UKULELE

FOR
BEGINNERS

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE DEVELOPED BY THE

INVICTA UKULELE CLUB

www.invictaukuleleclub.co.uk

Kindly Sponsored by

25-27, TUFTON STREET, ASHFORD TN23 1QN

Telephone: 01233 662682

www.righttrackmusicshop.co.uk
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THE UKULELE

This instrument is usually made of wood and comes in 4 sizes:

Soprano (smallest), Concert, Tenor & Baritone (largest).
The picture shows the various parts.

THE UKULELE BANJO

As the name implies, this instrument is a cross between a banjo & a ukulele. It is tuned in exactly
the same way as the ukulele above. Instead of a sound hole it is fitted with a vellum (skin), which
produces a much louder sound. It was made popular in the U.K. by George Formby.
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INTRODUCTION

A FEW DETAILS

Small 4 stringed Hawaian guitar

Portuguese sailors took it to Hawaian Islands many years ago

Ukulele is a funny little word meaning ”jumping flea” in the Hawaian language.

The ukulele banjo was developed from the ukulele to increase the volume around the time that
talking pictures were introduced.

On page 1 you’ve learned a little about the various parts which make up a ukulele. That’s fine but you
want to get on with the business of playing… right? Before we do that there’s a few things you need
to know.

Let’s start immediately by saying that learning to play the ukulele (or uke) is not difficult. It’s an
ideal instrument for accompanying your singing and will bring you and your friends hours of pleasure.

Neither is it an expensive hobby on which to embark as a reasonable quality uke can be obtained in
the U.K. for about £40 upwards.

We recommend purchase of ukuleles & accessories from our sponsors:

Right Track Music Shop, 25-27, Tufton Street, Ashford TN23 1QN.
Telephone 01233 662682.

(a 5% discount is available to members of the Invicta Ukulele Club)

www.righttrackmusicshop.co.uk
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LEARNING TO PLAY THE UKULELE

BASICS & TUNING

The strings are numbered 1 - 4 from the bottom as you hold the uke.

Normal tuning is G, C, E, A, starting with the top (4 th) string. A tuner may be purchased to help you
with this procedure. However if you don’t possess any means of tuning the uke, the following method
will serve for the purpose of practising the chords:

1. 4th string, 2nd fret should correspond with the 1st string.
2. 3rd string, 4th fret should correspond with the 2nd string
3. 2nd string, 5th fret should correspond with the 1st string.

CHORDS F G7

The easiest way to present chords is by way of a diagram, often called “the dots” as shown above.
This depicts the top of the neck of the uke. The vertical lines represent the strings, the lateral
lines the frets and the black dots are where you place your fingers.
Another way of showing chords is by letters e.g. F or G7 (see above).

Practice of the chords is very important and the key to playing the uke. Just 10 minutes per day
going through your chords should enable you to play tunes within a week.

RIGHT HAND TECHNIQUE.

The “down” stroke is effected by striking all 4 strings with a downward motion of the nail of the
index finger at a point higher than the sound hole. The hand should be positioned so that it is at
right angles to the uke with the palm facing upwards. This allows the index finger to bend as
necessary. At all times the wrist should be kept as loose as possible.

As you become more competent the “up” stroke should be added. This is effected by an upward
movement on all 4 strings using the ball of the index finger.

(Some players prefer initially to strum with the thumb or a plectrum but the index finger allows
more variety of strokes).
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FIRST ATTEMPT AT PLAYING

We’ve said it’s not difficult to learn but you’re not convinced?

OK. Familiarise yourself with the tune and words of “Animal Fair” shown below.
Ask a child and they should know the song.

Then, and only then, place the third finger on the bottom string of the third fret and strum.

ANIMAL FAIR

3
I went to the animal fair, the birds and the bees were there.

The golden baboon by the light of the moon was combing his auburn hair.

The monkey fell out of his bunk, (bump!)

and slid down the elephant’s trunk. (bump!)

The elephant sneezed and fell on his knees and that was the end of the

monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey.

REPEAT

THERE YOU GO, YOU’RE PLAYING THE UKE ALREADY!!

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PRACTICE THESE 3 CHORDS

The numbers show the fingers to use as follows:

1 index finger, 2 middle finger, 3 third finger.

C7

2 1 3

G7

(If you have trouble with this one, try placing your fingers on the fretboard in the following order:
1, 3, 2.)

Change the chords from one to the other.

When you can do them easily, practice them in reverse order.

NOW YOU’RE READY TO PLAY THE SONGS OVERLEAF.

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HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW?

