Basic words and phrases

Guitar-吉他
Open string- 空弦
Fret-品 （品格）
String 弦
Chord 和弦
Note 音符
Finger-指
Nail-指甲
Index finger –食指
Middle finger 中指
Ring finger-无名指
Pinky finger –小拇指
First –第一个
Second –第二个
Third –第三个
Fourth-第四个
Fifth –第五个
Sixth –第六个
Seventh –第七个
Eight -第八个
Standart tuning –标准调音
Put-按
Leave-松开
Strum all of the strings-弹所有的线
Leave the middle finger –松开中指
Play an Am chord- 弹am和弦
Guitar tuner –调音器
Tune the guitar – 调音吉他
Pluck –弹拨
Pluck the string-弹拨弦
Strumming patterns-右手弹奏方法
Slow-慢
Fast-快
Quietly –轻轻
Get to know your ukulele
Ukuleles come in many shapes and sizes, but they usually resemble small traditional
acoustic guitars. They also come in four main sizes – soprano, concert, and tenor. A soprano
ukulele usually measures about 21 inches in length and
is most likely the one that you are holding in your hands right now, as it is far and away the
most popular type. Concert ukuleles measure about 23 inches in length and are very
similar to soprano ukuleles in terms of sound, as they are tuned the same way. Things start
to get slightly different when we come to the tenor ukulele. These measure 26 inches in
length and are tuned like soprano ukuleles. However, the fourth string, G, is one octave
lower.

Although the shape of the ukulele you are playing won’t affect the sound – most sound the
same – it can determine how easy the instrument is to play. This is why you should learn on
a more traditionally shaped ukulele.

Anatomy of a ukulele
Get to know your instrument and discover
all of the key components

If you are keen to start playing the ukulele then it is

useful to learn what all of the parts
of the instrument are called and the roles that they play.
This also makes it easier to order spare parts and talk to
other people about the different aspects of your
instrument. Here we identify all of the key components
of the ukulele, which are actually the same in terms of
name and function as those of a standard acoustic
guitar.

Soundhole

The soundhole is a circular opening in the top of the

ukulele’s body to let out the vibrations created when the
strings are strummed. Soundholes are familiar features
of most acoustic stringed instruments

Strings

Threaded up from the bridge and pulled taut at the

headstock, the strings run across the soundhole and up the fretboard and are what you
strum or pluck to create the sound. Ukulele strings are usually made from synthetic fibres,
such as nylon
Tuners

Much like standard guitar, each tuning head allows

you to alter the pitch of each string.

Bridge

The bridge is mounted on top of the body and holds a saddle, which is required to hold all
of the strings in place above the fretboard. When stringing a ukulele, the strings are
knotted at the bridge .

Frets

Most soprano ukuleles have between 12 and 14 frets. Due to the instrument‘s small size,
however, players with large fingers may struggle .

Body

A high-quality wood body is always going to produce a better sound, but players on a tight
budget may find that a plastic one is good enough when first starting out .

Nut

Working in tandem with the bridge, the nut (or saddle) keeps strings in the correct place

Choose the right ukulele

Soprano
The soprano is seen as the most traditional ukulele and will give you
that authentic ukulele sound

If the ukulele has recently piqued your interest and inspired you to go out and buy one, the
soprano sized version is likely to be what you’re looking for. The smallest ukulele you can
get – not including the rare but growing in popularity sopranissimo – it also produces the
highest sound (and the one you’ve got playing in your head right now).

Coming in at the grand size of just 21 inches long, soprano ukuleles usually feature 12 frets
(although some may have 14). Due to their size, they only have a range of 22 notes (turn to
p.74 for more on reading music). Its standard tuning is GCEA.

Although the soprano is the model people

widely think of when a ukulele pops into their
thoughts – and is notably cheaper than other
types – it can be a tad small for adults, which
makes it difficult to use and perform with if
that’s the road you’re planning to take. Its
produced sound is what many would expect
from a ukulele, but this is still rather thin and
not as warm as other models that are
available. It‘s also not as powerful as you
might expect, so as you develop as a player,
you may well want to switch to a different
model.

Ensuring the body is to a high standard is key

when producing the right tone – the shape and
quality of the wood makes a huge difference –
but those on a budget can still opt for a plastic
soprano ukulele when first starting out, or if
ease of transport is high on the agenda. While
the model you purchase may not be capable of the sound you were hoping for, upgrading to
a quality set of strings can make all the difference – a tip we would encourage all beginners
to follow. Just make sure to go for a set that are designed for a soprano, as each model
needs to be fitted differently.

