You are a fabulous teacher Phil, wish I ever had one like you before. But now...🙂 Greetings from germany - Joram 62y uke beginner (my first musical instrument in life)
4 weeks ago i bought a second hand ukelele and started learning to play. A week later i found you here and that gave me such joy at the learning process! I've looked at the other teachers here on RUclips but none have your ability to teach. Today i bought a new ukelele and i have been playing all day, practicing lesson after lesson with immense Joy! Everything is explained with such clarity and the videos are complete with the chords. Thats the way to teach and thats how i Learn so fast! Thank you so very much!
I’ve been experiencing a lot of pain on left wrist on my thumb side… it seems it’s because I’m pressing my thumb into the back of the ukulele and with way too much pressure. This video was sooo helpful!! Thank you!
Playing in pain right now because I got a bad cut right across the top of my left index finger. It's temporary, of course, but I still feel like playing some every day to keep in practice, so trying to fret cords with just the other three fingers. Not easy, but some you can work out, like the G & G7, even though you usually use the index finger for those. What I find hard is switching chords, like G to F, when you're fretting with unfamiliar fingers. But maybe it's good, learning to be more versatile because of necessity.
Oh no, hope it heals soon! Practising without the index finger is really good for helping with barre chords, it gets those fingers used to the shape they're going to make so you can just focus on the barring bit.
This video is just what I needed. I've been squeezing too hard with the thumb and it feels like it's going to fall off it hurts so bad. Been having a difficult time with the G so have been pressing too hard now I know I can back way off and get my thumb healed up. I'm making so much progress and I was afraid I was going to have to stop. Don't ever think your videos aren't valuable. . Another thing I might mention is that I have tinnitus very severe and playing the ukulele has improved it at least 90% I have no idea why but it has. Thank you so much. On second thought it might have improved because I'm focusing so hard on your lessons it takes the mind off the noise and reduces it. And nothing else has ever done that
Thank you, Phil. I've been playing for about six months and I'm not in pain yet but this is the first time I've heard anything like this. I'm definitely going to look at how I approach the uke and tweak a few things now. :)
Okay, so NOW I know why I couldn’t get Bb, playing Jar of Hearts 😂Simply raising the neck, who’d of thought ? I can play it much easier now. Another simply explained, by the ‘The Ukulele Magician’! Cheers Phil✅
Oh that was great: allowing the approach to the fret to be an angle... iv been putting a lot of strain on my sumb and wrist to make sure I was parallel to the frets. But angling seems to help relieve the tension.
Such a useful video and essential stuff for beginners. I also like to get beginners to sit on a straight back dining chair since slouching on a sofa tends to lead to bad technique and back pain.
I've just been experiencing this problem too - after 6 years. Wondering what bad habits i've developed where nothing happened, and now, boom, I have a sore forearm wrist. I think it was interesting about constantly moving, not to wedge elbow in tight (I do do this). And I think am too tense with newer chords too and press too hard. And then theres the angle. It might start off diagonal, but over an hour it drops to horizontal. I think am going to look at a strap.
Though it seems like common sense, it is far from that for us beginners. So thank you for helping mate. in regards to left hand finger tips, how do you know if your damaging them as a new player. Ive been practicing about 15 mins- 30 mins a day for three weeks and it seems my fingers are beginning to callus but ive also got a somewhat numbness in my index finger with the same in the middle and ring finger but less so. Does it sound like im alright or have i pushed my beginner fingertips to far? Any replies from anyone whom has insight would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work Phil these lessons are really enjoyable to watch, makes it a pleasure oppose to a chore to learn
You're most likely not doing any damage, but it is common to get a 'nerve' pain, a tingling in the fingertips until your calluses have built up. It can be a sign you are pressing to hard. However, any numbness should be treated with caution- have a few days off and see if it gets better.
That's really common, and my video on fast strumming might help, as it talks about using a relaxed right hand (starts around 1 minute in) ruclips.net/video/F0GqGWaFrWQ/видео.html Hope it helps!
G often gives people trouble. Try to keep your fingers curved in a nice arch so that you press the strings down with your finger tips. The most common issue I see is long fingernails stopping that happening! It will come, if you've just started, don't worry too much about the odd rattle or mutes string, you'll get there!
Hello Phil. This is interesting because some instructors recommend the "uke bed" in which the nut is resting on the base of the index finger. Without the uke resting on the base of the index finger, how can you balance the uke? Unless you have a strap that's holding the instrument, holding it in the position you are telling us to hold it in is quite difficult.
Yes, I've seen that, and sometimes, when I'm playing simple open chords I might do that, but most of the time I don't. If you have a look at my tip on holding the uke, that shows how I do it without using my left hand to hold the uke up. ruclips.net/video/nHpL-U3qZ9A/видео.html
My pain is in my right forearm when I strum. I don't experience pain there normally, even when I work out and do martial arts and other strenuous activity. But it had gradually gotten worse where I can't get through strumming even one song without pain. There must be something with my body mechanics, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Any ideas?
