Thanks for your advice on where to put the fretting hand and that it should not be responsible for holding the whole ukulele. It's really helpful to me as an absolute beginner.
I just got a new ukulele and i went up from a soprano to a concert, and whenever i cant figure out how to hold it, since my thumbs are double-jointed, my thumb always bends backwards and the neck ends up resting in between the first and second joint but it ends up hurting after a while. I will just have to stay determined and try to learn the proper way to hold it. Thanks for showing me the right way!
Thanks! I just got my first ukulele and I couldn't figure out how to hold it without feeling like I was grappling with it. I know that sounds dumb but it's a tiny instrument and I felt like I was going to break it. This video really helped!
+Moustro Plays Ukulele you are absolutely right! A strap definitely helps. I had one of my students wear one for her performance so that she could just focus on performing!
Great Video! Sorry for chiming in, I would love your thoughts. Have you thought about - Riddleagan Best Ukulele Remedy (google it)? It is a great one off product for learning ukulele for beginners without the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my friend Sam got cool results with it.
Konbanwa, Bernadette-sensei! Thank you for all your interesting and insightful videos. As a bloody beginner, your videos really helped me a lot to get started :) I am practising on a soprano sized ukulele, and i always tried to hold the uke as you explain here. But changing chords was always difficult when my thumb was in the middle of the neck. The uke moves around and my middle finger will touch other strings. Just today I learned from Ed Shannon ("The Ukulele Teacher") that I can rest the uke between thumb and index finger. Makes it so much more easy and comfortable for me. Now the uke is stable and I can focus on chords and strumming. Also my left hand is way more relaxed now. Only disadvantage I found so far is that HAVE to move my thumb to the middle of the neck for barring chords. Also l loved your fingerstyle videos. Hope we will see many more :) Keep up the good work! Best wishes from Germany, Hagbard
"As a bloody beginner" -HAHAHAHA!!! Love that! Ahhh, yes. Holding the ukulele is a little bit different with the soprano ukulele. I shall update this video to reflect that! Welcome to this lovely community of beginners. Make yourself at home ;)
+Rev. Scott that is so exciting! If you need any help along the way, comment on the videos or send me a message on Facebook 😉 facebook.com/bernadetteteachesmusic
Thanks for this video. I was watching carefully because I have much problems with holding the ukulele. I do understand what you explain but nevertheless I can't manage to hold my uke properly. So it would be very appreciated if you could do a second video on holding the uke. I now have subscribed to your channel and am waiting patiently for the video to come... ;-)
Hello, this is a really helpful video thank you, personally I am struggling with keeping my thumb in position on the back of the neck, as I switch between chords my thumb slides round and I end up muting strings (I think there’s another comment below where someone has had the same issue), I also put a lot of pressure on my thumb in order to stop muting the strings and it’s starting to make my thumb lock out of joint! I’ve seen a couple of videos where people suggest holding the guitar in the crook of their hand (between thumb and forefinger; as you show in this video) and actually (apart from G7...) it’s helping me play a more fluid chord...! I think I’ll probably switch between the 2 positions for a while to see which is best suited for me 👍🏻
Awesome videos!! When i hold my uke on my forearm at belly or boob height, at 10 or 9:45, it sends the neck forward and I still have to restrain it with my fret hand, which gets in the way of my chord changes, like for Eminor. Any suggestions?
I love your videos.......they help me a lot in learning to play ukulele.....I am from India and our summer is intense.........A common issue I face in summer is sweaty hands, especially the fret-board hand......it becomes slippery......how to overcome this issue?
Hi! So I started playing the ukulele almost a month ago, and I’ve been able to learn a lot quickly (I’ve been in music for a few years now, so it’s pretty natural). Only downfall at the moment is I can’t hold it up with my forearm like you’re doing. Is it an issue of needing to build up more strength or should I try making those diy straps or what? Because my hand is very free moving with my wrist when strumming like you show. Thanks!! xx
you see, I like to watch Elise Ecklund (does ukelele videos) and shes inspired me to learn ukelele and this video helped a lot so maybe I should watch your other ukelele school videos :)
Thank you Bernadette! Your channel is my favorite 💗😍 My question: is there a cirrect way to play a ukulele laying in bed or under a tree etc )). I know it is a strange question but I find myself wanting to practice it later at night or in the morning. I guess it is a bad habit? I am a bit lazy I to sit for a long time and practice, because I sit by computer a lot during the day. Warmly, Tatiana 🌻
Thank you! You're so welcoming and friendly. I'm brand new, 2 hours old, and i would like to know if my right arm touches the bridge when i hold it, is that a problem? I'm having a hard time keeping it from resting on the bridge.
+Gina Fimbres oh, wow! That's impressive. What's your piano business about? I used to teach band, but life took me down another path. I will add more video clips of my cat for you 🐱 on the next vlog ;)
+Gina Fimbres keep teaching piano! That is a great opportunity, even through college if you need the extra cash 💰 I went to Cal Poly for pre-vet! I changed to music, but I also wanted to be a vet!
