Ukulele
This is a basic ukulele sequence gathered from Youtube and supplemented with additional songs and chords. Special thanks to everyone who has developed so many outstanding videos! Everything is organized here starting with songs that use just one chord and then progressing from there. Practice every day and trim your fingernails (at least on your left hand) for optimal enjoyment and skill development. The ability to play music grows with practice. It can be difficult at first, but don't give up! Along the way, you might also search for other videos on Youtube and additional lead sheets online. There certainly are many excellent tutorials and play-alongs that are similar to these as well as some that are much more difficult when you are ready.
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First, here's how to hold the ukulele.
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This next video shows you the letter names and string numbers for the most popular ukulele tuning. Memorize the letter names and string numbers.
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This video explains how to read chord charts. The picture is as it you held your ukulele vertically out in front of you, looking at the strings. The strings are the vertical lines and the horizontal lines represent the frets.
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Now you are ready for the G7 chord (pictured below). Place your pointer finger on the second string first fret, your middle finger on the third string second fret, and your ring finger on the first string second fret. Strum slowly across to make sure you can hear all strings. Then practice shifting from G7 to C and back. To get to C, raise pointer and middle fingers and slide the ring finger over into the third fret. To get back, slide the ring finger over into the second fret and add the other two fingers. Practice switching back and forth and then play the next song. If you don't know this song, look it up on Youtube. I wasn't able to find a version in this key that had the lyrics. So, you will need to listen to the song and then sing it without the Youtube.
How Much is that Doggie in the Window
Bob Merrill
How [C] much is that doggie in the [G7] window?
The one with the waggley [C] tail.
How much is that doggie in the [G7] window,
I do hope that doggie’s for [C] sale.
I must take a trip to [G7] California
And leave my poor sweetheart [C] alone.
If she has a dog she won’t be [G7] lonesome
And the doggie will have a good [C] home. (Chorus)
I read in the papers there are [G7] robbers
With flashlights that shine in the [C] dark.
My love needs a doggie to [G7] protect her
And scare them away with one [C] bark. (Chorus)
I don’t want a bunny or a [G7] kitty.
I don’t want a parrot that [C] talks.
I don’t want a bowl of little [G7] fishes.
You can’t take a goldfish for [C] walks. (Chorus)
Here's another song that uses C and G7. Play it from this lead sheet and/or use the Youtube video that follows.
How Much is that Doggie in the Window
Bob Merrill
How [C] much is that doggie in the [G7] window?
The one with the waggley [C] tail.
How much is that doggie in the [G7] window,
I do hope that doggie’s for [C] sale.
I must take a trip to [G7] California
And leave my poor sweetheart [C] alone.
If she has a dog she won’t be [G7] lonesome
And the doggie will have a good [C] home. (Chorus)
I read in the papers there are [G7] robbers
With flashlights that shine in the [C] dark.
My love needs a doggie to [G7] protect her
And scare them away with one [C] bark. (Chorus)
I don’t want a bunny or a [G7] kitty.
I don’t want a parrot that [C] talks.
I don’t want a bowl of little [G7] fishes.
You can’t take a goldfish for [C] walks. (Chorus)
Here's another song that uses C and G7. Play it from this lead sheet and/or use the Youtube video that follows.
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
C He’s got the whole world in his hands, G7 He’s got the whole wide world in his hands, C He’s got the whole world in his hands, G7 C He’s got the whole world in his hands. He’s got the wind and the rain... He’s got the little bitty babies... He’s got you and me brother... He’s got and me sister... |
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Let's put three chords together now in one song. Practice switching from chord to chord first, and then let it rip.
Leavin’ On a Jet Plane
John Denver
C / F /
All my bags are packed; I’m ready to go,
C / F /
I’m standing here outside your door,
C / F / G7 / / /
I hate to wake you up to say good-bye.
C / F /
But the dawn is breakin’ and it’s early morn,
C / F /
The taxi’s waitin’; he’s blowin’ his horn,
C / F / G7 / / /
Already, I’m so lonesome I could die.
C / F /
So, kiss me and smile for me,
C / F /
Tell me that you’ll wait for me,
C / F / G7 / / /
Hold me like you’ll never let me go.
C / F /
‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane,
C / F /
Don’t know when I’ll be back again,
C / F / G7 / / / C
Oh, babe, I hate to go.
Leavin’ On a Jet Plane
John Denver
C / F /
All my bags are packed; I’m ready to go,
C / F /
I’m standing here outside your door,
C / F / G7 / / /
I hate to wake you up to say good-bye.
C / F /
But the dawn is breakin’ and it’s early morn,
C / F /
The taxi’s waitin’; he’s blowin’ his horn,
C / F / G7 / / /
Already, I’m so lonesome I could die.
C / F /
So, kiss me and smile for me,
C / F /
Tell me that you’ll wait for me,
C / F / G7 / / /
Hold me like you’ll never let me go.
C / F /
‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane,
C / F /
Don’t know when I’ll be back again,
C / F / G7 / / / C
Oh, babe, I hate to go.
Here's a video of Leaving on a Jet Plane if you want to play along, but it doesn't have the chords, so you will probably need to watch the lead sheet here. Also, here are three more songs that can be played with C, F, and G7. After that the songs might use additional chords. Pause the video on the chord chart and learn the new chords.
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Here's a playlist of songs. Some might require learning a new chord. You can find a lot more of these on youtube.
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