In my 30 years of playing music, there’s one trait that’s helped me practice ukulele and improve the most as a musician.
It’s helped me so much so that I…
Lose track of the time when I practice…
Have more fun when I practice…
And, have more patience for myself when I can’t perform.
Yesterday, I was working on practicing a particularly difficult bluegrass solo on guitar by the great flatpicker Tony Rice (I’m a lifelong ukulele player but also play guitar and piano!). The solo is a short, lightning fast 8-bar passage in the song Nine Pound Hammer, and for me, it’s just… hard.
Every time I step on the gas it falls apart.
I fail.
I practiced this solo for nearly two hours yesterday without taking a break, and you know what?
I had the time of my life.
In fact, I’ve been working on this solo for almost a year and I get excited every time I sit down.
And it got me thinking, why is this so much fun for me to keep failing?
For me, the answer is simple.
How to Lose Track of Time When You Practice Ukulele
If there’s one thing you need to make practice fun and the time fly by it’s…
Curiosity.
Compare two ukulele players who sit down to practice…
The first is Bob, and when he goes to practice, he has the goal of learning to play the Disney song Lava for his granddaughter in the span of an hour on a Sunday afternoon. Soon into the practice session he’s running into trouble changing between chords without hesitating or pausing and getting the notes to ring out. It’s frustrating, so he starts saying to himself…
“Your fingers are too big.”
“You aren’t ready for this.”
“You’ll never be able to learn this song.”
I think we’ve all been there. Some practice sessions are like this… defeating.
But there is another option…
Alice, on the other hand, sits down to learn a solo arpeggio piece with a lot of changes up and down the fretboard and she gets to a section of the song where the chord position is really difficult and isn’t able to get all the notes to ring out. But she says to herself…
“Okay, how can I get curious about this?”
So instead of making statements, she starts asking what I like to call the Curious Question, which starts with the words:
“What if I…”
So she starts asking…
“What if I… tried this finger instead?”
“What if I… held the ukulele like this?”
“What if I… tried to position in this way?”
This powerful question “what if I?” shifts you from frustration to a place of creativity.
If you want to be a more creative musician, it starts with your curiosity!
One Powerful Exercise to Develop Curiosity
Now, don’t be mistaken…
This is not “just think positive”… thinking positive is really difficult when we feel frustrated about the lack of progress we are facing in a given practice session.
In fact, you can feel all that frustration about wanting to be better, farther along, etc., but where a lot of people make the mistake is stopping the session right there.
We need something to give us a push which is why we need a powerful question.
Try this exercise next time you find yourself really frustrated in a practice session and want to quit, or even better, start your practice session this way!
I call it the What If I Exercise and here’s a way you can implement it:
Step #1: Pick a chord any chord
For example, you might pick a G major chord, played in a standard way like this.
Once you have that chord…
Step #2: Ask yourself the question
Now, let’s say you’re having difficulties playing or switching to and from this chord.
So ask yourself the question, “What if I… play this chord using a different finger position?”
After some thought, maybe you arrive on this alternative finger position where you place the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C-string, little finger on the 3rd fret of the E-string, ring finger on the 2nd fret of the bottom A-string, letting the top g-string ring open.
This is tapping into your curiosity and creativity!
Step #3: Check in and ask yourself the question again
Sometimes the first idea isn’t the one that works, so ask the question again…
“What if I… play this chord using a different finger position?”
So you think some more, and you come up with a whole new position!
This time you press or barre the index finger on the bottom three strings at the 2nd fret and place the middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E-string, letting the top g-string ring open.
Nice work.
This is how you get curious when you practice.
The same idea can be applied to any challenge that comes up in practice, like with the fretting hand, picking hand, or strumming hand.
When you do this exercise, 3 big benefits will emerge as you practice…
You’ll lose track of the time and have more fun. This means you end up putting in more reps which compounds into more developed skills. You’re excited about what you might discover next and you let any frustration you feel fuel you a step farther.
You’ll have more patience. Practice is about finding your limit but having a consistent attitude of curiosity allows you to see improvement over time… like, you know, when you come back the next day and things just feel a little easier than they did the day before.
You’ll discover solutions to play that make you become a better ukulele player. By leveraging curiosity, you spur on your creativity to find a solution that works for you. When you’re the one who finds the solution, that skill becomes embedded in who you are as a musician.
Frustration and failure in practice is normal, so use your curiosity to fuel you to keep going!
Tell me in a comment below:
How do you work through failure and frustration in your own practice?
I read every response!
Do You Need Help Becoming a Better Ukulele Player?
I’m here to help you improve your skills on ukulele.
The best way for me to help you is to join me in the Strumming Tricks course where over 10,000 students have learned with me to make the music they love on ukulele.
I designed the course to be the most complete step-by-step method for complete beginners.
With my help, you know exactly what to practice to become a better ukulele player every time you sit down.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing ukulele for a month or a decade…
The E major chord is one of the worst chords to play!
And by worst, I mean hardest.
But yet, there are SO MANY songs with E chords in them.
Why is this?
The biggest reason the E chord shows up all the time is because it’s actually a super easy chord to play on guitar.
So much popular music has been written on guitar in the last 50 years, which means you end up with a lot of songs written in the key of E major.
Sadly, this doesn’t make it easy on us as ukulele players! But there is a way to make this really common chord easier to play.
Is There an Easier Way to Play an E Major Chord on Ukulele?
There absolutely is!
In this video, I look at one of the easiest E chord substitutions you can use the next time you come across a dreaded E chord in a song, and I explore the different ways you can play it.
I also look at two popular songs with E chords in them – Coldplay’s Fix You and Train’s Hey Soul Sister – and I look at the different reasons you might want to use the easy E chord substitution and also why you might NOT want to use it.
Watch the video to learn an easy way to play this often troublesome chord.
The Easiest Way to Play an E Major Chord on Ukulele
To play an E major chord on ukulele the easiest way, use the E5 chord as a substitution, where you place the index finger on the 2nd fret of the bottom A-string, middle finger on the 4th fret of the top g-string, ring finger on the 4th fret of the C-string, and let the E-string ring open.