I Love you teacher B.. Everyday I pause from what I do at home for me to learn from Your tutorials.. Im a stay at home mom of 2 and everyday house routine can be very boring at times and since im quite an introvert person I like spending time to learn new stuffs from youtube, I learned crochet, hairbow making, inline skating, sketching and drawing tru utube and it makes me very proud and happy of myself there are lot more to learn and now yours is my favorite.. I can hardly wait to play well my uke.. Thank you so much 😊. Xoxo.
Wow! What’s your name? I want to call you by name when I chat with you in the comments ☺️ you sound like a very driven person! You are learning so many skills through the internet and discipline! That’s fantastic! What type of ukulele do you have? (Size, brand, color)
My name is Angelica I also follow your fb page too and I participated to your post on Show me what are you doing right now photo, the uke that i bought was unbranded the vendor said it's a concert type.. i hope i could progress and soon get me a new one (the branded one)
Bernadette thank you so much for this lesson, you've earned a subscriber :). I want to ask you a thing though: is there a "best" height where to place my thumb while I'm holding my uke? Because I feel I can perform certain notes easier while I'm holding It between the second and third frets
I think I practiced too much trying to get the right fret (such as in G chord) in awkward positions. Now I cannot bend my index finger properly. I suppose it's due to lack of agility. I am 42 and this is my first attempt at playing musical instrument. Silly me.
According to my RUclips analytics, you're definitely not the youngest student of this channel... not by A LOT. Many people who watch this channel are also first-time learners, so welcome! You'll fit right in! Take a break and rest your wrist. Once you feel ready to play again, play around with C, Am, A7, C7 All of these chords can be found in my chord tutorials and all of these only use 1 finger! Once you're ready to move to 2 and 3 finger chords, try F and Dm If those do well, you should be comfortable playing G again ;)
Thank you for the encouragement. I enjoy your classes and hope to see more soon. Please keep going so one day (may be in a year) I can play a song without feeling sorry for those listening.
+berserker you'll get there. I've had students who get it right away and they stop practicing because they take it for granted. I've also had students who struggle for MONTHS but never give up -these students end up going further than my more "naturally talented" ones because they're willing to put in the work. Just keep your eye on the prize and don't compare yourself to anyone. It helps to practice the left hand only (without the strumming) to train your muscle memory
I just got my first ukulele and stumbled across this video. I think I'm starting to get the hang of holding it but I still don't know if my ukulele is in tune because it did not come with a tuner. It also came with some chips to make strumming easier, do you recommend beginners using them? Thanks, friendly person online
Hello! First of all, THANK YOU for such an amazing explanation. My question is: with this technique should I be able to see my hands? I currently can't--which is fine cause I'm working off touch--but... am I doing it right?
+CryptoCosplay if you're doing lefty uke and you were my student, I would still have you hold it the same 😊 but I'm asking because I have lefty tutorial videos on my channel
okay ,i understand. Ive been look at trying to learn for about a year now and finally talked my mom into getting me one to see if i'll figure it out and keep up with it.
it's okay, just keep watching ukulele tutorials every day until they start making sense. Sometimes watch the videos even if you don't have your ukulele (like when you are washing dishes or relaxing before bed). You will still be learning!
I'm having difficulty holding it as I keep having to put alot of pressure to keep the uke up on my left hand (not strumming) and that messes up my chords
I've got a question that hopefully you can help me with: I have a very tiny ukulele with pretty much no body space below the bridge, so to hold it with my forearm only seems impossible. The main thing I struggle with is doing from D to Em. I just can't keep the neck only with my fingertips. I have to hold it with the padding at the base of my index finger. How can I avoid that?
my problem is that when i hold my ukulele with my right forearm, pressing it against my body the neck gets pushed away from me. so if i readjust to have not so much pressure with the forearm and then let go of the neck to move around to play different chords the ukulele falls (more like pivots as the neck will fall down and the body will stay pressed up against me). i wonder if that makes sense? i just cant seem to get the holding part down...its so frustrating!!!
+absolutetuber I completely understand what you're saying! Can you send me a video clip of you holding the instrument? -this way I can get be you specific feedback. If you can, send it to me on my Instagram @plazi or at my Facebook facebook.com/bernadetteteachesmusic
I also have this problem of it falling when there is this gap. It's also ok to rest the nut on the base of the index finger because then it won't fall.
I have a problem with how to hold my ukulele : I have big boobs and it prevents me from finding a comfortable position. I think the uke is too low when it rests against my belly but I can't get it up more because it kind of rolls around when it is against my chest... Right now I just kind of tuck the uke under my boob to get it as high as possible but I look stupid and it is not comfortable at all... Is there anything I could do or at least try to find a better solution ?
Hi Sara, Let me get back to you on this one. I am doing a bit of research. I haven't had this concern in the past because all of my students are in elementary school or 60 years old. I will get back to you asap!
