The baritone ukulele is the largest of the ukuleles and functions similarly to a guitar in tune and in tone. • Soprano: This is the smallest size of ukuleles. Each of these ukulele sizes offers a distinct tone, so taking the time to listen to a few examples of each can go a long way in determining which instrument is going to be ideal for you. Shop the widest selection of Fender guitars at the guaranteed lowest price. Our Gear Advisers are available Categories, More Ways to Every scale ascends in a prescribed series of half and whole steps, leading up to the 8th note. Approximately 21” in length, the soprano gives you that classic uke sound. While having a gentle grip on your pick can create a more pleasing tone when you strum a chord, keeping your wrist loose can also make chords sound better and less choppy. Learning songs that you love not only inspires you to develop your musical knowledge and ear, but it allows you to progress further, applying what you’ve learned on your musical journey and applying it to new songs you learn. Among the most popular brands—like Cordoba, Luna Guitars, Lanikai, Islander, Kala, and Mitchell—there are plenty of ukuleles available for all skill levels that never sacrifice quality. It is thought that the quick work of the fingers flying across the fretboard inspired the name. Signup for Fender Play to view our collection of the most popular ukulele strumming patterns. Size & Tone: Ukuleles come in a variety of sizes -- and each one has its own distinctive tone: The name ukulele roughly translates to jumping flea. To deepen your understanding of the qualities of different ukuleles and get a closer look at different models, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Ukulele and then explore our interactive gear guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound & style. Soprano ukuleles have a higher, lilting tone compared to their larger cousins. Chords are a combination of three or more notes that are played together to create a pleasing harmony. For example, take a look at the C Major scale -- one of the easiest scales to play and one that you’ll hear in a ton of different songs. • E = The second string The Tenor ukuleles offer deeper tone and are slightly larger than the concert uke, with a deeper, more guitar-like sound. The 4-string ukulele is the standard variation, but 6- and 8-string ukes also exist. Every scale starts and ends with the same note, also known as the “root note.” The last note of the scale is also the root note of that scale, however, it’s an octave higher than that same first note. This string of 8 notes is called an octave. It’s impossible not to smile while learning to play “Lava.” Just take it slow and practice your chord transitions, smoothly maneuvering from one chord to the next and focusing on placing your fingers correctly before picking up the speed of your strumming. Artists like Jake Shimabukuro and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole are renowned for their prowess and have taken ukulele to new heights. • Strumming with a pick: If you do use a pick to strum your ukulele, it’s best to use a felt pick that won’t damage nylon ukulele strings. The concert ukulele has a more versatile, mid-range tone to its sound quality. On this page, you’ll find tips for playing ukulele, tried-and-true techniques used by long-time musicians, and more information to help you play better faster. When you begin your search for the perfect uke, whether you’re looking for yourself, or as a gift for someone else, you'll want to keep a few things in mind in order to get the best ukulele for your needs. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. Often, uke tops—which directly affect the sound quality—use a solid tonewood, like spruce, for a bright sound. to guide you through your entire shopping experience. Looking for a good way to enhance your musical repertoire? Their small size and frets that are spaced closer together makes them ideal for young learners or players with small hands. You can buy a new ukulele for just $100 -- and sometimes less! This type of tenor can also be referred to as a “Lili’u” ukulele. Chords are the foundation of playing songs on a ukulele or any other stringed instrument. • Can I Teach Myself to Play Ukulele? However, you can explore even more ukulele chords with our Ukulele Chord Guide. • How to Tune a Ukulele Sam Fender tabs, chords, guitar, bass, ukulele chords, power tabs and guitar pro tabs including all is on my side, dead boys, that sound, will we talk, hypersonic missiles • 4 = Pinky finger, There are so many different chords and variations. • Tenor: The largest of the most common size of ukuleles, tenor ukuleles have a rich tone and are suited for players with larger hands. • 7th Note: B In this guide, you’ll get tips for choosing the right type of ukulele, tips