A great place to add a riff in the 12-bar blues is at the very end during the turnaround section.

That’s exactly what you learn to play in today’s lesson.

This 1 Ukulele Blues Riff Makes You Sound Pro Video

This riff is a walk-down style lick placed in the last two measures of the 12-bar blues.

In this video, I demonstrate the riff and then teach you how to play it note for note.

Tap Here to Get the Free Worksheet

Blues Riff Ukulele Tab

Play this riff in the last two measures of the 12-bar blues in the key of A (see below).

12-Bar Blues in A

There are different variations of the 12-bar blues. This is one variation in the key of A. The riff above replaces the last two measures of the 12-bar blues. Watch the video to hear a demonstration!

Blues Week Starting Soon

Have you always wanted to strum and solo the blues?

Now is the perfect time because next week I’m kicking off a free 4-part video series called Blues Week!

It’s starting soon and you must reserve your spot.

Reserve Your Spot

The Beatles wrote some of the most timeless tunes ever, and guess what?

A bunch of them work beautifully on the uke with just four simple chords.

Grab your ukulele, tune up, and let’s dive in.

3 Easy Ukulele Songs Any Beginner Can Play (The Beatles Edition) Video

Watch the video to learn and play along with me.

Tap Here to Get the Free Worksheet

What You Need to Know to Play These 3 Easy Ukulele Songs

The good news is you just need to know 4 beginner ukulele chords and 1 simple strumming pattern to play these 3 Beatles’ songs.

Let’s learn those now.

4 Beginner Ukulele Chords

To play these songs, you just need to know 4 chords: C, Am, F, and G.

To play a C major chord on ukulele, place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the bottom A-string and let the top three strings ring open.

To play an Am chord on ukulele, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the top g-string and let the bottom three strings ring open.

To play an F chord on ukulele, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the top g-string, index finger on the 1st fret of the E-string, and let the other two strings ring open.

To play a G chord on ukulele, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C-string, ring finger on the 3rd fret of the E-string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the bottom A-string, and let the top g-string ring open.

1 Simple Strumming Pattern

Each of these 3 easy ukulele songs by The Beatles are strummed using a single, easy down-up, down-up, down-up, down-up strumming pattern.

That’s right!

Just one rock-steady strumming pattern can be used to play all kinds of songs like the ones you learn today.

You’ll want to give this pattern some practice over a C chord while counting out loud to make sure it’s nice and steady.

With just these four chords and strumming pattern, you’re now ready to strum and play the main chorus of all 3 songs!

Easy Ukulele Song #1: Hey Jude

Paul McCartney wrote Hey Jude in 1968 to comfort John Lennon’s young son Julian during his parents’ divorce. Originally starting as “Hey Jules,” it became a massive uplifting anthem. At over 7 minutes long (with that famous “na-na-na” fade-out), it’s one of the longest #1 hits ever!

The most recognizable “na-na-na” part is the focus of today’s lesson.

Learn this and you’re playing The Beatles!

Hey Jude Rhythm Chart

The above rhythm chart shows you the exact strumming pattern (that you just learned above!) and exactly when to change chords for the “na-na-na” section of Hey Jude.

Hey Jude Lyric Chord Chart

Get the full chord chart here.

Easy Ukulele Song #2: Let It Be

Inspired by a dream Paul had about his late mother Mary (who passed when he was young), Let It Be was one of the last songs the Beatles worked on together. Recorded amid band tensions in 1969, it became a comforting #1 hit in 1970… almost like a gentle farewell as the group was breaking up.

With just four chords, it’s a nice and easy song to learn and practice on your ukulele!

Let It Be Rhythm Chart

The trick to this song is the chords switch every two beats.

That means for the first measure you strum the Am chord while counting 1 and, 2 and and then switch to the G chord while counting 3 and, 4 and. You do the same thing for the second measure to switch from F to C and maintain the same idea of changing chords every two beats for the remaining measures.

Be sure to listen to the video to hear how this sounds!

And remember, practice the chord progression at a slow tempo before trying to sing.

You got this!

Let It Be Lyric Chord Chart

Get the full chord chart here.

