I know nothing about music theory and I think I’m doing fine. I don’t really think it’s necessary, and I can say this fairly confidently seeing as I’ve been playing for 4 years.
Well, it is a Hawaiian word. The approximate pronunciation of the Hawaiian word is oo-koo-lay-lay. However, the term is borrowed in English and is usually pronounced yuke-uh-lay-lee. I would think either pronunciation is correct...
I took guitar lessons for a year and i find ukuleles so much easier to play. My family is filled with musicians and we all have our iconic instrument. My moms is piano, my dads is guitar, my brothers is drums and mine is ukulele. :)
I tried to learn guitar about 20 years ago and failed miserably. A few years ago I learned to play uke really easily, then transferred it over to guitar, now guitar feels easy too!
@@itsalex5519 The pick always falls out of my hand 😂. Also just using my thumb is nicer in my opinion, because it's easier to control the volume and allows you to use more techniques, in my opinion.
I am so digging these tutorials! My husband was just gifted a baritone uke because he's having such a hard time with his guitar; arthritis and torn rotator cuff!! His brother game him a Kala Baritone for his 70th b'day a few weeks ago....and we are BOTH hooked on the lovely sound of the baritone uke!! So much so, that I bought one for myself a few days ago. THESE tutorials of Terry's are The Best on-line Education--hey I'm 65, an old girl :-) with a happy heart. I've Never had a music lesson in my life, nor ever played an instrument. Terry's got me practicing along with his instructions with so much enthusiasm. A HUGE thank you for these youtubes!
I played piano for over 7 years before learning the ukulele I took multiple theory and practical exams. All of that helped so much when learning the ukulele! Highly recommend learning some theory it genuinely helps!
@@fukutaichou1903 Music theory is basically the study of music, and what makes up music. There's a lot of sites like musictheory.net that have free information and exercises.
As a performance band player with the ukulele, I spent at least 30 minutes every day practicing my Hawaiian Vamp exercises, chords, and scales while watching the TV. After a while it just becomes second nature as the fingers memory established. It is like killing two birds in a stone ( enjoying my favorite TV shows while practicing my uku) .
@@pianolover007 Sure, you can practice and watch TV, I'm trying to remind people to keep good posture when they are playing no matter what they are doing. I have students with hand and wrists issues and it's not fun for them.
Playing every day really helps! I couldn't play barre chords for a year but always tried, then it slowly started improving and now I can do them perfectly! I can't play many songs on fingerstyle yet, witch is something I really like, but I'm improving and I practice every day at least for 10 minutes
Just started playing uke after many years playing acoustic guitar - wow, your advice about "stiff wrist" really nails it... didn't even realize I was doing that! Thanks so much!!!
My brother tried to teach me how to play guitar when I was about 7 and I failed miserably, I really wanted to because my big brother did and I wanted to be like him but I ultimately stopped. I then tried to play the drums and I loved it but I never practiced daily and ultimately stopped. In school I played the saxophone but my teacher always bothered me and made me not want to play anymore, I’m 15 now and started playing the ukulele today and I’m absolutely loving it. There are so many great songs and I can play with my brother! I’m hoping once I learn how to play my ukulele I can start learning how to play the guitar again 😊
I broke my right wrist in an accident several years ago. My surgeon tried bone bank bone but it didn’t heal. I ultimately had a titanium plate placed. My right wrist is pretty rigid and I am not sure how much I can loosen up my strum. It’s certainly something I can try to improve.
Thank you for sharing, very interesting. Although the titanium plate may be not something we can change, if you remember to think loose and relaxed I think it will still improve your strumming.
Same here!! I've been playing flute for 9 years now, and being in band in school and taking lessons really drilled in all the essentials. Tbh I'm almost lost trying to learn ukulele, I feel like I need to see measures and time sigs and sheet music but most music online shows only tabs ;~; But I've only been playing for 3 days lol so it'll probablu get easier.
All great tips, and the last one is nearly universal. I read an interview where they asked a motorcycle racer if he practiced every day. He said yes. If you miss one practice you notice. If you miss two practices your competitors notice. If you miss three practices the crowd notices. Playing ukulele isn't a competitive sport (maybe in hawaii?), but it is a physical skill. If you don't keep it up, you get rusty, physically and mentally.
I just got a ukelele for my 11th birthday and saw this video and saw that almost all of the mistakes you mentioned i did!this helped very much and now I’m learning very fast!!❤️
Thank you so much! I didn't even realise I was holding my ukulele wrong. It is much easier to play at that 45 degree angle, rather than straight across my lap as I have been playing it. Also keeping my wrist loose is something I have to work on. Thanks for the tips!
Very good tips, a must watch for every ukulele beginner! I have just something to add to the last one (about practicing). As a teacher I love to see my students practice a lot of course, but when you are just starting out playing an instrument you need to be a little bit careful that you don't overdo it. Unfortunately, I see that every once in a while, where a student is practicing so much that they get injured playing. You need to slowly built up stamina and muscle strength. Thats why teachers are always talking about practicing 5-15 minutes per day for a beginner. It doesn't seem like a lot, but its really not a good idea to start with 30-60 minutes each day. Also don't feel bad if you can't practice every day, you won't lose all your progress that quickly.
Thanks for the tips video. Liked at the end you mentioned “bad posture” instead of “sitting position”. Just bc some of us prefer to play without strap so we can easily pass around the family ukulele, doesn’t mean it’s a mistake.