Alternatively, you can play the E5 chord using your ring finger on the 4th fret of the top g-string, little finger on the 4th fret of the C-string, and index finger on the 2nd fret of the bottom A-string, letting the E-string ring open.
Or you can use my favorite way to play the E5 chord, where I wrap the thumb around the top of the neck of the ukulele to fret the top g-string at the 4th fret, place the middle finger on the 4th fret of the C-string, index finger on the 2nd fret of the bottom A-string, and let the E-string ring open.
Watch the video above to see exactly how I play this chord.
Pros & Cons of Using the E5 Chord as a Substitution
As you’ll hear, the E5 chord has a nice open sound that rings out.
For example, for a song like Fix You by Coldplay, as I highlighted in the video, stylistically the chord is a perfect match for a song like this!
Compare the easy E chord substitutions above with the normal “standard” way to play an E major chord on ukulele, where you barre or press down on all four strings at the 2nd fret with the index finger and then barre or press down on the top three strings at the 4th fret with the ring finger.
The E5 substitution is definitely way easier than playing this standard E chord position!
However, the E5 chord is not “technically” an E major chord. The E5 chord is actually missing a G# note, which is found in an E major triad (E-G#-B). This means in some cases you don’t want the sound of the E5 chord.
The other reason why you might not want to use the E5 chord is if it creates more fretting hand movement. In some cases, like in the example in the video where I play Hey Soul Sister, it’s actually more efficient to use the standard E chord position. Sometimes playing an E5 makes other chords harder to switch between, so in that case, you might want the standard position.
But overall, if you’re looking for an easy way to play an E chord on ukulele, then using E5 as a substitution is your best option!
Yes, this is Ukulele Tricks, a website that helps you become a better ukulele player, but…
Spoiler alert:
I’m not just going to tell you to learn to play ukulele!
Contrary to popular belief, ukulele might not be the best instrument to learn if you’re a beginner.
I’m a lifelong ukulele and guitar player of over 25+ years, having learned both instruments right around the same time (in addition to piano), so I know there are a lot of factors that go into choosing to learn ukulele or guitar.
The last thing I would want is for someone to make a decision learn ukulele because they feel like they should or they have to… because I know I didn’t and you shouldn’t either!
Ukulele is a truly amazing, beautiful-sounding instrument, and just because it’s smaller doesn’t mean it’s an “easier” or “kid-level” instrument that ranks below others.
That said, it might also not be the instrument for you!
I know all to well that learning to play an instrument is a commitment of time and an investment of money, so you want to make the best choice.
In this guide, I’ll help you do that by guiding you through the most important things you need to think about if you’re trying to decide between ukulele or guitar.
Step #1: Ask Yourself This Important Question
There comes a point in life where you think…
“Hmm, I think I want to learn to play an instrument.”
This is a powerful, exciting, and even scary thought.
For some of us, this hits us early on in life, and others, later.
It doesn’t matter when it hits you. All that matters is you’re making steps right now towards fulfilling your dream of making music. That starts with picking the right instrument.
If this is you, then the most important thing to ask yourself is:
What’s inspiring me to learn to play an instrument?
For example, maybe there is an artist you saw at a concert and thought, “I want to make music like them!” Or maybe, there is a genre of music you love listening to and dream of playing songs in that style. It’s also possible you went to a local festival and saw a group jamming together and thought, “I want to do that!” And perhaps you just want to take up a new activity in retirement or want to play music with the grandkids.
Learning an instrument starts with that seed of inspiration.
Don’t ignore it.
So when you close your eyes, if you imagine yourself shredding guitar in your garage with your friends, then, move towards that.
But if you close your eyes and imagine jamming ukulele on a sunset beach, then, go that direction instead.
Should I Learn Ukulele First and Then “Graduate” to Guitar?
No, the most important thing is to choose the instrument you see yourself playing.
Pick ukulele because you love the idea of making music with that instrument, not because you feel like you should learn it first.
Picking an instrument out of a feeling of “should” is a sure-fire way to kill your joy and motivation.
I promise there is a path to learn either regardless of age, prior experience level, or musical knowledge. I can say this with confidence because I routinely teach people in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s, how to make music on ukulele for the first time in their life. The magic of playing music starts with your inspiration, so follow that and don’t listen to anyone else!
This means you don’t need to start with ukulele first and then move to guitar… unless that’s what you want to do!
Still though, maybe you think you could be happy playing either instrument, in which case there are some things you need to think about.
Step #2: Decide Your Budget
Assuming you could be happy learning either guitar or ukulele, your budget is the biggest deciding factor on which one you learn.
Buying a ukulele is a lot cheaper than buying a guitar, especially when you consider playability.
One of the biggest benefits of learning to play ukulele is that you get more “bang for your buck” in terms of quality, which means it’s easier to spend less money on an instrument that plays great.
Playability refers to how well the instrument stays in tune and how easy it is to fret (i.e. press down on) the notes of the fretboard.
For less than $100, you can buy a ukulele that will stay in tune and be easy to fret. However, to get that same level of playability in a guitar, more often than not you need to spend at least $500 dollars to get a playable instrument. Cheaper guitars can be had but they often are more difficult to play, which is the last thing you want as a beginner.
Believe me, I wish this weren’t true…
Growing up, my mom had an old steel-stringed Yamaha acoustic guitar in a case in a closet, but that instrument was so poorly and cheaply made (the guitar probably cost no more than $250), that it made me never want to learn guitar!
It wasn’t until my dad let me play his guitar, which was better quality (and costed more), that I was hooked.
There was a reason mom’s guitar stayed in the case in the closet and remains there to this day.
Learning an instrument is already hard enough, so you don’t make it harder on yourself by having a poor quality instrument!
Pro Tip: The story of “The Guitar in a Case in the Closet” is a tale as old as time, so if guitar is the instrument you want to learn and budget is a problem, see if you can find a friend or family member who will loan you theirs.
Is Ukulele a Toy or Kids Instrument?
The ukulele is cheaper and smaller so it must be a toy or kids instrument, right?!
Wrong.
The ukulele is an instrument for anyone who wants to express the emotion of music in a unique and beautiful way.
