Getting Started with `Ukulele - Lesson Two

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...

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.