Month 1 - Getting Comfortable with the Ukulele

Getting comfortable with your ukulele.

By the end of this month you will be able to confidently hold your ukulele, tune it, play your first chords, master a basic strum pattern, and even perform several simple songs!

Goals

  • Learn how to hold and tune the ukulele

  • Learn 4 easy chords

  • Keep a steady rhythm

  • Play your first songs

Skills

  • Holding posture

  • Finger placement

  • Tuning: G–C–E–A

  • Down-strums

  • Counting 1–2–3–4

Chords

Ukulele Chords for C, Am, F and G.

Exercises

  • Slow chord changes

  • One strum per beat

  • 60 BPM rhythm practice

Song Ideas

Weekly Breakdown 🧩

Week 1

Strum the C Chord every day - you’re playing the ukulele!

  • Practice simple down-strums

    Down Strum (D)

    The simplest and most common strumming pattern for beginners is the down strum. It involves strumming all the strings in a downward motion with your thumb or index finger. This simple Down stroke provides a solid foundation for your playing and allows you to maintain a consistent rhythm. Start by practicing slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Week 2

  • Add Am and F Chords to your playing list ⬇️

Am is the next easiest ukulele chord to learn after C

If you can play the F chord as well, you’re winning!

  • Practise switching between the chords slowly

  • Learn your first simple song - ‘Iko, Iko’ by Justin Wellington

    ‘Iko, Iko’ Is a great first song to start playing on your ukulele simply because it only uses two chords!

    First, practise your down strum with the chords of C and F.

    Count 1–2–3–4 in your head and strum down to the steady beat to play your first song on the ukulele!

    You can download a PDF of ‘Iko Iko’‍ ‍and strum along to Justin Wellington here ⬇️

‘Iko Iko’ by Justin Wellington

Week 3

  • Add G chord

  • Practice 4-chord progression

  • Keep a steady rhythm

Week 4

  • Play along with recordings

  • Record yourself once

  • Perform one song from memory