
We will start will a brief history on how the instrument came to be an iconic symbol of Hawaiian culture.
In this section, you will learn about the fretboard and how to tune your instrument. This section also has a resource packet you can refer to. This packet includes information on layout and tuning, as well as all song sheets for all the songs you will be learning in the course.
In this video you will learn basic strumming techniques that include downstrums, upstrums, strumming on the beat, and off the beat.
By learning C,F, and G you will be well on your way to making awesome ukulele music!
This is a great introductory song for ukulele. We will learn it in a normal 4/4 time, but feel free to try playing it over the actual song, which has a reggae groove.
Ever sing happy birthday and notice how many people are off key? In this video you will learn how to play this song on the ukulele and give everyone a key center to follow.
Learn this iconic song, performed by Judy Garland and remixed by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (AKA "IZ")
Learn this iconic song by Bobby McFerrin. This is the second to last lesson in the course. If you made it here, this far you are well on your way!
Learn this iconic song by Bob Theile and later remixed by Iz. This is the last lesson in the course. If you have made it here, congrats!
This class is intended for beginners who want to learn simple, yet iconic, songs on the ukulele. Students will learn playing techniques, chord shapes, strumming patterns, fun songs, and even a bit of music theory. We will start with the foundations, including tuning and understanding the fretboard. Then we will move on to basic strumming patterns and basic chords. These chords include C, F and G, which are commonly used in popular songs. The strumming patterns include basic patterns in simple 4/4 time, but also the essential Island Strum.
From there students will learn, in order: Three Little Birds, Happy Birthday, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Don't Worry Be Happy and What a Wonderful World. These songs are in order of complexity, both in terms of chord shapes and strumming patterns. Each of these songs is broken down into parts and there is plenty of time built in to jam along with me. To enhance your learning of these songs, song sheets and chord charts will also be provided.
By the end of the course, students should be able to play essential chords, strum a variety of patterns, and learn new songs with confidence. So grab your ukulele and join me!