Learning “Viper’s Drag” on the Electric Ukulele [Ultra Advanced Lesson]

Live, before your eyes, Friends of Old Puppy figure out how to play “Viper’s Drag”, and throw in a little Christmas music as well. (They’re making it up as they go along.) “Vipers Drag” is a Thomas “Fats” Waller composition. Friends of Old Puppy hasSteven Strauss on (Risa) electric soprano ukulele, Billy Wilson on (Risa) electric tenor ukulele, Ed Johnson on wash-tub bass (“gutbucket”), and Cynthia Wilson on drums. Dec. 19, 2009 Videographed, sound engineered, and edited by Pip R. Lagenta. The Friends of Old Puppy band plays at the Nabolom Bakery in Berkeley, every Saturday morning (starting at 10 am). Correct-By-Mistake Productions — Recorded LIVE! — Berkeley, California

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I really want to start learning how to play the ukulele, how can I start?

I want to start finding my first ukulele, whats the best brand?
Where can i get lessons?
What do I need to know about the ukulele?
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Is learning to play the ukulele complicated?

I play guitar, piano, and violin and want to self teach myself how to play the ukulele.
Will it be complicated? Is it similar to the guitar?

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Seven Tips for Learning the Ukulele

Being a beginner ukulele player can be a bit daunting. There aren’t many ukulele teachers out there, so it may be a little difficult for you to get started. But with these seven ukulele playing tips, you’ll be off to a sure footed start.

Tip One: Learn to Tune the Ukulele

It’s absolutely vital that you learn to tune your ukulele properly. Nothing will make you sound worse than being out of tune. It’s well worth practicing to get this right. There are a number of options for people who need help tuning their ukulele (digital tuners, pitch pipes, or just using your ears). Pick a method and use it until you’re confident that you can get in tune.

Tip Two: Buy a Good Quality Ukulele

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a ukulele, but it is worth spending a little more than the very cheapest models. Fifty to a hundred dollars will get you a ukulele that should stay in tune and not have too many intonation problems.

Tip Three: Hold the Ukulele Correctly

With the ukulele being so small, it’s vital that you don’t smother the sound of it by holding it too lightly. Try to hold the ukulele with as little of your body touching it as possible.

Tip Four: Learn Three Chords

You might be surprised to learn that there are a great many songs that only need three chords to play them. If you learn to play the chords C, F and G, then you’ll be able to play a great many songs.

Tip Five: Start Very Slowly

Practicing slowly really is the secret to becoming a good player and it’s vital to get into good habits from the very start. When you first start learning a piece, play it so slowly it’s impossible for you to make a mistake.

Tip Six: Set Yourself Goals

Keeping yourself motivated is vital in whatever musical instrument your play. Setting yourself a goal to work towards will ensure that your ukulele playing is always moving forward.

Tip Seven: Enjoy Playing

Nothing will bring your ukulele playing to an end faster than not enjoying it. Always have fun when you’re playing, find any way you can for practice not to end up being a chore.