Ukulele

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Your First Ukulele Lesson and Then Some
A Complete Beginner’s Crash Course to Playing Ukulele
by Brett McQueen of the Ukulele Tricks blog
This ebook is dedicated to my grandfather who taught and inspired me to play ukulele.
All contents copyright © 2011 by UkuleleTricks.com. All rights reserved. No part of this document or accompanying files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form,electronic or otherwise, by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. This ebook is presented to you for informational purposes only and is not a substitution for any professional advice. The contents herein are based on the views and opinions of the author and all associated contributors. While every effort has been made by the author and all associated contributors topresent accurate and up to date information within this document, it is apparent technologies rapidly change. Therefore, the author and all associated contributors reserve the right to update the contents and information provided herein as these changes progress. The author and/or all associated contributors take no responsibility for any errors or omissions if such discrepancies exist within thisdocument. The author accepts no responsibility for any consequential actions taken, whether monetary, legal, or otherwise, by any and all readers of the materials provided. It is the readers sole responsibility to seek professional advice before taking any action on their part. Reader results will vary based on their skill level and individual perception of the contents herein, and thus no guaranteescan be made accurately. Therefore, no guarantees are made.

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Contents
Welcome
About the Ukulele
How to Tune Your Ukulele
Tuning Your Ukulele by Ear
Using a Chromatic Tuner to Tune Your Ukulele

4 5 7
8 9

How to Hold Your Ukulele
Your First Ukulele Chords
C major
G major
F major

10 11
11 11 12

Your First Strumming Pattern
The Basis of Strumming
StrummingPattern #1: Down, Down, Down, Down

13
13 13

Your First Song
10 More Really Important Chords to Know
Major Chords
Minor Chords
Dominant 7th Chords

15 17
17 18 20

More Advanced Strumming Patterns
Strumming Pattern #2: Down, Down, Up, Down, Down, Up
Strumming Pattern #3: Down, Down, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up

22
22 23

Learn Another Song: “I’ve Been Working On the Railroad”
Howto Approach Learning a New Song
“I’ve Been Working On the Railroad” Chords

25
25 26

Where Do I Go From Here?
Develop a Practice Plan
Seek Out Inspiration

27
27 27

Further Resources
Final Thoughts

28 29

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Welcome
Are you ready to dive into the world of ukulele? Maybe you already have but you’ve not gotten that far. Wherever you’re at, after going through theselessons, you will not only have the skills to play a large handful of chords and be able to hold down a solid strumming pattern, but you’ll be able to play some of your favorite songs. The ukulele has brought a lot joy to my life, and I think it can to yours, which is why I write this “crash course.” It’s consistently been a centerpiece instrument around family gatherings and celebrations. The coolthing is you don’t really need a musical background to play ukulele. In fact, my Grandpa taught me how to play when I was just six. If you put your mind to it, I’m positive you can learn too! These lessons are designed for the beginning or relatively new ukulele player to get you started on your path towards ukulele success. However, even if you’ve played for a little while, I encourage you to keepreading because you might just pick up some new tricks. With that being said, let’s get started!

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About the Ukulele
The ukulele is a four stringed plucked instrument that originated in the 19th century from Hawaii. The most popular sizes of ukuleles are: soprano, concert (alto), tenor, and baritone. Soprano ukuleles are the smallest ukes and tend to be the most common as they can be had...