Bernadette Teaches Music thank you so much 😃 I absolutely love your channel btw, I found it just yesterday and I am binge-watching your videos right now ;) this is exactly what I needed 😊
The hand placement on the fret you recommended is the most common and right position but it's very uncomfortable for me coz my hand (specially my thumb) is very slippery ....what should i do?
+Stella Dadzie 😁😁😁 thank you!!! And yes, there are many ways to play the ukulele and every hand is different. This video is just the way I show my kiddos 👶🏻
Ive noticed that my ukulele has a thinner body than yours. It’s about two and a half inches deep. I paid $100.00 for mine but I absolutely didn’t know what I was doing and what to look for in an instrument when I purchased it on line. Does it just mean that the sound effect is different? Just curious. Actually, I did a little research. It’s a tenor uke. I probably should have done some more research. It’s a Rubin. I’ll probably upgrade when I get better. I am getting better. Thank you for that😊👍
Hello, I am a beginner, and the other day I practiced a song for around 25-30 minutes to get a decent hang of it. But the next day I had terrible terrible pain in the strumming arm and it’s still paining too much. The pain starts from the right side of my neck and down to the forearm, it's unbearable really. I’m guessing it’s the “Tennis Elbow Injury” (googled it). Please can you tell me why did this happen and how to avoid it from happening? Also, are there any home remedies for the same? I’m in a lot of pain and I think I’d have to take a break for a couple more days before getting back to my ukulele. Also, thank you for your videos, they're super cool and helpful! Cheers :D
Hi, I don't know if it's okay or not, but the fretboard weighs more than a ukulele body. I'm new and just bought a tenor Enya x1, how best to keep a balance with it?
I wondering if the neck on mine is too short. I am right handed and my wrist just kills me after 5 minutes. It seems to short. For my left hand to feel comfortable, the instrument sits to the left side of my belly button and hurts my right wrist. If I position it for my right hand, then my left hand is in a strange compacted position. I purchased it in Hilo and spent and hour trying to pick the correct one. I guess I didn’t.
I am stumming my ukulele with my right hand is that ok? or does it matter? I am right handed and I feel more comfortable this way. My left hand fringiers touch that strings for different notes.
Thank you for reinforcing that my thumb should be on the back of the neck. that is how I was taught. But I noticed that a lot of people (including instructors) put their thumb in front of the neck. I tried it that way but it is not comfortable for me. So I will stop stressing and continue to play with thumb on back
Thank you for your reinforcing comment too, Tesscod. I took a few classical guitar classes back in college and my professor taught us that way as well. I’m just teaching the form I was taught :) but it also gives the hand more reach, you know?
Bernadette Teaches Music Thx for engaging so intensively in that subject. But I have to say that I cannot agree with you in one important point. As you told, you had some classical guitar lessons, where you were told, to put the left thumb in the middle under the neck. When not used as a fixed position it might be okay to say that for melody-playing and some chords. But NOT in any case and NOT for all chords! And NOT like a fixed position. This is important! Any suggestions for the holding have to be considered flexible, regarding all components of the body, that are used. Especially beginners and even more beginners of higher age can quickly hurt and damage muscles and many other parts. The university teacher for guitar who taught me, said this very clearly and my experience as a guitar instructor showed how quickly fixed positions lead to problems. There are no such easy recipes like points, when it is about position for fingers, arm, neck, shoulders and the rest of the body.
Wow, that was the most easy to understand video on holding the uke I've ever seen, thank you! I have one question: if I hold the uke in my arms like you showed, I find my strumming hand placed just by the 10th fret. Is it okay or should the strumming hand be closer to the sound hole?
+erinspitfire thank you!! I'm going to make an updated one to show more of the fretboard hand. Strumming is really up to taste. I remember in my guitar class I was told to strum closer to the sound hole, but sometimes I find that I like the sound of strumming higher than that. Experiment with your placement and find one that you like!
Are you playing on a soprano uke? I know I am and I too am experiencing the same thing as you. I noticed that Bernadette's uke is longer than mine so I wonder if the holding technique still applies to the my uke...
Hi Bria ❤️ I would have to see your hands to give you accurate feedback but the best thing to remember is to keep the hand relaxed and the wrist unbent.
So I don't know if you've mentioned it in another beginner video (I'm new here lol), but I find that I somehow hurt my thumb and wrist that are holding the neck. I feel like I must be doing something wrong but I'm not sure what so I don't know how to fix it :'(
How do you manage to play an F Chord without touching the other strings and affecting the sound? I can't seem to get it right. Whenever I try, either the sound is muted because my fingers are touching other strings or my thumb slips from the neck of the instrument.