Ok, did I say "it was mistake" to play without a strap? I don't use a strap on all my ukuleles, my pineapple sundays don't have straps, my sopranos don't have straps. I also believe that I talk about bad posture has the potential to cause injuries, which is true, and can actually inhibit or slow down you playing.
great advice, my grand daughters are starting on a journey in music. I'm glad to have found this one and THEY WILL WATCH IT EVERY DAY THIS WEEK UNTiL THEY KNOW THESE 5 POINTS Thanks from the UK
Thank you, sir. I have noticed that I sound like junk when I strum. It bothered me tons as I really work on it. I immediately heard a difference when I used my wrist more. What a change! I never cease to learn!
Thank you, my elbow started hurting yesterday, and I was only watching to learn more uke! But now I know my elbow pain is because of my self taught elbow strumming the uke.
Ok, Evan, so it's a Hawaiian instrument, but that doesn't mean we're obliged to pronounce it that way. I hope you don't affect an Italian accent every time you say 'piano'!
@@JamesKingsilentlife True, good point. I try to pay respect to the Hawaiian culture and say it as close as possible but you'll hear variations of it even in Hawaii.
Love your video. I need to practice daily. I picked it up two weeks and have not touched it since and missed it already. Can't wait to get back into it.
I just discovered you my friend. I have a guitarlele, baritone, and a banjolele. Learning all of them! You are the perfect instructor for me! Thank you very much for your wonderful tutorials!
@@Ukelikethepros I'm still working out a technique. I do try to loosen up wrists by telling students to put ukulele down and shake their hands out and then wiggle their fingers before starting any thing on the ukulele
My wrist has been broken, so it's hard to move that way. Plus, I have arthritis and my fingers and wrists just don't work like they should. But, I keep playing. I enjoy it so much! 😀
So sorry to hear about your wrist. I think playing relaxed is something we can do with our entire body so although your wrist may be limited you can still apply it to your playing.
@@Ukelikethepros It was a few years ago, but I still hurt, especially b4 a rain. But, I don't let it stop me. I love my uke! My best instrument is my voice, but my like compliments my voice. It's such a joy to play!
I implemented the wrist, fingers, and position tips and it instantly improved my play. I finally nailed the song I've been practicing.... for over a year. (/hides)
definitely the fourth one is the biggest one for me, i know a few things but i still would like to understand music theory better. i just feel like there's so much to learn though and i'm not quite sure where to start. are there any particular sources you would recommend for learning the basics and moving on from there?
Music theory can be overwhelming for sure. But start with the basics at first and then move into more complex stuff once you get a solid foundation. Email me or DM me I have a great Music Theory video on my website.
When it comes to practicing, I think it really helps if I alternate between challenging myself and just playing something fun that I already know. The "fun" part serves two important purposes: it reinforces the basics so that I maintain a solid foundation to build on top of, and it reminds me of my love for the ukulele and why I want to play in the first place. I'm learning more slowly than I probably otherwise would, but I'm still playing after five years - and I'm still having a great time!
@@Azulamei That's all well and good but when he says it you can tell he's being elitist and staring down his audience. "I say it right because I'm better than you and more professional - shame on those who can't use the proper pronunciation." That may not be his intent but that's what I get from him saying it 10 times every 60 seconds and hammering it home. Don't like the videos solely because of that despite the fact that he has good tips.
Love this!! Thank you for an excellent video - we bought my daughter a ukulele for her birthday and I’ve fallen in love with it! I’ve struggled with position, though, and was thrilled to see someone using a strap! I didn’t know if it was an option and, as someone with shoulder and neck problems, I’ve struggled to hold it without discomfort - awesome to know straps are an option! Looking forward to learning more!
Where can I learn the essentials? I’ve been given a uke as a gift on my birthday and I’m just tryna learn some basic chords, but I didn’t know there was a whole other side to this. Can anybody help?
Hey Great Video I Practice actually every day and started this year, but I noticed that as I make a day Break now and then, I recognice the progress better after that break. Thanks for your work
This is great, thanks. I've played guitar & piano for decades (not very well!) but never a ukelele. Giving my granddaughter a uke soon and needed a crash course! Best bit is probably posture & how to avoid injury.
It is November 2020, New Orleans. During this last time of lockdown, I am up here in my top floor apartment, after having ordered a KALA concert uke. I played one, years before at YWCA camp. Guess what? I'm now 72, and with mild arthritis in my hands, what better therapy, PLUS hand-finger-eye coordination..than playing the uke? It should arrive in a day or two by FED EX. And I am doing some homework to get ready. Thanks for this lovely tutorial...
Great video. Im just about to start my Ukulele journey so pointing out these pitfalls first is very helpful to me. Quick question if I may, what Ukulele do you use in this video?... many thanks
@@Ukelikethepros oké thanks ,i have a Kala Triback Limited edition with the misi pickup. And Ohana sk 38 with Misi. And Cuatro Venezolano with the misi pickup.
thank you so much! these videos are definitely helping me become a better musician, especially because I’m self taught. they help remember that instruments aren’t just about knowing how to play songs!
