Welcome to “Ukulele Basics”! We’re so excited that you’re interested in starting your ukulele journey. This beginner-friendly course, designed by Joel Jacques, will give you everything you need to start strumming with confidence. Whether you’re brand new to playing music or just looking to add the ukulele to your repertoire, we’re here to help you learn this fun and versatile instrument.
The ukulele is perfect for anyone looking to jump into the world of music. Its small size and easy-to-learn chords make it the ideal instrument for beginners. Plus, who doesn’t love its upbeat, cheerful sound? Whether you want to jam with friends, play your favorite songs, or just relax and strum solo, the ukulele has you covered.
This “Ukulele Basics” course is divided into six video lessons and two practice songs. It covers all the essentials to get you started on the right foot. Here’s what you can expect:
- Ukulele Tuning 101 – Learn how to tune your ukulele so it always sounds its best.
- Types of Ukuleles – From soprano to baritone, we’ll help you understand the differences and pick the right one for you.
- How to Hold and Play the Ukulele – Proper hand positioning is key, and we’ll show you how to strum like a pro.
- Strumming Patterns and Chord Diagrams – Get started with basic strumming and learn how to read ukulele chord diagrams.
- Songs to Play – You’ll dive into playing The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and a fun ’50s Three Chord Medley.
We’ll guide you step-by-step through each video, making sure you understand the basics before moving on to more advanced techniques. And don’t worry—Joel Jacques has designed the lessons to be easy to follow, even if you’ve never picked up an instrument before!
Meet Your Teacher: Joel Jacques
Joel Jacques has spent years perfecting his teaching methods to make learning the ukulele as smooth and fun as possible. With clear instructions and an engaging teaching style, Joel’s passion for music will inspire you to stick with it and become a confident player.
As Joel says:
“This short video course was made for my students to help them thoroughly absorb all the information we cover in our first session together (Beginner Uke Part 1). These videos were recorded during the first session of a 4-week class, introducing the concepts we develop as the class progresses.”
Joel’s experience shines through in every lesson, and by the end of this course, you’ll have the skills to play popular songs with confidence.
Learn at Your Own Pace
We know life can be busy, and finding time to learn something new isn’t always easy. That’s why this course is structured in short, digestible lessons. Whether you have 15 minutes or a whole afternoon, you can learn at your own pace, picking up where you left off whenever you have time.
Each video is designed to build on the previous one, giving you the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned before moving on. And don’t forget—the more you practice, the better you’ll get!
Songs You’ll Learn
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be ready to start playing songs! Here are two classics you’ll learn in this course:
- The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” – Played in F, this iconic song is perfect for beginners looking to master simple chords while playing a well-known tune.
- ’50s Three Chord Medley – We’ll take you through a medley of three popular ’50s songs, played in C. You’ll practice strumming and chord changes to get that classic sound.
Make sure your ukulele is tuned up, because you’ll be playing along from the very first video!
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the ukulele. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already play another instrument and want to add the ukulele to your repertoire, these lessons are perfect for you. The course is suitable for all ages, and you don’t need any prior musical experience.
few tips to help you get the most out of this course:
- Practice Consistently – Even 10-15 minutes a day can make a big difference.
- Have Fun – Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re part of the learning process.
- Follow Along – Make sure you play along with the videos as Joel demonstrates the techniques.
Watching a teacher play makes all the difference when learning strumming patterns, chords, and hand positions. We recommend starting with the first video in the series, “Ukulele Basics with Joel Jacques – 01 Tuning”, which you can watch right now here.
These videos are here to guide you, but if you ever feel stuck or need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Joel and our instructors are always available to answer questions or provide feedback as you learn. We want to make sure you have the best experience possible!
Interested in learning more about Joel and his passion for teaching? Check out his website and bio here:
We’re confident that by the end of this course, you’ll be well on your way to playing the ukulele with confidence. With Joel’s expert guidance and your commitment to practice, you’ll be strumming your favorite songs in no time. So grab your ukulele, hit play on the first video, and let’s get started!
