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Ask HN: How would you learn an instrument (ukulele) with no music experience?

by HAL9OOO on 1/22/21, 11:57 AM with 3 comments

I'm trying to pick up the Ukulele since I like the sound and it's portable, but I'm not sure the 'optimal' way to progress if that makes any sense.

I'm mostly playing for fun, but I want to get better at the same time in a systematic way.

Figure a lot of you are similar to me so just want to pick your brains :)

  • by zeestar on 1/22/21, 4:49 PM

    You have two separate issues here: 1) Get better at playing uke (develop technique) 2) Have fun (develop passion)

    For number one, figure out chords and scales. These are key shortcuts to harmony and melody, to soulful accompaniment and wicked solos. Practice different strumming patterns to achieve different rhythms.

    For the second, look up uke tabs to songs you think are fun. Find someone who wants to sing or can back you up on trombone and work on learning songs together. When you can play songs, alone or with others, start adding your own twists to them - slow down during the third chorus (tempo), crescendo in the B section (dynamics), try using your uke for percussion in between strums (timbre). Remember whenever you play, that each performance is an act of creation in and of itself.

    Lastly, record yourself, and listen, and work on the things you thought sucked.

  • by bobkrusty on 1/22/21, 12:11 PM

  • by brudgers on 1/22/21, 2:37 PM

    Pick it up and start playing because there is a bit of an XY problem in your question. You want to play the ukulele not learn it. Make music not study it. Studying and such can be part of playing music, but not necessarily so. Good luck.