Easy Ukulele Song #3: I Want To Hold Your Hand

This 1963 smash was the Beatles’ breakthrough in America — their first US #1 and the spark that ignited Beatlemania worldwide. Written by John and Paul in a basement, it was rush-released in the US after DJs got hold of an import copy. Over a million advance orders in the UK alone!

While the tempo is a little faster than the other songs, it’s still an easy ukulele song to learn with straightforward beginner chords and that same simple strumming pattern.

I Want To Hold Your Hand Rhythm Chart

I Want To Hold Your Hand Lyric Chord Chart

Get the full chord chart here.

It’s Your Turn

Now it’s your turn to play these 3 easy ukulele songs from The Beatles.

You don’t need to know every chord to play really fun songs on ukulele.

Just a few chords and a consistent strumming pattern will take you extremely far!

If you want to add more strumming patterns to your repertoire, then, I invite you to join me in the Strumming Tricks online video lesson course that I teach. Here is where you learn the skills and techniques to be able to look up any song online and be able to play it. If that sounds like fun to you, then join me today.

Join Strumming Tricks Today

Is this song overplayed?

Probably…

BUT it’s a great song to learn on ukulele!

The song uses common chords and even throws in some really fun ones to learn like an E7(#5).

What the heck kind of chord is that?

Well, I’m so glad you asked because in today’s new lesson, I show you and break it all down! (Don’t worry it’s a pretty easy chord.)

All I Want For Christmas Is You Ukulele Lesson

Watch the video to learn the chords and strumming for this song and play along!

All I Want For Christmas Is You Ukulele Chords

You need to know 9 different ukulele chords to play All I Want For Christmas Is You: G, C, Cmin6, B7, Em, E7#5, Am, D7, and D.

To play a G major chord, place the index finger on the 2nd fret of the C-string, ring finger on the 3rd fret of the E-string, and middle finger on the 2nd fret of the bottom A-string. Let the top g-string ring open.

To play a C major chord, place the ring finger on the 3rd fret of the bottom A-string and let the top three strings ring open.

To play a Cm6 chord, also known as Cmin6, place the index finger on the 2nd fret of the top g-string and barre or press down the bottom three strings at the 3rd fret with the middle finger.

To play a B7 chord, barre or press down all four strings at the 2nd fret with the index finger and place the middle finger on the 3rd fret of the C-string.

To play an Em chord, place the index finger on the 2nd fret of the bottom A-string, middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E-string, ring finger on the 4th fret of the C-string and let the top g-string ring open.

To play an E7#5 chord, place the index finger on the 1st fret of the top g-string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C-string, and little finger on the 3rd fret of the bottom A-string. Let the E-string ring open.

To play an Am chord, place the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the top g-string and let the bottom three strings ring open.

To play a D7 chord, barre or press down the index finger on all four strings at the 2nd fret and place the middle finger on the 3rd fret of the bottom A-string.

To play a D major chord, barre or press down the index finger on the top three strings at the 2nd fret and let the bottom A-string ring open.

All I Want For Christmas Is You Ukulele Chord Chart

Yes!

Ukulele exercises are designed to warm up your fingers, increase the coordination between your fingers and mind, and build strength in weak fingers.

Don’t worry. These exercises are perfect for any skill level ukulele player. Include them into your practice routine for just five minutes of practice for best results.

Tap Here to Get the Free Worksheet

In this video, I teach you 3 exercises to improve your fretting hand dexterity on ukulele. These exercises will increase your finger independence, improve eye hand coordination, and more importantly, strengthen the connection your mind has with your fingers and the notes of the fretboard.

Each exercise uses the D major scale pattern, so you’ll want to make sure you review that D major scale lesson from a couple weeks ago.

Exercise #1: Ascending Arpeggio

For this exercise, you ascend four notes at a time for each scale degree until you reach the end of the scale.

These four-note groupings are called arpeggios.

Pluck each note with your thumb.

Practice the exercise slow and then add speed.

Exercise #2: Descending Arpeggio

Flip the previous exercise on its head and descend through the D major scale in a four-note arpeggio pattern.

Note: Towards the end of the exercise I break the scale pattern position and slide my index finger to fret the 1st fret of the C-string – the C# note.