In fact, the ukulele was the instrument of choice by the late queen of Hawaii Queen Lil’uokalani (1891-93) who wrote the well-loved song Aloha ‘Oe.
And in recent times, we’ve seen things that have never been done with the ukulele thanks to amazing artists like Jake Shimabukuro who demonstrated the power of ukulele in a TED talk by performing an extraordinary cover of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
The ukulele might be friendly to kids because of it’s small size but that doesn’t mean it’s not a serious instrument with a rich history.
Step #3: Evaluate the Pros and Cons of Ukulele and Guitar
Both ukulele and guitar have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s unpack these by looking at the most common questions that come up about each instrument.
A lot of people think the ukulele must be easier because…
“It just has four strings!”
The guitar has six strings so it must be harder, right?!
Surprisingly, no.
Just because the guitar has six strings over the ukulele’s four strings doesn’t make it inherently harder to play.
Four strings might make the ukulele less intimidating but not necessarily easier.
What do I mean?
Think about the thing all ukulele players and guitar players have in common:
They both have four usable fingers to fret chords: index, middle, ring, and little.
In terms of playability, a guitar and ukulele is about the same if the instruments are of equal quality because each player still only has four fingers.
For example, compare a common chord shape on both ukulele (left) and guitar (right).
Ukulele G Chord Shape vs. Guitar D Chord Shape
Which one is harder to play?
Now, it’s okay if you don’t know what those diagrams mean yet… what’s important is that you can see that both diagrams show an identical pattern of three dots, which indicates the same chord shape on both instruments!
This means, the same exact fingers are required to play both chords!
So just because a guitar has six strings doesn’t necessarily make it harder to play.
When it comes to ease, the playability of an instrument matters more than the number of strings.
Is Ukulele or Guitar Easier on the Fingertips?
While the number of strings doesn’t necessarily make the four-string ukulele easier over the six-string guitar, the ukulele feels easiest when pressing down on the strings with the fingers because the strings of the ukulele are made out of nylon.
Because of this, the ukulele has an edge over guitar if you have arthritic hands and fingers.
For those of you learning to play an instrument later in life, this is a really big benefit the ukulele provides and can be the difference between playing a musical instrument or not!
It’s normal when you’re first learning to have a period where the tips of your fingers hurt from fretting chords, but with consistent practice, your fingers toughen up and develop calluses which allow you to play for longer periods of time without the fingers hurting.
This period will happen no matter what instrument you choose but the period is shorter on ukulele.
Is it Best to Learn the Electric, Steel-Stringed, Nylon-String Guitar or Ukulele?
You can make the guitar easier to approach if you are worried about fingertip soreness.
For example, an electric guitar tends to be easy on the fingers because the strings use a smaller string gauge, meaning the strings have less tension and are easier to press down and bend.
Of course the disadvantage of learning to play electric guitar is that you need to purchase extra gear like a guitar amp, pedals, and cables in order to amplify the sound from your instrument and have it be heard.
On the other hand, a steel-stringed acoustic guitar tends to be hardest on the fingers because of a thicker string gauge, but if that’s the sound you want and you don’t want to have to worry about plugging into an amp, then, you’ll want to go this direction.
Alternatively, consider a nylon-string guitar. While a nylon guitar isn’t designed to be strummed with a pick, pressing down on the strings feels almost identical to the ukulele, which makes it easier to play than a steel-stringed guitar.
Is Guitar a Harder Instrument to Learn Than the Ukulele?
Where the guitar can be harder than the ukulele is fret spacing.
Frets are the vertical pieces of metal that lay on the fretboard to create separate notes (learn more about the parts of the ukulele).
The guitar’s frets are wider, which can be a difficult for people with small hands and fingers because a longer reach is required.
But on the flip side, people with large hands and fingers, can find guitar to be a relief!
For instance, it’s easier for me to play most fingerstyle pieces on guitar versus the ukulele because it’s easier for my fingers to fit between the frets, where on ukulele sometimes I can’t fit all my fingers and need to find an alternative position.
So if you have small hands and fingers, then, the ukulele is probably a great choice for you.
If you have normal or large hands and fingers, you might consider a tenor or baritone ukulele, which are two of the largest of the four sizes of ukuleles. Because I have large hands and fingers, I play a tenor ukulele and I’m perfectly content playing and soloing fingerpicking pieces.
And finally, if you have normal sized hands and really want to learn guitar, then definitely don’t let the increased fret spacing stop you.
Pro Tip: For those who really want to learn guitar but have small hands and fingers, consider buying a short-scaled guitar, which reduces the spacing between frets to make it easier to play.
Common Challenges Learning Ukulele vs. Guitar
Ukulele players and guitar players all face the same challenges when starting out:
Sore fingertips
Making sure every note in a chord rings out clearly
Playing smooth chord changes
Holding the instrument
The awkward feeling of strumming
No matter what instrument you choose you won’t get away from having to work through these fun challenges!
That said, guitar has some more unique challenges over ukulele, like some chords are more of a reach because of the increased fret spacing.
Additionally, barre chords, where you lay your index finger across all six strings and press down on all strings, tend to require more strength on guitar versus ukulele.
Also, with certain guitar chords, you have to be more aware of which strings you’re strumming so you don’t accidentally strum the wrong note (for example, not strumming the top two strings of a D chord on guitar), whereas with ukulele you’re almost always strumming all four strings for every chord.
But ukulele isn’t without its unique challenges.
For example, with chords, you often have the opposite problem where it can be difficult to fit your fingers on the fretboard for certain chord shapes, especially those who have larger hands and fingers, although this can be mitigated by purchasing a larger-sized tenor ukulele.
And surprisingly, because ukulele is smaller, it can feel more awkward to hold than the guitar. This means the ukulele tends to move around more when playing which can impact the ease of changing chords. I dedicate a section to playing posture in my free ukulele lesson book, but for players who struggle the most with this, buy a strap to help stabilize the ukulele.
Which Learning Curve is Steeper – Ukulele or Guitar?
The beauty of both ukulele and guitar is that with just a few chords and a simple strumming pattern you can play hundreds of songs.
But guitar has a steeper learning curve over ukulele.
