MODULE 1

In this module, you'll learn the fundamentals of playing the ukulele, including:
  • String Names – Understanding the tuning of your ukulele
  • How to Tune Up – Keeping your instrument in tune for the best sound
  • Ukulele Body Parts – Familiarizing yourself with the anatomy of the uke
  • The Fretboard – Learning note placement and navigation
  • How to Hold Your Ukulele – Ensuring comfort and proper technique
  • How to Play Notes – Producing clear, clean sounds
  • Recognising Chord Shapes – Identifying and playing common chords
  • Recognising Strumming Patterns - Identifying strumming patterns in various time signatures
  • Strumming Effectively – Developing a strong sense of rhythm
At the bottom of the page, you'll find downloadable PDFs with additional resources, including top tips and basic music theory to support your learning journey.

​UKULELE STRINGS

The four strings of a ukulele are named after their respective pitch and numbering system.

G - The string closest to the player's face is the first string, also known as the G string.  It is typically tuned to a pitch of G4.
C - Moving down, the next string is the second string, also known as the C string. It is tuned to a pitch of C4.
E - Moving down again, the third string is the E string, tuned to a pitch of E4. 
A - The fourth string is tuned to a pitch of A4. It is also called the "high string" because it produces the highest pitch among the four strings, even though it is closest to the floor when holding it to play.

Ukulele strings are typically made of nylon, nyglut or a similar synthetic material to produce a brighter, more clear sound. Some strings we recommend are Aqulia for brightness or D'Addario for a warmer sound. 

EXERCISE: Click the audio below to hear what each of the strings sound like in this order: G - C - E - A and pluck your associated strings to hear if they sound the same or not. 
(ADD AUDIO)

TUNING YOUR UKULELE

The string names and their corresponding pitches are an essential aspect of playing the ukulele.

Players can tune their ukuleles using electronic tuners, tuning apps, or by ear, using another instrument or reference pitch. Proper tuning ensures that the ukulele produces the correct notes and harmonises with other instruments in a musical ensemble or band. 

EXERCISE: Watch the video below to see good friend Will Grove White, from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain explain how to tune your ukulele using a clip on digital tuner, which we recommend you have for effective tuning. 

THE ANATOMY OF THE UKULELE

Ukuleles consist of several key components that work together to produce sound.
  1. Body: The main part of the ukulele that houses the soundhole, strings, and bridge. The body can come in a variety of shapes, including the standard figure-eight shape, pineapple shape, and cutaway shape.
  2. Bridge: The piece of the ukulele that anchors the strings to the body. It is typically made of wood and can come in a variety of shapes, including the classic tie-bar bridge and the more modern pin bridge.
  3. Sound hole: The hole in the body of the ukulele that allows sound to escape. The size and shape of the sound hole can affect the tone and volume of the instrument and usually appears on the front of the body, although some ukuleles can also have an extra sound hole on the top side too.
  4. Frets: Are the spaces in between the thin metal strips that are embedded along the neck of the ukulele. Each fret representing a different musical note. When you press a string down onto the fretboard between two frets, you shorten the string's vibrating length. This changes the pitch (or sound) of the string. The closer you press toward the ukulele's body, the higher the pitch of the note.
  5. Nut: A small strip of material, often plastic or bone, located at the top of the fretboard, where the strings rest before heading towards the tuning pegs.
  6. Tuning Keys: Small knobs located on the headstock used to tighten or loosen the strings and tune the ukulele.
  7. Head or Headstock: The top part of the ukulele, where the tuning pegs are located. The tuning pegs are used to adjust the tension of the strings and tune the ukulele.
  8. Neck: The long, thin part of the ukulele that extends from the body to the headstock. It is attached to the body at the heel and is typically made of wood and contains the Fretboard (see below).
  9. Strings: Four nylon or fluorocarbon strings that run from the tuning pegs, over the nut and fretboard, to the bridge. When plucked or strummed, they vibrate, producing sound.
  10. Saddle: A small strip of material, often plastic or bone, that sits on the bridge and helps to transfer the vibration of the strings to the body of the ukulele.
Understanding the anatomy of the ukulele can help players identify and troubleshoot issues that may affect the sound and playability of the instrument. It can also aid in the maintenance and care of the ukulele, ensuring that it remains in top condition and produces the best possible sound.

The Frertboard

The fretboard of a ukulele is the long, thin piece of wood that runs down the length of the neck. It is also known as the fingerboard. 
  • The fretboard is typically made of rosewood, ebony, or other high-quality woods that are hard enough to withstand the pressure of the strings and fingers. The surface of the fretboard is smooth and polished to make it easy for the player's fingers to move across the frets.
  • The fretboard of a ukulele is divided into sections with raised metal wires called frets. The frets run perpendicular to the strings and are spaced at specific intervals, with each fret representing a half step up in pitch.
  • By pressing down on a string behind a specific fret, the player can shorten the length of the string to produce a higher pitch.
  • There are often dotted markers at various fret positions on both the front and top sides of the fretboard to help you easily navigate various fret positions. They are generally located at fret no 5, 7, 10 and 12 but can vary depending on the model.​
  • By pressing down on the strings at different frets, the player can create chords and melodies that form the basis of most ukulele music.
Understanding the fretboard of a ukulele is essential for anyone who wants to learn to play the instrument. By familiarising themselves with the frets and the corresponding notes, players can develop their technique, improve their accuracy, and create a wide range of musical sounds and styles.

