Beginner Ukulele

Teacher: Jen
Customers Who Have Viewed This Course: 2397
$225.00
$101.00

Before You Begin

0 Course Introduction 03:10

1 How to Choose a Ukulele 06:28

Picture of How to Choose a Ukulele

Choosing an instrument is one of the most important decisions a new ukulele player can make. Be sure to watch the video and check out the accompanying document that will get you on the right track to start the process!

2 Parts of the Ukulele 08:11

Picture of Parts of the Ukulele

In order to play the ukulele, you'll need to understand the key parts of the instrument. This video will take you through all of the parts and what they do. There's also a quiz at the end so be sure to watch it all the way through!

The attached diagram is yours to print if you need to remember all of the parts!

3 QUIZ: Parts of the Ukulele and Ukulele Strings 10:00

Use this document to take a quiz on the parts of the ukulele.

4 How to Tune a Ukulele 06:36

Picture of How to Tune a Ukulele

Tuning is essential to excellent ukulele playing. Playing an instrument that is out of tune is both frustrating and confusing! Before you play EACH and EVERY time, be sure to do a quick tuning session.

New ukuleles take longer to break in, so it's very common to have to do a lot more tuning in the early days of playing. Always tune before you play!

Watch this video to learn how to do it yourself!

5 How to Practice the Ukulele 08:07

Picture of How to Practice the Ukulele

Now that you've started the process of learning the ukulele, it's time to learn how to practice! One of the most commonly asked questions I am asked by my students is, "What am I supposed to DO when I practice?"

That is actually a GREAT question! This video will talk you through some strategies to help you use your practice time to the fullest and make quick and efficient progress!

Beginner Ukulele - Level 1

6 Strumming - Level 1 06:28

Picture of Strumming - Level 1

Strumming is a key component to successful ukulele playing. Strumming Level 1 will take you through the 3 main components to becoming comfortable in the early days of strumming. More advanced strumming techniques will be taught later in the course.

7 Chord Tutorial #1 - C and Am 10:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #1 - C and Am

The first two chords you will learn on the ukulele are the C and Am chords. This video will take you through how to play those two chords and give you an accompanying practice document to start learning the muscle memory required to move forward. 

Be sure to practice moving between C and Am chords daily for about 5-10 minutes!



8 Chord Tutorial #2 - C, Am & F Chords 10:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #2 - C, Am & F Chords

Chord Tutorial #2 adds the F major chord to the C and Am chords you have already learned.

Be sure to watch the video and practice the attached exercises for about 5-10 minutes per day!

9 5 Common Ukulele Mistakes 14:01

Picture of 5 Common Ukulele Mistakes

I have been teaching ukulele for a long time and in most cases, any issues beginner students are having can be fixed pretty easily. This video may help you quite a bit when it comes to figuring out what it is you may be doing wrong in the process!

10 Song Tutorial #1 - Thunder (Imagine Dragons) 13:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #1 - Thunder (Imagine Dragons)

This video will take you through your first song, "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons. This song uses ONLY the C, Am and F Chords. The attached chord chart will take you through the song from beginning to end.

11 Play Along #1 - Thunder 03:14

Picture of Play Along #1 - Thunder

This video is meant to be used AFTER Song Tutorial #1. When you are confident with your ability to switch between chords, give this a try! Playing with backing tracks will help you see how prepared you really are for playing at full speed.

If this is a struggle, that's ok! Play alongs are fun but they are definitely challenging. Do your best and drop out if you need to. 

The MIDDLE SECTION of the song has a part that uses a G chord, which beginners will not know yet. Use that section (as labeled in the video) for a finger break. Come back in at the end with the chorus.

This play along video falls under fair use and is for educational purposes only. I do not own or claim any ownership over the copyrights of this song. It may be used only in educational settings and for the purpose of teaching a specific musical skill.

12 Chord Tutorial #3 - G7 Chord 10:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #3 - G7 Chord

The G7 chord is the next in succession of the beginning ukulele chords. We will use it to play the song "Lava" by Pixar, but before we do that, we have to learn how to play the chord successfully along with C, Am and F.

Use the attached exercise document to practice playing the G7 chord!

13 Song Tutorial #2 - Lava (Pixar) 15:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #2 - Lava (Pixar)

Watch the video and download the attached PDF to learn the chords for the song "Lava" by Pixar.

14 Play Along #2 - Lava (Pixar) 05:44

Picture of Play Along #2 - Lava (Pixar)

This video is meant to be used AFTER Song Tutorial #2. When you are confident with your ability to switch between chords, give this a try! Playing with backing tracks will help you see how prepared you really are for playing at full speed.

If this is a struggle, that's ok! Play alongs are fun but they are definitely challenging. Do your best and drop out if you need to. 