Exercise #3: Combined Arpeggio

Take the previous two exercises but play them back-to-back.

This exercise will really challenge your mind to make the mental switch between the ascending and descending pattern!

It all begins with the major scale!

In this new video, I show you how with just 1 major scale pattern you can pluck the opening melody of Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow in multiple keys.

Tap Here to Get the Free Worksheet

In the video, I teach the major scale pattern.

By learning this pattern, you build the muscle memory needed to pluck melodies across the fretboard. Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow opening melody line is a perfect example of how the melody can be plucked from this single major scale pattern.

The goal is to build the muscle memory needed to play this pattern in multiple places across the fretboard by practicing three different keys.

D Major Scale

Start by learning the major scale pattern played in the key of D major.

We know this is a D major scale since the pattern starts on the D note at the 2nd fret of the C-string and ends on the D note at the 5th fret of the A-string. It’s okay if you don’t know the note names of the fretboard just yet! For now, just practice the pattern.

You can see this same pattern shown in music notation and ukulele tab.

D Major Scale Ascending & Descending Exercise

Practice ascending and descending the major scale pattern played in the key of D major.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Melody in D Major

Notice how the opening melody line of Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow can be played entirely using the above D major scale pattern.

G Major Scale

Align the first note of the major scale pattern to the G note played on the 7th fret of the C-string to play the pattern in the key of G major.

See how this G major scale appears in music notation and ukulele tab.

G Major Scale Ascending & Descending Exercise

Just like before practice an ascending and descending G major scale exercise.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Melody in G Major

Notice how you can take the same idea and play Somewhere Over the Rainbow in the key of G major.

Cool!

C Major Scale

Finally, transpose the major scale pattern down so the first note of the pattern plucks the open C-string to play in the key of C major.

Pro Tip: Assign your index finger to fret notes on the 1st fret, middle finger to fret notes on the 2nd fret, and ring finger to fret notes on the 3rd fret.

Notice how the bottom three strings are incorporated into the major scale pattern.

C Major Scale Ascending & Descending Exercise

Try your hand at the ascending and descending exercise in the key of C major to get used to those different fretting hand finger positions.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Melody in C Major

And finally, give that melody some practice in the key of C!

Nowadays it’s fairly easy to look up the chords online and you’ll get a chord chart where chord letters are written above the lyrics.

So you’ll practice those chords, figure out where to put your fingers, and now it’s time to strum.

But then there’s all these questions:

• How many strums do you give each chord?
• When do you know how to change the chords?
• Do you strum down? Do you strum up?
• Are you suppose to just feel it out?

If it feels overwhelming to figure out, then, just know you’re not alone, but there’s actually a big trick you need to know which I cover in today’s video lesson.

Tap Here to Get the Free Book

These four strumming patterns can be used to play any song on ukulele!

All About That Count

99% of any song you’ll play on ukulele will be counted in four or three.

This means if you can strum a pattern played to a consistent steady count, known as the beat, then, you’re off to the races.

Strumming Pattern #1: Down, Down, Down, Down

Before you try to play fancy, let’s build a strong foundation.

You must know how to play an all down-strum pattern played to a count of four.

You can use this pattern to strum the chord progression to “I’ve Been Working On the Railroad” (note: look up the chords using the Ukulele Tricks Chord Library).

Tip: Many times chord changes happen on the first count of the measure. Change chords every time you count the first beat when repeating the above strumming pattern.

This is what that looks like in full rhythm notation.

Strumming Pattern #2: Down-Up, Down-Up, Down-Up, Down-Up

Admittedly, just strumming down strums is kind of boring.

But with that foundation, we can add in up strums between our down strums!

After practicing that, try using it to play “I’ve Been Working On the Railroad” above.

Strumming Pattern #3: Down, Down, Down

You are prepared to strum songs played to a count of four.

But what about songs played to a count of three?

Let’s take out that fourth beat to strum all down strums to a count of three.

One classic ukulele song played to a count of three is “Oh My Darling, Clementine” which I teach in my full online strumming course Strumming Tricks.

You can use Strumming Pattern #3 to strum the chords of this song.