My thumb is too used to rest near my 5th guitar string so I can mute it when I want, that's going to be hard to unlearn lmao, also my forarm gets hella uncomfortable but guess Ill get used to it
I know that most people usually hold the ukulele on the left side and use their right hand to strum, but feels a little uncomfortable for me. When I was putting my thumb at the back of the ukulele with my left hand, it kinda hurt a little and I’m not sure why that is :/
+Fred Big hi Fred!!! I’m going to make an updated video on this, but if you send me a message on Facebook I can send you a picture of how to do it 😉 facebook.com/bernadetteteachesmusic
Trin Marie practice cord changes. I play guitar And that's what my teacher has us do. If you have problems changing from cord to cord try changing between a G cord and a C cord over and over again until that feels comfortable. Then try other cords you need to practice. Hope I could help :)
is it the right hand you play and hold the ukulele with or left? im right handed and i get a lot of different comments about it like i should play with my right hand but some other people say i should play with my left hand. i need help
I can listen to you pronounce the word ukulele all day but also need to listen to the great lessons. Thanks for sharing.
😆 thank you 🙏🏼 that’s so funny
I’ll never say You-Kuh-Lay-Lee ever again.
Thanks for your advice on where to put the fretting hand and that it should not be responsible for holding the whole ukulele. It's really helpful to me as an absolute beginner.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and let me know! ❤️💛💚💙💜
I just got a new ukulele and i went up from a soprano to a concert, and whenever i cant figure out how to hold it, since my thumbs are double-jointed, my thumb always bends backwards and the neck ends up resting in between the first and second joint but it ends up hurting after a while.
I will just have to stay determined and try to learn the proper way to hold it. Thanks for showing me the right way!
I have that same problem!
Thanks! I just got my first ukulele and I couldn't figure out how to hold it without feeling like I was grappling with it. I know that sounds dumb but it's a tiny instrument and I felt like I was going to break it. This video really helped!
I’m happy to hear this helped you ☺️
Have fun with your new instrument!
I wasn't too crazy about the 9:45 position,, Quarter to ten felt more comfortable to me.
+Fugitive Irons 😂
Thank you for all the wonderful information! I am a new player and am having trouble figuring out strumming-pattern and timing.
+Eli Fraser hi! It's nice to hear from you! ☺️ I have strumming tutorials coming soon. They're all filed already. Stay tuned ;)
A strap helps too. Everyone makes fun of me for using a strap. :-) it allows me to focus on just playing.
+Moustro Plays Ukulele you are absolutely right! A strap definitely helps. I had one of my students wear one for her performance so that she could just focus on performing!
Thank you so much for your professional advice.
True
Great Video! Sorry for chiming in, I would love your thoughts. Have you thought about - Riddleagan Best Ukulele Remedy (google it)? It is a great one off product for learning ukulele for beginners without the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my friend Sam got cool results with it.
Where does the strap hook onto? -Absolute begginer/Donner uke
I loved the easy to follow short but very informational video. Didn’t even have to go a look at another video for missed information. 👍🏾
Oh wow! Thank you so much!!!! 😘😘😘
Thanks for this, this was helpful. Also, it's refreshing to finally hear someone pronounce ukulele correctly.
I am a beginner. Your videos help me a lot. Thanks🥰
Konbanwa, Bernadette-sensei! Thank you for all your interesting and insightful videos. As a bloody beginner, your videos really helped me a lot to get started :) I am practising on a soprano sized ukulele, and i always tried to hold the uke as you explain here. But changing chords was always difficult when my thumb was in the middle of the neck. The uke moves around and my middle finger will touch other strings. Just today I learned from Ed Shannon ("The Ukulele Teacher") that I can rest the uke between thumb and index finger. Makes it so much more easy and comfortable for me. Now the uke is stable and I can focus on chords and strumming. Also my left hand is way more relaxed now. Only disadvantage I found so far is that HAVE to move my thumb to the middle of the neck for barring chords.
Also l loved your fingerstyle videos. Hope we will see many more :)
Keep up the good work! Best wishes from Germany,
Hagbard
"As a bloody beginner" -HAHAHAHA!!! Love that!
Ahhh, yes. Holding the ukulele is a little bit different with the soprano ukulele. I shall update this video to reflect that!
Welcome to this lovely community of beginners. Make yourself at home ;)
You are going to be the Ukulele teacher for a guy in Wisconsin. I just ordered mine and now await its arrival. I look forward to learning from you.
+Rev. Scott that is so exciting! If you need any help along the way, comment on the videos or send me a message on Facebook 😉
facebook.com/bernadetteteachesmusic
many people teach ukulele on youtube, I found yours to be the best!!. Thumbs up n sub!
Wow, thank you so much!!! You’re gonna make me cry 😭😭😭
The uke falls out of my hand when I shift from one cord to another
That might mean you’re not balancing its weight correctly. A strap might help you develop good form.
ruclips.net/video/NQmnV8KpDlc/видео.html
Same...from am to g chord to neck drop...hahaha. can play guitar now learning ukulele
I guess practice makes perfect ;)
Thanks for this video. I was watching carefully because I have much problems with holding the ukulele. I do understand what you explain but nevertheless I can't manage to hold my uke properly. So it would be very appreciated if you could do a second video on holding the uke.
