How to Practice Chord Changes // Beginner Ukulele Tutorial
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- Stream my Billboard-charting album: bit.ly/StreamUkuleleDays
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** SEE BELOW FOR ALL 6 LESSONS in Cynthia's Beginner Ukulele series**
aloha uke friends!
this was a popular question on my Patreon Q&A so i decided to make a video for it.
the key to cleaner, faster chord changes is finding the most efficient finger movement between chords. in this tutorial, i use 2 exercises to highlight the following skills that will help you build strength, flexibility, and control of the fingers.
- practicing finger isolation
- hovering the transition fingers
- stepping one finger at a time to the next chord
- learning to "flip" the fingers
this kind of fine motor control all depends on muscle memory, so go slow and practice 5 minutes a day. take the time to break down your finger movements, and your brain will be able to talk to your fingers more efficiently!
***
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thank you! happy strumming!
cynthia.
***
BEGINNER UKULELE LESSON PLAYLIST - these 6 lessons build on each other and are meant to be learned in order
Lesson #1: Three Little Birds - Basics bit.ly/ukefirstlesson
Lesson #2: I'm Yours - Backbeat Strum bit.ly/ukelesson2
Lesson #3: Don't Worry Be Happy - Swing Strum bit.ly/ukelesson3
Lesson #4: Stand By Me - Island Strum bit.ly/ukelesson4
Lesson #5: Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Picking Island Strum bit.ly/ukelesson5
Lesson #6: Brown Eyed Girl - Mixed Strums bit.ly/ukelesson6
Bonus: How to Strum the Ukulele bit.ly/ukehowtostrum
Full Playlist: bit.ly/1Ng626C
***
NEWBIE FAQS:
For beginner uke players, I recommend a concert (if you are a smaller person) or tenor (for bigger/taller people or former guitar players). Sopranos are often cheaper but can be more difficult to learn on since they're smaller.
BUDGET STARTER UKES under $100
Kohala concert: amzn.to/1CUXrk2 (if you spend less than this, the uke might sound like a toy)
Kohala tenor: amzn.to/1NsFvqa
Makai concert: amzn.to/1NsFOBx
Makai tenor: amzn.to/1KHRmQS
NICE STARTER UKES $100- $160
Makai tenor: amzn.to/1L5tCEY
Islander concert: amzn.to/1NsFIKa
Islander tenor: amzn.to/1L5tvZX
TUNER: Everyone should have a clip-on tuner - they work by vibration so they're more accurate than phone apps.
I like this one: Snark SN-2 amzn.to/1ST157e
DAILY UKULELE: If you're looking for a book of songs, the Daily Ukulele is a great resource for classic and traditional songs, including Beatles and jazz standards. Daily Ukulele amzn.to/1U2eg4l
Plenty of chord charts online as well!
ukutabs.com/
www.ukulele-tabs.com/top-uke-t...
www.doctoruke.com/songs.html
www.alligatorboogaloo.com/uke/...
sanjoseukeclub.org/song_book.html
***
I can't tell you as a beginner how much I appreciate your true gift of teaching..
First chords on uke
Chad Smath that's right
Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else wants to uncover easy ukulele songs to play try Pycanta Amazing Ukulele Protocol (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my work buddy got cool success with it.
You are a wonderful teacher . Thank you for being so patient and for clear explication.
same!
I am 60 years old. I wanted to learn . YOU TAUGHT Me. Your beautiful kind soul is so patient. You never ran ahead of me. You walked beside. And you smile said `you can do it`. you have changed my life. thank you. Nameste
wow.
Awsome!
Now you are 65
@@user-ii7mn3zk4d now he is 63
More of this please!
Who else is in quarantine and trying to learn how to play the ukulele?
I am!
Me too!
Moi aussi!
me :)
Me! My youtube recommendations are only about ukulele right now :)
Incredible!! Always loved the sound of the ukulele. I have wanted to learn how to play it, but never got there. I'm now 72 and I'm just beginning to learn. I have three related challenges, arthritis, memory, and learning new things. The good news is......learning new things helps to build new pathways in the brain which will improve my memory making it easier to learn. Yahoo!!! I might be slow, but I'll get there. Thank you Cynthia. You are a really good teacher!!
