Ukulele Tutorial - "San Francisco" by The Mowgli's

How rare of me to come across a song that isn't yet 10 years old to put a tutorial together. "San Francisco" came on the radio the other day, and I thought to myself, this cannot be difficult to play and is a really great feel good song. There are clearly other overarching messages the song has, but I'm into it because it's about feeling the love. And I do.

Click the link for my tutorial on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQXng5boBVQ

I try to say it as often as possible, if you like the song, buy the song! Support your artists so they keep providing what they do. The Mowgli's "San Francisco".

And my soap box is done.

Ukulele Tutorial - Plain White T's "Rhythm of Love"

When I first heard "Rhythm of Love", I didn't realize it was the Plain White T's since the main lead singer didn't actually sing this number. Nevertheless, it's a great song and has their classic sound.

I posted a tutorial on how to play this song on the ukulele, which coincidentally is used by the band in the song. Amazing! Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzhiJrw-Th8

Also, I'm having some difficulty tying my blog to my youtube videos, so sorry for the inconvenience.

Tonight you belong to me - ukulele tutorial

Here is a quick tutorial of the classic "Tonight you belong to me".

It's catchy, it gets stuck in your head, and then you have to learn how to play it. I hope this helps! I enjoyed learning it, and equally as much playing it!

Strings - a beginner's debacle

I bought my ukulele in March, 2012. I didn't know anything about ukuleles except I wanted one and I recently had come upon enough money to buy one. When I walked into the store, I was carrying my sleeping child, and therefore didn't even play any of the selection. The salesman gave me a quick run over of the different types of ukes, I grabbed the one that sounded the best that he played, felt the neck to see if it was comfortable in my hand, and that was just about it.

I have loved the sound my ukulele makes, and around Christmas of 2013, I began thinking that I should probably get new strings. They aren't expensive, and they make the instrument sound so much cleaner and crisper. It was silly to have waited so long, right?

I went to my local music store (not the same store I bought my Cordoba denty face) and asked if they had concert ukulele strings. He looked at me and said, "those are just normal strings, right?" Um... sure? I assume so. He grabbed the first thing he saw, handed them to me for $6, and that was the end of it.

I'll just skip to the lessons learned in my experience.

1) When buying strings, Soprano and Concert ukuleles generally use the same strings (it's the high G tuning). Tenor ukuleles typically use a low G, and bass ukuleles are tuned like a guitar. So make sure you buy appropriate strings for your respective instrument. It's important.

2) Make sure you get strings that are standard tuning: G, C, E, A. It turns out the guy grabbed strings that were tuned a full step up than standard tuning: A, D, F#, B. You can still tune these strings to standard, but they sound dull and are super loose.

3) Make sure you double check the color of your strings. I spend enough time posting my silly videos that I've grown fairly accustomed to my bright white strings. I ended up getting clear nylon strings, which are difficult to see, especially when you're not using a real video camera.

4) Youtube has many, many videos on changing strings, but there aren't solid videos on how to tie that knot on the bridge of the uke. Trial and error. Just make sure that knot is tied properly before you cut the excess string off or you'll eventually pull the knot out and have a significantly shorter string.

So anyways, I'l buying new strings because I'm disappointed with the ones I did get. If anyone out in the world wants to be string brothers/sisters, I'm going with Aquila, Standard C tuning (AQU-AQ-S ). I have heard good reviews on these strings, and will have to keep my fingers crossed that they meet my needs. Here is hoping.

Once I receive them, I'll post a video on how I changed strings for anyone in the same boat.

It's important to get new strings often enough, but after an experience like I had, I'm wondering if I'll ever get new strings again! Kidding. I just now know a few things about what not to buy. I'm confident I'll make different mistakes in the future.

Tuning your ukulele, and the best way to do it

I have probably mentioned this before, but it needs to be reiterated constantly. If your ukulele is out of tune, it sounds absolutely dreadful. You might not know this, but I bet you do! There is a very fine balance between a perfectly in-tune ukulele and a slightly off key one. The problem is, if it doesn't sound right, you're going to think you aren't very good, get discouraged, quit, and then I won't have anyone reading my blog anymore.