Just found your channel - liked and subbed immediately. After seeing the Konoka & Azita channel, I bought a uke to see if it would agree with me (I've had guitars for many years, and thought I'd enjoy the mandolin, but after a short time, I sold it). I ordered a Lohanu uke from Amazon, and enjoyed it. Then I went to a ukulele shop in Ft. Lauderdale and, after trying several ukes of different woods, bought a wonderful sounding Kala KA-SRMT-Tri. But, the more I watched Konoka & Azita, the more I wanted a Kanilea. So, I bought one, the K-2T, which cost me $990 after discount (Elderly Instruments - great folks). "Instrument Acquisition Syndrome" hit me AGAIN! I've several guitars, violins, pennywhistles/tinwhistles and harmonicas in every major key - there's NO CURE. ...and I love it...
BTW - Most people play chords. I play 95% melody. The reason is, I don't sing. The uke "sings" the tune for me. If one just plays chords, no one would know what tune is being played, but play melody, and the tune is usually/more easily recognizable.
BTW - I changed all of the "high G" strings on my ukes to "low G" strings, because, as a guitarist, I expect the top string to be lower tone than the others. I know that a high G string is supposed to create a "happy" sound as one plays the uke, but it drove me a little nuts.
the problem i had when i started was that i tuned my ukulele when i got it and then it sounded weird the next day i thought i was just bad but my ukulele was out of key *always tune your ukulele before starting to play*
as a self taught player i was worried that i would make more of these mistakes! i’m glad i come from a musical background of singing, piano, and violin so i’m good on the theory!
Thanks Terry ! Another big mistake is biking in NZ. I was just starting to enjoy playing the most beautiful instrument and a year ago got hit by a bus on a cycle path. My wrist is still not well enough but I am watching your videos to stay motivated. I have written a beautiful tune called "Rolling Home" - as I am living in a motorhome in New Zealand. Maybe you or your students can create a nice version live. I'd love to hear it played from a pro. Thanks again, good Stuff. Stef
It's actually the first one I learned! The chords are Am, G, C. The strumming pattern is down, down, up, down, up. The strumming pattern is used once on Am and G, but twice on C before switching cords. And that's the whole song.
Im self taught i bought my ukulele 2 weeks ago i know over 12 chords i know all the essentials because ive been playing the piano for 3 years and i never made one mistake out of the ones he talked about in the video i know how to play 8 songs now! That’s great right?
I have two points I'd like to make with regards to the video and ukulele in general, with all respect to Terry and the contribution he makes. First: I don't live in Italy so I don't say Roma; I say Rome. Similarly, I don't live in Hawaii so I say Yuka-lay-lee instead of ooka-lelly. No offense to purists who say ooka-lelly, but it's elitist to frown on those of us who don't want to say it that way. The idea is for all of us to enjoy playing a neat and highly underrated musical instrument, no matter what anyone calls it. Second: I've played guitar for over five decades and I recognize that there are a number of approaches to playing that instrument from lead to finger picking to strumming and more. The same is true of ukulele. I CAN strum like is shown in the video, but I almost never do that because I don't care much for the sound it generates and because I think the ukulele is capable of vastly more than just rapid strumming. I combine strumming, finger picking, plucking individual and paired strings, and other methods to achieve some really neat sounds and melodies. I'm not a beginner, but I'm not a pro either. I'm just a dedicated intermediate player who thinks it sells the instrument short to tell people they're doing something wrong if they don't do it like "this" or "that" specifically. Each person should find a style or a player to emulate. Watch lots of RUclips videos and pick up pointers. Be willing to experiment and develop your own techniques or borrow somebody else's. We can't all be Jake Shimabukuro, but we can all do so much more with the ukulele than just simple up and down strumming. IMHO!
Not exactly a humble opinion. I see what you're saying but I think it was more helpful suggestion than trying to force anyone to do anything a certain way. Kinda think you took this one a bit too harshly. Play your own way, if it's what makes you happy. Also, the pronunciation point you make is like someone saying their name is Ivan and someone calling them John because they're not from Russia.
I was so impressed by what you did at 3:48 :0 could you possibly make a tutorial on fingerpicking more advanced things like that?? I’d love to learn how to do it!
@Ashley Elizabeth: You might try a sopranino ukulele. It's smaller than a soprano ukulele, but tuned the same. If you can try several company's models before you buy, that would be best to get the size you like. Their sizes don't seem to be standardized. Perhaps there will be a ukulele/music show you can attend?
Ashley Elizabeth You might want to try some solid top soprano ukuleles and some concert Ukuleles with a solid top. The instruments with a solid top should have a better tone.
Unless you have hands of a 5 year old girl, your hand size is probably fine. Go to a music store. Pick one up. Talk to a customer service guy. Have some fun!
Also look up stretching exercises for your wrists. I do them daily and no surgery will ever be required. I was a cashier for 9 years. My wrists never hurt. It was a large grocery store I was one of the fastest ringers. Now I'm on the computer 8 to 10 hrs a day. Since I'm in my 60s I need to be proactive. The exercises can hurt thus I need them. Happy strumming.
Hey Terry! 👋🏼
Love your videos :)
Thank you Bernadette, your support is so much appreciated.
Ahhh! I love both of your videos!
Only just found these video's YT must of been hiding them ;-)
Hi ,I love your vids
Omg I love your channel
Nice! I'm self-taught, so sometimes I can miss out on the basics :)
Self-taught is best taught
Same here!
me too
Lol me too.
Same
Thank me later 😉
0:30 - Stiff Wrists
1:30 - Lazy Fingers
2:32 - Sitting Position
3:58 - Lack of Essentials
4:53 - Daily Practice
Jeffry John lol thanks hehehe
Pretty standard stuff.. thanks for the summary!
thank uu !!