An ideal choice for those starting out, the range of soprano ukuleles makes it exceptionally
pain-free to find one that fits an individual’s tastes, from your basic beginner models to
those that carry a bit more musical punch.
Tenor
Larger than the soprano, with a far fuller tone, the tenor is a model that
carries more weight

Although only six inches longer, the tenor ukulele looks twice as big as its soprano
counterpart. With between 15 and 20 frets that are also far bigger, its main selling point is
its wider body and fuller sound. Tenor ukuleles are also more varied, often offering four-,
six- and eight-string models. If you’re a guitarist looking to make the jump across, this is
probably your best bet.

Almost sounding like a bassy classical guitar –

while still holding onto that ukulele twang –
many players take advantage of this by fitting it
with a G string an octave lower than the norm.
The ability to work with more lower notes
opens up further possibilities for the tenor
ukulele, including many Hawaiian players who
are keen to take on a ‘slack key’ style (custom
tuning).

Their increased size makes tenors far more

suited to those who want to play ‘licks’ or ‘riffs’,
too, as it’s easier to run your fingers up and
down the fretboard. Its smaller neck makes this
type of playing far more accessible.

Fortunately, a tenor ukulele will still result in

that unique tone you’re looking for while giving
you a greater amount of options and variety. It’s
also the model that most players choose to
perform with, given its superior size and warmth. Much like the soprano, introducing new
strings or experimenting with different kinds of wood for the body may also help you to get
the sound you’re after.
Concert
Slightly bigger than the soprano, the concert

ukulele retains that authentic sound

A step up from the soprano – it measures 23 inches – the concert ukulele’s bigger body and
neck allows more room between the frets, making it a little easier to handle. Also known as
the medium, or alto, ukulele, it has 14 to 17
frets, giving you an element of freedom to play with the fretline and achieve a much thicker
sound. While not as great a shift as the tenor, the sole purpose of the concert model was to
meet a rising demand for larger ukuleles that had a deeper tone. Originating in the 1920s,
it’s the perfect option for adults that don’t want to veer too far away from what a soprano
offers, but aren’t keen on feeling like they’re holding a child’s instrument.

More melodic than other members within its

family, thanks to its longer scale length and
slightly tauter strings, you can also expect
better sustain. Tuned in the same fashion –
GCEA – it’s become the ‘go to’ choice for many
professional players, hence its given name.

While it’s a great next ukulele after learning

the basics on a soprano, those with a big
enough budget can find concert models which
will last the test of time. Designed to be used in
all manner of scenarios – from live
performances to just practising in your
bedroom – the concert is arguably the most
versatile of all the ukuleles available. The right
model and set of strings could set you up with
an instrument that has the potential to last you
a lifetime.
Hold your ukulele
Your posture while playing the ukulele
is vital – if you slouch or are generally seated badly, then you could easily pick up bad
playing habits that make it much harder to learn to play your instrument. When learning,
the best position is to remain seated with a nice straight back. You also need to be careful
not to hold your ukulele too tightly
to your chest – doing so will kill the volume and tone, so try to make as little bodily contact
with the instrument as possible. In order to create more natural sound, position the back of
the ukulele against your body, the underside of the neck so that it rests against the crook
between your thumb and index finger, and your forearm on the front just behind the
bridge.

Correct hand position

There are two ways to hold the neck

The best way to approach getting a grip on your ukulele is by placing the neck on top of the
outstretched palm of your fretting hand so that the nut is pointing towards your index
finger. Next, curl your thumb around the neck so that it pokes out above the top of the nut.
Cradling the neck like this provides support so you don’t drop your instrument, and frees
up the rest of your fingers for fretting. When you encounter a particularly tricky passage
that wreaks havoc on your fretting hand, moving your thumb to the back of the neck frees
up your fingers more and allows you to add more pressure.

The orthodox position, with thumb on back of neck

Alternatively, you can move your thumb round to fret with it

Sitting with your ukulele
The ideal position to maintain while seated with your instrument

1. Name of notes ,Tune your ukulele

1.C-do 1 string -A
2.D-re 2 string- E
3.E-mi 3 string- C
4.F-fa 4 string- G
5.G-sol
6.A-la
7.B-si

Basical chords C,Am,F

Strumming Pattern #1

1 2 3 4

Strumming Pattern #2

1 2 3 4

Strumming Pattern #3

1 2 3 4

Strumming Pattern #4:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

4/4basic strumming pattern

1 2 & (3) & 4 &

C Am
I got this feeling inside my bones
F Am
It goes electric, wavey when I turn it on
C Am
All through my city, all through my home
F Am
We're flying up, no ceiling, when we in our zone
C
I got that sunshine in my pocket
Am
Got that good song in my feet
F Am
I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops,
oooh!
C
I can't take my eyes up off it, moving so
Am
phenomenally
F Am
You gon' like the way we rock it, so don't stop
2. G,D,Em chord ,song with ( G,Em,C,D)
chords

Stand by me
G G
When the night has come
Em Em
And the land is dark
C D G G
And the moon is the only light we'll see
G G Em Em
No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid
C D G
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