Work your way through the video in sections if you need to, and don't be afraid to pause and rewind as much as is necessary. Piece the song together slowly until you're able to get the whole way through! Use the chord chart from the song tutorial as a reference if you need it.

This play along video falls under fair use and is for educational purposes only. I do not own or claim any ownership over the copyrights of this song. It may be used only in educational settings and for the purpose of teaching a specific musical skill.

15 Chord Tutorial #4 - G Major Chord 15:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #4 - G Major Chord This video and the attached document will take you through how to play and practice the G major chord.

16 Chord Quiz #1 10:00

Use the attached document and key to label the first 5 chords you have learned.

Beginner Ukulele - Level 2

17 How to Read a Chord Chart 04:49

Picture of How to Read a Chord Chart

Reading chord charts is an essential skill for any ukulele player. This video will take you through how to find chord charts for songs you're looking for and also show you how to read them when you're playing. Take the quiz when you are finished to see if you remember what you learned!

18 Song Tutorial #3 - Run Through Walls (The Script) 12:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #3 - Run Through Walls (The Script)

Use the attached chord chart along with this instructional video. It will take you step by step through the song "Run Through Walls" by The Script. Once you feel comfortable playing through the song, move onto the Play Along Video.

19 Play Along #3 - Run Through Walls (The Script) 03:40

Picture of Play Along #3 - Run Through Walls (The Script)

This video is meant to be used AFTER Song Tutorial #3. When you are confident with your ability to switch between chords, give this a try! Playing with backing tracks will help you see how prepared you really are for playing at full speed.

If this is a struggle, that's ok! Play alongs are fun but they are definitely challenging. Do your best and drop out if you need to. 

Work your way through the video in sections if you need to, and don't be afraid to pause and rewind as much as is necessary. Piece the song together slowly until you're able to get the whole way through! Use the chord chart from the song tutorial as a reference if you need it.

This play along video falls under fair use and is for educational purposes only. I do not own or claim any ownership over the copyrights of this song. It may be used only in educational settings and for the purpose of teaching a specific musical skill.

20 Song Tutorial #4 - True Colors (Trolls Version) 15:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #4 - True Colors (Trolls Version) This song tutorial will reinforce the G chord by using it in the song "True Colors" from the movie Trolls. Chords needed: C, Am, F, G.

21 Play Along #4 - True Colors (Trolls Version) 04:13

Picture of Play Along #4 - True Colors (Trolls Version)

This video is meant to be used AFTER Song Tutorial #4. When you are confident with your ability to switch between chords, give this a try! Playing with backing tracks will help you see how prepared you really are for playing at full speed.

If this is a struggle, that's ok! Play alongs are fun but they are definitely challenging. Do your best and drop out if you need to. 

Work your way through the video in sections if you need to, and don't be afraid to pause and rewind as much as is necessary. Piece the song together slowly until you're able to get the whole way through! Use the chord chart from the song tutorial as a reference if you need it.

This play along video falls under fair use and is for educational purposes only. I do not own or claim any ownership over the copyrights of this song. It may be used only in educational settings and for the purpose of teaching a specific musical skill.

22 Chord Tutorial #5 - Dm Chord 15:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #5 - Dm Chord Watch this video and work on the attached document to learn and practice the Dm chord.

23 Song Tutorial #5 - Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi) 15:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #5 - Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi) Use this tutorial to learn the song "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi, using C, Am, F, G and Dm Chords.

24 Play Along #5 - Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi) 03:10

Picture of Play Along #5 - Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi)

This Play Along video for "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi is a great opportunity to use the Dm chord for the first time (although it is only in the bridge).

Be sure you've learned the song with the song tutorial and chord chart before trying this. 

This version is pitch-bent into the key of C for easier playability. You would not be able to play this with the original recording unless you used a Capo on the 1st fret.

This play along video falls under fair use and is for educational purposes only. I do not own or claim any ownership over the copyrights of this song. It may be used only in educational settings and for the purpose of teaching a specific musical skill.

25 Chord Tutorial #6 - Em Chord 10:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #6 - Em Chord Use this video and the attached document to learn and practice the Em Chord.

26 Chord Tutorial #7 - E7 Chord 10:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #7 - E7 Chord Use this video and the attached document to learn and practice the E7 Chord.

27 Song Tutorial #6 - Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) 15:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #6 - Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) Use this video and the attached document to learn and play the song "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Chords needed: C, Am, F, G, Em, E7.

28 Play Along #6 - Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) 03:40

Picture of Play Along #6 - Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole)

This video is meant to be used AFTER Song Tutorial #6. When you are confident with your ability to switch between chords, give this a try! Playing with backing tracks will help you see how prepared you really are for playing at full speed.

