What size ukulele should you start with?
This will depend on your age and the sound you prefer. Lets start with the different ukulele sizes and what makes them different. The three most common sizes are soprano, concert, and tenor. Soprano is the smallest of them all and has the highest pitch, followed by the
concert then the tenor. The larger the
ukulele the deeper and fuller the sound.
As for what size ukulele should you start with? For really early beginners with little hands (roughly ages 4-7), I recommend starting with the soprano, the fret board is smaller, making it easier for little fingers for make chord shapes. Anyone older or with larger hands, I recommend starting with the concert ukulele.
What brand would I recommend?
I have not tried all the ukuleles out there, and I can only speak on behalf of those I have experience with! Getting that out of the way, here are the brands I like and would recommend, Kala, Coastal Tone, Mahalo, Beaver Creek and Leho are all great brands that I have nothing but great things to say about. All of these brands have a great range in prices. You can get started with a ukulele in under a hundred dollars. Be weary about buying "starter kits," as appealing as they might be the quality of the ukulele may suffer.
What to expect when first learning the ukulele?
For the first week or so your fingers will hurt to play for long periods of time. That is because you will need to build calluses and that could take time. Do not be discouraged! Start with shorter, regular practices. When your fingers start hurting too much, take a break.
Another thing to keep in mind is everyone is different. If you know someone who picked up this instrument quickly don't expect you to. Everyone has a different hand anatomy making some chord shapes more challenging.
What type of pick should I use?
Felt picks are used on ukuleles. Felt picks offer a softer sound and can protect the ukulele from scratches. Leather picks are another option.
Do I need to use a method book?
Method books are nice to have but not needed depending on your goals. If I believe a method book will benefit you then I will recommend one. Method books are great if you intend to learn everything you can about the ukulele or if you learn best through structure and discipline. I have had lots of students succeed with and without method books
Are apps and online tutorials okay to use?
Apps and tutorials are a fun addition to learning the ukulele but should never be your sole method. What I like about apps and online tutorials is that you can learn exactly what you would like and sometimes include some fun games. It can make learning fun, which is great! The down side is the lack of technique being taught. You won't have someone teaching you correct posture and hand placement. Technique helps make playing easier and more effortless, technique also helps you avoid any long term hand injuries.
How long are lessons?
Lessons are usually thirty (30) minutes in length. I do offer longer lessons by request and depending on your goals I may recommend a longer lesson time
Can I learn the ukulele on my own?
This all depends on the individual. Some people are excellent at holding themselves accountable while others may not. A downside to being self-taught could be poor technique, posture, and relying on google to answer all your questions your method book may not. I do believe you can learn the ukulele on your own and it can be very rewarding. The benefit of having a teacher is that they tailor the lesson to you. They will know what you can skip, what you may need more time on and other resources that may help your learning.
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