Using Songs to Learn `Ukulele

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.