Tip: Chords don’t always change every measure. Keep repeating the strumming pattern for a chord while humming or singing until you arrive to the next chord. Anticipate the following chord will change on the first beat of the measure.

Here’s how many measures each chord would be strummed in “Oh My Darling, Clementine”:

Strumming Pattern #4: Down-Up, Down-Up, Down-Up

I think you know where this last strum pattern is headed!

Let’s add in up strums between the down strums played to a count of three.

And now use that pattern to play the chord progression for “Oh My Darling, Clementine”!

How to Make Your Own Strumming Patterns

After completing this lesson, you’ve built the foundation of creating your own strumming patterns on ukulele.

To take it to the next level, join me in the Strumming Tricks online video lesson course where you learn to strum your first 20 songs in 7 distinct styles using over 34 different strumming patterns!

Learn More

You even know a handful of beginner ukulele chords and a strumming pattern.

You want to continue to see improvement.

But you don’t want to pick up bad habits.

And you also don’t know if you’re even using your time wisely to learn the most important things.

You’ve heard it’s possible to learn an instrument by teaching yourself. Heck, your neighbor Jim said he learned the “self taught” way. However, if you’ve never played an instrument before, how do you know if you’re on the right track? What are the best practices for teaching yourself? And is it even possible?

If I were to go back in time and learn ukulele again, I could probably list 100 mistakes I made, but out of all of those, I would absolutely avoid making these 3 mistakes.

I want to warn you though – some of what I’m about to say might make you feel uncomfortable.

Mistake #1: Not Making Music With Others

So I get it…

You want to teach yourself in the comfort of your own home because you’re shy about playing music.

In fact, you were told many years ago you couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, so reasonably, you’re afraid to put it out there that you’re learning to play ukulele.

I was really shy when first started learning piano. My mom and dad taught me when I was around six years old to play hymns on the piano at home. I was perfectly content playing inside the comfort of my own home for the first several years until I was invited to play with the church youth group at age 14. I was so afraid but I’m thankful my parents encouraged me to push past that fear. Because it wasn’t until I started playing with my peers that I accelerated my learning in a way I didn’t even know was possible.

For instance, I discovered new ways to play rhythm because I saw how others played differently the same song.

I learned how to play chords in a different voicing to complement others in the band.

And I even figured out how to start improvising simple melodies.

It’s perfectly fine to be content playing music by yourself but if you want to improve even faster then don’t close yourself off to playing ukulele with others whether that’s with a private teacher, local ukulele club, grandkid, or your neighbor down the street.

I wish I would have pushed past that fear sooner as a self-taught musician because of how much I learned from playing with others.

Mistake #2: Learning the Wrong Things

The most important thing about teaching yourself ukulele is to play the music you want.

When you’re learning as an adult, there’s no arbitrary levels to tick off like Grade 1, Grade 2, etc. The new gold standard is asking yourself if you’re playing the songs you like and want to play.

Life’s too short to waste time trying to play music you have no interest in playing.

For example, if you want to be able to look up the chords of your favorite songs, figure out the right strumming pattern, and play it, then, there’s no need to learn scale positions all across the fretboard because someone told you you’re not a real musician if you don’t know your scales. Instead, you should be practicing as many different chord variations as you can and practicing changing chords with different strumming patterns.

But if you want to be able to fingerpick melodies solo on your ukulele, then, that will require you to learn the fretboard, in which case, I wouldn’t be spending a whole lot of time learning hundreds of different strumming patterns.

Take time to think about your true song goals and write them down.

Then, think about what skills and techniques are needed to play those songs:

• Fretting hand technique
• Strumming hand technique
• Picking hand technique
• Chord knowledge
• Fretboard knowledge
• Theory
• Rhythm

… and so on.

When you can identify the kinds of skills or techniques you need to practice, you can build a practice plan.

This is where a teacher or course really speeds up this process but if you’re committed to teaching yourself then you must take the time to think through these things and write them out.

Mistake #3: Worrying About Bad Habits

I know you want to teach yourself ukulele in the absolute best way without any mistakes.

But I need you to let it go.

Learning an instrument is a process.

You will make bad habits.