I now have subscribed to your channel and am waiting patiently for the video to come... ;-)
Hey!
I have discussed holding the ukulele quite a bit in this video :)
ruclips.net/video/NA0SvOREelg/видео.html
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. I appreciate it enormously. Love from the UK :)
Love the thumb advise. I am following your advise now. Thanks
Hi mrs.Bernadette!!! Thanks so much!!
Thank you so much for coming!!! 💕
Hello! :D How do you maintain the thumb position when playing bar chords like Bflat and Bflat minor? I keep muting the strings instead!
Hello, this is a really helpful video thank you, personally I am struggling with keeping my thumb in position on the back of the neck, as I switch between chords my thumb slides round and I end up muting strings (I think there’s another comment below where someone has had the same issue), I also put a lot of pressure on my thumb in order to stop muting the strings and it’s starting to make my thumb lock out of joint! I’ve seen a couple of videos where people suggest holding the guitar in the crook of their hand (between thumb and forefinger; as you show in this video) and actually (apart from G7...) it’s helping me play a more fluid chord...! I think I’ll probably switch between the 2 positions for a while to see which is best suited for me 👍🏻
because of you now I have ben able to learn a lot of cords in less than a month
It took me a while to be used to putting my thumb in the center back
It works for some people and not for others. Make sure that your hand is comfortable wherever you choose to put it ;)
Thanks for the tutorials. I just bought my first uke. I'm using your site for my lessons.
thanks for sharing! it helped me alot!!!!(first day of how to play a ukulele)
Spot on ! You are brilliant !! Thank you.
Love female teachers
Like your style, thanks 🤗
thank you! this is a great help. I knew my thumb was too rigid and it gotta move! I have problem to turn my thumb for Em.
Thanks for the help! Btw you're mesmerizing.
Awesome videos!! When i hold my uke on my forearm at belly or boob height, at 10 or 9:45, it sends the neck forward and I still have to restrain it with my fret hand, which gets in the way of my chord changes, like for Eminor. Any suggestions?
Thank you Bernadette
When I use my fore arm to hold my ukulele it won’t stay unless my forearm covers up my strings which makes them mute
Hi Madison!
I made this video talking about the ukulele slipping. I think it will help ruclips.net/video/MYxdBgm1qw8/видео.html
I love your videos.......they help me a lot in learning to play ukulele.....I am from India and our summer is intense.........A common issue I face in summer is sweaty hands, especially the fret-board hand......it becomes slippery......how to overcome this issue?
The first minute forty seconds of this video changed my life. Thank you!
Good work-------🇬🇧🇬🇧------ still looking for a new ukelele very hard decision to make
+Best Pranks 69 I know. It is!!!
Let me know once you've made it!!! 🎶 🎵
Hi! So I started playing the ukulele almost a month ago, and I’ve been able to learn a lot quickly (I’ve been in music for a few years now, so it’s pretty natural). Only downfall at the moment is I can’t hold it up with my forearm like you’re doing. Is it an issue of needing to build up more strength or should I try making those diy straps or what? Because my hand is very free moving with my wrist when strumming like you show. Thanks!! xx
Thank you. It is extremely helpful
you see, I like to watch Elise Ecklund (does ukelele videos) and shes inspired me to learn ukelele and this video helped a lot so maybe I should watch your other ukelele school videos :)
So I need help with my thumb on the back of the neck I use to play the cello and well idk my thumb feels weird on the ukelele now
Actually a big help! Thank you!
Thank you!!!
Thank you Bernadette! Your channel is my favorite 💗😍
My question: is there a cirrect way to play a ukulele laying in bed or under a tree etc )). I know it is a strange question but I find myself wanting to practice it later at night or in the morning. I guess it is a bad habit? I am a bit lazy I to sit for a long time and practice, because I sit by computer a lot during the day. Warmly, Tatiana 🌻
Thank you! You're so welcoming and friendly. I'm brand new, 2 hours old, and i would like to know if my right arm touches the bridge when i hold it, is that a problem? I'm having a hard time keeping it from resting on the bridge.
Thank you for the great video!
I have been watching your videos lately and find them very interesting and informative. It makes me see how much I miss doing music. 😊😊😊
+Gina Fimbres hey! I had a student with your name a few years back ☺️ it's never too late to start playing again ;)
Oh I still play piano 11 years now and I have my own piano business. But I had to quit band unfortunately. And btw I love your cat ❤️🐈
+Gina Fimbres oh, wow! That's impressive. What's your piano business about?
I used to teach band, but life took me down another path.
I will add more video clips of my cat for you 🐱 on the next vlog ;)
I am teaching piano now and going to school and starting science classes at college to hopefully someday become a veterinarian
+Gina Fimbres keep teaching piano! That is a great opportunity, even through college if you need the extra cash 💰
I went to Cal Poly for pre-vet! I changed to music, but I also wanted to be a vet!