If this is a struggle, that's ok! Play alongs are fun but they are definitely challenging. Do your best and drop out if you need to. 

Work your way through the video in sections if you need to, and don't be afraid to pause and rewind as much as is necessary. Piece the song together slowly until you're able to get the whole way through! Use the chord chart from the song tutorial as a reference if you need it.

This play along video falls under fair use and is for educational purposes only. I do not own or claim any ownership over the copyrights of this song. It may be used only in educational settings and for the purpose of teaching a specific musical skill.

29 Song Tutorial #7 - Trampoline (Shaed) 10:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #7 - Trampoline (Shaed) Use this video and the accompanying chord chart to learn the song "Trampoline" by Shaed. Chords needed: C, Am, F, G, E7.

30 Play Along #7 - Trampoline (Shaed) 03:10

Picture of Play Along #7 - Trampoline (Shaed)

This video is meant to be used AFTER Song Tutorial #7. When you are confident with your ability to switch between chords, give this a try! Playing with backing tracks will help you see how prepared you really are for playing at full speed.

If this is a struggle, that's ok! Play alongs are fun but they are definitely challenging. Do your best and drop out if you need to. 

Work your way through the video in sections if you need to, and don't be afraid to pause and rewind as much as is necessary. Piece the song together slowly until you're able to get the whole way through! Use the chord chart from the song tutorial as a reference if you need it.

This play along video falls under fair use and is for educational purposes only. I do not own or claim any ownership over the copyrights of this song. It may be used only in educational settings and for the purpose of teaching a specific musical skill.

31 Chord Tutorial #8 - D Major Chord 12:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #8 - D Major Chord Use this video and the accompanying document to learn and practice the D Major Chord.

Beginner Ukulele - Level 3

32 Strumming - Level 2 10:00

Picture of Strumming - Level 2

After you have mastered down strums, it's time to learn some more advanced strum patterns. One of the most often used patterns on the ukulele is known as "The Island Strum." Use this video to help guide you through the process of learning this strum pattern.

33 Song Tutorial #8 - Brown Eyed Girl 15:00

Use this video and attached chord chart to use the island strum to play "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison.

34 Fingerpicking - Level 1 15:00

Picture of Fingerpicking - Level 1

Use this video and the attached document to practice basic fingerpicking on your ukulele.

35 Chord Tutorial #9 - A Major Chord 10:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #9 - A Major Chord Use the video and the attached document to learn and practice the A Major Chord.

36 Chord Tutorial #10 - E Major / Barre Chords 15:00

Picture of Chord Tutorial #10 - E Major / Barre Chords Use this video to learn the barred version of the E Major Chord.

37 Chord Quiz #2 15:00

To complete this quiz, you may use the paper answer key in the resources section, OR you may use the digital test attached to the course.

38 Song Tutorial #9 - Hang On Sloopy 15:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #9 - Hang On Sloopy Use this video to learn the chord progression for Hang On Sloopy using the A Major chord and barred D and E Major.

39 Song Tutorial #10 - Hallelujah 15:00

Picture of Song Tutorial #10 - Hallelujah Use this tutorial to learn the chords to the song "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen (Pentatonix Version)

40 Play Along #8 - Hallelujah 04:12

Picture of Play Along #8 - Hallelujah

This video is meant to be used AFTER Song Tutorial #10. When you are confident with your ability to switch between chords, give this a try! Playing with backing tracks will help you see how prepared you really are for playing at full speed.

If this is a struggle, that's ok! Play alongs are fun but they are definitely challenging. Do your best and drop out if you need to. 

Work your way through the video in sections if you need to, and don't be afraid to pause and rewind as much as is necessary. Piece the song together slowly until you're able to get the whole way through! Use the chord chart from the song tutorial as a reference if you need it.

This play along video falls under fair use and is for educational purposes only. I do not own or claim any ownership over the copyrights of this song. It may be used only in educational settings and for the purpose of teaching a specific musical skill.

41 Chord Graphics and Extras 10:00

Attached to this lesson are several resources that will help you as you continue to move forward in your ukulele journey.

Course Overview:

The Beginner Ukulele Course is for beginner players of all ages who would like to learn how to successfully play the ukulele independently. It aligns with the NAfME standards of creating, performing and perceiving in the area of General Music k-12. 

This Course Includes:

  • 4 Instructional Units
  • 10 Chord Tutorial Videos accompanied by practice documents.
  • 10 Song Tutorial Videos accompanied by full chord charts.
  • 10 Chord Charts for each video song tutorial.
  • 8 Play Along Videos that allow students to play with other instruments to strengthen independence.
  • 4 Quizzes and answers sheets, both digital and traditional.
  • OVER 30 instructional videos for a one-on-one private learning experience.

