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Start learning on a good basis

The first thing to do when you want to learn to play the ukulele alone is to find a quiet place where you will feel good. You will have to be able to concentrate and avoid any potential source of distraction.

Secondly, it is important that you know the anatomy of your instrument. For example, do you know how to locate the keys, the frets and the bridge on your ukulele? Don't hesitate to do some research on the internet to familiarize yourself with these fundamental concepts!

Finally, we advise you to start by learning to play the ukulele in a seated position, resting your instrument on your thigh. The left hand is positioned on the neck, while the other should be near the mouth of the ukulele. You are now ready to start your learning!

Learn the fundamentals

Next step: tuning your ukulele. For that, nothing could be simpler. All you need is a chromatic tuner. If you don't have one, you can also download a dedicated application on your phone. By turning the keys, you will modify the tension of the strings and therefore the sound of your instrument. On your four-string ukulele, the one closest to your face is considered the fourth. As you will have understood, the first is therefore the bottom one! Thus, in the classic tuning in C (also called C-tuning), we will have Sol, Do, Mi, La (also known as G, C, E and A).

Now let's learn how to read tablature. If you don't have any notion of music theory, it's a very practical tool to know the chords of a song. There are two formats of tablature. Some are in the form of lines and numbers. The lines represent the strings of your ukulele and the numbers indicate the location of the fret where you should put your finger. Other tablature is in the form of chords, positioned just above the lyrics of a song.

Now let's get to the heart of the matter! Are you ready to learn your first chords? Because it's one of the advantages of the ukulele: mastering a few simple chords is enough to play your first songs. We will introduce you to some of them.

The Do (C) chord is played by placing your ring finger on the third fret of the first string. You remember, it's the lowest string. Then strum all your strings and you will have your agreement!

Another very easy chord to learn is A Minor (Am). Like the previous one, you will have to put only one finger: the middle finger on the second fret of the second string. Again, play all the strings!

And to play the A (A) chord, we start from the same base as the A Minor (Am) chord. The middle finger does not move. Simply add your index finger to the first fret of the third string and strum all the strings. There you go, you've already mastered three chords!

There is no secret: you have to practice!

Now that you've mastered the basics, how about learning your first songs? Because you will have noticed: learning to play the ukulele alone is not difficult compared to other instruments. We also invite you to continue your learning by staying curious and learning to play other chords. If you practice regularly, you will find that you will progress quickly! Don't be afraid to go it alone, to make mistakes…it's part of the process.

To help you in your practice of the ukulele, we invite you to discover our video tutorials which will teach you how to play many songs. Polynesian music, passing by Bob Marley and Françis Cabrel, you should find your happiness! If you are interested, click here to discover them on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UpaUpaTahiti/videos

The ukulele now has (almost) no more secrets for you! But if you want to go further, and are looking for a program to guide you in your learning, we have created a training course for you. It is intended for beginners who want to learn the ukulele easily and at their own pace. Do not hesitate, click here to discover the program! https://upaupatahiti.mykajabi.com/offers/LMEFGt44/checkout