I Love you teacher B..
Everyday I pause from what I do at home for me to learn from Your tutorials.. Im a stay at home mom of 2 and everyday house routine can be very boring at times and since im quite an introvert person I like spending time to learn new stuffs from youtube, I learned crochet, hairbow making, inline skating, sketching and drawing tru utube and it makes me very proud and happy of myself there are lot more to learn and now yours is my favorite.. I can hardly wait to play well my uke.. Thank you so much 😊. Xoxo.
Wow! What’s your name? I want to call you by name when I chat with you in the comments ☺️ you sound like a very driven person! You are learning so many skills through the internet and discipline! That’s fantastic!
What type of ukulele do you have? (Size, brand, color)
My name is Angelica I also follow your fb page too and I participated to your post on Show me what are you doing right now photo, the uke that i bought was unbranded the vendor said it's a concert type.. i hope i could progress and soon get me a new one (the branded one)
Bernadette thank you so much for this lesson, you've earned a subscriber :). I want to ask you a thing though: is there a "best" height where to place my thumb while I'm holding my uke? Because I feel I can perform certain notes easier while I'm holding It between the second and third frets
Your videos are so helpful!
Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to write that sweet comment
Good info
Thank you
Thank you teacher. Now I know the wrongs in my way. Currently suffering from inflamed wrist.
+berserker 😱😱😱 what happened to your wrist!?!
I think I practiced too much trying to get the right fret (such as in G chord) in awkward positions. Now I cannot bend my index finger properly.
I suppose it's due to lack of agility. I am 42 and this is my first attempt at playing musical instrument. Silly me.
According to my RUclips analytics, you're definitely not the youngest student of this channel... not by A LOT. Many people who watch this channel are also first-time learners, so welcome! You'll fit right in!
Take a break and rest your wrist. Once you feel ready to play again, play around with C, Am, A7, C7
All of these chords can be found in my chord tutorials and all of these only use 1 finger!
Once you're ready to move to 2 and 3 finger chords, try F and Dm
If those do well, you should be comfortable playing G again ;)
Thank you for the encouragement. I enjoy your classes and hope to see more soon. Please keep going so one day (may be in a year) I can play a song without feeling sorry for those listening.
+berserker you'll get there. I've had students who get it right away and they stop practicing because they take it for granted.
I've also had students who struggle for MONTHS but never give up -these students end up going further than my more "naturally talented" ones because they're willing to put in the work.
Just keep your eye on the prize and don't compare yourself to anyone.
It helps to practice the left hand only (without the strumming) to train your muscle memory
Those stickers seem useful. Do u have a video on where to place them?
Thanks.x
I just got my first ukulele and stumbled across this video. I think I'm starting to get the hang of holding it but I still don't know if my ukulele is in tune because it did not come with a tuner. It also came with some chips to make strumming easier, do you recommend beginners using them?
Thanks,
friendly person online
Hello! First of all, THANK YOU for such an amazing explanation. My question is: with this technique should I be able to see my hands? I currently can't--which is fine cause I'm working off touch--but... am I doing it right?
+homeiswonderland can you send me a photo of you holding it? facebook.com/bernadetteteachesmusic
Will do! Thank you so much!
Thank you.
Thank you too!! :) did this help?
It would be awesome to have you as a teacher!
Is there a certain way to hold it depending on what is your dominate hand? I'm left handed and have problems with this a lot.
+CryptoCosplay are you going to be playing lefty uke?
i would hope. im a beginner ,so i dont completely understand everything yet.
+CryptoCosplay if you're doing lefty uke and you were my student, I would still have you hold it the same 😊 but I'm asking because I have lefty tutorial videos on my channel
okay ,i understand. Ive been look at trying to learn for about a year now and finally talked my mom into getting me one to see if i'll figure it out and keep up with it.
it's okay, just keep watching ukulele tutorials every day until they start making sense. Sometimes watch the videos even if you don't have your ukulele (like when you are washing dishes or relaxing before bed). You will still be learning!
I'm having difficulty holding it as I keep having to put alot of pressure to keep the uke up on my left hand (not strumming) and that messes up my chords
Is better to use dtrap or is bettwr to just try witouth it. My arm starts to hurt and ukulele dont stay in my arms
I've got a question that hopefully you can help me with: I have a very tiny ukulele with pretty much no body space below the bridge, so to hold it with my forearm only seems impossible. The main thing I struggle with is doing from D to Em. I just can't keep the neck only with my fingertips. I have to hold it with the padding at the base of my index finger. How can I avoid that?
my problem is that when i hold my ukulele with my right forearm, pressing it against my body the neck gets pushed away from me. so if i readjust to have not so much pressure with the forearm and then let go of the neck to move around to play different chords the ukulele falls (more like pivots as the neck will fall down and the body will stay pressed up against me). i wonder if that makes sense? i just cant seem to get the holding part down...its so frustrating!!!