Course Goals:

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to read chord charts, master various strum patterns and switch between chords seamlessly to be a fully independent ukulele player.

Course Requirements:

Students taking this course will need to purchase a ukulele, either soprano or concert size. I have provided a comparison video to guide students in the direction of which size and brand will suit them best. The expense minimal, around $50 depending on brand of choice.

Course Topics:

Unit 1 - Before You Begin

Lessons

  • How to choose a ukulele that will best fit your needs.
  • How to tune a ukulele.
  • How to practice a ukulele.
  • Parts of the Ukulele
  • Parts of the Ukulele - Quiz

Unit 2 - Beginner Ukulele Level 1

Lessons

  • Strumming - Level 1
  • Chord Tutorial - C Major Chord
  • Chord Tutorial - A Minor Chord
  • Chord Tutorial - F Major Chord
  • Chord Tutorial - G7 Chord
  • Chord Tutorial - G Major Chord
  • Song Tutorial - Thunder (Imagine Dragons) C, Am, F
  • Play Along Video - Thunder (Imagine Dragons) C, Am, F
  • Song Tutorial - Lava (Pixar) C, F, G7
  • Play Along Video - Lava (Pixar) C, F, G7
  • Chord Quiz #1 (C, Am, F, G, G7)
  • Video - 5 Common Ukulele Mistakes

Unit 3 - Beginner Ukulele Level 2

Lessons

  • How to Read a Chord Chart + Quiz
  • Song Tutorial - Run Through Walls (The Script) C, Am, F, G
  • Play Along Video - Run Through Walls (The Script) C, Am, F, G
  • Song Tutorial - True Colors (Cyndi Lauper - Trolls Version) C, Am, F, G
  • Play Along Video - True Colors (Cyndi Lauper - Trolls Version) C, Am, F, G
  • Chord Tutorial - D Minor Chord
  • Song Tutorial - Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi) C, Am, F, G, Dm
  • Play Along Video - Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi) C, Am, F, G, Dm
  • Chord Tutorial - E Minor Chord
  • Chord Tutorial - E7 Chord
  • Song Tutorial - Over The Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) C, Am, F, G, Em, E7
  • Play Along Video - Over The Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) C, Am F, G, Em, E7
  • Song Tutorial - Trampoline (Shaed) C, Am, F, G, E7
  • Play Along Video - Trampoline (Shaed) C, Am, F, G, E7
  • Chord Tutorial - D Major Chord

Unit 3 - Beginner Ukulele Level 3

Lessons

  • Strumming Level 2 (Island Strum)
  • Song Tutorial - Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison) C, Am, F, G7 (Island Strum)
  • Fingerpicking - Level 1
  • Chord Tutorial - A Major Chord
  • Chord Tutorial - E Major Chord (Barre Chords)
  • Chord Quiz #2 (C, Am, F, G, G7, Dm, D, Em, E7, E)
  • Song Tutorial - Hallelujah (Pentatonix Version) C, Am, F, G, E7
  • Play Along Video - Hallelujah (Pentatonix Version) C, Am, F, G, E7
  • Chord Graphics and Extra Resources
  • Teacher: Jen
  • Areas of expertise: General music, beginner/intermediate ukulele
  • Education: Bachelor of Music Education, Otterbein College Master of Education, Learning and Technology, Western Governor's University
  • Interests: Great movies, exercise, travel.
  • Skills: Piano player, professional singer, Queen of hilarious memes.
  • Associations: MENC, OMEA, ISTE
  • Issues I care about: My family, my students, my fellow humans!

I am a general music teacher with a lifetime of playing music under my belt. In addition to ukulele, I play guitar, bass, and piano. I was a double major in flute/voice in my undergrad years. The ukulele is my favorite instrument to play and teach. You can't be sad when playing the uke!

Test Preparation Document

Test Preparation Document

Digital Quizzes and Tests Answer Keys Document

Digital Quizzes and Tests Answer Keys Document

Digital Quizzes and Tests Answer Keys Document

Digital Quizzes and Tests Answer Keys Document

Answer Key - Parts of the Ukulele Quiz

Use this answer key to correct the written version of the "Parts of the Ukulele Quiz."

Answer Key - Chord Quiz #1

Use this for the correct answers to written Chord Quiz #1.

Answer Key - Chord Quiz #2

Use this answer key for the written quiz "Chord Quiz #2."

Answer Key - How to Read a Chord Chart

Use this answer key to correct the answers to the "How to Read a Chord Chart" quiz.

Answer Key - Parts of the Ukulele (electronic quiz)

Use this answer key for the electronic version of the "Parts of the Ukulele" quiz.
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