First, congratulations on choosing a ukulele! As the proud new owner of a ukulele, you will be looking for some information and advice as to how to play it and enjoy making music. The purpose of this article is to do exactly that - to help you approach the challenge of playing this instrument with confidence and get to grips with the basics of playing the ukulele. So together, let us take a look at some of those basic techniques.

Although both members of the string instrument family, a guitar and a ukulele are played differently. You should understand that unlike the guitar, the ukulele is tuned differently. So that makes the chords different too. It is your own decision to make as to whether you will pick the strings with a pick or with your finger. I highly recommend to use your fingers to pick with. You get less restrictions.

The construction of a ukulele differs slightly in size, number of strings, shape and material. Some ukuleles will have four strings, but they are also available with six and eight strings. In terms of size, there are quite a few variables, but as a beginner it is likely that you will have purchased one of the four main sizes - the soprano (which is thought as the standard) is the smallest, followed by concert, tenor and baritone as the largest. Only the baritone is tuned different to the other three, its notes being lower (d'g'b'e').

When you start to learn to play the ukulele, you will begin with the chords before progressing onto strumming and picking. If you haven't yet bought your instrument, I would recommend a four-stringed ukulele for first timers - just because it will be easier to get your head around! It is generally agreed that a ukulele is far simpler to learn when up against the guitar. The main reason for this is that the standard ukulele comes with only four strings. Furthermore, the instrument is lighter and has a smaller size. Once you get the hang of this, there will be no stopping you!

There are numerous ways for learning the chords. You might know someone who is already playing or don't have a problem with the cost of a personal teacher. Now you can find tutorials on the Internet that come with pictures and even video so that you can learn at your own pace. Now, I know that you are itching to try out your new ukulele - but you must do one thing if you haven't already done and that is tuning the strings. Two options - ask someone who has experience in tuning instruments or learn the task yourself with the help of an electronic tuner. You can even go to my site to tune your uke!

Once you have tuned and learned the chords, you can begin with playing! The secret for success is practicing everyday. It won't be long until you are working your way through some songs and impressing your friends with your new found talent!