I know nothing about music theory and I think I’m doing fine. I don’t really think it’s necessary, and I can say this fairly confidently seeing as I’ve been playing for 4 years.
Thank you.
I guess another mistake i make is how to pronounce ukulele.
Anna oop-
Lol I’m dying😂😂😂
Its yuka lay lee
Well, it is a Hawaiian word. The approximate pronunciation of the Hawaiian word is oo-koo-lay-lay. However, the term is borrowed in English and is usually pronounced yuke-uh-lay-lee. I would think either pronunciation is correct...
I love how he uses the actual pronunciation
I took guitar lessons for a year and i find ukuleles so much easier to play.
My family is filled with musicians and we all have our iconic instrument. My moms is piano, my dads is guitar, my brothers is drums and mine is ukulele. :)
thats soooooo cool im the only musical person in my whole entire family
I tried to learn guitar about 20 years ago and failed miserably. A few years ago I learned to play uke really easily, then transferred it over to guitar, now guitar feels easy too!
Tuva Råstam my mom's piano my sister's flute and guitar my brothers drums and I'm ukulele, guitar, and piano and hopefully sometime violin
@@samuelmorris1236 may aswell throw mandolin in there too, same tuning as violin
Kinda the same my mom plays piano, my brother violin my dad drum and I play piano guitar ukulele drum violin and flute
Im a self-taught player and been playing for 4 years but I still watch vids like this because I know I still have alot to learn.
Help me please!
Yeah same
@Abhinav it's been a year, where it at now?
Do I own a ukulele? No. Do I own a guitar? Yes. Am I still watching this video? Also yes.
Hot sauce K lol
Hot sauce K bruh same
hmm same here :)
SAME! Do I want to play ukulele? Yes. Do I play guitar? Yes. Do I critique this video where I do all of these tasks correctly on a guitar? Yes.
And is it 3 am? Oh yes.
'Daily practice' [looks at my 4 different instruments, sweating nervously]
same HAHAHAAHA
lol same :D
Fuccck my Sax and and flute can wait😐
Too much opportunity vro
Sameeee
I kinda struggle with strumming. Sometimes I miss like 3 strings and only hit the A string for example.
That’s just a control issue, it will get better. Slow it down and watch your strumming hand for now until it improves
Tomoko Graustreif that’s why I use a pic
@@itsalex5519 The pick always falls out of my hand 😂. Also just using my thumb is nicer in my opinion, because it's easier to control the volume and allows you to use more techniques, in my opinion.
Tomoko Graustreif
Picks are for losers
Alicelf360 I heard pics are bad for the strings and wear them out faster
I am so digging these tutorials! My husband was just gifted a baritone uke because he's having such a hard time with his guitar; arthritis and torn rotator cuff!! His brother game him a Kala Baritone for his 70th b'day a few weeks ago....and we are BOTH hooked on the lovely sound of the baritone uke!! So much so, that I bought one for myself a few days ago. THESE tutorials of Terry's are The Best on-line Education--hey I'm 65, an old girl :-) with a happy heart. I've Never had a music lesson in my life, nor ever played an instrument. Terry's got me practicing along with his instructions with so much enthusiasm. A HUGE thank you for these youtubes!
“Another mistake is daily practice”
Me: wait what. Thats a bad thing?
Hunter Leanna xdd lol
thats what i though too lol
same lol
He could have said it better but he got your attention, right?
It is called a Headline. Daily Practice or lack thereof is the topic.
Raise your hand if you the couch player ✋🏻✋🏻✋🏻✋🏻
Hi
Bruh I don even know what a couch is🙄
M Shann ✋🏻
But what is correct then, standing? Sit forward?
✋
You are a life saver, i am kinda guilty on all the mistakes
HAHA, don't worry many of us struggle with some or all of these.
im watching this at 3:26 a.m.
and i don't even have ukulele
i saw it only once in my life
Same.. It’s 3:10am here now...
thats the spirit boi
@@BorlockShaman did you just assume my gender, buddy?
jk
@@yanstein8464 boi is gender neutral, know ur facts
Well you aren't only one. I'm watching this at 4:53 am and thinking should i buy ukulele :D
I played piano for over 7 years before learning the ukulele I took multiple theory and practical exams. All of that helped so much when learning the ukulele! Highly recommend learning some theory it genuinely helps!
Can you share which theories sir ? Especially for non musicians and hobbyists with no musical background
@@fukutaichou1903 Music theory is basically the study of music, and what makes up music. There's a lot of sites like musictheory.net that have free information and exercises.
@@elyssathompson905 Appreciate the input Ely would definitely check it
As a life long guitar player I know you're right. But now I just want to sit on my couch, relax and have some fun.with my new instrument.
Hahaha, I feel you, can't say that I haven't done the same myself.
As a performance band player with the ukulele, I spent at least 30 minutes every day practicing my Hawaiian Vamp exercises, chords, and scales while watching the TV. After a while it just becomes second nature as the fingers memory established. It is like killing two birds in a stone ( enjoying my favorite TV shows while practicing my uku) .
@@pianolover007 Sure, you can practice and watch TV, I'm trying to remind people to keep good posture when they are playing no matter what they are doing. I have students with hand and wrists issues and it's not fun for them.