Assuming anyone reads this.

Also assuming anyone would be so rash as to give up playing the ukulele. Silly Spoon.

Tuning is the essential beginner function, important way beyond any other fundamental you'll ever learn because you HAVE TO HAVE A TUNED ukulele.

Click to buy!

There are a number of ways to get in tune, but my highest recommendation is a tuner that you can carry with you anywhere you go, like a clip on tuner seen here. This will give you a perfectly tuned uke every time. G, C, E and A.

But let's say you don't want to get the fancy thing, there are other ways. Do you have a piano? Do you know the notes on your piano? Find middle C, G, E and A. Simple enough. Play the note, get your strings to sound the same.

Tuning fork? That's complicated, but quite doable.

If you have a smart phone, there are many different tuners out there that will mimic the sound (kind of like tuning with a piano), but not as good as something that will dial in the actual note you're playing (like the clip on tuner I mentioned - the Lanikai CO-UT Clip-on Ukulele Electronic Tuner).

So there you have it. The best way to tune your ukulele is to have a tuner. I said it. I'll post a video of how I like to tune my ukulele.

That's all for now.

How to play Rhythm of Love - Plain White T's

I am a big fan of Plain White T's really enjoyed learning this song: Rhythm of Love. It's fun, it's easy to play, and it's just all around a good time. Here is a walk through of the song, followed by the chords I use to play a simple version of it.

http://youtu.be/ZzhiJrw-Th8 

INTRO: 

|G---|--D-|
|G---|--D-|

VERSE 

G                                      D
My head is stuck in the clouds

G                                   D

She begs me to come down

         Em         D       C           D

Says, "Boy, quit foolin' around"

D                G                                      D
I told her, "I love the view from up here

G                                          D

Warm sun and wind in my ear

        Em         D              C

We'll watch the world from above

         D               G  

As it turns to the rhythm of love"

CHORUS:

               Em   C       G
We may only have tonight

               Em        C              G

But till the morning sun, you're mine

B7  Em

All mine

            D       C

Play the music low

      D                             G

And sway to the rhythm of love

VERSE 2
G                            D

My heart beats like a drum
   G                         D

A guitar string to the strum
   Em         D            C           

A beautiful song to be sung

D            G                              D

She's got blue eyes deep like the sea
G                                             D

That roll back when she's laughing at me
      Em   D              C

She rises up like the tide

      D                             G

The moment her lips meet mine

CHORUS

            Em   C      G

We may only have tonight
              Em          C             G

But till the morning sun, you're mine
B7  Em

All mine

            D       C

Play the music low
       C              D            G

And sway to the rhythm of love

BRIDGE
B7            C           G        D

When the moon is low
B7            C           G        D - A

We can dance in slow motion

C                D

And all your tears will subside

C             D             G
All your tears will dry

VERSE 3
G                  D
Ba ba (ba ba ba ba) 

Em             D               C

Dum da da dum da da dum.

G                              D

And long after I've gone
G                              D

You'll still be humming along
Em                 D             C

And I will keep you in my mind
       D                            G

The way you make love so fine

CHORUS

            Em   C      G

We may only have tonight
              Em          C             G

But till the morning sun, you're mine
B7  Em

All mine

            D       C

Play the music low
       C              D            G

And sway to the rhythm of love

            D        C

Play the music low

      C               D            G

And sway to the rhythm of love

          C                   D              G
Yeah, sway to the rhythm of love

G   D   G

Ukulele tutorial: Amazing Grace

A campfire song we can all hum along to; Amazing Grace. I have put together a quick tutorial of how to play this song. Enjoy!

Ukulele tutorial - Taking Back Sunday's "Cute without the E"

Here is a tutorial of how to play Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team) by Taking Back Sunday on the ukulele.

This was requested by someone, and was not a song I would have pictured to be popular on the ukulele, but who can argue? I mean, in many ways the song can carry more meaning from the uke because it's quieter, and a little more, oh what would be the best word? Intimate? Passive-aggressive? Rather than in your face rock-n-roll!!

