New year reso-uke-tions

I can't help the corny title. I'm a corny kind of guy. Speaking of, with the start of a new year, it is hard to not get caught up in reflecting on the past year, as well as think about things we want to accomplish in the coming one. Especially considering the apocalypse came and went without too much of an actual apocalypse, I'd say there's no better time to hone in on the things that will make us happy, inside and out.

Of course I'm leading up to playing the ukulele. If you want to take your aggression out on an instrument, maybe drums or a trombone will get you there. But if you want to find inner piece, and elevate your surroundings to the oasis in your mind, pick up a ukulele.

But what then? We all only know what we only know, so how do we break through the plateau we constantly find ourselves on when we are trying to learn something new. I for one feel like I can always improve, but I don't. I sit at the same playing level for a really long time, and then I get together with someone, learn something new, and my skill level jumps all of a sudden. So how do we propagate those jumps in skill level? I mean honestly, my inner circle of friends like music, but we rarely play music together. I don't go out and play for people, or attend meet-ups, or take any sort of action to socialize and improve my musical skills.

The answer is simple: get off your lazy duff and do those things listed. Meet people. Reach out to your surrounding community. Look online for ukulele jam sessions, open mic nights, etc. This will give you a flavor of other people's skill levels, it will help enhance your social skills, and push your own limits.

Meanwhile, when you're at home and wondering how to improve, search for lessons and tutorials online,  get a book (I personally like Ukulele For Dummies even though it makes me feel silly walking around with it, it's actually really helpful), listen to new music, and make sure you take time to practice playing the thing. I like to comment that the ukulele is highly portable, and therefore you don't have a good excuse not to carry it around everywhere you go.

These are my own personal thoughts, but I like to think that if I think this way, maybe there are folks out there in a similar train of thought. Happy new year to all! I hope to see you out strumming.

Starting out on the ukulele - four chords to learn

Starting an ukulele is the first step to enjoying the qualities it inevitably will bring you. No, that's not right. The first step is to buy an ukulele. Go here, "Liana Soprano Ukulele LU132", and buy a quality instrument for under $100! Yep, in my opinion, you shouldn't spend more than that until you know you'll love it.

Now that you have an uke, welcome to the party. The one thing I was really excited about when I first bought an ukulele was how "simple" it was. That statement underestimates this instrument, but in all fairness, it doesn't take much to get started fooling around with one of these things.

Prior to learning any chords, I loved the sound of strumming the muted strings. Like a half-effort chuck. The sound of the muted strings resonating in the tiny body of the uke sounds so great to me. Every time I pick it up, I can't help but strum the muted strings just to get a feel once again.

The first chords I learned are the chords I play nearly every time I pick the thing up. C major, G major, A minor and F major. By learning those four chords, you can play almost all songs known in the current music industry. Here's a list of 10 VERY popular songs with the progression of those four chords:

1) Hey soul sister - Train
2) Dammit - Blink 182
3) Can you feel the love tonight - Elton John
4) I'm yours - Jason Mraz
5) Somewhere over the rainbow - IZ Kamakawiwo'ole
6) Love the way you hold me - Jamie Grace
7) Let it be - The Beatles
8) Under the bridge - Red hot chili peppers
9) Jesus of Suburbia - Green day
10) Four chords - Axis of Awesome - This one lists the rest of the songs not included in my list.

Of course, I couldn't help but write my own ukulele song in tribute of the four chord staple, so here it is.

Okay, you have a starting place. Learn those four chords and then the songs they are in. Don't forget to buy an ukulele. "Liana Soprano Ukulele LU132"

Peace out.