Learning Ukulele with Curt
Using Songs to Learn `Ukulele

There are two approaches when learning a musical instrument like the ukulele or guitar. The first approach and one that is very popular with the ukulele goes right along with its easy to play reputation. This approach uses songs to learn the ukulele. A second approach is to learn what would be consider the the basics before working with songs.

Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Authors(s): Curt Sheller
Category: Songs Instrument: Ukulele
Subjects(s): BeginnerIntermediateRepertoire
Premium Member Feature
Premium Member Feature
Premium Member Feature
Share the Using Songs to Learn `Ukulele on: Bluesky facebook twitter (X)
All 4 sample page(s) are viewable on-line.
If you're a registered site member, have verified your email address, and have the correct permissions you can view ALL the pages of this PDF or Samples pages at a larger size using the LearningUkulele.com Online PDF Viewer.
This Download is NOT part of your LearningUkulele.com membership level.
Sign-up for Premium Site Access or Upgrade Your Plan your current access level to download this PDF or your can purchase a copy for download.
Register for Access …
After purchasing a PDF a download link or PDF will be sent to you within 48hrs.
Contact LearningUkulele.com if there are any issues.
Each PDF file is a formatted, high resolution file that prints out great. You'll need a PDF Reader or application capable of viewing PDF files to view the PDF.
NOTE: Download the current PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.
Members and Active Students need to sign-in to download this lesson's PDF for the complete lesson.
Using Songs to Learn `Ukulele

There are two approaches when learning a musical instrument like the ukulele or guitar. The first approach and one that is very popular with the ukulele goes right along with its easy to play reputation. This approach uses songs to learn the ukulele. A second approach is to learn what would be consider the the basics before working with songs.

The first approach and one that is very popular with the ukulele goes right along with its easy to play reputation. This approach uses songs to learn the ukulele.

A second approach is to learn what would be consider the the basics before working with songs. This would be akin to the apprenticeship system developed in the Middle Ages. An apprentice would develop his or her skills at the foot of a master for several years before going on their own. My personal opinion when learning a musical instrument is to seek out a master teacher or two and study with them one-on-one. Then when you come to learning songs you haver all the pieces and it's simply putting it together.

Both approaches involve exploring and mastering the technical aspects and musical aspects of your chosen instrument.

A Song

A song is like a recipe. It provides a list of ingredients that are needed to successfully create the recipe. If you are baking a cake, you need flour and eggs. If you don't have all the ingredients needed, you have to run out and get what is needed.

The ingredients for a song are the chords, lyrics, melody, and the style of the song. Is it a rock song, a bluegrass song, a country song, a jazz standard, a latin tune, etc… Each style has a recognizable rhythmic style associated with it.

Playing a song also requires you start and end it. That might require an introduction, into for short, and ending. Compose your own or use the song's is already written. If you are playing by yourself, you can just start it and end is without an intro or ending.

Sign-IN, for free — to View, Un-Blur Any Additional Content for This Lesson—Can't give it ALL away.
Download the PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.
art by Curt Sheller
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 Using Songs to Learn `Ukulele.
UL125c
Classic Endings for `Ukulele

Two Feel, bVImaj7 bIImaj7, Basie Ending, Single, Double and Triple Tags, Chromatic, Take 'A' Train Ending, Shave and a Hair Cut, Lawrence Welk Ending. These are common classic songs ending that are used over and over in the standard song repertoire.

UL125b
Creating Introductions and Turnarounds for `Ukulele

Introductions are a composed or improvised pieces of music that introduce - sets the stage for - a song or composition. Introductions, or intro for short, are used in all types of music. In this lesson, the focus is on introductions in contemporary pop, rock, blues, country, folk and jazz styles.

UL126
`Ukulele Strums - Getting Started

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.

ML-basic-12
Key Signatures and the Circle of Fifths and Fourths

Traditional key signatures provide a wealth of information that can enhance our understanding of music and its underlying principles.

Related Songs
Related Songs for Using Songs to Learn `Ukulele.
ANYSONG
Any Song Will Do

This is not really a song, but simply saying that for the purposes of a lot of the lessons and lesson series on this site ANY song will do for exploring the lesson's material and concepts presented in the lesson.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets
Related Assets for Using Songs to Learn `Ukulele.
WEB_CONTENT_ONLY
Basic Ukulele Chord Chart

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

WEB_CONTENT_ONLY
Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G

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.