Beginners

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13 Comments

Comment by Adolfo Loeri on October 27, 2009 at 11:21pm

Hello all, I'm a beginner. I play guitar so I know basic chord shapes but I'm need to learn my finger to think like a uke player now. I'd appreciate all the tips I can get. Thanks.

Comment by Alan Johnson on August 26, 2009 at 6:04pm

suzala, by all means check out Jim's DVD and site. Neat stuff and a good teacher.

Now about that "go on the road".. I did.. and a car squashed my uke when I laid there a bit. Someone's going to pay!

Comment by suzala on August 26, 2009 at 3:51pm

okay boys, just settle down now, there's a new uke playerout here looking for her ear.

Comment by Jim D'Ville on August 26, 2009 at 3:43pm

Alan, I hope you know I was just kidding. I would never stick out a cyber tongue at anyone. But, I couldn't help myself!
Jim

Comment by Jim D'Ville on August 26, 2009 at 3:40pm

Hi Alan, Thanks for the comments. I think you should go on the road...now.
*tongue sticking out*

Comment by Alan Johnson on August 26, 2009 at 3:30pm

Hi Jim. I've heard nice things about your new DVD. Some day, I'll play the uke by ear. I tried doing guitar by ear but it hurt like heck! I'm hoping the nylon strings on my ukes cuts down the pain involved
* tongue firmly entrenched in cheek *

Comment by suzala on August 26, 2009 at 3:21pm

Alan, thanx i will try that!

Comment by Jim D'Ville on August 26, 2009 at 2:29pm

Hi Friends,
Thought I would let you know about my new blog site called Play Ukulele By Ear. Learning to play by ear is fun and easy. Check it out for practical ukulele study tips. http://playukulelebyear.blogspot.com/

Comment by Alan Johnson on August 24, 2009 at 2:06pm

starting out? I wouldn't worry about picking at all. Picking is ok to add interest, take on a special flourish between verses, perform a solo but these are all activities that are beyond the beginner stage. Horse first, cart later I say! Strumming is nothing more than making rhythm. Rather than beating a drum, clapping your hands, banging sticks, etc., you are using the ukulele strings and happen to also make chord sounds. As a way to try to get used to rhythm while strumming the strings, try muting the strings then strum along with a song you like or are trying to master. Like the rhythm? Need more of a waltz or perhaps some reggae to go along with it? To easily mute the strings, weave some tissue paper through the strings down near the bridge . Voila! Instant near silence! (and you can practice without anyone snooping in on you!)

Comment by suzala on August 24, 2009 at 1:10pm

I'm not sure how to decide when to be strummng and when to be picking, and vice versa. Also how to decide which strum is appropriate..Thanx? sz

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