This hurts my fingers. Maybe I should try the maracas.
That will give your wrist pain 😅
remember to be realistic - you'll have to do some work whichever system you follow for learning uke I have spent months researching into different systems and found an awesome website at Arthurs Uke Blog (check it out on google)
Roger Y the triangle always works
Roger Y Mine hurt too.
@Σοφία Φλουρή I think Roger Y was joking- not to be realistic....
I just wish I could make a G without muting at least one of the strings 😕
Mila R you'll get used to it after some time🙂
B chord is much harder🙃
@Mashed potato
b chords are actually the worst lol-
Easy. Put your point finger on the 2nd from the top string, put your middle at the very last string, then move the next fret and put your index to the 2nd from the last string. BOOM G
G I can do, now F and B... that’s a different story. Need a wider neck
This is my first time ever learning how to play a musical instrument.
Trying to play and transition between these notes feels like crazy brain gymnastics!!
Forget puzzles and crosswords!
As a beginner at 65 I feel blessed having come across your video , today is just my first day. I have gone through a couple of different teachers and I can confidently say that you are the best teacher
By far the best instructor I've seen yet! 3rd day practicing this, and today my fingers didn't go flying crazily around C G F. Waaaahhhooooo!
I really appreciate your way of teaching and showing precisely the movements of fingers in changing chords.
Lise
This is mind blowing. I haven’t heard anyone explain it this way. Game changer. Keeping the pressure on at least one finger as you change chords helps so so much with not letting the ukulele fall. Thank you so so much. 🙏🏼
I just started teaching myself the uke 3 weeks ago, and yours are my favorite lessons. I love the way you break down everything like practicing chord changes. Now I just need to get my fingers to listen to my brain. Thank you!
This is the instruction I need to build a solid foundation! Thanks so much I feel that so many teachers/ video tutorials blow past these basics. Now to find a set of videos that show all major cord progressions in this type of teaching style like you have. Building solid and proper muscle memory and making those connections second nature over time will most likely advance any beginner. I realize I need to LEARN like second nature what the cords are before trying serious songs. It not much different than learning keyboarding as far as the fundamental learning practices.
I just bought my ukulele yesterday and here i am trying to learn something. Hopefully after a weak i can sing and strum one whole song.
If you want an app to help you could try ukulele by roadie! It works really well for me!
Today was day 14 for me. I hope that you stuck with it. I am amazed when something I’m playing sounds good.
I suggest trying im yours
how is it now?
I got mine just yesterday as well..... And my sister is showing off
I got the hang of learning chords, chord progression, and even a few different strumming patters, but had trouble switching.
This is beyond helpful. Thank you so much for this.
HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Cynthia. I'm learning to play for the new year. Thanks for being here.
"This might seems painstakingly slow"
Didn't think it was gonna be so painful for my fingers tho
I played piano for a long time and that is helping me with chords.
I just got an Ukelele for my birthday and your video helped a lot! Other tutorials never mentioned hovering and it makes much more sense now when changing chords! Thank you
Thank you I’ve never been able to learn an instrument. No one has been able to explain the basics like you have. I love that you go so slow and show up close what the cords look like.
I've started playing the ukulele a couple of weeks ago and I must tell you, Cynthia, you are an awesome teacher!
I agree 😊
A beginner on the ukulele, your videos are hands down the best way to explain chord changes to a newbie thank you! Forever inspired by you! ❤️🙌🏾
Teresa Escobar o
Teresa Escobar I agree
Thank you for this! Your scaffolding the learning, slowing down, and stressing the importance of technique has increased my sense of self-efficacy dramatically. Watching and playing along with you is making my visit to Hawaii even more enjoyable than it already was! You're a great teacher.
yes, you are an excellent teacher - I'm a "senior" beginner and was having a great deal of trouble transitioning from G to F - your method explains everything so well - I'm a believer!!
I like the way you teach useful practices in a slow and easy to get way. Great job!
