Will this be the year you finally learn ukulele?

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.

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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