The first reason being because of the steel strings of a guitar. The steel strings are harder on the fingertips, which means you’ll have to keep practice sessions short but consistent to build up calluses on the ends of your fingers. Like I said above, a higher quality guitar can mitigate this significantly, but it’s a reason why guitar is harder to pick up.
The second reason being how you strum. It’s common to use a plectrum or nylon pick to strum the strings of a steel-stringed guitar. There’s added technique involved whereas with a ukulele you just use your fingers to strum, and there’s multiple ways to strum with the fingers.
The third reason the learning curve is steeper on guitar is if you want to fingerpick and play solo. Because of the extra strings on guitar, there’s more notes to learn on the fretboard. But if your goal is to just strum songs, then, this isn’t a big factor.
For these reasons, ukulele tends to be a more approachable instrument, but consider your goals, because if your goal is to strum chords and sing songs, then the guitar is not that much of a leap from ukulele in terms of difficulty.
Can You Learn Guitar if You’re Older in Age?
Yes, but ukulele is a more friendly option for anyone who struggles with arthritis or lacks mobility in their hands and fingers.
There are people later in life learning to play guitar but the approach is key.
The key to learning an instrument later in life is to:
Practice consistently (short sessions daily are better than marathon “Weekend Warrior” practice sessions on the weekend)
Take it slow
Guitar isn’t just for young people, but ukulele might be the instrument that allows you to finally make music.
Step #4: Make a Decision
Now that we’ve looked at some of the biggest factors and questions around ukulele versus guitar it’s time to make a decision.
Here’s what it comes down to…
Ukulele Pros & Cons Summary
The ukulele is an instrument with a very low barrier to entry.
Since it’s easy on the fingertips and easy on the wallet, it makes a perfect instrument for beginning musicians (i.e. those who’ve never played an instrument before).
For many, it’s the instrument that finally allows them to make music for the first time in their life… and that’s huge!
Additionally, it’s a jam-friendly and fun instrument that is good for group or ensemble playing, like at your local ukulele club.
And because of its small size, unlike lugging a big guitar with you around town, you can easily carry your ukulele with you in your backpack, on the train, or bring it with you to the park without attracting too much attention.
Of course there are some trade offs…
The smaller size of the uke means it’s quieter (which could be a good thing for some), so playing in band settings with other guitar players or instrumentalists means you’ll most likely need to plug into an amplifier to be heard. Not to mention, the smaller size means closer fret spacing, which can make some chords more difficult on the ukulele versus the guitar.
Guitar Pros & Cons Summary
Although ukulele artists are pushing the limit with what’s possible on ukulele, guitar still offers more versatility across musical genres and styles, so if you’re into the idea of creating a lot of different sounds with your instrument, then ukulele might feel limiting. The guitar is best to learn if you want the most amount of versatility across musical genres and styles.
Because of the larger size, it’s a louder instrument, so an acoustic guitar is perfect for performance settings without amplification.
The downside of learning to play guitar is the barrier of entry is higher because it costs more to get a quality, playable instrument and because the steel strings of the guitar are harder on the fingertips. Those with small hands or arthritic fingers might find the guitar to be too difficult.
How to Make the Right Choice Between Ukulele vs. Guitar
As someone who has played ukulele and guitar their entire life, these are the most important things to consider.
Takeaway #1: The most important factor is your personal motivation
Follow your inspiration and influences as you pursue your musical journey and you’ll be more motivated.
So if that means, you dream of playing guitar, then, go and do that.
Both instruments will require effort and practice.
Ukulele is not just a “stepping stone” instrument – it can be your instrument and give you a lifetime of joy.
Takeaway #2: Decide if budget is the biggest factor
With the ukulele, you can get a quality, playable instrument for less than $100.
But if money is not a factor, you can get a guitar for no less than $500 (my personal recommendation from experience) that plays just as easy, if not easier, than a ukulele.
For many, budget will be the deciding factor.
Even if your budget is small, the good news is if you do get get started making music with the ukulele then any skills you build will translate very well to the guitar…
Or you just might discover it is the instrument for you!
Takeaway #3: Take an honest inventory of your strengths and weaknesses
If you have small hands and fingers, ukulele is the easiest option.
If you have arthritis, then ukulele will be the kindest to your fingertips.
And if you have normal or large sized fingers, then you’ll want an instrument with increased fret spacing… so guitar or at least a tenor-sized ukulele.
Takeaway #4: Make music as soon as possible
Finally, whatever you do…
Don’t put off making music any longer!
Avoid analysis paralysis by making a decision today.
Playing music is a lifelong journey full of twists and turns, and you can always change your course later.
What’s most important is that you start your journey as soon as possible and don’t delay!
My Number One Best Ukulele Recommendation For Beginners
I’ve personally played this brand of ukulele and was surprised by how well the ukulele held tune and that it had good intonation up and down the fretboard (meaning, the notes stayed in tune!).
For a ukulele less than $100, this Donner ukulele bundle is my number one pick.
My Number One Best Guitar Recommendation For Beginners
I’ve been a lifelong happy Taylor guitar player (I play a Taylor 814ce).
With a reputation for quality craftsmanship, the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar is a perfect 3/4 sized guitar for new guitar players or those with smaller hands and fingers.
I’ve personally played this guitar and can recommend it to beginners on the basis of playability and tone.
Strumming patterns are the bread and butter of playing ukulele.
And they can also make or break you.
“If only I could figure out the strumming pattern to this song.”
What if I told you there isn’t a magic strumming pattern for a song? What if the best pattern is the one you come up with?
In order to come up with the right strumming pattern, you start by using what I consider my favorite strumming pattern of all time. As someone who’s played ukulele for over 25 years, this is still my go-to pattern whenever I’m first learning a new song. And I suggest you do the same!
But I’m warning you…
This pattern is super easy.
Because of that, a lot of people overlook it, but that would be a mistake.
I explore all this and more in the video.
I show you a medley of four popular easy ukulele songs you can apply this pattern to and give you the steps for implementing it in your own playing.
Be sure to watch to the end where I show you how to create variety in your strumming!