You are a REALLY good tutor! Sometimes when i'm trying to change chords, I try to move one finger and another finger moves instead and i'm like huh? My brain is playing uke without me... :')
Lucy Robson 'my brain is playing uke with me' 😂😂😂
:D
THANK YOU!! i thought i was completely hopeless at playing but this video helped so much. thanks for going nice and slow
Thank you, Cynthia. I’m learning to normalise music as part of our lives so to create a music environment for my son. I love your tutorials. I’m a Maths teacher. The way you teach makes me reflect on my own practice - slow and steady; break down into small and achievable chunks. You are super helpful. Thank you so much.
Crying because you're an angel. Thanks.
This helped so much I have to play riptide in ONE WEEK I am so worried this is helping a lot
Hello ! I'm 76 years old and I play piano for 3 years. I'm a beginner on the ukulele and I love so much the way you teach wow ! and thank you so much for you patience and so and so. Thank you for you free lessons on UA-cam. You are a brillant and lovely teacher, speaking slowly and taking time to explain the things. Have a very nice day and I'm one of your followers. I play ukulélé every day. thank you !
Literally started with a ukulele today, also have a guitar and out of all the instructors I have tried you are with out doubt the clearest. Thank you.
good to be encouraged to go slow. i like cynthia's peaceful teaching style
I had so much trouble with C to G
me too!!!😧😧😧
Cryptis me too!!
Cryptis I had trouble from A minor to G
Trin's World same
Trin's World me too but know I know thank you Cynthia Lynn btw I sub to u and Cynthia linn
This is the most helpful lesson on chord changes ever. after 3 lessons from a zoom class and moderate practice I was sooooo frustrated. I love your words of encouragement, clear visuals & just taking it slow. Thank you
Wow, just got my Uke today, and you were spot on with this video, my fingers were moving just the way you said.
Happy to hear that if I stick with it, it will get more natural over time. That Am to G transition is so slow for me at this point.
Thanks so much for making these videos!
Quarantine here learning to play every instrument in my house
Can you make an exercises with Em? It's difficult switch to that chord.
I know this is a year old, but I would suggest practicing going between a C and an Em. They go together quite often, and they're right by each other, so it should be an easy move. You can also go between an Em and B7 - not the one where you bar the second fret. Gives the same shape. You just move it up a string. Keep on strumming!
Good advice! I agree, I also struggle with Em, a lot of others I can transition smoothly but something about that one I have to place each finger. Practice, practice! Lol
We all have a chord that seems overwhelmingly challenging, for me lately it's the E7 chord. Another challenging chord is the Bb. Sometimes I just sit and watch a movie or something and switch back and forth between say an A chord to an E7, then from F to Bb. I'm trying to connect to that "muscle memory" that is so essential. Keep following what Cynthia tells us to do and it Will come. She is such an inspiring Professional, both as a working musician and as an instructor. Happy Strumming, (and picking)!
Wow, I am so thankful to have found your channel. I've been wanting to do this most of my life but never had to courage too. In 5 minutes I learned three chords and it wasn't a struggle to flip and place my fingers from chord C to G to F. THANK YOU!
I just started my Ukelele journey. I'm so glad I found you on here! You really know how to teach. Thank you 🙂
Cynthia your tutorials are amazing! I've picked up so much more from you than any other source and your tips are all helpful. Thank you for providing them!
P.s. Right around when you sped up on the G to C transition I exclaimed "Oh she has a DOGGIE" in hushed tones, hahaha. That is one cute puppers.
The transition from C to G was so difficult for me and you solved it quickly Thanks!!
Thank you so much for this video on strumming transitions. I have been struggling without anyone to show me how. Books didn't do the job. Your explanation and video showing how to do it slowly is exactly what I needed. Thank you!
Thank you for all your patience. I feel confident in ever little step I take🌺
I am getting better!! Thank you Cynthia
I'm not! I've been 'playing since July last year, and I still can't do these basics properly - my fingers are too big and clumsy, and always end up hitting the wrong strings. I guess I wasn't cut-out to be a uke player!
Well.... I've never seen a badger play a uke but it seems like you'd be awesome.
Try to get a bigger uke?
Snup I did: I switched from my initial soprano to a tenor. Still not much better, I'm afraid! Badger must not be suited to playing musical instruments!