But there should be one good habit that you always have…

The most important habit you must have learning to play ukulele is setting aside the time to make music every single day.

No exceptions.

There’s nothing more important than this.

This is the most fatal error you can make teaching yourself to play ukulele.

But if you are dedicating the time daily, even for just fifteen minutes, then, you’re already winning.

Because if you dedicate the time, you’ll be able to address any bad habits that pop up along the way. But if you never take the time, well, then, you’ll be wishing in five years you would have started five years ago.

Is It Even Possible to Teach Yourself Ukulele?

Yes, it’s possible to be “self-taught” but notice what I’m talking about above…

1. Playing with others
2. Getting clear on the music you want to make
3. Practicing daily

Self-taught players are supported and inspired by other people, follow a plan to play in a specific style, and have built their practice habit.

This requires a lot of effort and thought.

If you find that it’s hard to figure it all out on your own, then, join me in the Strumming Tricks online course I teach which is the best way to go from beginner to playing 20 different songs in 7 distinct styles.

It can be… by focusing on the right things!

No, you don’t need to memorize hundreds of ukulele chords to start playing actual music. It’s better to take a different approach.

In this video, I cover the four things you need to do this year to learn how to play your ukulele proficiently and teach you to play an easy song.

Tap Here to Get the 1-Page Printout

Don’t let another year go by without learning ukulele!

Here’s the four things you need to do to learn ukulele in 2025.

#1: It’s All About the Strumming

Forget about memorizing a gazillion chords.

Focus on your strumming rhythm.

Because ukulele is a rhythm instrument, the biggest barrier between not knowing how to play and playing proficiently is being able to strum a rock-steady pattern.

The hard truth is if you can’t keep a consistent strumming rhythm then you won’t be able to sing along to your playing and no one else will be able to either.

It all starts by focusing on the count or the beat.

A simple 1-2-3 strum is all you need to play your first song but how you practice it is even more important…

You need to count out loud.

By counting out loud as you practice, as I demonstrate in the video, you develop your internal music sense of rhythm in music and with that, a world of music opens up to you on your ukulele.

#2: Make Smooth Chord Changes

If keeping a rock-steady strumming pattern is key, then the thing that stops beginners from doing that successfully is pausing, hesitating, or stopping between chord changes.

When you learn a new song, practice each chord change in the song before attempting to play it.

As you do so, apply the Hover Technique where you prepare fingers for the next chord while playing the current one. Watch the video to learn to apply the technique to change from a C to G to F chord.

By practicing each chord change in a song, you keep that consistent strumming rhythm going without stopping.

#3: Learn to Play an Actual Song

The best thing to do is to jump in and start learning songs!

Believe it or not, if you can keep a steady strum pattern and change between a couple chords, you are ready to play your first song.

In the video, I guide you through the process of playing “Happy Birthday” by breaking down the chord changes and using a simple strum pattern.

Watch that and play along with me!

Happy Birthday Ukulele Chords

#4: Keep Yourself Accountable

Do you struggle with finding motivation to practice ukulele?

Then, make a commitment now to play Happy Birthday for your closest friend or family member’s upcoming birthday this year. There’s nothing more motivating than to know you are going to play a song for someone else!

Make a calendar reminder now for your upcoming performance.

You can do this!

Do You Need Help Becoming a Better Ukulele Player?

I’m here to help you improve your skills on ukulele.

The best way for me to help you is to join me in the Strumming Tricks course where over 10,000 students have learned with me to make the music they love on ukulele.

I designed the course to be the most complete step-by-step method for complete beginners.

With my help, you know exactly what to practice to become a better ukulele player every time you sit down.

Join Strumming Tricks Today

“How often should I practice?”

How you answer this question lays the foundation for your ability to make the music you love!

Let’s look at the optimal practice frequency for ukulele players at different skill levels – beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

How Often Beginner Ukulele Players Should Practice

When you first start playing, consistency is the most important thing.

A beginner ukulele player should practice daily for at least 15 minutes.

Avoid long multi-hour “Weekend Warrior” marathon sessions that will tire your hands and fingers out, and instead, prioritize short regular sessions. Challenges like sore fingertips are not uncommon for beginners so you’ll want to take it easy at first and find a pace that works for you!