*
How much is that doggie in the window, (wuf, wuf), the one with the wagg-ely tail

*
How much is that doggie in the window, (wuf, wuf), I do hope that doggie’s for sale.
……………………………………………………………………………….

I must take a trip to California, and leave my poor sweetheart alone

If she has a dog, she won’t be lonesome and the doggie will have a good home .
…………………………………………………………………………………

How much is that doggie in the window, (wuf, wuf), the one with the wagg-ely tail

How much is that doggie in the window, (wuf, wuf), I do hope that doggie’s for sale.
………………………………………………………………………………….

PLAY SOLO FROM * to * THEN CARRY ON SINGING NEXT VERSE TO END

…………………………………………………………………………………

I don’t want a rabbit or a kitten, I don’t want a parrot that talks

I don’t want a bowl of little fishes, ‘cause you can’t take a fish for a walk.
……………………………………………………………………………........

How much is that doggie in the window, (wuf, wuf), the one with the wagg-ely tail

How much is that doggie in the window,(wuf, wuf), I do hope that doggie’s for sale.
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HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

He's got the whole world, in His hands. He's got the whole wide world, in His hands.

He's got the whole world, in His hands. He's got the whole world in His hands.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

He's got the little bitty baby in His hands. He's got the little bitty baby, in His hands.

He's got the little bitty baby, in His hands. He's got the whole world in His hands.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

He's got the whole world, in His hands. He's got the whole wide world, in His hands.

He's got the whole world, in His hands. He's got the whole world in His hands.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

He's got you and me brother, in His hands. He's got you and me sister, in His hands.

He's got you and me brother, in His hands. He's got the whole world in His hands.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

He's got the whole world, in His hands. He's got the whole wide world, in His hands.

He's got the whole world, in His hands. He's got the whole world in His hands.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

He's got everybody here, in His hands. He's got everybody here, in His hands.

He's got everybody here, in His hands. He's got the whole world in His hands.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

He's got the whole world in His hands. He's got the whole wide world in His hands.

He's got the whole world in His hands. He's got the whole..world..in..His..hands.
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PRACTICE THESE 2 CHORDS

The numbers show the fingers to use as follows:

1 index finger, 2 middle finger, 3 third finger.

2 1

2 2 2 3

D7
In this chord the 2nd finger covers all 4 strings.
The 3rd finger covers the bottom string only.

Change the chords from one to the other.

When you can do them easily, practise them the other way round.

It’s very important that you master the three chords you learned on page 5 and the two
chords on this page before you go any further. Mix them all up so you can change easily and
smoothly from one to the other.

WHEN YOU CAN DO THAT YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY & CAN PLAY DOZENS OF SONGS!
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FOLSOM PRISON BLUES

I hear the train a comin', it's rolling round the bend, and I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when,

I'm stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin' on


but that train keeps a rollin', way down to San Anton..

When I was just a baby my mama told me son, always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns.

But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die,

now every time I hear that whistle, I hang my head and cry..

I bet there's rich folks eating in a fancy dining car; they're prob’ly drinkin' coffee and smoking big cigars.

Well I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free

but those people keep a movin', and that's what tortures me...

Well if they'd free me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine,

I bet I'd move just a little further down the line.

Far from Folsom prison, that's where I want to stay,

and I'd let that lonesome whistle, blow my blues away.....

SING THROUGH
SOLO  TO 
SING FIRST VERSE AGAIN FOLLOWED BY “TRAIN KEEPS A ROLLIN’ ON” AT END
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PUTTING ON THE STYLE

VERSE 1

Sweet sixteen goes to church just to see the boys, laughs and screams and giggles at every little noise

Turns her face a little and turns her head awhile, but everybody knows she's only putting on the style

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

CHORUS

Putting on the agony putting on the style. That's what all the young folks are doing all the while.

And as I look around me I sometimes have to smile, seeing all the young folks putting on the style
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

VERSE 2

Young man in the hot rod car driving like he's mad, with a pair of yellow gloves he's borrowed from his dad.

He makes it roar so lively just to see his girlfriend smile, but she knows he's only putting on the style.

BACK TO CHORUS

VERSE 3


Preacher in the pulpit roars with all his might, sings “Glory Hallelujah” puts the folks all in a fright .

Now you might think it's Satan that's a-coming down the aisle


But it's only our poor preacher boy that's putting on the style

BACK TO CHORUS

SOLO TO
SING CHORUS AGAIN SLOWING AT THE END
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SINGING THE BLUES

INTRO X4 X4 X8

I NEVER FELT MORE LIKE SINGING THE BLUES,

I NEVER THOUGHT THAT I’D EVER LOSE YOUR LOVE DEAR,

WHY D’YE DO ME THIS WAY?

