Ukulele Lessons

Also known as the uke, the ukulele was born in 19th-century Hawaii, found fame in the USA a century later, and spread around the world from there. It belongs to the lute family, and its four strings are tuned like the guitar’s 3rd (G), 2nd (C instead of B) and 1st (E) strings, plus a top A.

Think of it as the top four strings of an eight-string guitar — G, C, E, A — but pitched higher. Smaller than a guitar and easy on the hands, it’s a favourite with kids and, as a superb strumming and vocal-accompaniment instrument, with singer-songwriters of every age.

For kids & beginners

We start with some basic chords and strumming patterns, then move on to melodies as you progress. For children, the soprano and concert sizes are the ones I’d suggest — comfortable to hold and easy to play.

For singers

Here you’ll also learn to play with your fingers, so the sound turns more harp- or lute-like and flows like a waterfall under your voice. Throughout, we keep a close eye on the pulse of the music — that’s what lets you sing and play at the same time without either one falling apart.

Sizes, tunings & buying tips

The uke’s tone and volume change with size — from the small, bright soprano up through concert and tenor to the rounder, fuller baritone. Most ukes come in standard re-entrant High-G tuning (great for accompaniment), while Low-G tuning suits guitarists switching over, as it opens up more scalar and melodic playing. The baritone is the exception, tuned like a guitar’s top four strings — D, G, B, E. When buying, choose one where you can see the wood: coloured varnish ruins the sound. Fun variants exist too, from the pocket uke (sopranissimo) to the U-bass and the guitalele.

Where lessons happen

In-studio in London SE16, at your place anywhere in TfL Zone 3, or live online worldwide over Skype. When the weather’s kind, studio lessons can even move out to a private front-garden area. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best.