Ukulele Magazine

09/04/2024

From our friends at Holly's Ukulele Method:

Swing back-to-school with FREE UKULELE BLUES SHEET MUSIC from Holly’s Ukulele Method™! Learn blues basics and swing rhythm with “Frankie and Johnny”, circa 1904 by Hughie Cannon, the composer of "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey". Visit: HollyUkulele.com for your FREE COPY.

08/29/2024

From our friends at Kala Brand Music:

The Kala Labor Day Collection Is Here! Bring the season to an epic close! Explore Kala’s curated Labor Day Collection, featuring discounts on select Ukuleles, Gear, and Apparel now through September 3rd.
Shop now at kalabrand.com/collections/labor-day-sale

08/29/2024

Here we examine what makes Iz’s ukulele sound so alluring by taking a close look at some aspects of his playing technique, equipment, upbringing, and his mindset toward playing music.

Lesson and video by Steven Espaniola.

Espaniola Music

Here we examine what it is that makes Iz’s sound so alluring by taking a close look at various aspects of his playing technique, equipment, upbringing, and his mindset toward playing music

08/22/2024

Andrew Hoyt’s Tuesday night plan was to go for a jog, stop by the grocery store, and then make pizza at home with his girlfriend—but by the end of the night, he had played to an audience of 6,000 at the largest music venue in his home state of Iowa, with many singing along to his music.

Andrew Hoyt Music

Hoyt filled in as the last-minute opener for AJR and got the crowd singing along to his music

08/19/2024

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s death in 1997 at age 37 was far too early, but the soulful ukulele ukulele player and songwriter still left a legacy that has extended far beyond the islands of his native Hawaii.

The soulful ukulele ukulele player and songwriter left a legacy that has extended far beyond the islands of his native Hawaii

08/12/2024

Readers write to us about an eternal connection made by a friend’s ukulele, and building a special, double-backed instrument.

We'd love to hear your ukulele stories! Leave a comment below or email us at editors.uke [at] stringletter.com.

Readers write in about an eternal connection made by a friend’s ukulele, and building a special instrument with aloha

08/09/2024

These ukulele arrangements by the Sweet Hollywaiians includes a chord-melody and separate rhythm and lead arrangements of one of the most lasting songs from the wave of Hawaiian obsession that first swept the mainland a century ago.

This is one of the most lasting songs from the wave of Hawaiian obsession that first swept the mainland a century ago

08/08/2024

From our friends at Marnie Ward Voice & Ukulele Studio:

You Can Uke Retreats: ‘Ukulele & Voice Retreats
Coastal ~ Ostional, Costa Rica
March 16-22, 2025

Join Marnie Ward and Danielle Ate the Sandwich for this transformative 7 day/6 night retreat in coastal Costa Rica. This is where the jungle meets the ocean creating the perfect backdrop to clear your head and gain the focus you’ve always wanted with your playing.

Not sure if this retreat is right for you? Let’s set up a no-stress meet and greet to discuss. Click for more info: youcanuke.com/retreat-in-coastal-costa-rica-march-16-22-2025/

08/07/2024

The KLŌS Guitars Concert boasts maximum durability, while still offering incredible sound and playability. With a body and neck built from pure carbon fiber, you can take this compact ukulele with you on whatever adventure: from cresting mountains to headlining the stage. Giveaway ends October 31st!

GRAND PRIZE The KLOS Concert boasts maximum durability, while still offering incredible sound and playability. With a body and neck built from pure carbon fiber, you can take this compact ukulele w…

07/30/2024

2 Lucky Winners Will Receive the Kala Brand Music Revelator® Night Owl Acacia Tenor or the Revelator® Night Owl Mango Tenor, along with some accessories! Including a Kala Tweed Ukulele Amp, Pig Hog 10 ft. Black Woven Instrument Cable, and Kala Black Vegan Ukulele EcoStrap®. Enter today for your chance to win!

2 Lucky Winners Will Receive the Kala Revelator® Night Owl Acacia Tenor or the Revelator® Night Owl Mango Tenor These slim line electro-acoustic ukuleles have all the acoustic tone and volume of a …

07/23/2024

From our friends at Kala Brand Music:

Happy Birthday to Kala! We’re celebrating another year with select discounts, plus get a FREE Kala Water Bottle with qualifying purchases of $250 or more, while supplies last! Sale ends July 31, 2024. Shop now at kalabrand.com/collections/anniversary-sale

07/17/2024

From our friends at the Reno Ukulele Festival:

"We were lucky enough to attend our first Reno Uke Fest in 2018 and now we never miss it! The new skills, friends and songs we bring back to our home ukulele group has inspired many of our friends to make the trip with us. Dani and Perry pack the event with amazingly talented and friendly artists that make this our "go-to" uke festival every year." (Rae & JM Robison, Arcata, CA)
Purchase your tickets at www.renouke.com

07/15/2024

I didn’t know much at first except that it was my first great ukulele and the faded “The Gibson” stencil on the headstock meant that it was 1920s.

I didn’t know much at first except that it was my first great ukulele and the faded “The Gibson” stencil on the headstock meant that it was 1920s

07/13/2024

No single instrument has the same power to impart the sense of community that is shared by ukulele players.

What's a uke fest memory you hold dear?