Best Ukulele Strumming Pattern
There’s a big misconception that the more complicated your strumming is, the more musical or interesting it will sound, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
The truth is… you can play the most complex strumming pattern, but if it’s played out of time, you’ll sound terrible (sorry!). What actually makes you sound musical is how well you can keep time, not what pattern you’re strumming.
So when you’re learning a new song for the first time, the best strumming pattern to start with is the one that allows you to do two things:
Lock into the consistent beat of the song. Every song has a consistent count or beat most commonly counted in four or in three and it’s your job as a rhythmic instrument to find that beat and play steadily.
Make smooth chord changes. Any problematic chord changes will interrupt your consistent strumming rhythm so it’s important to pick a pattern that is easy enough to allow you to ensure each chord is dialed in!
This is why my favorite strumming pattern is the DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN strumming pattern played to a count of four (1, 2, 3, 4, and so on).
I warned you this is easy, but see how musical this can be by strumming this simple chord progression to play a popular song medley.
In the video, I use this chord progression to play Hey Soul Sister by Train, Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey, Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver, and With Or Without You by U2.
How to Create Variety in Your Rhythm
When you start with a simple pattern like this one, it becomes easy to begin to add variety.
For example, you might add in up strums between the down strums and count out loud 1 and, 2 and, 3 and, 4 and, and so on.
Surprisingly, there isn’t some magic, secret strumming pattern for a single song.
You actually have the ability to create the perfect pattern by finding the beat, playing to the beat, and then, adding variety to that pattern with your own creativity.
So when in doubt, start with down strums!
And if you want to be able to have the skills to be able to learn the chords and find the right strumming pattern for any song, then, join me in Strumming Tricks where I give you a step-by-step plan to go from complete beginner to proficient strummer on ukulele.
Learning to play an instrument as an adult shouldn’t be the same as when you were a kid.
If you learned music as a kid, there was probably a big focus on traditional music education. You know what I’m talking about… scales, classical music, rote memorization, theory, ticking metronomes, rulers smacking your knuckles if you mess up, and all that fun stuff!
And a big reason for the “traditional” approach is, when you’re a kid, time is on your side… you have time to follow through the “twelve grades of playing piano” over the next 12 years.
But as an adult, you don’t want to spend 12 years… you want to play music as soon as possible.
Of course I’d be lying to you if I told you that you don’t need to practice.
You need to practice.
But what you practice is SUPER important.
For most adults, the starting goal is to be able to take your favorite song, look up the chords, and play it!
Note: This is a very reasonable and attainable goal for new players who have just started playing the ukulele.
To do this, here are the most important skills you need to develop in your practice and nothing else.
1. It’s All About the Chords Starting Out
Take 5-10 minutes every day just practicing chords.
At first, your fingers won’t know where to go or what to do! It will feel awkward. The fingertips will feel sore. And it will require mental effort because your brain is doing something completely brand spankin’ new. Give yourself a high five for stepping outside your comfort zone!
Then, write out 3 to 4 of those chords you’ve learned and practice switching between those chords in a repeating sequence, like…
C -> Am -> F -> G7
And although it’s tempting to ignore the challenging chords, take a couple intentional minutes each practice session to focus on the more difficult chords like barre chords to build finger strength… it goes a long, long way!
What I would NOT focus on yet is memorization… that will come through repetition, much like how you can probably tie your shoes or chew gum and walk down the sidewalk without any conscious thought. It’s normal right now if you have to have the diagrams in front of you. Trust the process!
2. You Have to Build Your Strumming “Vocabulary” Too
Take another 5-10 minutes every day to just practice a single strumming pattern.
In the beginning, just learning a couple patterns will do the trick!
The big goal here is to intentionally practice various strum patterns with different note lengths and to count out loud.
The reason you count out loud is because it BUILDS UP your internal tempo clock.
A lot of people wonder how people just “feel” the rhythm and this is how… by practicing patterns and building your Strumming Vocabulary!
Building the muscle memory for strumming is extremely important, where you don’t have to think much about what you’re doing, and the only way to get to that point is by repeatedly focusing on practicing on one pattern, then two, then three, and so on.
What I would NOT focus on here is being as complex or “fancy” as possible. That will come. Instead, focus in your practice on being as steady as possible.
3. I Wish More Beginners Would Focus On This Underrated Part of Practice
So here’s a fun one that has nothing to do with playing your instrument but will improve your ukulele playing ten fold!
If you’re just starting out playing ukulele, I want you to take 5-10 minutes a day and listen to one of your favorite songs.
And really listen to it… this isn’t time for listening while you do something else like chores around the house! Sit, listen, and do nothing else.
I want you to listen to the song 3 times, and each time through focus on one of the following:
First time, tap or clap along consistently to the beat (bonus points if you can count along to the beat in four, three, or six)
Second time, snap your fingers whenever you hear a chord change
Third and final time, write out the feeling for the song, like happy vs. sad (there’s no right answer on this one)
“But I don’t have a musical ear, Brett! I can’t do this!”
I know, I know, but how do you get a musical ear? By practicing your listening!
You might listen to a song 3x through and not be able to detect any of these things yet and that is ok! I still want you to set a time to just listen to the music and do nothing else.
The big reason I’m including this tip is because so many songs we want to play on our ukuleles are played by looking up a lyric chord chart (like typing in “[song name] chords” on Google), and unfortunately, lyric chord charts don’t have specific information about the strumming pattern you should use, which means you have to rely on the Strumming Vocabulary you’ve developed in the last step to deduce and figure out the best strumming pattern for a song.
How These Things Come Together to Play Songs
The goal in practicing the above is to build the critical skills to successfully strum actual songs.
In order to strum a song, first, you have to know the chords of that song.
Then, you have to identify a strum pattern that will work with that song based on that song’s count you’ve identified in your listening.
And third, you have to be able to change the chords of that song while keeping the strumming going.
Only when you’ve done the above can you start to even think about singing out as you play. Singing and playing at the same time is quite literally like playing two instruments at once, so if it doesn’t come easy at first, don’t beat yourself up! The way you improve that is by focusing on the above. If your chords and strumming fall apart when you start singing, then, that means you have to go back a step and continue to practice.
Learning to play a musical instrument isn’t without its challenges but focusing on these things will help you the most when you’re first starting out!