You really don't need to put much pressure on the neck at all, if your uke is well set up and your hand position is relaxed. Have a look at my video on holding the uke, where I play some chords without my thumb on the back at all... ruclips.net/video/nHpL-U3qZ9A/видео.html
@@PhilDoleman Thanks for your reply. I did watch the video and I can play many chords with little or no thumb pressure, e.g., C, F, Am, A7, even G7. But chords like Bb, Em, E7, not to mention barre chords, are painful. I believe my ukes are set up well: two Enya Nova Us (soprano and concert), a very playable Kala Joe Brown model soprano, a Lava U concert and two Magic Flukes (Fluke tenor and Flea concert). Of the six ukes, the two Enyas are the easiest to play. One of the reasons I have six ukes is that I have been trying to find one that is most playable without pain. Maybe changing to lighter strings would help? I really don't want to give up due to my thumb and I don't want to be limited to the few chords I can play without pain.
I've been playing around for a few days, and trying to notice the little things I do. My thumb tends to point a little toward the headstock rather than straight up to the ceiling, which opens up that thumb a bit. I also don't put my thumb too low on the back of the neck, it is frequently visible, peeping over the top. I also only put the pressure on when I need it, and then relax in between the beats. Maybe we could set up a Zoom meeting and I can try and help? It's easier when we can both see each other!
@@PhilDoleman Thanks for your generous offer. I just ordered a Mueller Sports Medicine Reversible Thumb Stabilizer and will give that a try first. I'll report back on the results.
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Thanks for your advise very helpful ,clive from Leicester 😊
You have the BEST tutorials! I'm a beginner and you're helping me a ton! Thank you SO much!
You are a fabulous teacher Phil, wish I ever had one like you before. But now...🙂
Greetings from germany - Joram 62y uke beginner (my first musical instrument in life)
Thank you!
Phil, it's great that a player of your level is prepared to spend your valuable free time helping complete beginners. Thanks for sharing.
Phil, your playing without pain video helped. Thank you.
4 weeks ago i bought a second hand ukelele and started learning to play. A week later i found you here and that gave me such joy at the learning process! I've looked at the other teachers here on RUclips but none have your ability to teach. Today i bought a new ukelele and i have been playing all day, practicing lesson after lesson with immense Joy! Everything is explained with such clarity and the videos are complete with the chords. Thats the way to teach and thats how i Learn so fast! Thank you so very much!
Thank you!
Everybody needs to see your video. I learned so much and it all makes sense. Thank you. The pain in my rotary cuff in my shoulder now makes sense.
Just the video I've been looking for - cheers ❤
This was extremely helpful. Thank you.
Thanks a bunch! Looked for help for pain. ❤
I’ve been experiencing a lot of pain on left wrist on my thumb side… it seems it’s because I’m pressing my thumb into the back of the ukulele and with way too much pressure.
This video was sooo helpful!! Thank you!
I'm really glad it helped!
Playing in pain right now because I got a bad cut right across the top of my left index finger. It's temporary, of course, but I still feel like playing some every day to keep in practice, so trying to fret cords with just the other three fingers. Not easy, but some you can work out, like the G & G7, even though you usually use the index finger for those. What I find hard is switching chords, like G to F, when you're fretting with unfamiliar fingers. But maybe it's good, learning to be more versatile because of necessity.
Oh no, hope it heals soon! Practising without the index finger is really good for helping with barre chords, it gets those fingers used to the shape they're going to make so you can just focus on the barring bit.
This video is just what I needed. I've been squeezing too hard with the thumb and it feels like it's going to fall off it hurts so bad. Been having a difficult time with the G so have been pressing too hard now I know I can back way off and get my thumb healed up. I'm making so much progress and I was afraid I was going to have to stop. Don't ever think your videos aren't valuable. . Another thing I might mention is that I have tinnitus very severe and playing the ukulele has improved it at least 90% I have no idea why but it has. Thank you so much. On second thought it might have improved because I'm focusing so hard on your lessons it takes the mind off the noise and reduces it. And nothing else has ever done that
I'm really pleased to hear that it's helped!
Bravo. Thank you, Phil.
Very much appreciate this video and your time to make it.... great tips. Now, to relearn:)
Thank you, Phil. I've been playing for about six months and I'm not in pain yet but this is the first time I've heard anything like this. I'm definitely going to look at how I approach the uke and tweak a few things now. :)
Really helpful, especially as I have an arthritic left thumb! Many thanks for this.
Okay, so NOW I know why I couldn’t get Bb, playing Jar of Hearts 😂Simply raising the neck, who’d of thought ? I can play it much easier now. Another simply explained, by the ‘The Ukulele Magician’!
Cheers Phil✅
Oh that was great: allowing the approach to the fret to be an angle... iv been putting a lot of strain on my sumb and wrist to make sure I was parallel to the frets. But angling seems to help relieve the tension.
