering the Ukulele in My Later Years

At age 70, my main musical focus had been the 3 octave chromatic harmonica, and I played with a small club for old folks' homes. My friends are now all in their 90s and 80s, and I started accompanying them on a tenor uke tuned like a baritone for my convenience. As you might expect, four-string chords are much easier than six-string chords, and I could quickly pick up tunes with several chords in a measure. The combination of a harmonica and a uke is much better than using two harmonicas or more, and we all enjoy playing together.

Embracing Mortality and Making Music

Working with the oldest musicians can be a rewarding experience. They are great friends and musicians who can help you understand the value of good companionship and mortality. Since joining my current group, we've lost five members, which is incredibly painful. However, as Willie Dixon once said, 'Life is a joint venture.' Embrace every moment and make the most of your time with music and friends.

Conclusion

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the ukulele is a joyful and manageable instrument to learn. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Find a beginner-friendly tutorial on YouTube. Try Yousician to make the early stages more enjoyable. Attend a ukulele class to get formal instruction and feedback. Enjoy the simple fun of playing and teaching the ukulele.

Happy uke-ing! Let the music connect you with others and bring joy to your life.