uke players

Try Youtube as well @Blossom1961.  But honestly, it's just practice that makes you better (although I'm still pretty rubbish).  As you get more confident with the easy chords, you can add songs with different chords, although there's some that I think I'm never likely to be able to do with the stiffness in my hands.  The strumming patterns will come later as you develop.  Try Vance Joy's Riptide (easy to find on the net) - it's simple and written for uke.

That's a shame .....as everyone has to start somewhere @Blossom1961 !!   Keep using your hubby's support ..... the chord shapes are the same on the guitar's 'highest' 4 strings (just with different names.)

Most groups usually have a 'starters group' and you only progress to the 'big group' when  more confident!   Check out the Recording - you'll see how much fun their uke group is.

@arpie The uke group here is only interested if I can play already OR willing to pay them to teach me. I am currently not earning a wage so consequently, I am teaching myself with hubby’s support. He plays guitar and so has a little knowledge.

hahaha - shortcuts don't always work  .... and sadly, G is one of the more 'used chords' @Blossom1961 .... and if you do the 'easy Cdim' (just the G7 shape  up the neck one fret & just NOT play the 'G string' .... only the 3 strings you have fingers on!) It isn't too difficult to do at all!

Are there any uke groups in your area?  It really is the best way to learn & they'll show you the correct way of doing stuff, too, as well as making new friends!   ;)  Good luck!!

Check out The Recording on ABC this Tues night - the Newcastle Ukestra is doing a recording - it should be very interesting!  There could be up to 30 of them playing/singing!   @Sister    @kezmusc    @Romla

@arpie I just told my hubby that I don’t really need the G chords and the Cdim can be ignored too. He told me it would be good to include the G at least. Hmph, musos are so pedantic.

@arpie - It's become the first (and only at this stage) song that I have committed to memory and that makes me feel so good!

Oh dear - it DOES become a bit addictive - and each use sounds totally different depending on the types of wood used etc.  

Including 3-4 'student ukes' (so they can try different brands and sizes) I have about 12!!  They call it Uke Acquisition Syndrome (UAS for short!)

GO @Sister - did I give you the Beginners Tips too?  If not, check 'em out!!  @kezmusc too!

She did it to me, too!  But it is fun and it does get the memory exercised a bit (try Vance Joy's Riptide - Am, G, C)

Thanks @arpie I have the uke for as long as I want. My BIL has three of them but plays the guitar which he has about five of. 

Woohoo!  Well done, @Blossom1961 Good on you for giving it a go!  Whilst it is one of the 'easiest instruments' to learn (4 strings, 4 fingers!) as you progress to the harder chords, it CAN be a bit challenging -  just go slowly at the start and concentrate on the pressure on the strings, so that each note sounds 'crisp'!  If they sound like a 'thud' or 'dull' - you may need to use a tad more pressure.

Initially, just Play the 'C' chord whenever you see it on the song sheet.  You can 'tap the uke' whilst waiting for the next 'C' chord to appear ......then as you are more comfy, add the other chords as you learn them.  

See if there is a beginners group  you can start off with initially (within the group) -  but then again, if you love one particular song - just give it a go!! I pretty well started off with Iz's Somewhere/Wonderful World!! (A tricky one!)  It forced me to learn the more difficult chords tho!  ;)  

Start off with C, Am, F & G7 ..... check out my Beginners Tips below - on the last 2-3 pages, I describe 'how to' change from one chord to the other  in the most efficient & easy way!!  Page 4, 4th one down is the C, Am, F & G7 sequence ..... all the 'Doo Wop' songs & a heap of rock & roll songs use this set of chords.  

Keep your left hand fingernails SHORT and it makes forming the chords much easier.  Don't worry too much about the strumming - just doing 'down stroke' in time with the music is good enough.  Fancier strumming comes with practise & confidence.   You are reading, singing, strumming & listening all at the same time & it can be tricky initially!