Good posture does half the work: when the ukulele sits still, both hands are free and chords ring clearly with much less effort. These steps are for right-handed players; if you play left-handed, simply mirror everything.
Sitting down
- Sit up straight on the front half of a chair with both feet on the floor.
- Rest the body of the ukulele on your right thigh and lean it gently against your tummy.
- Your right forearm rests loosely on the top edge of the body and hugs the ukulele lightly against you, so it cannot slip away.
- The neck points up and to the left, roughly like a clock hand at ten o’clock.
Standing up
When you stand, only your right forearm holds the ukulele against your body. That takes a little practice. A light strap helps, especially when you perform with your class.
Your fretting hand
Your thumb sits behind the neck, roughly behind your middle finger. Keep your fingers curved like little hammers and press with the fingertips just behind the fret wire. Keep your nails short, otherwise you cannot land straight on the string. Read more in buzzing or muted strings.
Your strumming hand
Strum where the neck meets the body rather than right over the sound hole. That spot gives a soft, round tone. Move loosely from the wrist, usually with your index finger: down with the nail, up with the fingertip.
- Tilting the ukulele back to look at the fretboard – your fingers then mute the strings.
- Wrapping the thumb all the way around the neck and squeezing it with your palm.
- Hunching your shoulders and pressing far too hard. Staying relaxed pays off!