Whatever the case may be, here is my tutorial:

Many of my lessons reference a variety of ukulele chords. You can get a grasp of all of them here: Hal Leonard Ukulele Chord Find (Google Affiliate Ad)

Back to that familiar place

I fall under the sad and lonely position many solo musicians encounter; we have no one to play with.

Insert sad face.

The biggest problem you have when there's no one to play with, is you, or at least I, tend to just play the same things over and over and over again. Though it really fine tunes what I can play, it doesn't challenge me to learn the way playing with others does.

I've mentioned this before, but the best option for folks who don't have anyone to play with is to find tutorials and suggestions and so on online. And that's the part where I'm back to that familiar place; I don't have the accountability or energy to think of what to play next.

I'm always looking for song suggestions, but I tend to do much better when other people suggest songs I should learn how to play. Maybe I never will, but there's a certain accountability that way.

Long story short, does anyone have any song suggestions, or songs you want to learn? Let's learn together!

Cheers.

Ukulele tutorial - Escape (Pina Colada song)

I recently got a request for the Pina Colada song or "Escape" as people seem to prefer to call it. When I first heard this song, I couldn't help picturing a guy with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, greasy hair, polyester suit, and . . . well, I don't know. Picture musician in a dive bar in 1979. 

Me = judgmental. 

Guess what, I'm right. Guess what, in 30 years, I'll be the creeper. 

Here is a quick tutorial of a SUPER EASY way to play this song. There is a complicated way, but guess what, it's a silly way to play the song. No offense to the talented musicians out there, but it is super unnecessary to play it more complicated than the two chord progression. Um, doy. A number one song gets its place through lyrics alone; the solo is what musicians get a charlie for. It's science.

Let me know if this is helpful to anyone interested.

Ukulele Tutorial: Neon Trees "Everybody Talks"

I consider myself to be a mainstream, pop-punk listener. I feel that I should have shame in mentioning this, because the whole reason to like punk music is to be counter-cultural, against all authority, etcetera, etcetera. Popular punk is an oxy-moron. It's true.

Spoiler alert, I'm a pop-punk fan. The fact is, I like music that's rockin', but I also like music that follows a formula, has good singers, etc, and today's song definitely fits that mold. 

Neon Trees is a fun band; their songs are great, they have a lot of character and I'm going to be honest, I've got a thing for female drummers. She is fantastic.

Today's song tutorial is "Everybody Talks" by Neon Trees, although everyone probably recognizes this song from "...It started with a whisper!!!" 

Take a look at the tutorial video.



Structure of the song:

Count is 4/4, which means that a bar is four counts (yeah, like that makes sense). I will describe a bar as |----|. So if I say |D---|, that means play D for one bar. Simple. D for two bars is |D---|----|.

Strum pattern: up, down/up, chuck, up, down/up, chuck. Down strums are on the odd count (1 and 3) and up strums are on the even count (2 and 4). If this is too complicated, stick to a shuffle strum: down, up, down, up, down, up, down, up.

Intro: |D---|D---|D---|----| for 3 bars, then hold for one bar.

Verse: D 2 bars, G 2 bars; repeat three times. A for three bars then hold one bar.
|D---|----|G---|----|
|D---|----|G---|----|
|D---|----|G---|----|
|A---|A---|A---|Hold---|

Chorus:
|D---|----|G---|----|
|A---|G---|D---|----|
|F#m---|----|G---|A---|
|D---|----|


Second verse: Same as first, only two rounds of D and G.
|D---|----|G---|----|
|D---|----|G---|----|
|A---|A---|A---|Hold---|

Chorus

Bridge:
|G---|----|D---|----|
|G---|----|A---|----|

Solo:  Hold D for 8 bars.
|D---|----|----|----|
|D---|----|----|----|

Third verse:
|D---|----|G---|----|
|D---|----|Hold---|

Chorus

Outro: (everybody talks, everybody talks)
|D---|----|G---|----|
|A---|G---|D---|----|

|D---|----|G---|----|
|A---|G---|D---|----|

I'm confident this makes no sense. I'm also confident if you're in my brain, it does. Good luck and hope this helps!