BadgerBotherer1 Drums? That might work for them. Or a piano?
C to G and G to F also F to G is a struggle. But I know that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLR
Cup Noodles
L
Cup Noodles true.
I still try mine.
Playing the b chord is also possible 🙃
You've helped more than any other video or tutorial I've found on this subject. Thank you!
Honestly...these practice drills of switching cords are awesome!
it's painful omg. my fingers are on the verge of bleeding
BlurryFeds same 😂
Gotta get the “calluses” or whatever they’re called on your fingers 😂 (not like I have them)
Same 😂
same
mine are already lol
Thanks for the help!! You look lovely with a flower in your hair♡♥
Thank you so much. This video helped me advance more in 10 minutes than a week of practicing on my own. Your teaching is perfect and I look forward to practicing along with more of your videos.
Thank you so much. your lessons and patiance is outstanding and encouraging for us beginers. Great stuff !!!
In the beginning I was like "WHY DOES AHE HAVE ONE STRING?!!!" But then I realized that there were other strings that were black and they blend in
GUYS THERE’S A SLEEPY DOGGO IN THE BACKGROUND
i just bought and started playing the uke today and i watched some of you videos and i already know the basic g,f, and c cords thanks to you and i transition a bit easier thank you so much your videos have really helped me start off easier but i barly started today so cant say much else.
Thank you so much; I have leaned more by spending a couple of hours with you than a whole year of semi-private lessons. I love this and feel more hopeful that I will be able to play.
Please do A to G
Any body else dying every time a video even mentions a G chord.....Grrrrrrr it's so hard!!!!
I started ukulele a week ago, and my chords have been sounding like garbage. I realised my strumming was the worst. Your gift of teaching and breaking things down REALLY made a HUGE difference in my playing!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I have every intention of following your lessons now! YOU ROCK!
You're suggestion about ring finger coming down for C and then just having 2 other fingers to hover for upcoming G is perfect! Thanks for these beginner tutorials.
How about am to G
hover three fingers over g, and use your thumb for Am
When I strum my ukulele it makes a pluck sound, not like the sound it's suppose to. I don't know what's wrong. I put enough pressure when I'm playing, it just doesn't sound right. I'm confused?
Thank you so much! This helped a lot.
Kylie, omg I love that you took the time to write all that for someone else's benefit. Thank you for helping basically everyone who asks something.
TwentyØneDiscøs ...tøp
I’m so lucky to have watched your video as a beginner. You are a very gifted teacher !!
As someone just learning how to play the ukulele your videos are amazing!! they're just right for my skill level and I feel like i'm actually making progress!
My finger tips hurts 😭 I'm trying to tolerate the pain
I have so much trouble moving from Am to G
same ;-; it always gets me
Another very helpful video. One thing I love about practicing the transition between chords is that you can do it while watching TV or reading and at any hour of the night as you don't need to strum loudly or strum at all if your happy enough that way.
Yes indeed something was fireing in My brain but now it's healed and I've learnt patients too. Bless You!!!
thanks a lot Cynthia ! you're the best uke teacher on yutube ;)
btw... is it only me ? or is there anyone else who's playing the G chord with swapped fingers 1 & 2 ? for me it's much easier with the middle finger on C string (and don't have to swap fingers during G to F transition) but i'm a total beginner started just 6 days ago, so probably i'll realize soon why it should be the other way around with those fingers :D
I am the same I play with fingers reversed.
dont forget to be realistic - you'll have to put in some work whichever system you use for learning to play the uke I've been researching into how to play Ukelele and discovered a great resource at Arthurs Uke Blog (check it out on google)
I've been having so much trouble with the G chord - my fingers are really arthritic and I couldn't get a clear chord. I just tried it reversing the fingers, and had a much better sound!
You suck
Thanks again for your help and support for the first time
Yesterday to the next day.
G chord in general sucks
AND ITS IN LITERALLY EVERYTHING TOO
True dat
Play the g on the uku like a D on guitar simple
Wait till you get to Barre Chords. They make you fall in love with the G chord.
