Teach an Old Song New Tricks with Chord Substitutions
Adding substitution chords can create more movement within a piece and add harmonic interest
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
This classic American folk song has been sung by everyone from Lead Belly to Nirvana
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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
Learn to Play “Hula Girl” as a Solo Chord-Melody or Duet
This is one of the most lasting songs from the wave of Hawaiian obsession that first swept the mainland a century ago
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
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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.”
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