+absolutetuber I completely understand what you're saying! Can you send me a video clip of you holding the instrument? -this way I can get be you specific feedback.
If you can, send it to me on my Instagram @plazi or at my Facebook facebook.com/bernadetteteachesmusic
just gotta figure out how to post a video on here
+absolutetuber you can post one here. It will go to spam, but I can approve it :D
I use my inner elbow to support the ukulele it go e more supplementing instrument
I have this exact same problem! Were you able to figure out how to fix it?
Best tutorial I've seen yet!
+Michelle Flaherty 🙃🙃🙃 thank you!!!
What book do you use to teach your students? Thinking of starting a class at my school
I also have this problem of it falling when there is this gap. It's also ok to rest the nut on the base of the index finger because then it won't fall.
I have a problem with how to hold my ukulele : I have big boobs and it prevents me from finding a comfortable position. I think the uke is too low when it rests against my belly but I can't get it up more because it kind of rolls around when it is against my chest...
Right now I just kind of tuck the uke under my boob to get it as high as possible but I look stupid and it is not comfortable at all...
Is there anything I could do or at least try to find a better solution ?
Hi Sara,
Let me get back to you on this one. I am doing a bit of research. I haven't had this concern in the past because all of my students are in elementary school or 60 years old. I will get back to you asap!
Bernadette Teaches Music thank you so much 😃
I absolutely love your channel btw, I found it just yesterday and I am binge-watching your videos right now ;) this is exactly what I needed 😊
This is officially my favorite comment of all time!!!!! 😭😭😭
#TrophyComment
Bernadette Teaches Music I am so happy to have made you happy by telling you that what you do is making me happy 😁😆
I really mean it!!! Thank you so much for spending your precious time on my humble channel 💜💜💜
thank u sooo much!!!!!!
aww! Yay!! So happy to hear that!
And thank you for all the comments and love :)
The hand placement on the fret you recommended is the most common and right position but it's very uncomfortable for me coz my hand (specially my thumb) is very slippery ....what should i do?
You can actually put your thumb both places. Great video by the way!
+Stella Dadzie 😁😁😁 thank you!!! And yes, there are many ways to play the ukulele and every hand is different.
This video is just the way I show my kiddos 👶🏻
Heyooo! I actually need this video haha, but I might just end up using a strap because I'm lazy hahaha
happy easter by the way! :D
+Ce Aggie I like straps!!! I think I may make a diy ukulele strap video :D
Ce Aggie hi
I have a tenor ukulele and I have always had to use a strap. Does the size of the ukulele make a difference or am I just doing it wrong?
Ive noticed that my ukulele has a thinner body than yours. It’s about two and a half inches deep. I paid $100.00 for mine but I absolutely didn’t know what I was doing and what to look for in an instrument when I purchased it on line. Does it just mean that the sound effect is different? Just curious. Actually, I did a little research. It’s a tenor uke. I probably should have done some more research. It’s a Rubin. I’ll probably upgrade when I get better. I am getting better. Thank you for that😊👍
Hello, I am a beginner, and the other day I practiced a song for around 25-30 minutes to get a decent hang of it. But the next day I had terrible terrible pain in the strumming arm and it’s still paining too much. The pain starts from the right side of my neck and down to the forearm, it's unbearable really.
I’m guessing it’s the “Tennis Elbow Injury” (googled it).
Please can you tell me why did this happen and how to avoid it from happening? Also, are there any home remedies for the same? I’m in a lot of pain and I think I’d have to take a break for a couple more days before getting back to my ukulele.
Also, thank you for your videos, they're super cool and helpful! Cheers :D
When I place my thumb as you showed, my wrist stays at about a 90 degree angle. That gets really sore really quick! Am I doing something wrong?
Спасибо.
Hi, I don't know if it's okay or not, but the fretboard weighs more than a ukulele body. I'm new and just bought a tenor Enya x1, how best to keep a balance with it?
I wondering if the neck on mine is too short. I am right handed and my wrist just kills me after 5 minutes. It seems to short. For my left hand to feel comfortable, the instrument sits to the left side of my belly button and hurts my right wrist. If I position it for my right hand, then my left hand is in a strange compacted position.
I purchased it in Hilo and spent and hour trying to pick the correct one. I guess I didn’t.
I am stumming my ukulele with my right hand is that ok? or does it matter? I am right handed and I feel more comfortable this way. My left hand fringiers touch that strings for different notes.
Thank you for reinforcing that my thumb should be on the back of the neck. that is how I was taught. But I noticed that a lot of people (including instructors) put their thumb in front of the neck. I tried it that way but it is not comfortable for me. So I will stop stressing and continue to play with thumb on back
Thank you for your reinforcing comment too, Tesscod. I took a few classical guitar classes back in college and my professor taught us that way as well. I’m just teaching the form I was taught :) but it also gives the hand more reach, you know?