for tuning and strumming your instrument, and some easy chords and songs to get you started. Learning scales can help build finger strength and dexterity, as well as help you develop an ear for music. A great addition to any collection of musical instruments, there's no reason not to find the ukulele for you today. There are 8 notes in every scale. Have an account? Part of what makes the C Major Scale easy for beginners to learn is because there are no sharps or flats: • 1st Note (Root Note): C • Choosing a Ukulele That’s Right for You Free shipping to your door, or buy online & pick up at your local Guitar Center store. The most popular ukulele size is the soprano ukulele; is the smallest and features a high pitch. Now that you know enough to know you want to buy a ukulele take a look at my list of the best ukuleles for beginners. It features the closest frets—ideal for smaller hands—and is the thinnest, lightest choice. A ukulele scale is an organized sequence of notes. Larger sizes are perfect for guitar players looking to add this instrument to their repertoire. New! The top line is the 1st string and the bottom line is the 6th string. Free Standard Ground shipping (48 contiguous states, some overweight and Used/Vintage items excluded). In time, you’ll start to strum chords instinctively, knowing whether you like the sound of alternating strum patterns or more irregular strum patterns based on the feel you want to create when playing a song. You might also stumble across a song that calls for an irregular strumming pattern, playing chords in a “down-down-up-down” pattern. • A = The first string (and highest-tone string). Most ukuleles fall into one of three basic shapes: Guitar/figure-8: This is by far the most common shape among ukuleles. You can also strum using the pads and nails of all four of your fingers. Sign up for a free trial of Fender Play and unlock new chords, skills, and songs to learn and play on ukulele. The typical ukulele shape is a figure eight design. Learn to play “Lava” on ukulele: Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or if you’ve played one or more instruments for years, there are plenty of reasons to learn to play ukulele: Fender Play offers self-paced lessons for ukulele beginners, allowing you to track your progress, build upon the skills you learn, and put those skills into practice by playing chords and songs on ukulele. There are four standard sizes of ukuleles, each with its own unique sound quality. Once you’ve mastered playing “Lava,” check out 10 more easy songs to learn to play on ukulele to continue on your journey! Consider getting a tuner to make it even easier to produce the sound you want. Need to replace your strings? Think of ukulele as a “fun-sized” instrument. • 5th Note: G • It’s budget-friendly. Sign up for a free trial of Fender Play and unlock new chords, skills, and songs to learn and play on ukulele. A great addition to any collection of musical instruments, there's no reason not to own one of these instruments. • You’ll be in good company. Best ukuleles for beginners. Learn how to play ukulele with our step-by-step guide for beginners. A classic, 4-string soprano ukulele is ideal for any newcomer. Truth be told, whichever style or size ukulele you choose, you're going to be pleased with the results. Waverly High Ratio Guitar Tuners with Vintage Oval Knobs for Solid Pegheads. • Ukulele skills translate to guitar. Gently but firmly, hold the neck of your ukulele in the crook of your left hand, resting it comfortably in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Holding your pick lightly and at an angle can help create a more fluid, less rigid sound when strumming chords. • How to Play Ukulele Chords Rosewood is a popular, durable choice for fretboards, and can even be used in the body. usually ship the same business day. The tenor size adds additional notes to the tenor’s range thanks to its longer fretboard. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. • How to Hold a Ukulele • 2nd Note: D Resembling a guitar, the curved portion of the upper body, referred to as the upper bout or shoulder, is usually somewhat smaller than the lower bout. Each of these sizes offers a distinct tone, so taking the time to listen to a few examples of each can go a long way in determining which instrument is ideal for you. If you see a dot with a note above the string, that means that you will play that string in an open position -- with no fingers on any frets. There are so many sizes and styles to choose from, not to mention that each one has its own tone. Learning scales can help you learn melodies and riffs later on, when you start to play -- or write -- your own music. Strumming chords is the backbone of learning to play ukulele. Mitchell MU50SE Acoustic-Electric Concert Ukulele With... Mahalo Rainbow Series MR1 Soprano