Beginner Ukulele Lift Off

Learn essential chords, strumming patterns and popular songs

What you'll learn

Common chord shapes and their application

Popular strumming patterns

Popular songs

Strumming while singing

Requirements

No requirements

Description

This class is intended for beginners who want to learn simple, yet iconic, songs on the ukulele. Students will learn playing techniques, chord shapes, strumming patterns, fun songs, and even a bit of music theory. We will start with the foundations, including tuning and understanding the fretboard. Then we will move on to basic strumming patterns and basic chords. These chords include C, F and G, which are commonly used in popular songs. The strumming patterns include basic patterns in simple 4/4 time, but also the essential Island Strum. From there students will learn, in order: Three Little Birds, Happy Birthday, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Don't Worry Be Happy and What a Wonderful World. These songs are in order of complexity, both in terms of chord shapes and strumming patterns. Each of these songs is broken down into parts and there is plenty of time built in to jam along with me. To enhance your learning of these songs, song sheets and chord charts will also be provided. By the end of the course, students should be able to play essential chords, strum a variety of patterns, and learn new songs with confidence. So grab your ukulele and join me!

Overview

Section 1: Introduction to the Ukulele

Lecture 1 History of the Ukulele

Lecture 2 Ukulele Layout and Tuning

Lecture 3 Strumming Techniques

Section 2: Learning Chords and Simple Songs

Lecture 4 Essential Chords: C, F and G

Lecture 5 Three Little Birds

Lecture 6 Happy Birthday (the right way!)

Section 3: Iconic Ukulele Songs

Lecture 7 Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Lecture 8 Don't Worry Be Happy

Lecture 9 What a Wonderful World

This course is for beginners, no experience needed!