Side note: this follows a very common song formula, not only in the progression, but the entire formula of the song. If you figure out how these chords interact, you'll conquer many, many songs out there.

Fun Ukulele turnaround

Here is a quick tutorial for a fun blues turnaround. I show you how to play A7, D7 and E7. It's a twelve bar turnaround:

|A7---|----|----|----|              (four bars of A7, each bar is four counts)
|D7---|----|A7---|----|          (two bars D7, two bars A7)
|E7---|D7---|A7---|E7---|    (one bar E7, one bar D7, one bar A7, back to one bar E7)


A7

D7

E7

As always, keep practicing, and get into playing. For a comprehensive list of chords, tips, tricks, techniques, etc, I recommend Ukulele For Dummies. Check it out.

How to learn the 'ukulele for free

I found myself wanting an 'ukulele about one year ago. I needed one. I desperately wanted to find one, and learn how to play it, and made plans to get one, and tour the world with it.

The day came when I bought one. My approach was simple: I wanted an instrument around $100 because that's what I could afford. I didn't want a toy, which cost anywhere between $25-$60. I couldn't afford, nor would I be guaranteed to like the instrument if I paid more than $250. I ended up spending $99 on my Cordoba concert ukulele, and it met all expectations I could have possibly had, which were honestly quite low at the time. I literally shopped for it while carrying my sleeping child, and bought it without strumming it. I'm still amazed that I bought a decent uke with the amount of effort I put into it.

The big kicker though was that I didn't have money leftover to pay for lessons. Being how I was obsessed with something and could only afford $99, I wasn't about to spend another dime on someone teaching me how to play it.


Let me be clear, if you want to learn the ukulele, or any instrument, take lessons. You'll learn tips, tricks, techniques, songs, theory, etc. in a fraction of the time and effort. This post is more for organic learning, teaching yourselfers, who don't have two nickels to rub together, yet have access to the internet.

The good news is that we live in the age of information. The internet can be used as a tool. I didn't know this until I started using it to learn, and lo and behold, it was there to teach me.

Let's start with online instructors. If you want to learn the ukulele, go to YouTube, and find Ukulele Mike. He is hands down the best ukulele instructor on YouTube. He has tons and tons of videos for FREE that teach you strumming, theory, songs, songs, songs, and more songs. His videos are great because he does play/sing alongs with the chords, which helps anyone who is trying to learn.

It's easy to get your fill of Mike though, so look for other instructors on YouTube. I like Ukulele Underground, and Hawaiian Music Supply, but there are many more, each catering to the likes of YOU, a viewer interested in learning the uke. You are, of course, allowed to be picky. Find the instructors that are right for you, and subscribe to them. Simple enough. You get weekly emails telling you what's new on your channel. Pretty cool.

Next, you're going to want to learn theory, different chords, different techniques, etc. You're best resource for any kind of ukulele information is ukulelehunt.com. It's the best. Truly. There's other great sites, but this is the best place to start. There you will find instructions on reading music, tablature, songs, technique, and all sorts of stuff in between. There are plenty of resources on the website that are FREE, so go for it!

Do you like books? Do you feel you would learn from a book on how to play the ukulele? Go to your local library! Who goes to the library anymore, right? Seriously, I hadn't been to one in years. But I went, and they let you borrow books for FREE!! What a crazy concept. I recently checked out "Learn to Play the Ukulele: A simple and fun guide for complete beginners." The book has a CD in it, so you can listen to the instructors be nerds and teach you strumming technique, blues progressions, and a variety of songs to play. Super fun! This isn't the only book you'll find at the library though, so go and check it out. You might find something even more amazing.


The thing is, you have to practice if you want to get better. The beauty of the ukulele is that it's light, portable, and at least mine is surprisingly hardy. My two year old plays with it, I drop it on the floor, it takes a beating every day. But it's out, and played every day. Use the tools available to you to get ideas of where to go, but then practice on your own whenever you have a minute.

