Best Ukulele Lessons on Youtube (1 QUICK Trick!)

Have you ever wondered how some ukulele players make it look so effortless while you struggle to strum even a single chord? I know I have! It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you see others making beautiful music with what seems like minimal effort.

The ukulele’s popularity has exploded in recent years, and with that explosion comes a tidal wave of online learning resources, particularly on YouTube. But wading through all those videos to find quality instruction? That can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Trust me, I’ve been there!

That’s why finding the right instruction is absolutely crucial. It can be the difference between a frustrating, short-lived hobby and a lifelong passion that brings you joy and connection. In this article, I’m going to share my favorite YouTube resources for ukulele lessons and, more importantly, reveal one quick trick that can dramatically accelerate your learning. Let’s dive in!

Section 1: The Rise of the Ukulele

The ukulele, affectionately nicknamed the “uke,” has a fascinating history. It originated in the 1880s in Hawaii, brought over by Portuguese immigrants who carried with them a small, guitar-like instrument called the machete. The Hawaiians, known for their musicality and creativity, quickly adapted the instrument, giving it a new sound and a new name: ukulele, which roughly translates to “jumping flea.”

Over the years, the ukulele has seen its share of ups and downs in popularity. It had a huge moment in the early 20th century, thanks to its association with Hawaiian music and culture. Then, like many trends, it faded somewhat into the background. But in recent years, the ukulele has experienced a massive resurgence.

What’s behind this comeback? Well, I think it’s a combination of factors.

• Accessibility: Ukuleles are relatively inexpensive compared to other instruments like guitars or pianos. You can get a decent beginner uke for under £50, making it a low-risk investment.
• Portability: Its small size makes it incredibly easy to carry around. Perfect for taking on trips, to the park, or even just playing on the sofa.
• Ease of Learning: The ukulele typically has only four strings, making it simpler to learn basic chords and strumming patterns compared to a six-string guitar.
• Versatility: While often associated with Hawaiian music, the ukulele can be used to play a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to folk and classical.

According to a report by Music Trades Magazine, ukulele sales have consistently increased over the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing instrument categories. In the UK specifically, I’ve noticed more and more ukulele groups popping up, local music shops stocking a wider variety of ukes, and even ukulele festivals gaining popularity. It’s a testament to the instrument’s enduring appeal.

Section 2: The Benefits of Learning on YouTube

Okay, so you’re hooked on the ukulele. Now what? Well, in 2025, YouTube is a goldmine of ukulele instruction! I remember when I first started learning, I was limited to expensive private lessons or dusty old instruction books. Now, you have access to a world of knowledge right at your fingertips.

Here are some of the key benefits of using YouTube as your ukulele learning platform:

• Free Access: This is the biggest one! You can access thousands of ukulele lessons completely free of charge. No subscription fees, no hidden costs. Just pure, unadulterated ukulele goodness.
• Learn at Your Own Pace: Unlike a structured class, you can learn at your own speed. If you’re struggling with a particular chord, you can pause, rewind, and re-watch the video as many times as you need.
• Visual Learning: Seeing is believing! YouTube allows you to see exactly how the instructor is holding the ukulele, how their fingers are positioned on the fretboard, and how they’re strumming. This visual demonstration is incredibly helpful, especially for beginners.
• Diverse Teaching Styles: Everyone learns differently. On YouTube, you can find instructors with a variety of teaching styles, from laid-back and conversational to structured and methodical. Experiment and find the instructor who resonates with you.
• Global Community: YouTube isn’t just about watching videos; it’s about connecting with a global community of ukulele enthusiasts. You can leave comments, ask questions, share your progress, and even collaborate with other players.

I personally love the flexibility of YouTube. I can squeeze in a quick lesson during my lunch break, or spend a couple of hours exploring new techniques on the weekend. It’s all about fitting learning into your own schedule.

