Guitar & Ukulele Resources

Tips for successful home practice:

Tippy toe fingers! Place fingertips on each chord spot with precision!

When fingers are curved and sit next to the fret, sound improves dramatically.

Left hand always goes on top! (curve around the bottom of the neck).

If you have a ukulele at home and wish to use the same color-coded stickers we have at school just bring your instrument to Mrs. Jones any afternoon at 3:10 and I'll be happy to put those stickers on for you- easy peasy!

Image of dancing animals from the film "Sing 2" with text "I don't see your tippy-toes".

Image of correct posture to play the ukulele with left hand beneath the neck of the instrument and the right hand draped over the body of the instrument.

Identifying ukulele strings and the chords that we learn in class:

"Green Cats Eat Ants!"

Image of an A minor chord on the ukulele.

Links to Ukulele Games and Play Alongs!

Ukulele tuning
Ukulaleins: Popular Songs to Play Along with on YouTube
MusicPlay: TONS of games, songs, play alongs...you name it!
- Log in as a student with the code k939964

What's the difference between guitar and ukulele? Which should I choose?

While guitars remain the most popular stringed instrument, ukuleles are becoming increasingly popular as a fast, simple alternative. With only 4 strings rather than 6 and a smaller size and lower price, ukuleles are a good choice for fast success.

Students only have to remember 1-2 finger positions rather than 3-4 for most chords and ukulele strings are made of softer nylon. Ukuleles come in four sizes; the size we use in class at Wabash is soprano.

Image of common ukulele sizes. Left to right ukuleles are displayed highest to lowest: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone.

Image of kids' guitar size guide. From left right guitars are shown small to large: 1/4 size guitar for 4-6 year old player, 1/2 size guitar for 5-8 year old player, 3/4 size guitar for 8-11 year old player and full size guitar for ages 11 plus.

This good advice below comes from acclaimed music educator David Row. He and I share the same goals for a ukulele unit and since I am posting his materials I want to share credit!

PDF image with text as follows: Uke Brands to Trust. Kala, Luna, Makala. I can only speak to the brands that I know. I trust these brands and know them well. I think that for the purpose of a class the Kala or Makala are the best. Kids don't need wood instruments. They're fine with the colorful fiberglass.

PDF image with the text "Uke Brands to Trust". If you're buying for you: buy the really nice wooden, patterned ukes or get the cheaper ukes, it really doesn't change the sound THAT much and I'm not going to be playing a Carnegie Hall. Just know that a good starting price is about thirty nine dollars and if you're buying anything over one hundred dollars then you're probably buying something a little too high-powered for what you need.

PDF image with text: "My Goal for Students". I want kids to be able to play on their own, be unaided by an adult, have the skills to explore, confidence to play, ability to adapt to what they find out there, have fun playing!

PDF image with text: "What Size to Buy". Students should start on a soprano. If you think you'll need a bit more space for your fingers or want something a little more substantial to hold then I'd suggest you get a concert or a tenor. They all play the same chords and 'sing' in the same range. There's just a difference in the instrument resonance and the feel of it in your hand. The baritone is the one uke that DOES NOT play the same chords.

Got the guitar bug? Try some of the following tips if you're shopping for a guitar of your own:

1. Acoustic guitars do not need to be plugged in, electric guitars will require an amplifier. There is no difference in tuning between the two kinds, just a preference for sound.
2. Guitars come in different sizes: 1/2 is a good choice for K-2 players, 3/4 size is a good choice for players in grades 3-6. Full size guitars are often too large for young players.
3. There are 2 main types of strings: nylon & steel. While steel strings will hold their tuning for a longer time, they can pack a mean pinch on small fingers. Nylon is a softer, quieter alternative.
4. Try not to purchase a musical instrument where you purchase your groceries. Those big-box store brands tend to break very easily.
5. If you're not ready for all 6 strings of a guitar, a ukulele is GREAT choice to start on for any age!
6. If you are seeking a private instructor, visit the music in our community tab for recommendations.

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