Ukulele, Luna Guitars Soprano Vintage Mahogany Ukulele, Luna Guitars Tattoo Concert Mahogany Ukulele, Mitchell MU40 Soprano Ukulele Classroom 10-Pack. There’s a reason it’s been a favorite instrument of a wide range of artists, from George Harrison to Elvis to Taylor Swift. Musician’s Friend offers guides and songbooks for you to nurture your new skill. These days, there are even varieties that combine the uke with other exciting instruments for a truly unique musical experience. Guides, Artist For classic sounds, look for smaller models, and for deeper, guitar-like sounds, look for larger models. For classic sounds, look for smaller models, and for deeper, guitar-like sounds, look for larger models. Before you strum your first chords, learning to hold your ukulele properly can help you get the best sound from your instrument and ensures you won’t damage your instrument. There’s also more space between the frets, so it is often easier to play. With many different sizes and materials, it’s easy to find a uke that matches your skill set. • 4th Note: F • 3rd Note: E Learn your favorite ukulele chords, songs, progressions, and music theory. Since infiltrating the mainstream decades ago, the ukulele remains part of our culture as modern artists ranging from Eddie Vedder to Amanda Palmer implement it in their work. Additionally, musicians like Taylor Swift and guitar wizard Pete Townshend of The Who have been known to pick up the uke and strum a few chords. The case has a pocket in it that holds my strap, extra strings, Allen wrench, and plenty of picks. These are just a few options that ukulele players can look to as they start playing. These instruments are made for performers from all walks of life and at every stage of their music journey. In addition to showing your strings (in order: G, C, E, A), ukulele chord charts often have symbols to show you just where to place your fingers in order to play a chord properly: • O - A circle above the string means to play that string in an open position There are four standard sizes of ukuleles, each with its own unique sound quality. Like any lifelong journey, you’ll want to know what to expect along the way. Then, check out Fender Play for videos that show you how to properly sit and hold your ukulele to get the best tone and technique possible. the latest deals. Strumming patterns involve different ways of playing up or down strokes on your ukulele. Mahogany is often used for the uke’s neck to yield a darker, warmer sound. protection from manufacturer defects. You can also download the Fender Tune app for iOS and Android to tune your ukulele on-the-go! For beginners just starting to play ukulele, and easy -- and fun -- song to learn is “Lava” from the Disney animated short film of the same name. • Under $225: With a solid ovangkol top and natural finish, the Rincon Tenor Ukulele offers a rich, deep tone that can be amplified thanks to its built-in Fishman Kula preamp. As versatile as it is tone-rich, it also includes a Fishman Kula preamp to give you the option to plug in or play acoustic. Musician’s Friend offers ukuleles from the best brands, including ukuleles from Kala, Luna, Lanikai, Mahalo, Cordoba, Martin and more, so there are plenty of high-quality uke options from which to choose. You’ll be well on your way to finding the right ukulele for you. Sign in to see your saved items. In the “Why you Should Play Ukulele” episode of Fender Play LIVE, expert uke player Abe Lagrimas Jr. breaks down some of the surprising techniques and songs you can play on the ukulele! To start learning ukulele chords, beginners can look to chord charts to show them where to place their fingers on specific frets to make their strings sing. Here are a few strumming tips for beginner ukulele players just starting out: • Strum without a pick: The most common way to strum your ukulele is with either your thumb, your index finger, or a combination of the two -- like you’re holding an invisible pick. • Keep your wrist loose: It’s all in the wrist! To help you narrow the field, here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a ukulele. Its spacious fretboard mimics a guitar’s playing style. About This shape gives a stronger, resonant sound—especially to soprano and concert models. Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fze1OWeOuU&feature=youtu.be. Rarer 8-string variations can usually be found on taropatch baritone ukuleles. Ukulele chord charts offer players a visual representation of the four strings and their corresponding frets on your instrument. From this position, you can comfortably move your left hand up and down the neck of your ukulele to finger chords and your right hand is in the perfect position to strum those chords and make them ring out. The ukulele buyers guide covers everything you need to know before you make a purchase – from sizes and strings to ukulele brands and materials. One of the most distinctive features of a ukulele is the way its strings are tuned: • G = The fourth string • C Typically found in tenor ukuleles, the 6-string variation is set up with two single and two double courses. • X - An “x” above the strings means you won’t play that string or mute it when playing ET • F • 3 = Ring finger Musicians Friend, Gear Buying • Under $100: Our colorful Venice Soprano Ukulele delivers a lighthearted sound in a compact body for budget-conscious beginners. For those with larger hands or for players already accustomed to the guitar, it is the easiest to play. • 1 = Index finger The neck is a little wider and heavier than both the Soprano and Concert ukuleles, giving it more of a bass-laden tone than the concert and soprano sized ukuleles. Learn more about Fender electric basses. Shop, Hollow & Semi-Hollow Its portable size makes it easier for younger players and people with smaller hands to learn to play. The figure eight shape sometimes features a cutaway on the right shoulder, which allows for easier access to higher frets. New 21:1 gear ratio For decades, Waverly tuners have been the standard by which all other tuners are measured. The body size is larger than the soprano and features a longer neck. Get some knowledge before you buy! • Why Play Ukulele? Because it's tuned the same as the top 4 strings of your guitar—D, G, B, E, you already know how to play it. • Learn a Song on the Ukulele. Every guitar or bass you • Am (A minor) More, Popular Some of the most common and easy chords beginners can learn to play on ukulele include: №8 Pop Charts in USA, №6 in Canada and №1 in New Zealand in 1975. Of course, there are also unique variations on ukuleles available here, from pineapple ukuleles to the banjolele, which, as the name suggests, combines the best characteristics of the banjo and the ukulele into one exciting new instrument. They are rich with tones that evoke the rolling waves of the ocean hitting the beach on a warm summer day. Available in six different colors and with 4-in-line Tele headstock, the Venice Soprano Ukulele captures the eye and ear at $69.99. For a traditional Hawaiian look and sound, search for koa wood in the body. Ukulele Shapes. To get your ukulele in tune, you can use Fenders free online ukulele tuner to make sure you’re in perfect pitch. Musician’s Friend has you covered with plenty of high-quality nylon, fluorocarbon, and titanium uke strings to choose from. • Ukulele Strumming Patterns By keeping your wrist loose, you’ll be able to more easily transition between chords and minimize the risk of wrist pain after playing for a while. 1000s of songs.START YOUR FREE TRIAL. Budget: Overall, ukuleles are one of the most affordable instruments, offering a lifetime of learning and playing enjoyment for a relatively low cost -- ranging between $70 to $300. Check out Fender Play Ukulele Lessons. Came shipped in a big cardboard box that protected it perfectly. They are rich with tones that evoke the rolling waves of the ocean hitting the beach on a warm summer day. When you learn to play ukulele, you’ll find yourself among the ranks of many others who enjoy its fun, carefree sound. • 8th Note (Root note, one octave higher): C. Get a free trial of Fender Play and learn to play the C Major scale on ukulele and hear it for yourself. In standard tuning, they represent the high E and low E notes, respectively: In standard tuning, the lines of tabs represent these notes: - E (high E) - B - G - D - A - E (low E) Frets And it makes a great first instrument for a child or new player. • 2 = Middle finger Depending on what stage you’re at in your ukulele journey, there are a variety of ukuleles to meet your budget while still giving you an instrument you’ll cherish for years to come. ), many of the chords and skills you learn on ukulele can later be applied to guitar. • It’s fun and easy to learn. • 6th Note: A Adapted from Portugal’s guitar-like machete, cavaquinho, and braguinha in the 1880s, the ukulele is a Hawaiian string instrument in the guitar family. Wasted Days And Wasted Nights:Freddy Fender. While you can certainly teach yourself to play ukulele, sometimes it helps to get a little help from experts to level up your skills. • C = The third string (lowest tone) Some songs may call for you to play all of your chords using just heavier downward strokes in a steady rhythm. Learning to play an instrument can be a fun and rewarding adventure -- and the ukulele is a great instrument for beginners to start with! Check out Fender Play and get bite-sized lessons from world-class instructors -- whenever and wherever you want to learn more. Uke Like The Pros is a participate in the Amazon affiliate program. Popularized by King David Kalakaua, the instrument is tied to traditional Hawaiian culture. The