@@ed7348 maybe you should press harder to the strings. idk. i am new too
Playing every day really helps! I couldn't play barre chords for a year but always tried, then it slowly started improving and now I can do them perfectly! I can't play many songs on fingerstyle yet, witch is something I really like, but I'm improving and I practice every day at least for 10 minutes
I didn't even know you could have a strap on a ukulele what is my life
I asked the store for one and they told me ukeles don't need straps! 😑
@@len17948 so, your the customer
Even if they dont "need them"
Dont they want to sell there product XDD 😂😭
Amazon😊 you have to drill a stud into the base end and it has a hook that goes on the neck.
@@canibalnun Or have a strap that runs underneath and hooks into the soundhole
The sound hole strap is the only one I'd use on a uke.
It actually makes me feel a lot better that I do none of these things. Makes me a little bit proud of myself :).
Nice, great job, keep it up.
Nice, great job, keep it up.
Nice, great job, keep it up.
Nice, great job, keep it up.
Nice, great job, keep it up.
Just started playing uke after many years playing acoustic guitar - wow, your advice about "stiff wrist" really nails it... didn't even realize I was doing that! Thanks so much!!!
Your welcome, the wrist issue is a big problem for many guitar players.
Your welcome, the wrist issue is a big problem for many guitar players.
Your welcome, the wrist issue is a big problem for many guitar players.
Your welcome, the wrist issue is a big problem for many guitar players.
Your welcome, the wrist issue is a big problem for many guitar players.
As I am half reclined playing my uku on the couch watching this video. I better work on that one. :-/
HAHA, I have been guilty of this more times than I can count.
At least you didn't say bathtub!
@@nickiemcnichols5397 HAHA 😂
I just had my own Uke today! Dad and mum bought it as a christmas gift and now im starting to play stand by me , ben e king
My brother tried to teach me how to play guitar when I was about 7 and I failed miserably, I really wanted to because my big brother did and I wanted to be like him but I ultimately stopped. I then tried to play the drums and I loved it but I never practiced daily and ultimately stopped. In school I played the saxophone but my teacher always bothered me and made me not want to play anymore, I’m 15 now and started playing the ukulele today and I’m absolutely loving it. There are so many great songs and I can play with my brother! I’m hoping once I learn how to play my ukulele I can start learning how to play the guitar again 😊
I broke my right wrist in an accident several years ago. My surgeon tried bone bank bone but it didn’t heal. I ultimately had a titanium plate placed. My right wrist is pretty rigid and I am not sure how much I can loosen up my strum. It’s certainly something I can try to improve.
Thank you for sharing, very interesting. Although the titanium plate may be not something we can change, if you remember to think loose and relaxed I think it will still improve your strumming.
Have you tried fingerpicking?
Use the rest of your arm very fluidly and I’m so sorry.
Sally Johnson aww
Do you play the ukulele despite having the surgery problems?
I’m glad I learned flute before guitar and ukulele bc I already know the essentials
Right on. Flute is a great instrument
same, except i play the clarinet!
Yay another Riverdale fan
Thats me!! Dude flute helps so much with singing to music and playing guitar and ukulele soooooo much
Same here!! I've been playing flute for 9 years now, and being in band in school and taking lessons really drilled in all the essentials. Tbh I'm almost lost trying to learn ukulele, I feel like I need to see measures and time sigs and sheet music but most music online shows only tabs ;~; But I've only been playing for 3 days lol so it'll probablu get easier.
All great tips, and the last one is nearly universal.
I read an interview where they asked a motorcycle racer if he practiced every day. He said yes. If you miss one practice you notice. If you miss two practices your competitors notice. If you miss three practices the crowd notices. Playing ukulele isn't a competitive sport (maybe in hawaii?), but it is a physical skill. If you don't keep it up, you get rusty, physically and mentally.
I have lazy fingers, well, lazy thumbs!
HAHA, I got FAT Figners
@@Ukelikethepros figners
I just got a ukelele for my 11th birthday and saw this video and saw that almost all of the mistakes you mentioned i did!this helped very much and now I’m learning very fast!!❤️
Thank you so much! I didn't even realise I was holding my ukulele wrong. It is much easier to play at that 45 degree angle, rather than straight across my lap as I have been playing it. Also keeping my wrist loose is something I have to work on. Thanks for the tips!
You are welcome, I'm glad they helped.
Great. Very useful. I am 70 years old and played guitar for 10:years and ukulele for 1/2 year. LOVE IT
Very good tips, a must watch for every ukulele beginner! I have just something to add to the last one (about practicing). As a teacher I love to see my students practice a lot of course, but when you are just starting out playing an instrument you need to be a little bit careful that you don't overdo it. Unfortunately, I see that every once in a while, where a student is practicing so much that they get injured playing. You need to slowly built up stamina and muscle strength. Thats why teachers are always talking about practicing 5-15 minutes per day for a beginner. It doesn't seem like a lot, but its really not a good idea to start with 30-60 minutes each day. Also don't feel bad if you can't practice every day, you won't lose all your progress that quickly.
Now with being stuck in the house at least I am getting like 30 minutes a day
LOL, me too. I'm driving my husband bananas.
Awww yea. We all gonna be so much better at the end of this 😂
I just played for idk how many hours but my family is done with me 😂
Heh heh nice the likes are currently at 69 nice
@@Mayflower-xo8ew ohhhh yeah I swear one day my dad is just gonna walk in and break my uke lol
Hi Terry. This a great video that helps most ukulele players. Thank you for supporting our global ukulele community. Keep 'em coming.
Great worthwhile info in just 6 minutes.
I like your teaching style and your uke is gorgeous! New subscriber...thanks!