And that is my expert advice, because I'm obviously an expert on not spending a dime to learn something important to me. The stuff I have on my blog is free, too. See what I have available and let me know what you want to learn!

Daily ukulele

Greetings to the ukulele players of the world. I recently came across this deal: The Daily Ukulele - 365 Songs for Better Living- Ukulele Songbook is on sale for about $25 on Amazon right now (normally $35).

I've heard that this book is fantastic because it can be used as a textbook for an ukulele class. You can get together with a group, and do a new song every time you meet. Even if you met every day and learned one song, you wouldn't have to repeat anything for an entire year. That's pretty rockin' bad.

So anyways, I was curious to know if anyone out there has used this book, and whether it was worth it. I'm going to dig into my piggy bank to acquire it, and then try and set up a ukulele class.

Does that sound crazy? Probably. I'm aware of how crazy that sounds.

Anyone ever done anything like this? I'd love to know what tips and tricks are out there to set this kind of thing up.

Ukulele Tutorial - Del Shannon "Hats off to Larry"

Who has even heard of "Hats Off To Larry "? It was popular a long time ago, and is not so much now. But it's a super fun song to play and sing, so you're welcome.

Of course, Del Shannon was better known for his song "Runaway", but this one is pretty good too. The message is rather bitter, but sometimes that's how break-ups feel.

To play along with the actual song, a capo is necessary on the second fret. But for my own purposes, I don't worry about it.

Am           G
Once I had a pretty girl,
    F               E
her name it doesn't matter
    Am              G
She went away with another guy,
F                      E
now he won't even look at her

E

A                  C#m
Hats off to Larry, he broke your heart
D                                  Dm
Just like you broke mine, when you said we must part
A           A7             D            Dm
He told you lies, now it's your turn to cry cry cry
A              E               A  D A E
Now that Larry said goodbye to you

E
I know this may sound strange
F
I want you back, I think you'll change
G                             C   E
But there's one thing I gotta say

A                     C#m
Hats off to Larry, it may sound cruel
D                               Dm
But you laughed at me, when you said we were through
A           A7             D            Dm
You told me lies, now it's your turn to cry cry cry
A              E               A  D A E
Now that Larry said goodbye to you

Am G F E  Am G F E

A                     C#m
Hats off to Larry, it may sound cruel
D                               Dm
But you laughed at me, when you said we were through
A           A7             D            Dm
You told me lies, now it's your turn to cry cry cry
A              E               A  D A E      A
Now that Larry said goodbye to you. . . . to you

Ukulele Tutorial - "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show

Here is a quick tutorial of "Wagon Wheel " by Old Crow Medicine Show. A great song for beginners, and a fantastic song for an acoustic instrument. And though it isn't the world we live in, I always like to encourage folks to support your artists and buy their music. Okay that's all.

If you want to play consistently with the song, you'll need a capo on the second fret. However, I don't think it's that necessary.

Should you prefer to sing in a different key, you can use the progression C, G, A minor, F

Lyrics/Chords

G                        D
Headed down south to the land of the pines
        Em                   C
And I'm thumbin' my way into North Caroline
G
Starin' up the road
            D         C
And pray to God I see headlights

  G                         D
I made it down the coast in seventeen hours
Em                      C
Pickin' me a bouquet of dogwood flowers
          G
And I'm a hopin' for Raleigh
      D             C
I can see my baby tonight

   G                   D
So rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Em              C
Rock me mama anyway you feel
G   D     C
Hey, mama rock me
G                     D
Rock me mama like the wind and the rain
Em                  C
Rock me mama like a south-bound train
G   D     C
Hey, mama rock me

G, D, Em, C
G, D, C

G                     D
Runnin' from the cold up in New England
      Em                         C
I was born to be a fiddler in an old-time stringband
   G
My baby plays the guitar
D              C
I pick a banjo now

        G                            D
Oh, the North country winters keep a gettin' me now
        Em                       C
Lost my money playin' poker so I had to up and leave
      G
But I ain't a turnin' back
   D                    C
To livin' that old life no more

