Ukulele Forum

Anthony Whiteoak - I read your message via an email notification, but I can't see your post here. A website glitch, perhaps. I just want you to know that I have been in that same headspace you are in - feeling like I'm stuck, not making progress, self doubt in my abilities. First and foremost, I wouldn't call it a "barren patch" but a "temporary plateau". So how to get past it? I'd say give yourself a few days off. Don't play. Maybe watch some uke videos (Matt's or anyone else's) or listen to uke music. Give your brain and your hands a rest, then get back to it. Pick something to play that you find easiest or are comfortable with. You mentioned lack of tone. That might not be you; it could be the uke. Check the action and get it fixed if it's too high. Change …

1 b3 5 = minor

1 3 5 b7 = dominant 7th

1 3 5# = augmented

1 2 5 = sus2

C E G = C major

C Eb G = C minor

I posted this on the FB page as well... but for people who aren't FB users... I'm a beginner and am just exploring interest at this point. Are there any ukulele groups in the Baltimore or Westminster, Maryland general area ? I know of the Maryland Ukulele Jam in Silver Spring but that's a bit of a hike from where I live. Anybody in Westminster, Eldersburg, Hampstead, or vicinity looking for a Uke Buddy ? Particularly interested in folks who are familiar with Matt and his curriculum.

How many people actually play amplified rather than having bought a uke with a pick -up just in case.

You can get the next step up uke for the same budget if your unlikely to play amplified .

Considering an Uma spruce tenor or a mango SUS Flight Carabou special.

Is this more often than not just another UAS rabbit hole to disappear down.

Never say never but I don't see myself as playing solo live or a lead player in a club

Dave L

first point I don't yet own a uke with a pick up.

I've now joined a local uke club and I am mostly keeping up.

It depends on strum pattern and what's being sung.

Sometimes concentration only stretches to one or the other. Alongside a block of ''intermediate'' lessons. Again I seem to be holding my own.

Nobody plays amped up , so that's fine.

They club does go out and about to venues to entertain, residential homes, local fetes and such like. When they do I think they generally rely on a microphone set up to amplify the group rather than any individual player.

Just a quick update. I’m aware of an issue with the App on Apple at present (it comes up with an error saying content not available). Apologies. It is being investigated and hopefully normal service will resume shortly. In the meantime please use the mobile version of my website on your device. You can access all your courses and videos there.

https://learnukulele.com

Thanks heaps,

Matt 😊

Hi Matt -

After trying for ages to try to figure out Chord Melody on my own, I suddenly became sensible and went to basics on your course !!

I enjoyed your explanation of “Twinkle, Twinkle …” and reached a good level of understanding but when I printed out your music sheet, I noticed a slight difference between the pdfs.

On the hand-written ones you guided us toward playing the open notes on the GCEA voicing.

But the printed music sheet directed me to play the fretted G note on the E string rather than the open G.

I understand both are the same, but why the change ?

Hi Matt and everyone, greetings from Norway! I got my first baritone a month ago, after learning / playing the uke for about 9 years. I have taught myself most of the time, but I need to go back to the basics when it comes to the bari and also learn proper music theory. Looking forward to learn more through Matt’s courses (I hope you still have your vintage uke collection)!

Just booked for the summer Retreat, look forward to seeing everyone!