How to Fingerpick on the Ukulele

While many other fretted instruments make use of different playing techniques, i.e. guitar and using picks, the ukulele was made for fingerpicking. Fingerpicking adds a warm tonal quality to your playing. This lesson is meant for the absolute beginner at fingerpicking.

How to Add a Backbeat - Rhythm Playing Lesson

Adding a backbeat (slap) is one way to add a dynamic/percussive quality to your rhythm playing.

Playing a Backbeat Plus Melody Together

This lesson will provide 8 exercises to help you learn how to tap a backbeat while you play a melody simultaneously.

Add a Drum-Like Percussive Rhythm to Strumming

Move beyond chucking with this unique and creative way to add a drum inspired percussive rhythm to your ukulele playing.

Proper Left Hand Form

In this lesson, we will be discussing proper left hand form when forming chord shapes and playing single notes.

Proper Right Hand Form

In this lesson, we’ll be going over a handful of ways to improve your right hand technique including hand position, strumming, and fingerpicking approaches.

Right Hand Fingerpicking Technique

In this lesson, we will be learning two approaches for right hand fingerpicking.

How to do Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs are great techniques to master because they add dynamics to your playing, while also cutting down on the picking work required by the right hand.

How to do Vibrato on Ukulele

Learn how to add color and dynamic expression to your notes and chords in this in-depth analysis on Vibrato.

How to do Right Hand Tapping

Tapping is a technique that was popularized in the ’80’s. This technique adds a unique and flashy characteristic to your playing.

How to Travis Pick

Travis picking, named after Merle Travis, is a repetitive right hand picking pattern where the underlying chords continually change.

How to Play with Feeling

One of the most popular questions from my adult students is “how do I sound like (insert player)”? Perhaps a better question to ask is, how do you express yourself through the music?

Increasing Left Hand Reach

Increasing our ability to stretch further with our left hand creates the ability to play new chords and perform more demanding pieces.

The BEST Way to Learn Ukulele

Find out why having a plan is vital to your success in learning ukulele. In this lesson, you will learn how to create a step by step plan that takes you from the beginner to advanced level.

How to Read Tabs, Chord Graphs, & Chart Symbols

Learn everything you need to be able to read tabs and notation for ukulele.

Understanding Rhythmic Notation

In this lesson, we will learn the importance of understanding rhythmic notation to aide us in reading and playing ukulele tablature.

Swung vs. Straight Rhythm

A common stylistic approach used in Jazz and Blues Shuffles is to play with a swung rhythm. But, what exactly does it mean to "swing the rhythm"? That's what we'll be answering in this lesson.

Understanding & Applying the CAGED Method to Ukulele

The CAGED Method is a popular system used by many guitarists. The same concepts can be applied to ukulele, with one difference… we will be using: CAGFD.

Understanding the 12 Bar Blues Form

Blues is undoubtedly one of the most popular forms of music to come out of America. The simplicity of blues is what draws people to it. With only 3 chords in a 12 bar blues, it has the power to move you.

How to Practice the Correct Way to Get Results

Everyone knows practicing is the best way to improve, but why does it feel so unexciting? The reason is simple, you may be practicing the wrong way.

How to Overcome Stage Fright

Learn 3 steps needed to help conquer your stage fright and become an incredible performing musician!

Why Copying is a GOOD Thing

One way to become a better ukulele player is to learn from others. In this article, we will examine why copying is a GOOD thing!

How to Play a C Major Scale on Ukulele

The major scale is the parent, or root scale, in which every other scale is derived from. In modes, it is known as the first mode: Ionian.

Q&A with Kanile'a 'Ukulele

Joe Souza, co-founder of Kanile’a ‘Ukulele, stops by to answer 5 questions, of which 2 came from you guys!

Click Here to view all the questions / leave comments.

25 Question Lightning Round #2

You Asked 25 Ukulele Questions, I Answered.

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Q&A with Ukulele Virtuoso Taimane

We received 144 questions; 5 of which were selected by random and answered by Taimane!

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25 Question Lightning Round #1

You Asked 25 Ukulele Questions, I Answered

Click Here to ask questions / leave comments.

Learn How to Play 3 Classic Rock Riffs on the Ukulele

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Learn How to Play 'Here Comes the Bride' on the Ukulele

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EP003 - Master Practicing

Published on October 7, 2016

In our third episode of 'Live Lessons', we will be discussing how to get the most out of your practice time. I will be providing tips on creating a practice guide and the best way to practice the arrangements on Rock Class 101.

EP002 - Proper Left Hand Form

Published on December 21, 2015

In our second episode of 'Live Lessons', we will be discussing proper left hand form when forming chord shapes and playing single notes. This live lesson will accompany a Technique & Theory 101 Lesson.

EP001 - Here Comes the Sun

Published on October 03, 2015

In our inaugural episode of 'Live Lessons', we will be discussing the arrangement for 'Here Comes the Sun' by The Beatles. I will be demonstrating all the sections of the arrangement in full detail and taking questions from premium members.