Ukulele is a small instrument with a specific sound that attracts thousands of music enthusiasts. Many of them want to start learning to play, but often have doubts about themselves and ask: How long does it take for me to be able to play my favorite songs? Is the ukulele easy to learn? What does it all require? Do I have any musical talent at all?
If you’re reading these lines, you’re probably one of those who is fascinated by the sound of the ukulele. Or you want to learn to play a musical instrument, and the ukulele seems to be the easiest one. If so, in this article, you will find out what you can expect from learning the ukulele and how to move forward quickly and efficiently. We will also add 5 tips for newbies who can’t wait to play the first ukulele songs. But before that, let’s answer our first question:
The answer is YES! On the ukulele you can learn to play a chordal accompaniment to many songs in 1-2 weeks. Why is that so?
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Unlike the guitar, the ukulele is smaller. It is easier to hold and has a narrower fingerboard. Thanks to this, children and people with smaller hands can also learn ukulele chords.
As you well know, the ukulele has only 4 strings (G, C, E, A), so the basic chords are easy to press. Intermediate and advanced players often use a combination of playing a melody with chords. They can do it smoothly due to a shorter fretboard.
If you want to learn to play the ukulele, you don’t have to dig deep into your wallet. Prices for soprano ukuleles (the smallest type) start at around $ 20. However, if you want a better learning instrument, get $ 120- $ 500. Compared to a piano, guitar, drums, or saxophone, the ukulele is the most accessible.
Although there are many benefits to ukulele learning, beginners should not have unrealistic expectations. Like any other musical instrument, uke will require time and discipline from you. You can’t expect to be able to play like this guy in a month:
Jake Shimabukuro is one of the most respected ukulele players. He is a Japanese-American virtuoso and composer who combines pop, jazz, blues, folk, and other styles in his performance. The videos on his Youtube channel, which has almost 100,000 subscribers, inspire thousands of musicians to learn the ukulele.
However, many newbies can learn basic ukulele chords, simple rhythmization, and ukulele strumming over 1-2 weeks. During this period, it is realistic for you to play a chordal accompaniment to many popular songs. Most of them contain 3-8 chords and a simple rhythm.
Music is similar to, for example, foreign languages. It’s just easier for some, harder for others. The speed of learning and progression is individual and depends on several assumptions. However, as the saying is talent is only 5% of success while the rest is about many years of practice and work. Therefore, if you want to know if you can play ukulele well and enjoy it, there is only one way to find out. You have to start.
All beginners have doubts about their talent. It is natural because we are afraid of failure and lost time. However, you can overcome this uncertainty by motivation and strength to take the first step.
As we said above, the most important thing is to START. Choose the type of ukulele that is suitable for beginners. Learn how to tune the ukulele and how to take care of the instrument properly. Take private lessons, find a teacher, or start an online ukulele course. Set aside a few hours during the week you will learn to play.
Don’t expect miracles after the first days or weeks. You may learn acres quickly, but it takes months and years to play so that it sounds great. Take the time to do music theory to understand everything you play. Listen to different ukulele songs and get inspired by other music artists. Youtube can help with this.
Take smaller steps instead, but do them regularly. It is better to practice 3 times a week for 20 minutes than once a month to play for 3 hours. Set short-term goals that you can achieve. For example, by the end of the month, I want to learn to play “Let it be” on ukulele and practice 2 new rhythmic patterns.
Proceed from easier tasks to more complex ones. Strumming techniques, chords, music theory, rhythm, playing melodies, reading ukulele tabs, all these you should all learn in context.
Many ukulele courses include step-by-step lessons that dose new things systematically. In this way, you will not only proceed faster but also better understand the musical structure. Choose a learning method that suits your time possibilities.
Ukulele Buddy is one the most affordable ukulele course for newbies. It allows you to learn easy ukulele songs for beginners. Rocket Ukulele also provides easy-to-follow lessons for several months while you can learn anywhere 24/7. If you are looking for the most complex ukulele learning program, Uke Like The Pros or the course by ArtistWorks will be a great choice.
Once you’ve mastered the basic level, try reaching out to a friend, brother, sister, or someone playing a musical instrument. Choose a repertoire that you can play together and rehearse it. Such music sharing has a huge impact on the development of musicality and musical abilities. And most of all, it’s funny.
If you like ukulele songs and would like to be able to play them, starting is easy. Learning the ukulele is fun and can be done by children as well. It is a portable musical instrument that is not noisy and sounds amazing. Thanks to the narrow fretboard and just 4 strings, learning goes smoothly and quickly. It is a suitable first musical instrument for children as well as adults. Uke is easy to travel and works well for partying with friends. If you’re still hesitant, read 11 Reasons To Learn To Play The Ukulele.
Do you want to learn a musical instrument and you are not decided which is better? Guitar or ukulele? Read about both musical instrument and find it out!
Ukulele is easy-to-learn musical instrument with amazing sound. Read 11 reasons why you should try to learn to play the Uke!