And if you want to be able to have the skills to be able to learn the chords and find the right strumming pattern for any song, then, join me in the Strumming Tricks online video lesson course where I give you a step-by-step plan to go from complete beginner to proficient strummer on ukulele.
Being able to make music is a fulfilling and enriching endeavor regardless of age.
But if you’re thinking about learning an instrument later in life, it’s important to know that engaging in this creative pursuit isn’t just about checking “Make Music” off from your bucket list, but rather, it’s something that can offer remarkable health benefits.
From cognition to emotional well-being, let’s explore five ways backed by research in which learning ukulele can enhance your health and overall quality of life!
1. Boost Your Brain Power
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to keep our minds sharp and engaged. Learning an instrument like the ukulele is a powerful way to achieve just that.
One scientific study published in the journal Neuropsychology found that older adults who engaged in musical training had better cognitive performance compared to those who did not.[1]
The adults who learned an instrument had:
Better working memory
Increased attention
Faster processing speed
Improved problem-solving abilities
Playing an instrument helps to maintain cognitive function and may even contribute to a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline. A study published in BMC Neurology found that playing a musical instrument was “significantly associated with a decreased risk of dementia.”[2]
The act of reading musical notation and translating it into motor movements, like figuring out a chord and how to strum it, creates new neural connections, strengthening the brain’s capacity to process information more effectively!
2. Playing Music Each Day Keeps the Stress Away
Life can be stressful, but picking up a musical instrument can be an incredible stress-relieving activity.
Playing an instrument allows for an outlet of self-expression as well as an escape from the daily routine, promoting relaxation and overall well-being.
One study published in the Medical Science Monitor had participants make music on a piano keyboard for one hour guided by an instructor where the participants performed the following:
Warm up exercise
Rhythmic “drum circle” played on an electronic keyboard using percussion sound effects (that sounds fun!)
Improvisation using a simple 5-note pentatonic scale
One musical concept
Song of the day
Warm down exercise (repeating the first exercise)
Group reflection on personal progress
Farewell song
And no, these participants weren’t natural-born musical geniuses!
What was interesting about this experiment was that they did it with adults ranging in age from 18 to 76 who did “not consider themselves musical.” And what they found was that these one-hour music-making sessions had a statistically significant impact on reducing stress amongst the individuals.[3]
Playing an instrument later in life is a great way to relieve stress even if you’ve never done it before in your life!
3. Decrease Pain & Strengthen Fine Motor Skills
Learning and practicing ukulele requires precise finger movements, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills.
For adults in their later years, maintaining and improving physical function is crucial, and playing an instrument can contribute significantly to that goal.
A study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience examined the effects of piano training on fine motor skills in older adults. The results demonstrated that those who learned to play the piano showed significant improvement in fine motor skills and even increased cognitive and neural development into older age. The motor skills developed while playing an instrument allowed the adults to do other motor tasks “with higher acuity” or sharpness.[4]
And what about arthritis?
Can learning an instrument help reduce arthritic pain?
Yes! One researcher reported decreased arthritic pain in the hands and fingers of older students who practiced 30 minutes four days per week.[5]
The finger movements involved in playing an instrument like the ukulele provide a form of exercise for the hands and fingers that enhances finger dexterity, strengthens hand muscles, and promotes better coordination and flexibility!
4. Increase Emotional Well-Being & Feel Better
Music has a profound impact on our emotions, and learning to play an instrument can have a positive effect on our emotional well-being, particularly as we age.
Engaging in music taps into our creative side and provides a sense of accomplishment and self-expression. It boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing us to discover hidden talents and unleash our inner artist. Music has the power to uplift moods, alleviate feelings of loneliness or depression, and promote overall emotional resilience, contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of London, UK highlighted the emotional impacts of music making in old age:
Active music-making has been found to provide a source of enhanced social cohesion, enjoyment, personal development, and empowerment, and to contribute to recovery from depression and maintenance of personal well-being throughout these latter stages of adult life.[6]
As a ukulele teacher, I’ve heard from countless students who’ve discovered the ukulele during a difficult time. Some have found ukulele after losing a spouse. Others have found it going through a difficult time in the hospital. And some experiencing depression.
Playing an instrument provides an outlet for self-expression and can serve as a form of therapy, helping us cope with emotional challenges and improve our overall outlook on life.
For me, I don’t know what I’d do without music in my life!
5. Find New Friends & Community
Not only can playing a musical instrument help us internally but playing a musical instrument can be a social activity, offering opportunities for interaction and connection with others.
Later in life, there can be significant life changes like kids leaving the house or retirement.
Playing music with others is a way to create social connections and forge new friendships in a time where there is a lot of change.
A ukulele student of mine Lynda at her local ukulele group
Whether joining a band, orchestra, or simply playing with friends and family, music brings people together. Maintaining social engagement is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Participating in music-related activities fosters social connections, reduces feelings of isolation, and provides a platform for collaboration and camaraderie.
Sharing the joy of music with others creates a sense of belonging and enhances overall quality of life!
A Life of Music Awaits
Learning a musical instrument later in life opens up a world of possibilities and health benefits.
The cognitive stimulation, stress reduction, fine motor skills development, emotional well-being, and social engagement that result from playing an instrument can profoundly impact the health and overall quality of life for older adults.
So, why not embark on this exciting journey and discover the amazing rewards that await?
The ukulele is a perfect instrument to learn because it’s cost-friendly to get started, portable, easier on the fingers, and just plain fun! (Get my beginner ukulele recommendations.)
Remember, it’s never too late to learn, and the benefits of playing a musical instrument will resonate far beyond the notes you play.
If you want to learn how to strum and play your first 20 songs on ukulele in 7 distinct styles, then join me in Strumming Tricks where I give you a step-by-step plan to go from complete beginner to proficient strummer on ukulele in a non-intimidating, friendly style.
Perfect for beginners. Become proficient in strumming, rhythm and chord changes on the ukulele, improving your skills while learning actual songs.