Glad it helped!
Thank you! This is a really helpful video 😊
Hi Phil,
Very helpful video, will definitely try to change my thumb position.
Much appreciated for all your effort you put into these videos.
That' really is a great video Phil, thanks for doing it! Such important and helpful stuff...
comprehensive and sound advice. I'll try to incorporate into my playing as i often get pain in my right shoulder. Very generous. Good job Phil
Such a useful video and essential stuff for beginners. I also like to get beginners to sit on a straight back dining chair since slouching on a sofa tends to lead to bad technique and back pain.
Thanks, yes I definitely need to work on sitting up straight too!
Me too and just about all my Ukulele friends!
I've just been experiencing this problem too - after 6 years. Wondering what bad habits i've developed where nothing happened, and now, boom, I have a sore forearm wrist. I think it was interesting about constantly moving, not to wedge elbow in tight (I do do this). And I think am too tense with newer chords too and press too hard. And then theres the angle. It might start off diagonal, but over an hour it drops to horizontal. I think am going to look at a strap.
so good thank you
Though it seems like common sense, it is far from that for us beginners. So thank you for helping mate. in regards to left hand finger tips, how do you know if your damaging them as a new player. Ive been practicing about 15 mins- 30 mins a day for three weeks and it seems my fingers are beginning to callus but ive also got a somewhat numbness in my index finger with the same in the middle and ring finger but less so. Does it sound like im alright or have i pushed my beginner fingertips to far? Any replies from anyone whom has insight would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work Phil these lessons are really enjoyable to watch, makes it a pleasure oppose to a chore to learn
You're most likely not doing any damage, but it is common to get a 'nerve' pain, a tingling in the fingertips until your calluses have built up. It can be a sign you are pressing to hard. However, any numbness should be treated with caution- have a few days off and see if it gets better.
Hi can you do I video on the strumming hand technique as I have pain in my fist and thumb
That's really common, and my video on fast strumming might help, as it talks about using a relaxed right hand (starts around 1 minute in)
ruclips.net/video/F0GqGWaFrWQ/видео.html
Hope it helps!
@@PhilDoleman thank you
Finding G cord difficult to do, keep pressing on other frets. Started laying today
G often gives people trouble. Try to keep your fingers curved in a nice arch so that you press the strings down with your finger tips. The most common issue I see is long fingernails stopping that happening! It will come, if you've just started, don't worry too much about the odd rattle or mutes string, you'll get there!
Hello Phil. This is interesting because some instructors recommend the "uke bed" in which the nut is resting on the base of the index finger. Without the uke resting on the base of the index finger, how can you balance the uke? Unless you have a strap that's holding the instrument, holding it in the position you are telling us to hold it in is quite difficult.
Yes, I've seen that, and sometimes, when I'm playing simple open chords I might do that, but most of the time I don't. If you have a look at my tip on holding the uke, that shows how I do it without using my left hand to hold the uke up.
ruclips.net/video/nHpL-U3qZ9A/видео.html
My pain is in my right forearm when I strum. I don't experience pain there normally, even when I work out and do martial arts and other strenuous activity. But it had gradually gotten worse where I can't get through strumming even one song without pain. There must be something with my body mechanics, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Any ideas?
My problem is pain in the base of my thumb. Putting pressure on the back of the neck with my thumb is painful. Any ideas?
You really don't need to put much pressure on the neck at all, if your uke is well set up and your hand position is relaxed. Have a look at my video on holding the uke, where I play some chords without my thumb on the back at all... ruclips.net/video/nHpL-U3qZ9A/видео.html
@@PhilDoleman Thanks for your reply. I did watch the video and I can play many chords with little or no thumb pressure, e.g., C, F, Am, A7, even G7. But chords like Bb, Em, E7, not to mention barre chords, are painful. I believe my ukes are set up well: two Enya Nova Us (soprano and concert), a very playable Kala Joe Brown model soprano, a Lava U concert and two Magic Flukes (Fluke tenor and Flea concert). Of the six ukes, the two Enyas are the easiest to play. One of the reasons I have six ukes is that I have been trying to find one that is most playable without pain. Maybe changing to lighter strings would help? I really don't want to give up due to my thumb and I don't want to be limited to the few chords I can play without pain.
I've been playing around for a few days, and trying to notice the little things I do. My thumb tends to point a little toward the headstock rather than straight up to the ceiling, which opens up that thumb a bit. I also don't put my thumb too low on the back of the neck, it is frequently visible, peeping over the top. I also only put the pressure on when I need it, and then relax in between the beats.
Maybe we could set up a Zoom meeting and I can try and help? It's easier when we can both see each other!
@@PhilDoleman Thanks for your generous offer. I just ordered a Mueller Sports Medicine Reversible Thumb Stabilizer and will give that a try first. I'll report back on the results.