The Secret to a Great Start: Comfort and a True Sound
A great musical experience begins with a comfortable relationship with your instrument and notes that ring true. In this lesson, you'll learn the fundamental posture techniques that will allow you to play comfortably and better, and the critical skill of tuning to get the most accurate sound from your instrument.
Step 1: The Correct Posture
First, find a comfortable chair and sit with your back straight. Don't tense your shoulders; let them be loose and relaxed. This position will prevent the back and shoulder pain that can occur during long practice sessions.
How to Hold the Ukulele
Place the ukulele in your lap, supporting it gently with the crook of your strumming arm (usually your right arm). The body of the instrument should rest against your body and feel balanced. Support the neck of the ukulele with your fretting hand (usually your left), but avoid gripping it tightly in your palm. Your thumb provides a pivot point on the back of the neck, leaving your other fingers free to press the frets. Remember, the goal is not to 'strangle' the instrument, but to gently 'cradle' it.
Step 2: Learning to Tune
Trying to play an instrument that's out of tune is a recipe for frustration. That's why tuning before you play is the most fundamental habit of any musician.
Meet the Strings: G-C-E-A
A standard ukulele has 4 strings. From the top string (closest to the ceiling) to the bottom, they are: G, C, E, and A. A fun way to remember this is the phrase "**G**ood **C**ats **E**at **A**lways." The top G string is often a 'High G,' which is thinner than the C string below it. This gives the ukulele its bright, characteristic sound.
Tuning with a Device
The easiest way to tune is to use a clip-on electronic tuner or a tuner app on your phone.
- Attach the tuner or open the app: Clip the tuner onto the headstock (the very top) of the ukulele.
- Start with the top string (G): Pluck the G string. The device will show what note it hears. If it displays a 'G' and the indicator is green, your string is in tune. If not, slowly turn the tuning peg for that string to tighten or loosen it until you see the 'G' light up.
- Proceed in order: Repeat the same process for the C, E, and A strings.
- Final check: After tuning all four strings, go back and check them all one more time, as changing the tension on one string can slightly affect the others.
Congratulations! You are now sitting correctly and holding a perfectly tuned ukulele. With this solid foundation, you are ready to move on to your first notes and chords!