HOW TO HOLD YOUR UKULELE

When playing the ukulele, it is essential to hold the instrument in a comfortable and stable position to facilitate proper technique and minimise strain on your hands and arms. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hold a ukulele when playing:
  1. Sit or stand up straight: Good posture is essential for proper ukulele playing. Sit or stand with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. This will help you maintain a comfortable and stable position while playing.
  2. Support the ukulele with your forearm: Rest the lower bout (the curved part of the ukulele body) against your forearm. This provides stability and control over the instrument. Keep your forearm parallel to the ground for better support.
  3. Use your strumming hand: If you're right-handed, use your right hand for strumming, and if you're left-handed, use your left hand. This hand should be positioned near the sound hole or above the ukulele's body, depending on your playing style.
  4. Hold the neck with your fretting hand: The hand that presses the strings (fretting hand) should hold the neck of the ukulele. Place your thumb behind the neck, opposite your fingers. This will give you stability and control while forming chords and switching between them.
  5. Find a comfortable position for your fretting hand: Adjust your hand's position on the neck to find a comfortable spot. Typically, you'll want to position your thumb roughly in the middle of the back of the neck, allowing your fingers to reach the strings easily.
  6. Experiment with different hand angles: Experiment with different angles for your fretting hand. Some people prefer to have their hand perpendicular to the neck, while others tilt it slightly to one side. Find the angle that feels most natural and allows you to fret the strings without straining your hand or fingers.
  7. Relax your grip: It's important to maintain a relaxed grip on the ukulele. Avoid squeezing the neck or pressing the strings too hard. This can cause unnecessary tension and make it difficult to play smoothly. Use just enough pressure to produce a clean sound without straining.
Remember, everyone's body and playing style are unique, so these guidelines may require some adjustments to suit your preferences and comfort level. As you practice, you'll develop a more intuitive sense of how to hold the ukulele effectively. Keep experimenting until you find a position that feels natural and allows you to play with ease and precision.

HOW TO PLAY (FRET) NOTES 

When fretting notes either individually or as chord shapes, it is important to make sure your fingers are as close to the fret markers as possible to avoid buzz sounds.

You also want to make sure that you use the fingertips to press down on the string and make sure that the string is pressed down firmly against the fret and not the front pads of your fingers because you could deaden the strings below. Ideally you want your fingers pointing back at you as illustrated below. This will produce a clear, clean note.
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Remember, playing notes on a ukulele takes practice and patience. With regular practice, you will develop the muscle memory and finger strength needed to play notes cleanly and accurately. Start by practicing basic chords and simple melodies, and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces. Watch the video in the next section for more details on fretting.

UNDERSTANDING & RECOGNISING CHORD DIAGRAMS & FINGER POSITIONS

Ukulele chord diagrams are graphical representations of ukulele chords. They are used to show players where to place their fingers on the fretboard of the ukulele to play a particular chord. A typical ukulele chord diagram consists of a vertical line representing the string, with horizontal lines representing the frets.
The vertical lines represents the strings. The horizontal lines represent the frets, with the top line being the nut (the part of the ukulele that separates the headstock from the fretboard).
The circles or dots on the diagram indicate where to place your fingers on the fretboard. The fret positions are invisibly numbered from 1 - 12 descending down the fretboard. 
The placement of the fingers is important because it affects the sound of the chord. If the fingers are not placed in the correct position, the chord may sound muted, buzz or out of tune. Watch the video below for a full explanation

UNDERSTANDING & RECOGNISING STRUMMING PATTERNS

To represent strumming patterns, we use a system that includes arrows indicating the direction of each strum, aligned with the beats of the bar.
In a song with a 4/4 time signature, a basic one-bar pattern could consists of four down strums, each played on the beat. However, strumming patterns in 4/4 time can also be subdivided into eighth notes, where up strums typically fall between the main beats. These up strums are represented by red arrows pointing upward, helping you visualise the rhythm more clearly. Not all beats need to have down strums either, as in example 3:
A song in 3/4 time, also known as "Waltz Time," contains three beats per bar, creating a distinctive one-two-three rhythmic feel. Unlike 4/4 time, where there are four beats per measure, 3/4 time gives music a flowing, dance-like quality.
While the basic pattern consists of three down strums per bar, up strums can be added between the beats to create variation and rhythmic interest.
Here are some examples to help you visualize and practice different strumming patterns in waltz time:
At Level 2, you'll explore dynamics, interchangeable strumming patterns, and even 16th-note rhythms to add more depth and expression to your playing.
For now, focus on mastering the basics and getting comfortable with steady strumming and ensuring smooth chord transitions while maintaining rhythm. Developing this solid foundation will make it much easier to incorporate more advanced techniques as you progress. Keep practicing, and enjoy the process!

HOW & WHERE TO STRUM CHORDS ON YOUR UKULELE

BONUS DOWNLOADS: Here are a few extra PDF downloads to help you discover even more top tips about the ukulele and playing music. 
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Once you feel confident with these basics and are ready to move forward, click the button below to access the next module. There, you'll explore basic chord shapes and learn how to fret them correctly, setting the foundation for smooth and effortless playing.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and when you're ready—let’s move on! 🎶
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