AWESOME, thank you.
Thanks for the tips video. Liked at the end you mentioned “bad posture” instead of “sitting position”. Just bc some of us prefer to play without strap so we can easily pass around the family ukulele, doesn’t mean it’s a mistake.
Ok, did I say "it was mistake" to play without a strap? I don't use a strap on all my ukuleles, my pineapple sundays don't have straps, my sopranos don't have straps. I also believe that I talk about bad posture has the potential to cause injuries, which is true, and can actually inhibit or slow down you playing.
Great video, Terry! I am guilty of the slouching on the couch! Will work on that one!!
I think we are all a little guilty of that from time to time. 😂
great advice, my grand daughters are starting on a journey in music.
I'm glad to have found this one and
THEY WILL WATCH IT EVERY DAY THIS WEEK UNTiL THEY KNOW THESE 5 POINTS
Thanks from the UK
Thanks for posting Terry, I'm slowly getting there with the help of people like you
Thank you, sir. I have noticed that I sound like junk when I strum. It bothered me tons as I really work on it. I immediately heard a difference when I used my wrist more. What a change! I never cease to learn!
I'm definitely not sitting on a couch, watching TV, trying to learn ookulele 😳
*sits up*
Thank you, my elbow started hurting yesterday, and I was only watching to learn more uke!
But now I know my elbow pain is because of my self taught elbow strumming the uke.
Haven't even barely started playing the video yet, but you get my upvote for saying Ukulele properly.
Thank you. Most people try to correct the way I say it.
Ok, Evan, so it's a Hawaiian instrument, but that doesn't mean we're obliged to pronounce it that way. I hope you don't affect an Italian accent every time you say 'piano'!
@@JamesKingsilentlife True, good point. I try to pay respect to the Hawaiian culture and say it as close as possible but you'll hear variations of it even in Hawaii.
Not quite properly but better than you-ka-lay-lee
@@hoku8089 Yeah I know, I'm working on it. I recorded Paul from KoAloha saying it and working on a more 'proper' pronunciation.
Great video! To the point, no long intro, great background, and nice shirt.
Great lesson. Sometimes it's the little things. Thanks for helping me learn to read music, too. (That's a pretty big thing, for me.)
Love your video. I need to practice daily. I picked it up two weeks and have not touched it since and missed it already. Can't wait to get back into it.
Wonderful!! I am new to ukulele. Glad I found your video before I get used to these habits. :))
Thank you, glad you found my channel as well.
I just discovered you my friend. I have a guitarlele, baritone, and a banjolele. Learning all of them! You are the perfect instructor for me! Thank you very much for your wonderful tutorials!
I am completely new, where do I start? and great video man
Regashi Gaming there is a channel on RUclips called Andy Guitar. I am new too and he is helping me a lot
Good tips. I get a lot of my beginners with the stiff strum. Worked with them in my last session of relaxing their hand and wrists.
Thank you. I agree it's a very common problem with beginners and can be tough to break. What do you find works?
@@Ukelikethepros I'm still working out a technique. I do try to loosen up wrists by telling students to put ukulele down and shake their hands out and then wiggle their fingers before starting any thing on the ukulele
My wrist has been broken, so it's hard to move that way. Plus, I have arthritis and my fingers and wrists just don't work like they should. But, I keep playing. I enjoy it so much! 😀
Beverly Crabtree ouch! Have you tried curcumin?
@@nickiemcnichols5397 No, I haven't. I will look into it though. Thx! 😊 I want to advance in my playing.
So sorry to hear about your wrist. I think playing relaxed is something we can do with our entire body so although your wrist may be limited you can still apply it to your playing.
@@Ukelikethepros It was a few years ago, but I still hurt, especially b4 a rain. But, I don't let it stop me. I love my uke! My best instrument is my voice, but my like compliments my voice. It's such a joy to play!
@@Ukelikethepros But what if I can't relax? I'm afraid, that I might break my strings while I'm using all of my fingers
I love the motivation. The fact that he said I won't see immediate improvement is actually lifting my spirit.
Awesome tutorial! Especially, the first tip, of which, I am guilty of. Thanks for the tips, Terry!
I implemented the wrist, fingers, and position tips and it instantly improved my play. I finally nailed the song I've been practicing.... for over a year. (/hides)
definitely the fourth one is the biggest one for me, i know a few things but i still would like to understand music theory better. i just feel like there's so much to learn though and i'm not quite sure where to start. are there any particular sources you would recommend for learning the basics and moving on from there?
Music theory can be overwhelming for sure. But start with the basics at first and then move into more complex stuff once you get a solid foundation. Email me or DM me I have a great Music Theory video on my website.
Lynae :
Thank you very helpful
I have been playing piano for 6 years
And drums
I have just started ukulele
Thank you for pronouncing the instrumental’s name correctly. Uku means a small insect like a flea or a louse and lele is to jump or move about. 🌺
When it comes to practicing, I think it really helps if I alternate between challenging myself and just playing something fun that I already know. The "fun" part serves two important purposes: it reinforces the basics so that I maintain a solid foundation to build on top of, and it reminds me of my love for the ukulele and why I want to play in the first place. I'm learning more slowly than I probably otherwise would, but I'm still playing after five years - and I'm still having a great time!
Everyone: Ukelele
This boi: OOOOqulele
Cuban Luchadore14 that’s how you’re supposed to say it?
He's correct. That's the hawaiian pronounciation..
