Lessons and Advice

Taimane Teaches Her Strum Pattern for ‘Jolene’

By Greg Olwell In this video lesson from Taimane Gardner, she shows off a cool strum she uses for “Jolene,” a classic song from Dolly Parton. For this lesson, you’ll need Am, G, and C chords, so your fretting hand…

Get Rhythm: How to Hold Down the Groove on Ukulele

Two things make for a solid strum: You have to hear it and you need to be able to play it.

Learn Lead Belly’s Blues Classic ‘Where Did You Sleep Last Night?’ on Ukulele

BY LIL’ REV | FROM THE SPRING 2018 ISSUE OF UKULELE Depending on who’s singing it, this song goes by a half-dozen different names, including “In the Pines,” “The Longest Train,” and “Black Girl.” Regardless of the name, “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a…

Gear Guru: Picks For Ukulele—What’s The Deal?

If you are looking for more clarity, more volume, or a different tone, a pick may be good for you

Ukulele Lesson: How Lyrics Can Lead You to What Comes Next

When learning the chord progression to a song, don’t just whiz through it without first getting to know the song’s personality through its lyrics.

What’s Your Ukulele Skill Level?

Here's a guide for skill levels from Canadian ukulele school Ruby's Ukes

Learn to Play ‘Glass Ball Slack Key’ from Led Kaapana

Ledward Kaapana’s prodigious ukulele chops are in full force on “Glass Ball Slack Key,” a spirited showstopper that he sometimes calls “Chicken in the Straw.”

Frank Ferera with accompanist Anthony Franchini

Learn Classic 1920s-Style Playing with this Transcription of the “Maui Girl,” the First Solo Ukulele Recording Ever Made

This transcription is good introduction for players wanting to learn classic 1920s-style strumming and picking

Ukulele Lesson: Bossa Nova Like a Boss!

Exploring the Brazilian rhythm with this reimagining of a popular science-fiction TV theme song from the 1960s, arranged for baritone ukulele

Learn to Play an Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Classic, ‘Ka Pua U‘I’

On his version of Bina Mossman’s classic, Iz dresses up a simple chord progression with some jazz strums and fills