Beginner Mistakes on Ukulele (and How to Fix Them)

All beginners make mistakes when learning ukulele, it's just part of the process.

In this video I look at the biggest mistakes made by beginners and how to correct them. Fixing these mistakes will have an instant impact on your playing and will make a noticeable difference.

0:00 Intro
0:15 Elbow Strums
1:38 Not Checking Notes
2:50 Flat Fingers
3:48 Not Keeping Your Strumming Arm Moving
5:44 Tensing Up
6:43 Bonus Tip: Tap Your Foot

Elbow Strums
Strumming from your elbow is the go to way to strum when you first start playing but it's far better to strum from the wrist. You'll get more flexibility, better speed and tonally it will sound better too.

Not Checking Notes
I encourage all beginners to check the notes contained within a chord by plucking each string individually and making sure that it rings out clearly. If it doesn't there's something wrong with your chord. This will help you isolate where the problem is.

Flat Fingers
Many beginners don't push their fretting hand forward enough which results in fingers being flat on the fretboard and unwanted muted notes. Make sure that your fingers are coming straight down on to the strings for clearer notes and chords.

Not Keeping Your Strumming Arm Moving
Treat your strumming arm like a metronome. Keep it moving even if you're missing a strum, this will help keep your timing better and stop strange pauses and hesitations in your playing that can be hard to correct otherwise.

Tensing Up
Your body tends to tense up when things are challenging. To counter this, try and be aware of that tension when it builds as it can sneak up on you. Once you notice it, make a conscious effort to relax, shakes your arms out and let them completely relax. Your playing will improve.

Bonus: Tap Your Foot
Tapping your foot is another way to help keep your rhythm in good shape. Rhythm is huge when it comes to playing a musical instrument and it's far better to have a good steady rhythm than it is be note perfect. You can get away with a wrong note or chord but a bad rhythm is unmistakable. Tapping your foot help alleviate poor rhythm.

#ukulelelesson #ukulelego #learnukulele

[allisona]

I appreciated the mention of foot-tapping. My teacher does too and I think it makes us feel his enthusiasm!
I hadn't thought to add it myself, but it adds to everything! thank you.

[joyfulmax]

Thank you! I just got my ukulele and am in a beginner class with other people. It was frustrating to be the worst one in the class.. but these tips, and Practice tips for beginners on your channel have encouraged me greatly. warm regards..

[jonsukulele]

Excellent tips, thanks very much for the time and effort it takes to make these lessons.

[donovanvaz]

Great videos. Thanks for posting them. I got my uke on Sunday and have been trying to play those chords each night for about 20 minutes. Everyone says the uke is easy to learn. I think expectations need to be managed. It might be easier than a guitar, but it ain't "easy". I think I need to know that it will take months before i can get any sort of progress. Flat fingers is the biggest issue for me. Hurts my wrist like hell. But will persist using your videos.

[taxi]

Very informative tutorial thank you. Im 71 & just started learning the ukelele maybe I left it too late but I enjoy it 😊

[LeilaniCaywood]

Thank you so much! I teach a beginning class and this is such a big help!

[zkat]

All great tips. I really enjoy your channel and find it quite helpful. I'm still working on my strumming. Thank you!

[KG_BM]

I didnt expect to get called out right out the gate... elbow strumming is causing me to overshoot a strum and i cant play the next note in time

Also #3 im just lazy with my wrist staying kept out for that press down, causing my pinky to be useless.

Thanks for the video!

[paulaivens]

So helpful especially as I have problems with muting strings. Well explained thanks so much as I’m a total beginner.

[mattyp]

Just picked up this same Kala Bamboo. Its my first Ukulele so i didn't know anything but it just sounded nice to me and i liked the minimalist aesthetics. G chord is going to give me carpal tunnel, so awkward.

[davidrees]

Great tips . I’m new to the uke and struggling with B, I’m actually finding it easier to get all 4 fingers on the strings than to bar E and A strings . Is this a no no ?