The ukulele’s power for human connection is genuinely magnificent at festivals, where it has the uncanny ability to bring like-minded people together

07/12/2024

“In recent years I’ve been playing a lot of festivals, and that has really given me a new love and passion for teaching and sharing things I’ve learned over the years to this audience of players who have an appreciation for Hawaiian music and culture.”
-Steven Espaniola

The in-demand ukulele festival instructor discusses his original music and his somewhat unusual road to becoming one of the most respected Hawaiian musicians on the mainland

07/11/2024

From our friends at Holly's Ukulele Method:

Have Summer Uke Fun with FREE MUSIC from Holly’s Ukulele Method™!
Learn “Oh Susanna” by Stephen Foster, A.K.A. “the Father of American Music”.
Visit: www.HollyUkulele.com for your FREE COPY.

07/09/2024

The concepts of new harmonies, rhythms, and other special techniques are all useful tools in any style of music. These skills can even be used on the fly as you play through any song and added in real time.

Lesson by Daniel Ward

This second in a two-part series on arranging songs for ukulele includes tips on adding jazzy elements and other snazzy twists

07/05/2024

Did you know that your ukulele is a wonderful gateway to a 6,000-year-old musical tradition? Playing traditional Indian ragas on your ukulele can open your ears to new sounds, jolt you out of a musical rut, and deepen your command of the fretboard.

Lesson by Sayali Tank and James Hill

The complexity of Indian music might seem overwhelming, but knowing just a few basics can give you the tools to appreciate the art form’s spectacular richness

07/03/2024

Want to get better on ukulele and have fun doing it? Ukulenny's new guide is for you!

These 12 lessons are designed to help you master the fretboard, play more musically, and have good fun with your uke!

07/03/2024

2 Lucky Winners Will Receive the Kala Brand Music Revelator® Night Owl Acacia Tenor or the Revelator® Night Owl Mango Tenor, along with an accessory prize pack! The prize pack includes a Kala Tweed Ukulele Amp, Pig Hog 10 ft. Black Woven Instrument Cable, and Kala Black Vegan Ukulele EcoStrap®. Enter today for your chance to win!

2 Lucky Winners Will Receive the Kala Revelator® Night Owl Acacia Tenor or the Revelator® Night Owl Mango Tenor These slim line electro-acoustic ukuleles have all the acoustic tone and volume of a …

07/02/2024

"The more time I spent with the Tiny Tenor Dreadnought, the more attached I grew. It sounds like a golden-hour sunset looks, with a rich midrange voice and a lovely dynamic range that can handle delicate passages or vibrant strumming."

Romero Creations

I was intrigued: Could a concert-size instrument have the tonal heft of a true tenor?

06/30/2024

The Hot Club of France didn’t have a ukulele player. But that didn’t stop Canadian luthier Shelley Park from imagining what it might look like if they did. Now, she makes ukuleles under the name Moodyville Ukulele Co. that would look right at home in any Gypsy jazz band.

Shelley D. Park Gypsy Jazz Guitars

The Hot Club of France didn’t have a ukulele player. But that didn’t stop Park from imagining what it might look like if they did.

06/28/2024

Take the flash cards and put them into a bowl or bag. Reach in and choose three or four at random. You may choose how many beats each chord gets per measure, but I’d recommend starting with four beats to give yourself an easy start.

This fun exercise focuses on igniting that creative spark with chord progressions

06/19/2024

This solid wood instrument is designed to achieve the sound, look, and feel of the classic Martin Style 0 ukulele—with a few modern upgrades

06/13/2024

From our friends at Axe Grinder Lutherie:

Build your own concert ukulele from scratch! No kit! Reserve a spot at our Northern Colorado 5-day intensive ukulele build with luthier Seth Gustin. By the end of the week, you will have new friends, new experiences, and your brand-new concert ukulele built by you. Learn more at www.axegrinderlutherie.com

06/12/2024

From our friends at the Reno Ukulele Festival:

"Our crew discovered the RenoUke Festival last year. We had beginners, music and uke teachers in our group. There was something for everyone. Class sessions were amazing and the performances were more magical lasting memories than we could ask for. We are signed up for 2024 and plan to make it every year, I have more friends coming as well. If YOU LOVE MUSIC, ukuleles and magical moments . This is the place to be." (Debra Roberts, Portland Or) Register now at www.renouke.com

05/23/2024

From our friends at Kala Brand Music:

The Kala Warehouse Sale is in full swing! Find factory seconds, closeouts, and more. Complete your order with discounted apparel and gear, all for up to 30% Off! Quantities are limited and everything is first come, first served. Shop the Kala Warehouse Sale at kalabrand.com/collections/warehouse-sale through May 29th.

05/17/2024

In this lesson, we’ll learn how to build chords starting on each note of the major scale. Then we’ll explore some common chord progressions found in thousands of songs. You’ll see how using numbers allows you to see the patterns that occur in your favorite tunes, regardless of what key they were recorded in, so that you can eventually play them in any key.

Here’s how to build chords starting on each note of the major scale, as well as some common chord progressions found in thousands of songs

05/16/2024

2 Lucky Winners Will Receive the Kala Brand Music Revelator® Night Owl Acacia Tenor or the Revelator® Night Owl Mango Tenor, along with some accessories! The prize pack includes a Kala Tweed Ukulele Amp, Pig Hog 10 ft. Black Woven Instrument Cable, and Kala Black Vegan Ukulele EcoStrap®. Enter today for your chance to win!

2 Lucky Winners Will Receive the Kala Revelator® Night Owl Acacia Tenor or the Revelator® Night Owl Mango Tenor These slim line electro-acoustic ukuleles have all the acoustic tone and volume of a …