Complete Ukulele 1

Tuning the Ukulele + C chord

Introduction

In this course we are going to start with the basics then work through all the techniques for Ukulele, chords, scales, bar chords, picking and rhythm patterns right through to hammer-ons pull-offs, arpeggios and full compositions.

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Tune The Ukulele

First things first, here we look at how to tune the Ukulele. The Ukulele is tuned G C E A. The easiest way to tune the ukulele is with an electric tuner. I use a clip on tuner and can recommend the tuner I use which isn’t expensive.

The nylon strings on a Ukulele are very stretchy at first will need a lot of tuning to get them stable but this fine just keep tuning. The more you tune it the more stable the strings will become.

We count the strings 1st 2nd 3rd 4th with the 1st string the closest to the floor when holding the Ukulele. 4th string is tuned to G. 3rd = C. 2nd =E. 1st = A.

5th fret on the 4th string = 3rd string open (the notes are an octave apart)

4th fret on the 3rd string = 2nd string open

5th fret on the 2nd string = 1st string open

All the strings played open make the chord Am7

Posture – hold the ukulele at an angle so that your left arm has room to move around and with your right arm place it across the body so that you can strum the strings but also help keep the body stable by holding it against your body.

C Chord

Now let’s play our first chord C. This is one of the easiest chords. You can strum the ukulele down with the nails of your fingers or down with the skin side of the thumb also back up with the thumb nail or back up with the fingers skin side.