Section 3: Criteria for Choosing the Best Ukulele Lessons

With so many ukulele lessons available on YouTube, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? How do you find the best lessons that will actually help you improve? Here are some key criteria I use when evaluating ukulele channels and videos:

• Instructor Qualifications and Teaching Style: Does the instructor have a proven track record as a ukulele player and teacher? Do they have a clear and engaging teaching style? Look for instructors who can explain concepts in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
• Clarity of Instruction and Production Quality: Is the video well-lit and well-recorded? Can you clearly see the instructor’s hands and the fretboard? Is the audio clear and free of distractions? Poor production quality can be a major barrier to learning.
• Availability of Supplementary Materials: Does the instructor provide tabs, chord charts, or other supplementary materials to support the lessons? These resources can be incredibly helpful for reinforcing what you’ve learned and practicing on your own.
• Engagement and Interaction: Does the instructor engage with their viewers by responding to comments, answering questions, or creating a sense of community? A responsive instructor can provide valuable feedback and support.
• Skill Level Appropriateness: Are the lessons geared towards beginners, intermediate players, or advanced players? Make sure you choose lessons that are appropriate for your current skill level. Don’t try to run before you can walk!

I also recommend reading the comments section of YouTube videos. This can give you valuable insights into the quality of the instruction and the experiences of other learners. Look for comments that praise the instructor’s clarity, helpfulness, or ability to break down complex concepts.

Section 4: The 1 QUICK Trick to Accelerate Your Learning

Okay, it’s time for the moment you’ve all been waiting for! I promised you one quick trick that can dramatically accelerate your ukulele learning, and here it is:

Learn to play by ear.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Playing by ear? That sounds impossible! I don’t have a ‘good ear’ for music.” But trust me, anyone can develop their ear training skills with a little practice.

Playing by ear simply means being able to identify notes, chords, and melodies by listening to them. It’s a skill that will transform your ukulele playing in several ways:

• Faster Learning: Instead of relying solely on tabs or chord charts, you’ll be able to quickly figure out the chords and melodies of your favorite songs.
• Improved Improvisation: You’ll be able to improvise solos and melodies with greater ease and confidence.
• Deeper Musical Understanding: You’ll develop a deeper understanding of music theory and how different notes and chords relate to each other.
• Greater Enjoyment: You’ll find that playing the ukulele becomes even more enjoyable as you develop your musical ear.

So, how do you develop your ear training skills? Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Start with Simple Melodies: Choose simple melodies that you already know, like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Try to play these melodies on your ukulele by ear, without looking at any tabs or sheet music.
2. Use a Reference Pitch: Use a piano, keyboard, or online tone generator to establish a reference pitch (e.g., middle C). This will help you to identify the other notes in the melody.
3. Break Down the Melody: Break the melody down into smaller phrases. Listen to each phrase carefully and try to identify the notes by ear.
4. Practice Regularly: Ear training is like any other skill; it requires regular practice. Even just 15-20 minutes of practice per day can make a big difference.
5. Use Ear Training Apps and Websites: There are many excellent ear training apps and websites available that can help you to develop your ear training skills. Some popular options include Functional Ear Trainer and Teoria.

I remember when I first started trying to play by ear, it felt incredibly difficult. I would get frustrated and want to give up. But I stuck with it, and slowly but surely, my ear started to develop. Now, I can often figure out the chords to a song just by listening to it a few times.

Anecdote: I was at a ukulele jam session recently, and someone started playing a song I had never heard before. Everyone else seemed to know it, and I felt a little left out. But instead of just sitting there and watching, I decided to try to figure out the chords by ear. To my surprise, I was able to pick up the chords pretty quickly, and I was soon able to join in with the rest of the group. It was an incredibly rewarding experience!

Section 5: Top YouTube Channels for Ukulele Lessons in 2025

Alright, now that you know the one quick trick, let’s get to the good stuff: the best YouTube channels for ukulele lessons in 2025! These are the channels that I personally recommend based on their quality of instruction, production value, and overall helpfulness.

