Ukulele!

I never thought I would find myself playing a stringed instrument, much less the ukulele. Early in 2024, the esposo decided to 3D print one, and it turned out pretty cute. From there, he took a short class with a local park and recreation program. Because the 3D printed uke couldn’t keep the tension on the strings, it was a fiasco in some ways, but it did lead to the purchase of a nice, low-priced concert-sized one. And then he played on it. I liked it. I got one. And so, the story begins. As with anything, if you like it, you explore it, and good and bad things come out of it – good being learning and finding out – bad being a serious case of G.A.S. can happen. Fortunately, the latter is under control (we think).

A Bit About

The ukulele is a member of the lute family and is of Portuguese origin and gained its popularity in Hawaii. Having 4 strings, it is one of the simpler stringed instruments. Being small, it travels well. The standard sizes are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone, but as with everything, creativity has also added ones smaller than the soprano, ones larger than baritone, electric ukes, multi-string ukes, and on and on. Most common woods used are koa, acacia, mahogany, spruce, and acacia. There are solid wood ukuleles and laminated woods; glossy, satin, and matte finishes. Costs vary from super cheap (and probably not worth the money) to customized ones made to order by luthiers.

Why This Page?

I am an information junky and like to have such things consolidated in one place. I used to have a “A Bit of What I Read” on the sidebar of this blog, but it has since become antiquated with WordPress, and I have not been interested in spending time resurrecting it. At some point I expect you will find a “What I Read” at the top of the home page for Ink, Yarn, and Beer, but not right now. So, instead, I will try to create my own resource list and edit it as I see fit. Of course, like with anything, time will change whether or not links are any good, but as of June 2024, these should be good.

Resources

Learn Ukulele on YouTube

  • Bernadette Teaches Music – home of the 30 Day Ukulele Challenge, lessons, styles of playing, and more by a professionally trained music teacher. Very enjoyable and knowledgeable teacher. The 30 Day class is worth the time as it comes with printouts, videos, and a lot of encouragement.
  • Christopher Davis-Shannon – songs and techniques to improve your skills.
  • Helmut Bickel – in German with a really good selection of music and styles. Worth watching even if you don’t understand the language.
  • Jeebs McSnooty – lots of ukulele and life stuff and other instruments.
  • Jon’s Ukulele – fingerstyle and campanella ukulele; Celtic tunes, old time, folk. Good variety of demos and styles.
  • Marco Cirillo Ukulele – A more advanced selection of techniques, from slapping with the strumming hand, classical style, chords, and music. You can learn a lot here as you advance in your ukulele travels.
  • Matt Dahlberg – wonderful site full of music and techniques and then some.
  • One Music School – as of 6/2024 posts new videos Tuesdays and Fridays; lessons, reviews, and more. Wide range of subject.
  • Pierre Hache Music – site for many instruments; here, learn beginner to more sophisticated ukulele techniques.
  • Song by Song – site seems inactive but many good things to watch.
  • Ukulele – channel with ukulele reviews, techniques, strumming, and so on.
  • Ukulele Easy Tabs – A site dedicated to creating beginner ukulele tabs with play-alongs. Both staff with notes and GCEA tabs appear on screen as the song is played. Patreon support page.
  • Ukulele Time – Diverse website with fingerstyle play-alongs with a wide song selection in various genres. Song list and tabs available at ukuleletime39.com. Multiple ability levels.
  • Ukulele Wizard – Educational videos on various styles and ways to play the ukulele. More than just beginners picks.
  • Uke with Smitty – ukulele tutorials for a variety of styles and genres. Can be found on Reddit, patreon, and on his own website.

Specific Learning on YouTube

Ukulele Reviews on YouTube and Elsewhere

  • GotAUkulele – video page for the Got A Ukulele beginners website. Impartial ukulele reviews, Instrument tests, beginners tips, how to’s and much more! Running for over ten years now and listed by Ukulele Magazine as one of the top 5 ukulele channels on YouTube! One of the best, IMHO!
  • TUS Clips – video reviews of ukuleles sold by The Ukulele Site.
  • World of Ukes – as well as a large selection of ukuleles offered in their shop, these are reviews of ukuleles they sell.

Ukulele Stores Worldwide

Disclaimer: These are not recommendations unless noted in link, meaning my own personal thoughts on the store. YMMV of course!

  • Anacapa Ukulele – Ventura, California’s only full-service ukulele shop. Lessons, classes, events. Open Wed – Sat and by appointment. We have shopped here and been very happy with selection and service and knowledge of ukuleles by owners. Hours subject to change as they are a small, family business. I always call ahead as things can happen.
  • Instrumental Music – Thousand Oaks, CA. Primarily for guitar shoppers, this friendly and professional store offers lessons, restringing, and service. We have been here and have no complaints about products or service.
  • The Ukulele Site – wide variety of ukuleles for sale along with YouTube reviews; site offers accessories, specials, and membership for exclusive benefits.
  • Ukes – located on Maui, store in Hawaii which has a variety of ukes and guitars. Mail order, too.
  • World of Ukes – wide variety of ukuleles as well as magazines, book events, song books. Located in England. As well as offering these, their YouTube channel offers reviews of various ukuleles.