Bianca Lustre ohhhhh ok
Yup, proper pronunciation that is...
@@Azulamei That's all well and good but when he says it you can tell he's being elitist and staring down his audience. "I say it right because I'm better than you and more professional - shame on those who can't use the proper pronunciation."
That may not be his intent but that's what I get from him saying it 10 times every 60 seconds and hammering it home. Don't like the videos solely because of that despite the fact that he has good tips.
Love this!! Thank you for an excellent video - we bought my daughter a ukulele for her birthday and I’ve fallen in love with it! I’ve struggled with position, though, and was thrilled to see someone using a strap! I didn’t know if it was an option and, as someone with shoulder and neck problems, I’ve struggled to hold it without discomfort - awesome to know straps are an option! Looking forward to learning more!
Thanks for letting me know. I love using a strap and it helps put the ukulele in a great position.
Where can I learn the essentials? I’ve been given a uke as a gift on my birthday and I’m just tryna learn some basic chords, but I didn’t know there was a whole other side to this. Can anybody help?
Thank you for the information on different ukes! Strumming is so hard for many..
So good. Great video from top to bottom.
There he is, my man. Thank you Tyler, I appreciate you taking your time. See you in a few months.
@@Ukelikethepros You are also good from top to bottom ;)
Hey Great Video
I Practice actually every day and started this year, but I noticed that as I make a day Break now and then, I recognice the progress better after that break.
Thanks for your work
2019 is my commitment to a daily practice
Awesome. For me the morning is the best, I get up early and do an hour
good luck soldier
I am warning you, 2019 will be the last decent year in human history. I come from the future and I warn you, things are about to get wack
a Beginner/ newbie; the 'play on the tip of your fingers' a real helpful tip!
I bring mine to work with me. Makes the employees happy lol
MrGanja408 aw that’s cool
Hi Terry, thanks for such get-to-the-point advices for beginners! I will bear in mind! I wish I can have an Uke instructor like you, subscribed!
3:48 how am I so insanely impressed with a man who called a ukulele an ookolele!
Ummm. That's the correct Hawaiian pronunciation. 😏
This is great, thanks. I've played guitar & piano for decades (not very well!) but never a ukelele. Giving my granddaughter a uke soon and needed a crash course! Best bit is probably posture & how to avoid injury.
Super Video. I teach the Ukulele and I see everything you have mentioned. It drives me bonkers. 😱 So glad someone addressed these. Thank you Sir
It is November 2020, New Orleans. During this last time of lockdown, I am up here in my top floor apartment, after having ordered a KALA concert uke. I played one, years before at YWCA camp. Guess what? I'm now 72, and with mild arthritis in my hands, what better therapy, PLUS hand-finger-eye coordination..than playing the uke? It should arrive in a day or two by FED EX. And I am doing some homework to get ready. Thanks for this lovely tutorial...
I don't even own a ukulele what am I doing here
Easy mistake to fix! 😉
Now you have to buy one and learn playing it
I'm back a year later to say I just got my first ukulele!!
Loved your tip about wrist position. Coming from guitar to uke...this was very helpful
Awesome, so glad it helped.
is there a tutorial for the fingerpicking at 3:50
Great video. Im just about to start my Ukulele journey so pointing out these pitfalls first is very helpful to me. Quick question if I may, what Ukulele do you use in this video?... many thanks
Hello! It's a koaloha tenor. Thanks for watching :)
Hello, what pickup systeem do you use??
Greets from the Netherlands
Hi, thanks for the comment. I use the LR Baggs 5-0, they are great for ukulele
@@Ukelikethepros oké thanks ,i have a Kala Triback Limited edition with the misi pickup.
And Ohana sk 38 with Misi.
And Cuatro Venezolano with the misi pickup.
thank you so much! these videos are definitely helping me become a better musician, especially because I’m self taught. they help remember that instruments aren’t just about knowing how to play songs!
Guilty of bad position but I like sitting on my bed playing so I am fine.. :D
i dont think where you sit matters
I wonder if my hammock position is a bad position, doesn't seem like it but idk haha
Just found your channel - liked and subbed immediately.
After seeing the Konoka & Azita channel, I bought a uke to see if it would agree with me (I've had guitars for many years, and thought I'd enjoy the mandolin, but after a short time, I sold it). I ordered a Lohanu uke from Amazon, and enjoyed it. Then I went to a ukulele shop in Ft. Lauderdale and, after trying several ukes of different woods, bought a wonderful sounding Kala KA-SRMT-Tri. But, the more I watched Konoka & Azita, the more I wanted a Kanilea. So, I bought one, the K-2T, which cost me $990 after discount (Elderly Instruments - great folks).
"Instrument Acquisition Syndrome" hit me AGAIN! I've several guitars, violins, pennywhistles/tinwhistles and harmonicas in every major key - there's NO CURE. ...and I love it...
BTW - Most people play chords. I play 95% melody. The reason is, I don't sing. The uke "sings" the tune for me. If one just plays chords, no one would know what tune is being played, but play melody, and the tune is usually/more easily recognizable.
BTW - I changed all of the "high G" strings on my ukes to "low G" strings, because, as a guitarist, I expect the top string to be lower tone than the others. I know that a high G string is supposed to create a "happy" sound as one plays the uke, but it drove me a little nuts.
Oookeleyley. :D
.
.
.
.
.oookaleyley
.
.
.OOklaylay plyrs.
Loved the tips esp the last ones!
Thanks for watching.
