Learning Outcomes

This unit will teach you how to play the Ukulele. You will learn:

• To play at least 4 simple Ukulele chords (left hand)
• To be able to strum simple patterns (right hand)
• Play along with 2 pop songs (or more)
• Know where to find more pop songs to learn on the internet
• Prepare a small Ukulele (and singing) group performance

Step 2 - Learn to play along with songs that use C, G & F Chords:

Watch this video which teaches you the chords and the strumming pattern for your right hand. The video also gives you the opportunity to play along with the song –

Learn to play ‘Riptide’

Tip - If the strumming pattern is too difficult and you want to concentrate on the chord changes just play a single down strum for each chord.
Play along with the song in this video which uses the same chords and a different strumming pattern for your right hand.

Learn to play ‘Stitches’

Tip - If the strumming pattern is too difficult and you want to concentrate on the chord changes just play a single down strum for each chord. When you can do this the next step is to strum one down stroke for each beat (on the 1…2…3…4…)

Step 3 – Learn more chords and even more songs

The videos in this unit come from the Ukulele Teacher channel on YouTube. Follow this link to search for other pop songs that you would like to learn.

Or choose between one of these two options:

Learn a song with C, Dm & F Chords – Learn to play 'Don't Worry Be Happy'

Learn a song with F, Am, Dm & Bb Chords – Learn to play 'Price Tag'          

Step 4 - choose a song to perform in a small group

In small groups (max size of 6) prepare a performance of one of these songs with singing and Ukulele accompaniment. Rehearse for two lessons and perform to the class in the last lesson.

Use the Success Criteria below from the last pop song performance unit you did:

• Are you playing/singing your part correctly and in the correct order?
• Does everyone in the group know what they are doing and know the order of the song?
• Are all the instruments (including vocals) in tune with each other?
• Is everyone playing in time to create a fluent piece of music?
• Have you chosen a suitable tempo (speed) for your piece?
• Can the melody line be heard over the instruments?
• Is it sung with confidence?
• Have you included dynamics (e.g. loud, quiet) to make your piece more interesting?
• Stage presence – are you enjoying performing the song?
• Communication – are you communicating ideas with your band?
• Are you trying out ideas before rejecting them completely?
• Are you using visual cues (e.g. eye contact) to identify when a change is coming up and/or to keep in time with each other?.