more you play and practice strumming chords on your ukulele, you’ll hear the subtle differences between what a chord sounds like when strummed in a downward motion versus an upward one. The song is made up of three easy-to-play chords: C, F, and G7. These instruments are made for performers of all skill levels and walks of life. Another variation is the oval, or pineapple, ukulele shape. • G Luna Guitars High Tide Koa Concert Acoustic-Electric... Alvarez RU22B Regent Series Baritone Ukulele, Alvarez RU26T Regent Series Tenor Ukulele, Alvarez RU22T Regent Series Tenor Ukulele, Luna Guitars Baritone Zebra Acoustic-Electric Ukulele, Epiphone Les Paul Acoustic-Electric Concert Ukulele Outfit, Luna Guitars Coral Solid Mahogany Concert Ukulele. [Intro] Baug [Verse 1] E Wasted days and wasted nights, I have left B for you behind.. for you don't belong to me, your heart belongs, E A E to someone else. Look no further than the ukulele. • How to Play Beginner Ukulele Scales For more ukulele tuning tips, check out this tutorial. • Concert: Larger than a soprano ukulele, but still compact in size, concert-sized ukuleles have more frets and a warmer, deeper tone than their soprano counterparts. Choosing a ukulele can feel a little overwhelming. Body. Want video lessons that delve deeper and show you how to play ukulele? Others may require you to play ukulele chords in an alternating pattern, playing an upward stroke followed by a downward stroke. For example, at Musician’s Friend you might stumble across the banjolele—a delightful mix of the best characteristics of the banjo and the ukulele in one instrument. • G7 Better yet, the ukulele comes in multiple sizes, ranging from the tiny soprano ukulele to the slightly larger tenor uke, giving players more options to find the right fit. From Billie Eillish to Grace VanderWaal, there are a number of musicians who are skilled ukulele players. [Verse 2] E Why should I keep loving you, when I know that B you're not true? • D. These chords are a great starting point for players who are new to ukulele. The most popular ukulele size is the soprano ukulele; is the smallest and features a high pitch. Start by holding your instrument with its back snug against you, nestling the body of your instrument with your right arm. However, there are a few ukulele chords that are not only easy, but figure prominently in some of your favorite songs. Orders placed before 5 p.m. When reading these ukulele scale diagrams, you’ll see notes represented by dots. • Under $300: The concert-sized Billie Eilish Signature Ukulele is a striking matte black instrument emblazoned with the superstar’s “blohsh™” symbol. Small, portable, relatively inexpensive, and fun to play, the ukulele is a great instrument for beginners to pick up and deepen their love of music. A traditional, non-cutaway shape gives the instrument its mini acoustic guitar look. how to properly sit and hold your ukulele, learn to play the C Major scale on ukulele, Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fze1OWeOuU&feature=youtu.be. The lines in a tab represent the strings on a guitar. Transparency Act. Fender literally wrote the book on electric basses, laying the foundation for musical innovation and evolution. Interviews & The Harbinger L1402FX-USB 14-channel mixer is an excellent choice for home studios and sound systems requiring clear sound and flexible routing at an affordable price. Musician’s Friend offers a wide variety of ukuleles for sale, from beginner ukes to high-end instruments that will lead to a lifetime of enjoyment. Brand new to the ukulele? This cheerful love song nods to the ukulele’s Hawaiian roots. Uke Like The Pros will teach you how to play the ukulele and accomplish your goals. These dots show you which note you’ll play on a specific fret and string. One of the easiest ways for beginners to learn scales is to use a ukulele scale chart. If you’re thinking of learning to play ukulele, there’s no time like the present! For a guided shopping experience, read our helpful article on choosing the right ukulele. Learning to play an instrument can be a fun and rewarding adventure -- and the ukulele is a great instrument for beginners to start with! There are varieties of ukulele that run smaller (like the sopranino size) and larger (like the bass or contrabass sizes), though these are less common. Get started playing basic chords and understanding strumming patterns with Fender. Ukulele Sizes and Shapes. Playing songs and putting your knowledge of chords and notes into practice is one of the most rewarding parts of learning to play ukulele. Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXtCQDf3_c. Call or Chat for expert advice and to hear Not sure where to start? High pitched variants of these instruments (like the soprano and concert) are usually tuned in a classic GCEA reentrant tuning.