Very comprehensive advice. THANKS!!
THANKS MAN,THANKS😍😍😍😍
YOU'VE GOT AN ITALIAN SUPPORTER
NICE. WELCOME, MY HERITAGE IS ITALIAN AS WELL.
A quanto pare più d'uno :P
I am so glad this video found me!!! I am just getting started and i am making almost every mistake!😮😮😮❤
the problem i had when i started was that i tuned my ukulele when i got it and then it sounded weird the next day i thought i was just bad but my ukulele was out of key *always tune your ukulele before starting to play*
as a self taught player i was worried that i would make more of these mistakes! i’m glad i come from a musical background of singing, piano, and violin so i’m good on the theory!
I feel like I'm doomed to fail. Having never really learned any of the essentials, I can't connect. I played the bass for years, but I played tab.
Thanks Terry ! Another big mistake is biking in NZ. I was just starting to enjoy playing the most beautiful instrument and a year ago got hit by a bus on a cycle path. My wrist is still not well enough but I am watching your videos to stay motivated. I have written a beautiful tune called "Rolling Home" - as I am living in a motorhome in New Zealand. Maybe you or your students can create a nice version live. I'd love to hear it played from a pro. Thanks again, good Stuff. Stef
Can you PLEASE do an EASY BEGINNERS ukulele lesson of how to play RIP TIDE
Am, g, c
D D udu
It's actually the first one I learned! The chords are Am, G, C. The strumming pattern is down, down, up, down, up. The strumming pattern is used once on Am and G, but twice on C before switching cords. And that's the whole song.
"The ukulele teacher" has a RUclips tutorial of Riptide
There are thousands of guides on youtube. You don't need this guy!
Helena Sucero thx! You are so much help! Thx
Im self taught i bought my ukulele 2 weeks ago i know over 12 chords i know all the essentials because ive been playing the piano for 3 years and i never made one mistake out of the ones he talked about in the video i know how to play 8 songs now! That’s great right?
I feel called out
I...
WHY!?
WHY DOES RUclips KNOW MY STUPIDITY IN UKELELE
Ha, your not alone if you make any of these mistakes
Lol Best comment
Thanks for the fingertip tip! That was very helpful to me
3:33 imagine having an injury from playing ukulele 😂
perfect job! thank you! have a nice year!
I have two points I'd like to make with regards to the video and ukulele in general, with all respect to Terry and the contribution he makes.
First: I don't live in Italy so I don't say Roma; I say Rome. Similarly, I don't live in Hawaii so I say Yuka-lay-lee instead of ooka-lelly. No offense to purists who say ooka-lelly, but it's elitist to frown on those of us who don't want to say it that way. The idea is for all of us to enjoy playing a neat and highly underrated musical instrument, no matter what anyone calls it.
Second: I've played guitar for over five decades and I recognize that there are a number of approaches to playing that instrument from lead to finger picking to strumming and more. The same is true of ukulele. I CAN strum like is shown in the video, but I almost never do that because I don't care much for the sound it generates and because I think the ukulele is capable of vastly more than just rapid strumming. I combine strumming, finger picking, plucking individual and paired strings, and other methods to achieve some really neat sounds and melodies. I'm not a beginner, but I'm not a pro either. I'm just a dedicated intermediate player who thinks it sells the instrument short to tell people they're doing something wrong if they don't do it like "this" or "that" specifically. Each person should find a style or a player to emulate. Watch lots of RUclips videos and pick up pointers. Be willing to experiment and develop your own techniques or borrow somebody else's. We can't all be Jake Shimabukuro, but we can all do so much more with the ukulele than just simple up and down strumming. IMHO!
Not exactly a humble opinion. I see what you're saying but I think it was more helpful suggestion than trying to force anyone to do anything a certain way.
Kinda think you took this one a bit too harshly.
Play your own way, if it's what makes you happy.
Also, the pronunciation point you make is like someone saying their name is Ivan and someone calling them John because they're not from Russia.
I was so impressed by what you did at 3:48 :0 could you possibly make a tutorial on fingerpicking more advanced things like that?? I’d love to learn how to do it!
Feel like my fingers/hands are too small 😫
Smaller than a regular ukulele, I have one it’s well worth the money.
@Ashley Elizabeth: You might try a sopranino ukulele. It's smaller than a soprano ukulele, but tuned the same. If you can try several company's models before you buy, that would be best to get the size you like. Their sizes don't seem to be standardized. Perhaps there will be a ukulele/music show you can attend?
Ashley Elizabeth You might want to try some solid top soprano ukuleles and some concert Ukuleles with a solid top. The instruments with a solid top should have a better tone.
my hands are soooooooo tiny ._.
Unless you have hands of a 5 year old girl, your hand size is probably fine. Go to a music store. Pick one up. Talk to a customer service guy. Have some fun!
Very good tips. So glad there are people like this out here making the good vids.
He used the dreaded "D" word, lol!
But discipline is key to any success, musical or otherwise.
Good video, as a beginner, it's good to learn about what i previously did not know.
"Dont use stiff wrists"
"But I have carpal tunnel?"
Try to play as relaxed and light as you can.
Also look up stretching exercises for your wrists. I do them daily and no surgery will ever be required. I was a cashier for 9 years. My wrists never hurt. It was a large grocery store I was one of the fastest ringers. Now I'm on the computer 8 to 10 hrs a day. Since I'm in my 60s I need to be proactive. The exercises can hurt thus I need them. Happy strumming.