Bernadette Teaches Music Thx for engaging so intensively in that subject. But I have to say that I cannot agree with you in one important point. As you told, you had some classical guitar lessons, where you were told, to put the left thumb in the middle under the neck. When not used as a fixed position it might be okay to say that for melody-playing and some chords. But NOT in any case and NOT for all chords! And NOT like a fixed position.
This is important! Any suggestions for the holding have to be considered flexible, regarding all components of the body, that are used. Especially beginners and even more beginners of higher age can quickly hurt and damage muscles and many other parts. The university teacher for guitar who taught me, said this very clearly and my experience as a guitar instructor showed how quickly fixed positions lead to problems. There are no such easy recipes like points, when it is about position for fingers, arm, neck, shoulders and the rest of the body.
i dont know how to hold the fingers on my right hand if I'm strumming, like do you do it with your nails or with the tops of your fingers:)
Wow, that was the most easy to understand video on holding the uke I've ever seen, thank you! I have one question: if I hold the uke in my arms like you showed, I find my strumming hand placed just by the 10th fret. Is it okay or should the strumming hand be closer to the sound hole?
+erinspitfire thank you!! I'm going to make an updated one to show more of the fretboard hand.
Strumming is really up to taste. I remember in my guitar class I was told to strum closer to the sound hole, but sometimes I find that I like the sound of strumming higher than that.
Experiment with your placement and find one that you like!
thank you for the reply! ^^
Are you playing on a soprano uke? I know I am and I too am experiencing the same thing as you. I noticed that Bernadette's uke is longer than mine so I wonder if the holding technique still applies to the my uke...
ItsWayMoreThanMusic you can use sophrano but try to get a long neck one I think ohana has them
Soprano
So when I shift to g chord and others like d i feel like I need to move my thumb sideways and having it on top is more comfortable. What should I do?
Hi Bria ❤️
I would have to see your hands to give you accurate feedback but the best thing to remember is to keep the hand relaxed and the wrist unbent.
Omg thank you so much
+Sieanna Haimchand i made this with you in mind :) I hope it helped 💛
I need help, Please. I cant hold the uke because everytime the neck drops. It JUST rotates with the neck down.
Hi Ramona, did you try all of the steps in this tutorial? Don’t worry! We will figure this out together. Take a few deep breaths
So I don't know if you've mentioned it in another beginner video (I'm new here lol), but I find that I somehow hurt my thumb and wrist that are holding the neck. I feel like I must be doing something wrong but I'm not sure what so I don't know how to fix it :'(
How do you manage to play an F Chord without touching the other strings and affecting the sound? I can't seem to get it right. Whenever I try, either the sound is muted because my fingers are touching other strings or my thumb slips from the neck of the instrument.
how do u aksuoly ned to play like the sriming peterns ads stuf w ur thumb?nails?or how plz tel me
My thumb is too used to rest near my 5th guitar string so I can mute it when I want, that's going to be hard to unlearn lmao, also my forarm gets hella uncomfortable but guess Ill get used to it
I know that most people usually hold the ukulele on the left side and use their right hand to strum, but feels a little uncomfortable for me. When I was putting my thumb at the back of the ukulele with my left hand, it kinda hurt a little and I’m not sure why that is :/
What is that uke? Love it!
Bernadette. I'm new to Ukulele and have been learning for just over a week. Why do you have a blue, red, and green dot on some of your freeboards?
so she knows where to place her fingers
I tend to put more pressure on my thumb where my whole thumb completely curves back and flattens against the back of the fretboard. Is that a problem?
If you put your thumb behind, how to support weight? I mean when playing C6 it uke just falls ????
+Fred Big hi Fred!!! I’m going to make an updated video on this, but if you send me a message on Facebook I can send you a picture of how to do it 😉
facebook.com/bernadetteteachesmusic
How do I move cord to cord quickly? I feel like I have to pause between each time I switch cords
Trin Marie practice cord changes. I play guitar And that's what my teacher has us do. If you have problems changing from cord to cord try changing between a G cord and a C cord over and over again until that feels comfortable. Then try other cords you need to practice. Hope I could help :)
i dont need to put my thumb back there because i feel uncomfortable when playing certain chords, is it okay?
Hi I just got my ukulele and I am trying really hard to get a g cord and I have watched so many videos but it doesn’t sound right pls help me
The music stands you have are set up on books can you give me more info
+Lisa Butler hey! Let me check their info and see if I can find a link or brand name 😉 I'll be back in my classroom next week
+Lisa Butler it's called
Proline PL 53 Tabletop Sheet Music Stand Black
Wait which direction do I hold it right or left???
is it the right hand you play and hold the ukulele with or left? im right handed and i get a lot of different comments about it like i should play with my right hand but some other people say i should play with my left hand. i need help
Hi! I play the chords with my left hand and strum with my right hand :) I hope this helps!
Bernadette Teaches Music Thank you!
+ali4ns ☺️
How do i move from C to G to am to F?
i think my fingers are too fat what do i do i cant play a g without touching another string plz help tell me how to put it