1. Hanna-Pladdy, B., & MacKay, A. (2011). The relation between instrumental musical activity and cognitive aging. Neuropsychology, 25(3), 378–386. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021895
2. Arafa, A., Teramoto, M., Maeda, S. et al. Playing a musical instrument and the risk of dementia among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. BMC Neurol 22, 395 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-022-02902-z
3. Bittman, B., Berk, L., Shannon, M., Sharaf, M., Westengard, J., Guegler, K. J., & Ruff, D. W. (2005). Recreational music-making modulates the human stress response: a preliminary individualized gene expression strategy. Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 11(2), BR31–BR40. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15668624/
4. Worschech, F., James, C. E., Jünemann, K., Sinke, C., Krüger, T. H. C., Scholz, D. S., et al (2023). Fine motor control improves in older adults after one year of piano lessons: Analysis of individual development and its coupling with cognition and brain structure. European Journal of Neuroscience, 000– 000. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.16031
5. Colleen M. Zelazny, MME, MT-BC, Therapeutic Instrumental Music Playing in Hand Rehabilitation for Older Adults with Osteoarthritis: Four Case Studies, Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 38, Issue 2, Summer 2001, Pages 97–113, https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/38.2.97
6. Creech, A., Hallam, S., McQueen, H., & Varvarigou, M. (2013). The power of music in the lives of older adults. Research Studies in Music Education, 35(1), 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1177/1321103X13478862
Finding the groove when strumming your ukulele can be difficult but there is a way to improve.
It starts with building what I like to call a “Strumming Vocabulary” where you practice simple strumming rhythm exercises – trust me, any level ukulele player can learn these with a little effort and improve their rhythm!
With that vocab, you acquire the muscle memory to be able to just “feel” the beat.
It all starts with playing some fun strumming pattern exercises.
In this video lesson, I teach you three exercises to play on your ukulele that will help you:
Get the feeling for common note lengths
Figure out how to feel the offbeat
Know how to feel the beat without strumming the beat
I break everything down in the following video lesson!
I recommend practicing these exercises for 5-10 minutes a day to level up your rhythm on ukulele!
Bonus Challenge: Write out a chord progression of 2-3 chords to practice chord changes while playing any of these rhythms.
And for the most complete and comprehensive way to build your Strumming Vocabulary, join me in the full Strumming Tricks course where I teach you how to apply rhythms like these to playing actual songs.
Making the decision to learn a musical instrument like the ukulele is exciting, however as a beginner, you might be wondering:
“How often should I practice?”
How you answer this question lays the foundation for your ability to make the music you love!
Let’s look at the optimal practice frequency for ukulele players at different skill levels – beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
How Often Beginner Ukulele Players Should Practice
When you first start playing, consistency is the most important thing.
A beginner ukulele player should practice daily for at least 15 minutes.
Avoid long multi-hour “Weekend Warrior” marathon sessions that will tire your hands and fingers out, and instead, prioritize short regular sessions. Challenges like sore fingertips are not uncommon for beginners so you’ll want to take it easy at first and find a pace that works for you!
In the early stages, your primary goal should be building a solid foundation of the most fundamental techniques and establishing your ukulele habit. By doing so, you’ll develop muscle memory and gradually increase your playing stamina.
This stage is all about embracing the joy of learning. Consistency, coupled with curiosity and perseverance, will set you on the right path… for a lifetime!
For Intermediate Ukulele Players: Quality Over Quantity
The quality of your practice sessions becomes increasingly important as you progress beyond the beginner stage.
At the intermediate level, aim for 30-60 minutes of focused ukulele practice daily, allowing yourself ample time to warm up, work on current technical challenges, and practice specific songs.
During your sessions, identify specific goals and tailor your practice routine accordingly. Dial in and focus on areas that need improvement, like mastering a tricky passage or refining your dynamics.
This is the time in your journey where using practice techniques such as slow practice, deliberate repetition, and mindful listening is very beneficial. Focus on approaching each note and phrase with intention and precision.
Remember, at the intermediate stage, it’s the quality of your practice that counts, not just the number of hours spent!
For Advanced Ukulele Players: Dive Deep and Diversify
As an advanced ukulele player, your commitment to practice takes on a new dimension.
By this stage, your musical journey has taught you valuable lessons about discipline, dedication, and perseverance. To continue growing as a musician, it’s essential to expand your horizons and push your boundaries.
In other words, you must find new challenges!
Advanced ukulele players should devote a minimum of 1-2 hours each day to focused practice.
Use this time to refine technical proficiency, explore challenging material, and cultivate your artistic interpretation. You’ll want to experiment with different musical styles and genres to really push yourself, even collaborating with fellow musicians who play different instruments to broaden your musical perspective. This helps you become a more well-rounded and adaptable musician.
Additionally, prioritize performance opportunities to provide a new challenge as well as honing your stage presence and connecting with audiences.
To go even further, seek out masterclasses, workshops, and mentorships with world-class musicians and artists to push your skills even further.
Lastly, to solidify the musical perspective you’ve formed over the years, teach your instrument to others who are at an earlier stage in their journey. By teaching, you make an impact on the lives of other musicians while better understanding how you see, approach, and experience playing your instrument!
The Right Amount of Practice
Regardless of your current skill level, the answer to the question, “How often should I practice my instrument?” lies in the commitment to consistent, purposeful practice.
For beginners, 15 minutes per day is sufficient enough to form good habits and build a strong foundation. Intermediate ukulele players need at least 30-60 minutes to focus on quality practice that address their current challenges. Advanced musicians will spend a minimum of 1-2 hours daily to dive deep into their craft, embracing versatility and seeking new challenges.
Remember…
The reason we practice ukulele is to play the music we love in the way we want to play it.
Find a pace you can sustain and you will see improvement learning to play ukulele!
No, you don’t need to memorize hundreds of ukulele chords to start playing actual music. It’s better to take a different approach.
In this video, I cover the four things you need to do this year to learn how to play your ukulele proficiently and teach you to play an easy song.
Don’t let another year go by without learning ukulele!
Here’s the four things you need to do to learn ukulele in 2024.
#1: It’s All About the Strumming
Forget about memorizing a gazillion chords.
Focus on your strumming rhythm.
