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Original Post By:
Comedy Writer
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Date: 8/1/2008 7:09:25 PM |
So I love the uke, even have 2-3, but still haven't learned to play. So, what are some good resources for a musical beginner? ( web sites, books DVD's)
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Posted By:
singndance
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Date: 8/1/2008 8:26:55 PM |
You could always learn the hard way, like I did. Find a song you like and then find the chords one by one. Des (find G chord in book-position fingers, play G chord) perado. (find G7 in chord book, position fingers, play G7) Why don't you (stop, find C chord, position fingers, play C chord) sing "come to your" (stop, find Cm chord,position, play ) sing "senses"
I am sure there are easier ways but it does work.
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Posted By:
hoaryhead
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Date: 8/1/2008 8:29:30 PM |
| Jim Beloff's ukulele DVDs, 1 and 2, on this site. (Click to the online store to the left.) It's an excellent way to begin, even if you're already a guitar player.
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Posted By:
NinaC
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Date: 8/1/2008 9:29:50 PM
(Updated: 8/1/2008 9:31:39 PM)
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Here are a couple of websites I found invaluable as a beginner a couple of years ago:
Ukulele Chordfinder:
Pretty much any chord you'd want to play in Soprano C or D tuning, plus low G tenor and Baritone.
http://www.ukulele.nl/
Some basic lessons you can strum along with:
http://www.ukeschool.com/
Fingerpicking tutorials: http://www.ezfolk.com/uke/Tutorials/Fingerpicking/fingerpicking.htm
Be sure to check out the other tutorials on eZFolk
Dr. Uke songs
http://www.doctoruke.com/songs.html
Chord Magic
http://kauairainbow.com/Ukulele/Chord%20Magic/cm1.html
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Posted By:
Boswell
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Date: 8/1/2008 9:31:21 PM |
Ralph Shaw's Complete Ukulele Course DVD, also available from this site, is another great way to make a good start of it.
And remember, like any instrument, you gotta ukulele daily, at least an hour a day.
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Posted By:
Pinbeak
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Date: 8/4/2008 3:34:20 PM
(Updated: 8/4/2008 3:35:47 PM)
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Exercises are great, and you should do them. Working through a song via sheet music or tabs is also a great way to learn.
If you're looking for tabs, check out the following sites:
Betty Lou's has some pretty simple tabs, and as you become more confident or proficient, you can add chords, picking, etc. to the basic tabs here and jazz it up http://bettylou.zzruss.com .
If you're looking for a tab site for artists or songs that doesn't require a log-in or wading through tons of ads, chech out Chordie http://www.chordie.com/
The cool thing about Chordie is that you can direct the page to show uke chords for the appropriate tuning (such as C or D) and transpose the chords up or down if the tab doesn't match your vocal range.
Check 'em out!
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Posted By:
Alohayall
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Date: 8/5/2008 1:41:49 AM |
What is your musical background? Read music? Play another instrument?
Do you want to strum and sing or play instrumental?
Joyce
http://www.ukuleleuniverse.com
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Posted By:
Carl
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Date: 8/8/2008 7:23:49 AM |
| There are a lot of tabs and lessons at Ukehunt (www.ukulelehunt.com). It's a comprehensive site with many options.
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Posted By:
hokeypokey
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Date: 8/8/2008 8:26:50 AM |
| Roy Sakuma's book and DVD are great. Available on this website
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Posted By:
Ernie
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Date: 8/8/2008 9:20:30 AM |
| I'll second the vote for Ralph Shaw's "Complete Ukulele Course". Fun, engaging, & chock full of good information.
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Posted By:
Tonya
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Date: 8/8/2008 11:08:40 AM |
| I think that, once you have the "basic" chords down, playing with others is the best way to synthesize what you've seen on DVDs, listened to on CDs or read in books and turn it into "real" playing. Despite what you might think, you don't need great skills to enjoy singing and strumming with others. If there are no ukulele groups in your area, look for a welcoming folk music society or even a group of folks who play at local rest homes.
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Posted By:
Leaveit2jane
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Date: 8/9/2008 2:34:42 PM |
| I'm a big fan of the Ukulele Underground site. Their Uke minutes and short Uke lesson videos got me doing things I never expected I'd be able to do. LOL, They've made me brave.
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Posted By:
alex.jang
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Date: 11/26/2008 10:22:30 PM |
| When I started out, I used the Roy Smeck Ukulele Method (1978). Had a lot of success with it, especially with how it gets you playing chord-melody right up front.
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