BIG FAXX
Thank you dear. I have been learning for several weeks. Chord transitions is something that I have struggled with.
thank you for talking about the transition from G to B in creep, this has been one for the most difficult for me and its good to know that I'm not the only one!
My fingers are too chubby for this xD
Alright, looks like I'm never doing a B chord then.
lol true that
You’re truly gifted at teaching. A huge thank you from all of us!
I have really been struggling with a faster or better transition from F to G. This truly helped. Thanks!
Everyone is complaining about how hard it is to play the G chord but ya know, here I am, can’t even play a fucking B but can manage to play a G 😑
lucky!
i cant play b too wtf
@@andrear1670 lol
i had no idea that the g was notorious i thought i was just really thick
And "e" is even more cruel...😖
Many thanks Cynthia for your great lessons I'm a 74yo novice ukulele player from Northern Ireland and I really enjoy practising and playing along with you.
Ty so much i just got my ukulele for Christmas . and trying to learn it this is helpful🥰❤️
B and D are physically impossible for me
I find D easier when you use your thumb, like to curl it around. Practise G-D with your thumb, it's god practise and helped me learn other chords.
B Chord is Killing me .... :(
Dale Allen I can’t do that chord😩
Your videos are much appreciated! Definitely for a beginner, your time to taken to help us practice is amazing! 100% the lessons out there!
You're teaching skills and your sensibility of the very beginner standpoint definitely stand out from any other teacher I have seen online. Thank you!
❤ I got big trouble of moving from F to G -vice / verse … now it makes more sense and i am sure it will work . The truth is -exactly what you say -slowly and patiently keep
Practicing , and at some point the hands start do do it by themselves. Thank You for the lesson🎉
Watch this in 2020. Just bought an Ukulele today and this video really helps.
Thank you
Thanks so much. I had thought about this idea of moving the finger in a particular fashion to change chords. But you really clarified it nicely🙂
Thank you so much!! I am learning to play the ukulele and I am so excited. My Tutu was a Hula teacher in Hawaii most of her life and my cousins and sister can all dance but I was just not blessed with that gift so I was inspired to try to learn to play so we can celebrate together. Your videos have been so amazingly helpful!!
Thanks, I'm starting to learn ukulele chords using one that my friend friend lend to me. You teach me practical way to switching fingers for chords. Thank you very much 😁
I'm so GRATEFUL I found your youtube page! You are an amazing teacher!!! Bless You!
Fantasic tuition. I have just bought a ukulele for Christmas. What a great help these videos are.
Cynthia thank you, you are lovely, and a very good teacher. My one month practice is improving day by day! Ukulele is so friendly, you give very useful suggestions! Grazie Cynthia
Reading the comments make me feel happy that I am not the only one struggling. Cynthia you are a brilliant and lovely teacher. I am in mid fifties and as a beginner l can do the G major, F major and C only :). But will keep trying. Don't lose hope guys. Trying and failing is better than non trying, and you will never succeed if you surrender and don't try. Keep the good work.
I’m stuck in quarantine and I am trying to learn how to play my ukulele. this is my first time seeing this channel and i can already tell you are gonna help me a lot! ❤️❤️
I love the hovering technique with an explanation of hand position and sensation! Thank you! 🎶💕
you're an amazing teacher! thank you so much ms cynthia!
I've long wanted to learn to play the guitar but was intimidated by the fingerings...until my daughter borrowed her cousin's ukulele and taught me my first piece with it - - You are my sunshine. I was hooked! Since then I've been constantly on the lookout for good tutorials on UA-cam to improve my strumming and transition (among others) until I chanced upon your channel. Cynthia Lin you are a game changer. I love how you keep your lessons simple, clear, and unhurried. Thank you so much! I don't think I need to look elsewhere. Guess I have to get my own uke now...😊
OMG seriously, you're amazing. I am really learning a lot so far and i've only watched a couple of your videos! Thank you so much for posting all of these. I am a big time newbie and this has been just great.
I've learned so much in the first 15 min watching your videos! I just got my ukulele today.
I've just started learning to play the ukulele, & I have found this lesson brilliant. Thank you, Paul Lucas.