I NEVER FELT MORE LIKE CRYIN’ ALL NIGHT

‘COS EVERYTHING’S WRONG AND NOTHIN’ AIN’T RIGHT WITHOUT YOU,


YOU GOT ME SINGING THE BLUES.

THE MOON AND STARS NO LONGER SHINE, THE DREAM IS GONE I THOUGHT WAS MINE,

THERE’S NOTHING LEFT FOR ME TO DO, BUT CRY – Y – Y – Y, OVER YOU.

I NEVER FELT MORE LIKE RUNNING AWAY,

WHY SHOULD I GO? ‘COS I COULDN’T STAY WITHOUT YOU,

YOU GOT ME SINGING THE BLUES.

SING THROUGH - SOLO FROM  TO  THEN RECOMMENCE SINGING


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PRACTICE THESE 3 CHORDS

The numbers show the fingers to use as follows:

1 index finger, 2 middle finger, 3 third finger.

You already know the first chord.

2 1

Now add the 3rd finger to the chord above

2 3 1

F7

In the next chord the 1st finger covers 2 strings.

32 1

Bb
If you find the last one a little tricky, try pointing the index finger (which covers 2 strings) down
the neck rather than at right angles to the neck.

Change the chords in sequence. It is important to practice them in the order shown.

DON’T GIVE UP AND YOU’LL BE SUCCESSFUL.

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WE’LL MEET AGAIN

WE’LL MEET AGAIN, DON’T KNOW WHERE, DON’T KNOW WHEN,

BUT I KNOW WE’LL MEET AGAIN SOME SUNNY DAY.

KEEP SMILING THROUGH JUST LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO,


TILL THE BLUE SKIES CHASE THE DARK CLOUDS FAR AWAY.

AND WON’T YOU PLEASE SAY HELLO TO THE FOLKS THAT I KNOW,

TELL THEM I WON’T BE LONG.

THEY’LL BE HAPPY TO KNOW THAT WHEN YOU SAW ME GO I WAS SINGING THIS SONG.

WE’LL MEET AGAIN, DON’T KNOW WHERE, DON’T KNOW WHEN,

BUT I KNOW WE’LL MEET AGAIN SOME SUNNY DAY

SING THROUGH THEN SOLO FROM TO

THEN RECOMMENCE SINGING FROM “AND WON’T YOU PLEASE SAY HELLO” TO END
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BRING ME SUNSHINE


BRING ME SUNSHINE IN YOUR SMILE, BRING ME LAUGHTER ALL THE WHILE.

IN THIS WORLD WHERE WE LIVE THERE SHOULD BE MORE HAPPINESS,

--------------------------------------- 
SO MUCH JOY YOU CAN GIVE TO EACH BRAND NEW BRIGHT TOMORROW.

MAKE ME HAPPY THROUGH THE YEARS, NEVER BRING ME ANY TEARS.

LET YOUR ARMS BE AS WARM AS THE SUN FROM UP ABOVE,

BRING ME FUN, BRING ME SUNSHINE, BRING ME LOVE.

BRING ME SUNSHINE IN YOUR EYES, BRING ME RAINBOWS FROM THE SKIES.

LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO BE SPENT HAVING ANYTHING BUT FUN,

-----------------------------------
WE CAN BE SO CONTENT IF WE GATHER LITTLE SUNBEAMS.

BE LIGHTHEARTED ALL DAY LONG, KEEP ME SINGING HAPPY SONGS.

LET YOUR ARMS BE AS WARM AS THE SUN FROM UP ABOVE,

BRING ME FUN, BRING ME SUNSHINE, BRING ME LOVE.

SING THROUGH
SOLO TO 
RECOMMENCE SINGING “MAKE ME HAPPY” TO END
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PRACTICE THESE OTHER EASY COMMON CHORDS

Am

2 2 1

Dm
In this chord the 2nd finger covers 2 strings

1 2 3

E7

1 3 2

G
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COMMON CHORDS - C & D UKULELE TUNINGS

C/D C7 / D7 Co / Do C+ / D+ Db7 / Eb7 D7 / E7 Dm / Em E7 / F#7 Em / F#m

F/G F7 / G7 Fo / Go F+ / G+ Fm / Gm G/A G7 / A7 Gm / Am Ab7 / Bb7

A7 / B7 Am / Bm Bb / C Bbm / Cm Bbo / Co B7 / C#7 Am7 / Bm7

COMMON CHORDS - BARITONE UKE TUNED D, G, B, E

C C7 Co C+ Db7 D7 Dm E7 Em

F F7 Fo F+ Fm G G7 Gm Ab7

A7 Am Bb Bbm Bbo B7 Am7