I really want to start learning how to play the ukulele, how can I start?

Ashley K,

I have an Ovation Applause ukulele and really like it. But if I were beginning I'd buy a Lanikai LU-21C. In my opinion I think it's the best for the money. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=ukulel... This is a medium size ukulele (concert) with a really nice tone. Also it has gear tuners, like you see on a guitar, and will be easier to tune than friction tuners. I've had one for five years, teach with it, and advise everyone to buy one. And, NO, I'm not a Lanikai rep.

Lessons can be found all over the Internet. Especially Youtube. Learn simple chords, tuning, songs, etc.

Here's a couple sites I recommend also.

http://www.kunisan.jp/ukulele/eindex.html has ukulele tuning (GCEA), chords with finger placement, and you can access the chord and hear how it is supposed to sound.

http://www.doctoruke.com/ has simple instructions, easy beginner songs, and many familiar tunes. Some easy and some not so easy.

The standard tuning for a ukulele is not the first four strings of a guitar. You will find nearly all songs on the web with standard tuning. Here's the best free online tuner I've found. But, I recommend purchasing an electronic tuner....unless you carry a laptop with you. http://www.get-tuned.com/ukulele_tuner.php

Have fun,

CowUkeA

These days you can learn how to play ukulele over the internet. You can find the best ukulele video lessons here: http://www.learnukuleleonline.com/ The videos are very easy to follow and to my surprise extremely helpful even for advanced ukulele players. For beginners I would have to say this is a gold mine.

I was able to improve my skills in just under 4 weeks and I am an intermediate-to-advanced ukulele player; I've been playing ukulele for the past 3 years.

I live in New York City, I wanted to go to a ukulele teacher but that would have cost me over $800 per month. Good thing with this internet, $800 it's a lot of money for me. Good luck!

I bought an Ovation Ukulele from a yard sale and love it. Mine looks like this.

http://www.squidoo.com/Enjoy_Your_Ukulele

I learned from Youtube.com Just type in "ukulele lessons". My favorite thing to play is "Forgetful Lucy" from 50 First Dates. It is tuned similarly to the first four string of a guitar except that the fourth string is an octave higher. So if you know anything about the guitar the Uke will come easy for you. Have fun.