Play Along: Easy Ukulele Lessons

You can learn how to do just about anything on YouTube these days. Why not spend some time this summer learning to play an instrument? It’s great for your brain! Try these easy ukulele lessons!

Ukuleles are great instruments for young kids to learn to play. They’re light, portable, easy to maintain, and best of all, they sound good. You can buy one with a case (affiliate link) for around $30-40. (They make great gifts for kids!)

Here are some quick and easy beginner lessons to get you and your kids started playing the ukulele today.

How to Hold a Ukulele

How to Tune a Ukulele

Ukuleles have 4 strings. To make each string make the right note, you have to turn the tuning knobs to tighten or loosen them. Don’t worry – all you have to do is match the sounds to an online tuner, or better yet, an app which will listen as you pluck each string and tell you when the sounds match.

Here is an online tuner. The strings will be tuned to the notes G, C, E, and A.

Songs for Kids with One Chord: C

Let’s learn our first chord: C major.

See the black dot? That’s where you’ll put your finger.

Let’s practice strumming. With relaxed arms and hands, run your fingers down the strings. Try strumming down 4 times. Then try strumming up 4 times.

Play along with these songs.