The ukulele is easy to learn.You have to learn how to hold the instrument.The ukulele should always be supported by cradling the body and not grasping the neck.It feels comfortable and easy for you, that's the most important rule.You can change the hold to fit your needs.
Step 1: Use your right hand to pick up the ukulele.
Where the neck meets the body is the best place to grab it.Wrap your right hand around the front of the ukulele.The right hand is the one that you use tostrum the strings.
Step 2: The ukulele should be pressed to your chest.
Try to move it slightly higher or lower.The neck of the ukulele should be parallel to the ground.
Step 3: Use your right arm to cradle the ukulele's body.
You should keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle.The end of the ukulele should hit your arm.Hold the ukulele tighter if it slips.Don't squeeze the ukulele too tightly.You need a lot of pressure to keep the ukulele in place.Hold the ukulele between the neck and body until your left hand is in place.
Step 4: The thumb of your left hand should be behind the neck.
It should be between the nut and the third fret.Wrap the rest of your fingers around the neck to make sure they are parallel to the fret.Your fingers should float above the frets.Your fingers should not touch the neck.The ukulele should not be held by the left arm.Don't hold the neck.You can move your fingers up and down the frets with a light touch.
Step 5: Take your left elbow out of your body.
Do not put it against your side.Keep it out of your body.There should be a straight line from your elbow to your wrist.As you hold the ukulele, keep your wrist straight.The wrist will stay straight regardless of whether you twist it or not.
Step 6: Your right hand should be extended along the bottom of the ukulele.
Keep your wrist straight, but let your fingers cup the bottom of the instrument.You canstrum with your thumb or index finger.Some people strum between the neck and the body while others do it over the sound hole.Make sure your hand can reach it.
Step 7: If it's more comfortable, use your left hand.
While most people play the ukulele with their right hand, you can play it with your left hand.You will hold the ukulele with your left hand and play the frets with the right hand.Most ukulele instruction books are written for right-handed players so you may need to reverse any instructions you use.If you don't want to reverse playing instructions, you can restring your instrument so that the G- string is the top string when you hold the instrument with your left arm.
Step 8: If you are sitting, put the ukulele on your leg.
To play in this position, hold the neck up at an angle and turn the ukulele.If you are a beginner or playing a larger ukulele, this may help.
Step 9: If you're advanced, remove your hand from the ukulele.
You may no longer need to hold the ukulele on the bottom.You should support the ukulele with your forearm.Tostrum, float your wrist over the sound hole.You will get more movement.You may not be ready to try this if you can't hold the ukulele this way.
Step 10: Use a strap to support the ukulele.
The strap will hold the ukulele in place.You can use either a ukulele or guitar strap.You can find them at instrument stores and online.If you are playing in a seated position, you don't need ukulele straps.
Step 11: If the ukulele stays in place, move 1 hand away.
Try it with your fretting hand and strumming hand.You should sit in a chair.The ukulele needs to be held tighter if it slips.You're holding it correctly if it stays put.Have at least one hand on the ukulele.Only let go of one hand at a time.
Step 12: Your elbow should be at a right angle.
Check your elbow position to see if the ukulele starts to slip.You should hold your elbow at a 90-degree angle.You don't want to press either elbow too close to your body.
Step 13: You can practice fingering the chords.
You should be able to comfortably hold the ukulele.Try to play a few simple songs.If you feel tired after a few minutes, you may be gripping the neck too tightly.You shouldn't have to stretch or strain tostrum.If you do, place your hands on the neck or body of the ukulele.
Step 14: Relax if you start to feel unwell.
If your hands, arms, or wrists start throbbing after a few minutes, you may be too tense.Make sure that your wrists are straight.If you have tension in your shoulders, arms, or neck, put the ukulele down.Once you are relaxed, try again.Your body is trying to tell you something if you feel pain.If you feel tense or uncomfortable, make sure to adjust your position on the ukulele.