Beginner Mistakes on Ukulele (and How to Fix Them)

All beginners make mistakes when learning ukulele, it's just part of the process.

In this video I look at the biggest mistakes made by beginners and how to correct them. Fixing these mistakes will have an instant impact on your playing and will make a noticeable difference.

0:00 Intro
0:15 Elbow Strums
1:38 Not Checking Notes
2:50 Flat Fingers
3:48 Not Keeping Your Strumming Arm Moving
5:44 Tensing Up
6:43 Bonus Tip: Tap Your Foot

Elbow Strums
Strumming from your elbow is the go to way to strum when you first start playing but it's far better to strum from the wrist. You'll get more flexibility, better speed and tonally it will sound better too.

Not Checking Notes
I encourage all beginners to check the notes contained within a chord by plucking each string individually and making sure that it rings out clearly. If it doesn't there's something wrong with your chord. This will help you isolate where the problem is.

Flat Fingers
Many beginners don't push their fretting hand forward enough which results in fingers being flat on the fretboard and unwanted muted notes. Make sure that your fingers are coming straight down on to the strings for clearer notes and chords.

Not Keeping Your Strumming Arm Moving
Treat your strumming arm like a metronome. Keep it moving even if you're missing a strum, this will help keep your timing better and stop strange pauses and hesitations in your playing that can be hard to correct otherwise.

Tensing Up
Your body tends to tense up when things are challenging. To counter this, try and be aware of that tension when it builds as it can sneak up on you. Once you notice it, make a conscious effort to relax, shakes your arms out and let them completely relax. Your playing will improve.

Bonus: Tap Your Foot
Tapping your foot is another way to help keep your rhythm in good shape. Rhythm is huge when it comes to playing a musical instrument and it's far better to have a good steady rhythm than it is be note perfect. You can get away with a wrong note or chord but a bad rhythm is unmistakable. Tapping your foot help alleviate poor rhythm.

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