   G                   D
So rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Em              C
Rock me mama anyway you feel
G   D     C
Hey, mama rock me
G                     D
Rock me mama like the wind and the rain
Em                  C
Rock me mama like a south-bound train
G   D     C
Hey, mama rock me

G, D, Em, C
G, D, C   2x

G                    D
Walkin' to the south out of Roanoke
           Em
I caught a trucker out of Philly
      C
Had a nice long toke
    G                           D
But he's a headed west from the Cumberland Gap
   C
To Johnson City, Tennessee

      G                   D
And I gotta get a move on fit for the sun
          Em
I hear my baby callin' my name
      C
And I know that she's the only one
    G
And if I die in Raleigh
   D                C
At least I will die free


   G                   D
So rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Em              C
Rock me mama anyway you feel
G   D     C
Hey, mama rock me
G                     D
Rock me mama like the wind and the rain
Em                  C
Rock me mama like a south-bound train
G   D     C           G
Hey, mama rock me

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.

Ukulele tutorial - "1234" by Plain White T's

Here is a tutorial of a great song by the Plain White T's, a band I have a great respect for. The song: "1234". Fantastic. Click the link for a walkthrough of how to play it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oONQOFfKx5k

I always like to advocate for the artist in these cases. They are the ones who bring us the magic, and if you like what I've played, you'll much prefer what the Plain White T's have created. Buy their music!

The best way to learn how to play

Taking on the challenge of learning how to play an instrument can be daunting. There is so much to learn. There is so little time to practice. There are so many people better than you and people who spend their entire lives devoted to perfecting the instrument that you don't even know how to tune or hold correctly.

In my opinion, the first, and most important step in learning how to play an instrument is to put it down, and grab a pencil and piece of paper. This doesn't work on a computer screen; you must write it down and see what you wrote. Also, be completely honest. This isn't something you need to broadcast to the world. You should answer these for your own benefit alone. If you decide to share this with anyone, it will create a sense of accountability, but that is your own decision. Answer the following questions:

1) Why do I want to learn how to play this instrument? You can answer any way you choose. For example, I wanted to learn the guitar when I was 15 because I wanted to impress girls. True story. Later on, I wanted to learn the ukulele because I loved the way it sounded and wanted to understand how it works, and I want to be a great ukulele player.

2) What are my favorite styles of music? This question is important because even if you listen to "all styles of music," few people really enjoy ALL styles of music. Pick your top two or three genres, naming your favorite artists, favorite songs, etc. This question is so important because you're going to improve when you hear that your playing is consistent with what you listen to. Also, using the ukulele as an example, I felt pressured to play more "Hawaiian sounding" music until I realized that you can play any style with it. It has it's distinct sound, but doesn't limit you to a genre.

3) How will I meet my musical aspirations? This is a really tough question to ask yourself because your aspirations may be broad, and you don't know what it will take to "conquer the world with your axe!" But let me assure you that the best and brightest and most gifted musicians are the ones who put in hours upon hours of practice. Make a plan to practice, or learn a new song every day, or sign up to take lessons. Maybe you have a friend learning an instrument that you should plan jam sessions with, or however else you want to improve, write down some ideas on how you will learn. Try to recognize your own learning style and make plans to learn THAT way. You're more likely to learn and succeed if you take the initiative to do it yourself, rather than someone forcing you to do it against your will.

By sitting down and thinking about why you are trying to learn to play, it will help you navigate the road to becoming as good as you want to be. These questions will apply at all levels of learning an instrument, even if you're a rock star, or jazz musician, it's always nice to figure out why you want what you want, and where you still want to go.

All that said, when you buy your ukulele, it's always nice to get the entire package to get you started, included lessons, tuners, CDs, etc. You're less in the dark when you have a direction to go.

Ukulele tutorial - "You and I" by Ingred Michaelson

I put together a tutorial for the song "You and I" by Ingred Michaelson. It has an easy verse progression, but is a little more challenging in the chorus, making it a slightly harder song for beginners. Give it a try though.

Have you not heard this song? You can get it here.