In the early stages, your primary goal should be building a solid foundation of the most fundamental techniques and establishing your ukulele habit. By doing so, you’ll develop muscle memory and gradually increase your playing stamina.

As a beginner, you’ll want to focus on:

• The most important ukulele chords
• The most effective strumming patterns
• Getting your first songs under your belt

This stage is all about embracing the joy of learning. Consistency, coupled with curiosity and perseverance, will set you on the right path… for a lifetime!

For Intermediate Ukulele Players: Quality Over Quantity

The quality of your practice sessions becomes increasingly important as you progress beyond the beginner stage.

At the intermediate level, aim for 30-60 minutes of focused ukulele practice daily, allowing yourself ample time to warm up, work on current technical challenges, and practice specific songs.

During your sessions, identify specific goals and tailor your practice routine accordingly. Dial in and focus on areas that need improvement, like mastering a tricky passage or refining your dynamics.

This is the time in your journey where using practice techniques such as slow practice, deliberate repetition, and mindful listening is very beneficial. Focus on approaching each note and phrase with intention and precision.

Remember, at the intermediate stage, it’s the quality of your practice that counts, not just the number of hours spent!

For Advanced Ukulele Players: Dive Deep and Diversify

As an advanced ukulele player, your commitment to practice takes on a new dimension.

By this stage, your musical journey has taught you valuable lessons about discipline, dedication, and perseverance. To continue growing as a musician, it’s essential to expand your horizons and push your boundaries.

In other words, you must find new challenges!

Advanced ukulele players should devote a minimum of 1-2 hours each day to focused practice.

Use this time to refine technical proficiency, explore challenging material, and cultivate your artistic interpretation. You’ll want to experiment with different musical styles and genres to really push yourself, even collaborating with fellow musicians who play different instruments to broaden your musical perspective. This helps you become a more well-rounded and adaptable musician.

Additionally, prioritize performance opportunities to provide a new challenge as well as honing your stage presence and connecting with audiences.

To go even further, seek out masterclasses, workshops, and mentorships with world-class musicians and artists to push your skills even further.

Lastly, to solidify the musical perspective you’ve formed over the years, teach your instrument to others who are at an earlier stage in their journey. By teaching, you make an impact on the lives of other musicians while better understanding how you see, approach, and experience playing your instrument!

The Right Amount of Practice

Regardless of your current skill level, the answer to the question, “How often should I practice my instrument?” lies in the commitment to consistent, purposeful practice.

Making this practice fun and enjoyable is all about finding the right approach and embracing a mindset of curiosity.

For beginners, 15 minutes per day is sufficient enough to form good habits and build a strong foundation. Intermediate ukulele players need at least 30-60 minutes to focus on quality practice that address their current challenges. Advanced musicians will spend a minimum of 1-2 hours daily to dive deep into their craft, embracing versatility and seeking new challenges.

Remember…

The reason we practice ukulele is to play the music we love in the way we want to play it.

Find a pace you can sustain and you will see improvement learning to play ukulele!

Finding the groove when strumming your ukulele can be difficult but there is a way to improve.

It starts with building what I like to call a “Strumming Vocabulary” where you practice simple strumming rhythm exercises – trust me, any level ukulele player can learn these with a little effort and improve their rhythm!

With that vocab, you acquire the muscle memory to be able to just “feel” the beat.

It all starts with playing some fun strumming pattern exercises.

In this video lesson, I teach you three exercises to play on your ukulele that will help you:

• Get the feeling for common note lengths
• Figure out how to feel the offbeat
• Know how to feel the beat without strumming the beat

I break everything down in the following video lesson!

To save these 3 exercises and use them in your own practice, grab the 1-page PDF worksheet.

I recommend practicing these exercises for 5-10 minutes a day to level up your rhythm on ukulele!

Bonus Challenge: Write out a chord progression of 2-3 chords to practice chord changes while playing any of these rhythms.

And for the most complete and comprehensive way to build your Strumming Vocabulary, join me in the full Strumming Tricks course where I teach you how to apply rhythms like these to playing actual songs.

Join Strumming Tricks Today