[Refrain]
G G
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh now now
Em Em
stand by me

C D G G
Stand by me, stand by me
[Verse]
G G
If the sky that we look upon
Em Em
Should tumble and fall
C D G G
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
G G Em Em
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear
C D G
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

[Refrain]
G G
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh now now
Em Em
stand by me

C D G G
Stand by me, stand by me

G G Em
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by
Em
me, oh now now stand by me

C D
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

G Em
Darlin', darlin', stand by me-e, stand by me
C D G
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me
3.Understanding Tablature ( Tab)

Ukulele tablature (or ‘tab’ for short)

is a system of notation that visually represents the strings and frets of the ukulele
fretboard. Each note is indicated by a number, which indicates the fret to play,placed on the
appropriate string. A basic ukulele tab consists of four lines running horizontally: these
represent the four strings, with the G string at the top and the A string at the bottom.
Numbers are then placed on these lines to represent finger positions on the fretboard. So if
you see the number ‘2’ positioned on the A string, then you would have to hold down the
first string on the second fret
and pick the string. If you see a ‘0’ positioned on a string then this would signify that the
string should be played open. If you are required to play a chord as part of the tab, then the
chord notes would be placed in a vertical line upon the horizontal lines
to indicate that the marked strings all need to be played simultaneously.

A-------------------------------|
E-------------------------------|
C-------------------------------|
G-------------------------------|

A--------0---------0---------0--|
E------0---------0---------0----|
C----0---------0---------0------|
G-------------------------------|

A--------1---------2---------3--|
E------0---------0---------0----|
C----0---------0---------0------|
G-------------------------------|

A--------2---------3---------0--|
E------3---------0---------0----|
C----2---------0---------0------|
G--0--------0----------2--------|
A--0--0--0--0-------------------|
E--0--0--0--0-------------------|
C--0--0--0--0-------------------|
G--0--0--0--0-------------------|

A--0--1--2--3-------------------|
E-------------------------------|
C--------------0--1--2--0-------|
G-------------------------------|

A-------------------------------|
E------------------1--2--3------|
C--0--1--2--3---2---------------|
G-------------------------------|

A--------------3--2-------------|
E--0--3--1--0-------------------|
C-------------------------------|
G-------------------------------|
3.Fingerstyle Ukulele

Fingerstyle, also known as fingerpicking, is a very popular style of

ukulele accompaniment which uses arpeggios (broken chords) instead of
strummed chords. The distinctive sound of fingerpicking comes from
the thumb and fingers plucking only one string each in succession.

arpeggio#1: 321
A-----------0-----------0-----------0-|
E--------0-----------0-----------0----|
C-----0-----------0-----------0-------|
G-------------------------------------|
arpeggio#2: 3212
A----------0----------------0---------|
E--------0---0------------0---0-------|
C------0----------------0-------------|
G-------------------------------------|

arpeggio#3: 3231323

A-------------0------------------0---------|
E--------0---------0---------0-------0-----|
C------0---0-----0---0-----0---0---0---0---|
G---0-------------------0------------------|

arpeggio#4: (321) (321)

G C F
A-----2---2----3---3------0---0----|
E-----3---3----0---0------2---2----|
C-----2---2----0---0------0---0----|
G----------------------------------|
4. Million Dreams

[Verse 1]
G D Em
I close my eyes and I can see
C G
The world that's waiting up for me
D C C
That I call my own
G D Em
Through the dark, through the door
C G
Through where no one's been before
D C C
But it feels like home
[Pre-Chorus]
D Em D C C
They can say, they can say it all sounds crazy
D Em D C C
They can say, they can say I've lost my mind
D Em D C C
I don't care, I don't care, so call me crazy
D Em D C C
We can live in a world that we design

[Chorus]
G
'Cause every night I lie in bed
D
The brightest colors fill my head
Am C
A million dreams are keeping me awake
G
I think of what the world could be
D
A vision of the one I see
Am C
A million dreams is all it's gonna take
N.C.
A million dreams for the world we're gonna make
5.John Legend
All of Me
321212- Arpeggio

[Verse]
Em C G
What would I do without your smart mouth
D Em
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
C G D Em
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
C G
Whats going on in that beautiful mind
D Em
I'm on your magical mystery ride
C G D Am
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

[Bridge]
Am Em
My heads under water
D Am
But I'm breathing fine
Em D
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
[Chorus]
G
Cause all of me
Em
Loves all of you
Am
Love your curves and all your edges
C D
All your perfect imperfections
G
Give your all to me

Em
I'll give my all to you
Am
You're my end and my beginning
C D
Even when I lose I'm winning
Em C G
Cause I give you all, all of me
Em C G D
And you give me all, all of you, oh

