Getting Started with `Ukulele - Lesson Two

Published: 31 Oct 2013 Updated: 19 Nov 2021Visits: 0Code: ULB01-wk-2

Category: BasicsInstrument: Ukulele Subjects: Beginner

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Getting Started with `Ukulele - Lesson Two


For Lesson Two we'll add and build on the lessons and material from lesson two.

In Lesson Two you'll learn the following:

NOTE: Although these lessons are presented as a weekly series, you can and should take as long as you like to master each week's lesson as there is a lot of material in each lesson in the series.

The individual lessons in this series are viewable from the Lessons button bar above.

The Fingerboard - Key Fret (5)

The key frets are the three frets that have no sharp or flat notes - only natural notes. Fret (5) is C F A D from strings four to one.

Recommended Lessons, Series & Resources

After memorizing the chromatic scale, the seven letters and twelve notes of music we can derive the higher and lower frets from any fret we know.

If you know the open strings, G C E A you get fret (1) for G# C# F A#. Fret (12) is also G C E A this gets you fret (11) Gb B Eb Ab

From this weeks fret (5) C F A D you get fret (6) C# F# A# D# and the fret (4) B E Ab Db.

From three frets you now know over 50% of the fingerboard.

Turns out you only need five frets and you can get the entire fingerboard.

Technique - Two Finger - Two Note Fingering Drills

The Ukulele Gymnastics series contains quite a few lessons for developing your finger strength and independence of the fretting hand. The fretting hand is responsible for playing chords and single notes. The fretting hand and plucking hand are responsible for getting the music out.

Recommended Lessons, Series & Resources

Secondary Chords - Key of C

Continuing with the common of key of C major and adding to the primary chords C, F, G and G7 from last week’s lessons. We can add the secondary chords Dm, Em, and Am.

Recommended Lessons, Series & Resources

Common Progressions - Key of C

With the primary and secondary chords in the key of C.

Recommended Lessons, Series & Resources

The Quarter Note Strum - Variations

Learning an instrument is about building on what you already know. This is a perfect principle for building on strumming patterns.

Recommended Lessons, Series & Resources

Whole Steps, Half Steps

There is only one scale that contains ALL 12 notes of music in one octave, the Chromatic Scale.

Recommended Lessons, Series & Resources


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End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for Getting Started with `Ukulele - Lesson Two.

ML09

The Chromatic Scale

The only scale in music with ALL twelve notes of one octave. Not much use for improvisation or solos – but a great scale for learning the notes of the ukulele fingerboard, figuring out scales, chords and more...

ML-basic-10

Whole Steps and Half Steps Explained

The distance between any two notes can be defined by steps - half steps, whole steps, semi-tones, whole tones. From this series of steps you can get the names of the notes of ANY of the fifteen major scales.

UL07-Cf5

Learning the Fingerboard, C Tuning - Fret (5)

Nothing when learning a fretted musical instrument like the ukulele returns more value than really, and I mean really knowing the names of the notes of the ukulele fingerboard. This is not the same as learning to read music — but simply knowing the name of any note on the fingerboard.

UL07-Cf-1-6-8

Learning the Fingerboard, C Tuning - Derived Frets from Key Frets

"Derived Frets from Key Frets" are the next higher frets or previous lower frets you get from your Key Frets in C Tuning. You basically get these higher and lower frets for FREE.

UL44b

Secondary Chords - C Major

The secondary chords for any major key are the II, III and VI chords of it's corresponding major scale. For C Major, the secondary chords are: Dm, Em and Am. From the primary and secondary chords of a major key, countless songs and chords progressions can be played.

UL44c

Common Chord Progressions for the Key of C Major

Sometimes called the “learning key”, the key of C Major is one of the easiest keys to memorize and begin using. C major (often just C or key of C) is a musical major scale based on C, with pitches C D E F G A B C. Its key signature has no flats or sharps. Its relative minor is A minor A B C D E F G A B.

UL126-LI4a

Quarter Note Strum - Variations

Building on the basic Quarter Note Strum lessons, here are four variations to get you started.

UL08-basic-2

Two Finger-Two Note Basic Single String Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This two finger-two note drill is designed to get your hands in shape. These exercises work no matter what style of ukulele you play or want to play.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for Getting Started with `Ukulele - Lesson Two.

Basic Ukulele Chords Charts

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

Not so much a series - but the basic chords ALL ukulele players should know.

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard

Updated: 09 May 2024

Learning the names of the notes on the fingerboard is indeed a crucial skill for any musician, especially those who play stringed instruments like the guitar, violin, or cello. Having a solid understanding of the notes on the fingerboard can significantly enhance your playing, improvisation, and overall musicality. Here's a step-by-step approach you can follow to learn the fingerboard:

Modular Phonetic Rhythm by Chuck Anderson

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

Modular Phonetic Rhythm represents a significant advance in the teaching and application of rhythm. Eliminating many inefficient aspects of rhythm education, Modular Phonetic Rhythm streamlines the traditional educational approach, resulting in a reflexive reaction to rhythm.

Types of Chords Available on Ukulele

Updated: 08 Jun 2023

On the ukulele, there are various types of chords that you can explore, including open position chords, movable form chords, 4-part chords (commonly known as jazz chords), and free form chords.

Key Signatures - C Major

Updated: 08 Jun 2023

In this lesson series, we explore the key of A Major and its relative minor key, Am, including their primary and secondary chords, as well as a selection of common chord progressions.

Getting Started Series of Ukulele Lessons

Updated: 01 Jul 2023

The aim of this series of lessons is to provide comprehensive guidance for beginners embarking on their ukulele journey.

Related Songs

Related Songs for Getting Started with `Ukulele - Lesson Two.

UL414

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Updated: 01 Oct 2011

Old MacDonald Had a Farm is a children's song and nursery rhyme about a farmer named MacDonald (or McDonald, Macdonald) and the various animals he keeps on his farm. Each verse of the song changes the name of the animal and its respective noise. In many versions, the song is cumulative, with the noises from all the earlier verses added to each subsequent verse. It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 745.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for Getting Started with `Ukulele - Lesson Two.

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Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning

Updated: 18 Jan 2023

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard. Learning the notes of your instrument allows you the flexibility of not having to remember so many shapes. There are simply way too many chords, scale and notes patterns, and shapes to remember. It all comes down the notes.

UKESTRUM1

A Guide to Ukulele Strums

Updated: 26 Aug 2024

Learn a variety of strums and rhythmic patterns in wide range of musical styles. One of the first skills a ukulele player learns is the art and craft of strumming, playing rhythm. This refers to an accompaniment technique suitable for the singer, singer - songwriter or someone who plays a support role for another instrument.

UKEREAD1

Ukulele- Reading Music Series - Primer

Updated: 03 Jan 2020

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position. It is a lot easier than you might think with this step-by-step easy to use approach. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets

Related Assets for Getting Started with `Ukulele - Lesson Two.

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Basic Ukulele Chord Chart

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A chart of the most common ukulele chords in the most common keys of C, G, D, A, and E.

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Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G

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Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G. Shows natural, sharp and flat notes for the ukulele fingerboard. This tuning can be used on a soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukuleles.

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