Month 1 - Getting Comfortable with the 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