[Verse]
Em C G
How many times do I have to tell you
D Em
Even when youre crying you’re beautiful too
C G D Em
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood
C G
You're my downfall, you're my muse
D Em
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
C G D Am
I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you
[Bridge]
Am Em
My heads under water
D Am
But I'm breathing fine
Em D
You're crazy and Im out of my mind

[Chorus]
G
Cause all of me
Em
Loves all of you
Am
Love your curves and all your edges
C D
All your perfect imperfections
G
Give your all to me
Em
I'll give my all to you
Am
You're my end and my beginning
C D
Even when I lose I'm winning
Em C G
Cause I give you all, all of me
Em C G D
And you give me all, all of you, oh

[Bridge]
Am Em
Cards on the table
D Am
We're both showing hearts
Am Em D
Risking it all, though it's hard
[Chorus]
G
Cause all of me
Em
Loves all of you
Am
Love your curves and all your edges
C D
All your perfect imperfections
G
Give your all to me
Em
I'll give my all to you
Am
You're my end and my beginning
C D
Even when I lose I'm winning
Em C G
Cause I give you all, all of me
Em C G D
And you give me all, all of you
Em C G
Cause I give you all, all of me
Em C G D
And you give me all, all of you, oh
6. Muted strumming pattern

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

1.Am, C, G, D
2. C, G, D , A
3. G, Em , Am, D
4. Em ,C , D, G
5. Am, D, Em, C
6. Em, Am, Dm,G
7. G,G,Em,Em, C, G
8.Em, Em, Am, Am, C , G, D
7. Introducing the staves, notes. Notes and
their lengths in simple time
Treble stave

Bass clef stave

The grand stave

01 Semibreve/whole note
These notes last for four beats which, in a piece of music in 4/4 or common time, is the whole bar. They don’t have a stem;
rather, they are just a note head resting on the stave.

02 Minim/half note
Minims/half notes last for two beats, so two minims in a piece of music in 4/4 time would take up the whole bar. They can
be distinguished from other stemmed notes thanks to the ‘empty’ note head.

03 Crotchet/quarter note
A crotchet or quarter note lasts for one beat, so four would make up a whole bar in 4/4 time. If you are having trouble
getting to grips with how long notes last for, it may be best to start with crotchets.

04 Quaver/eighth note & semiquaver/sixteenth note

A quaver/eighth note is half the time value of crotchet/quarter note, and a semiquaver/sixteenth note is half of a quaver.
More than one of these in a row can be ‘beamed’ together so the score doesn’t get littered with stems.
 Semibreve or whole note

This is worth 4 beats

Minim or half note

This is worth 2 beats

Crotchet or quarter note

This is worth 1 beat

Quaver or eighth note

This is worth 1⁄2 a beat

“A musical note is represented as a type of dot on

the musical stave”
8. Read musical notation
In order to name the notes on a treble clef stave, we use the first seven letters of the
alphabet: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. There are several ways in which to remember the notes on the
stave. If we take the notes on the lines (E, G, B, D, F), we can apply a simple mnemonic
phrase to help you memorise the order. The notes in the spaces of the stave spell out the
word ‘face’. You can remember this by thinking that it rather helpfully rhymes with ‘space’!

Notes on the lines

Here’s the order of the notes on
the lines of a treble clef musical
stave. If you forget the
mnemonic, try to remember
that B is Bang in the middle.

Notes in the spaces

The notes in the spaces, as
these four show, spell out ‘face’.
To help you further, try to
memorise FACE in the SPACES.
9. Playing the notes

E F G notes playing

C D E F G notes playing
10.The C major scale
11. The minor scale

12.Pentatonics scales
The major pentatonic scale
The pentatonic scale, as the title would suggest, is a scale made up of five notes per octave instead
of the usual seven as found in heptatonic scales (such as either the major or minor scale). These
scales contain no semitones (half steps) and, as such, can be played in any order without clashing.
At first look, the major pentatonic scale can look like an incomplete major scale. However, this scale
is made up of the first five consecutive pitches from the circle of fifths (a musical idea of showingthe
relationship between the 12 notes of the chromatic scale and their key signatures). By rearranging
the pitches to contain themselves within an octave, we end up with the major pentatonic scale.

The minor pentatonic scale

 Chord List
Major chords
Get a happy sound with these shapes
Basic major chords are incredibly popular in Western music, probably because many of them are easy to play and they
give your songs a happy feel. These chords contain the first, third and fifth notes in the corresponding major scale. It’s
worth noting that the ‘major’ isn’t often referred to when you see these chords written down.

Minor chords
The best way to get a sad sound
A basic minor chord will give you a much sadder sound than a major chord. This is because the third note in the major
scale is ‘flattened’ in pitch by one semitone. For example, ‘E’ is the third note in the C major scale (CDEFGAB), and this is
flattened by a semitone to Eb to given C minor chord its distinct melancholy sound.