• Bernadette Teaches Music: Bernadette is a fantastic teacher with a clear and engaging style. Her channel is packed with beginner-friendly lessons, song tutorials, and ukulele tips. She’s also incredibly responsive to comments and questions. I especially like her “Ukulele for Beginners” playlist.
• Ukulele Underground: This channel is run by Aldrine Guerrero, a ukulele virtuoso. While some of his lessons are more advanced, he also has a great selection of beginner-friendly tutorials and song covers. His enthusiasm for the ukulele is infectious!
• Ten Thumbs Productions: Run by Kalei Gamiao, this channel offers a mix of lessons, song covers, and ukulele performances. Kalei is a master of the ukulele, and his channel is a great resource for learning advanced techniques and expanding your repertoire.
• The Ukulele Teacher: This channel offers a wide range of ukulele lessons, from beginner basics to more advanced techniques. The instructor, Steve, is very knowledgeable and explains things in a clear and concise way.
• Live Ukulele: This channel focuses on ukulele reviews, gear demos, and interviews with ukulele players. It’s a great resource for staying up-to-date on the latest ukulele news and trends.

Table: Top YouTube Channels for Ukulele Lessons

These are just a few of the many excellent ukulele channels on YouTube. I encourage you to explore and find the channels that resonate with you.

Section 6: Recommended Lesson Videos

To give you a head start, here are some specific lesson videos that I highly recommend:

• Bernadette Teaches Music – Ukulele for Beginners: Your First Lesson: This is a great starting point for complete beginners. Bernadette covers the basics of holding the ukulele, tuning, and strumming. [Link to Video]
• Ukulele Underground – 3 Easy Ukulele Chords (C, G7, F): These three chords are the foundation for many popular songs. Aldrine shows you how to play them and provides some simple songs to practice with. [Link to Video]
• Ten Thumbs Productions – How to Play “Hallelujah” on Ukulele: Kalei teaches you how to play this classic song on the ukulele. He breaks down the chords and strumming pattern into easy-to-follow steps. [Link to Video]
• The Ukulele Teacher – Ukulele Strumming Patterns for Beginners: Steve teaches you a variety of strumming patterns that you can use to add variety and interest to your playing. [Link to Video]
• Live Ukulele – How to Choose Your First Ukulele: This video provides helpful tips for choosing your first ukulele, including considerations for size, wood, and price. [Link to Video]

Pro Tip: As you’re watching these lessons, remember to incorporate the one quick trick I shared earlier. Try to identify the chords and melodies by ear, even if you’re also using tabs or chord charts. This will help you to develop your ear training skills and accelerate your learning.

Section 7: Community and Collaboration

Learning the ukulele doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. In fact, one of the best ways to improve your skills and stay motivated is to engage with the ukulele community.

YouTube is a great place to connect with other ukulele players. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Join Ukulele Challenges: Many ukulele channels host regular challenges where players can learn a new song or technique and share their progress with the community.
• Collaborate with Other Players: Reach out to other ukulele players and collaborate on a song cover or original composition.
• Participate in Online Forums: There are many online forums dedicated to the ukulele where you can ask questions, share tips, and connect with other players.
• Attend Ukulele Jam Sessions: If you’re lucky enough to have a ukulele jam session in your area, be sure to attend! It’s a great way to meet other players and learn new songs.

I’ve personally found that engaging with the ukulele community has been incredibly beneficial. I’ve learned so much from other players, and I’ve made some great friends along the way.

Personal Experience: I remember feeling really nervous about attending my first ukulele jam session. I was worried that I wouldn’t be good enough, and that everyone would be judging me. But as soon as I started playing, I realized that everyone was incredibly supportive and encouraging. It was such a welcoming and inclusive environment, and I had a blast!

Section 8: Conclusion

So, there you have it! My guide to the best ukulele lessons on YouTube for 2025, complete with the one quick trick that can dramatically accelerate your learning.

Remember, the key to success is to find the right resources, practice consistently, and engage with the ukulele community.

I hope this article has inspired you to take action and explore the wonderful world of the ukulele. With the right lessons and a little practice, you can join the ranks of those who make the ukulele sing!

Now go grab your uke and start strumming!

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