Because ukulele is a rhythm instrument, the biggest barrier between not knowing how to play and playing proficiently is being able to strum a rock-steady pattern.
The hard truth is if you can’t keep a consistent strumming rhythm then you won’t be able to sing along to your playing and no one else will be able to either.
It all starts by focusing on the count or the beat.
A simple 1-2-3 strum is all you need to play your first song but how you practice it is even more important…
You need to count out loud.
By counting out loud as you practice, as I demonstrate in the video, you develop your internal music sense of rhythm in music and with that, a world of music opens up to you on your ukulele.
#2: Make Smooth Chord Changes
If keeping a rock-steady strumming pattern is key, then the thing that stops beginners from doing that successfully is pausing, hesitating, or stopping between chord changes.
When you learn a new song, practice each chord change in the song before attempting to play it.
As you do so, apply the Hover Technique where you prepare fingers for the next chord while playing the current one. Watch the video to learn to apply the technique to change from a C to G to F chord.
By practicing each chord change in a song, you keep that consistent strumming rhythm going without stopping.
#3: Learn to Play an Actual Song
The best thing to do is to jump in and start learning songs!
Believe it or not, if you can keep a steady strum pattern and change between a couple chords, you are ready to play your first song.
In the video, I guide you through the process of playing “Happy Birthday” by breaking down the chord changes and using a simple strum pattern.
Watch that and play along with me!
Happy Birthday Ukulele Chords
C
G
Happy Birthday to you
C
Happy Birthday to you
F
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
C
G
C
Happy Birthday to you
#4: Keep Yourself Accountable
Do you struggle with finding motivation to practice ukulele?
Then, make a commitment now to play Happy Birthday for your closest friend or family member’s upcoming birthday this year. There’s nothing more motivating than to know you are going to play a song for someone else!
Make a calendar reminder now for your upcoming performance.
You can do this!
Do You Need Help Becoming a Better Ukulele Player?
I’m here to help you improve your skills on ukulele.
The best way for me to help you is to join me in the Strumming Tricks course where over 10,000 students have learned with me to make the music they love on ukulele.
I designed the course to be the most complete step-by-step method for complete beginners.
With my help, you know exactly what to practice to become a better ukulele player every time you sit down.
And you also don’t know if you’re even using your time wisely to learn the most important things.
You’ve heard it’s possible to learn an instrument by teaching yourself. Heck, your neighbor Jim said he learned the “self taught” way. However, if you’ve never played an instrument before, how do you know if you’re on the right track? What are the best practices for teaching yourself? And is it even possible?
If I were to go back in time and learn ukulele again, I could probably list 100 mistakes I made, but out of all of those, I would absolutely avoid making these 3 mistakes.
I want to warn you though – some of what I’m about to say might make you feel uncomfortable.
Mistake #1: Not Making Music With Others
So I get it.
You want to teach yourself in the comfort of your own home because you’re shy about playing music.
In fact, you were told many years ago you couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, so reasonably, you’re afraid to put it out there that you’re learning to play ukulele.
I was really shy when first started learning piano. My mom and dad taught me when I was around six years old to play hymns on the piano at home. I was perfectly content playing inside the comfort of my own home for the first several years until I was invited to play with the church youth group at age 14. I was so afraid but I’m thankful my parents encouraged me to push past that fear. Because it wasn’t until I started playing with my peers that I accelerated my learning in a way I didn’t even know was possible.
For instance, I discovered new ways to play rhythm because I saw how others played differently the same song.
I learned how to play chords in a different voicing to complement others in the band.
And I even figured out how to start improvising simple melodies.
It’s perfectly fine to be content playing music by yourself but if you want to improve even faster then don’t close yourself off to playing ukulele with others whether that’s with a private teacher, local ukulele club, grandkid, or your neighbor Jim down the street.
I wish I would have pushed past that fear sooner as a self-taught musician because of how much I learned from playing with others.
Mistake #2: Learning the Wrong Things
The most important thing about teaching yourself ukulele is to play the music you want.
When you’re learning as an adult, there’s no arbitrary levels to tick off like Grade 1, Grade 2, etc. The new gold standard is asking yourself if you’re playing the songs you like and want to play.
Life’s too short to waste time trying to play music you have no interest in playing.
For example, if you want to be able to look up the chords of your favorite songs, figure out the right strumming pattern, and play it, then, there’s no need to learn scale positions all across the fretboard because someone told you you’re not a real musician if you don’t know your scales. Instead, you should be practicing as many different chord variations as you can and practicing changing chords with different strumming patterns.
But if you want to be able to fingerpick melodies solo on your ukulele, then, that will require you to learn the fretboard, in which case, I wouldn’t be spending a whole lot of time learning hundreds of different strumming patterns.
Take time to think about your true song goals and write them down.
Then, think about what skills and techniques are needed to play those songs:
Fretting hand technique
Strumming hand technique
Picking hand technique
Chord knowledge
Fretboard knowledge
Theory
Rhythm
… and so on.
When you can identify the kinds of skills or techniques you need to practice, you can build a practice plan.
This is where a teacher or course really speeds up this process but if you’re committed to teaching yourself then you must take the time to think through these things and write them out.
Mistake #3: Worrying About Bad Habits
I know you want to teach yourself ukulele in the absolute best way without any mistakes.
But I need you to let it go.
Learning an instrument is a process.
You will make bad habits.
But there should be one good habit that you always have…
This is the most fatal error you can make teaching yourself to play ukulele.
But if you are dedicating the time daily, even for just fifteen minutes, then, you’re already winning.
Because if you dedicate the time, you’ll be able to address any bad habits that pop up along the way. But if you never take the time, well, then, you’ll be wishing in five years you would have started five years ago.
Is It Even Possible to Teach Yourself Ukulele?
Yes, it’s possible to be “self-taught” but notice what I’m talking about above…
Playing with others
Getting clear on the music you want to make
Practicing daily
Self-taught players are supported and inspired by other people, follow a plan to play in a specific style, and have built their practice habit.
This requires a lot of effort and thought.
If you find that it’s hard to figure it all out on your own, then, join me in the Strumming Tricks online course I teach which is the best way to go from beginner to playing 20 different songs in 7 distinct styles.
