this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2023
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I bought myself a ukulele because tiny and cheap and simple to learn… (Plus quiet enough for a shared wall.) Found tabs for at least a few songs that don’t suck (you know exactly what I’m talking about)… and have now stressed myself out of even trying. Haven’t even tuned it.
Why is my brain like this
Attempts to do anything positive only make the anxiety flames rise higher
Edit: It’s because the songs I like and think could work are actually awesome and despite tab sites having chords I do not think they can really be replicated on a plinker. I’m talking reggae, alternative country murder ballads, or more traditional Hawaiian styles.
For them you’d probably actually want a real guitar, a banjitar, a mandolin, or a Mexican jarana. They were not originally intended to be ukulele songs but I know myself better than to shell out on the commitment to a real instrument that would take up precious space and only end up in the cupboard of shame.
Unfortunately they’re likely a lot harder to learn than the typical cheerful cutesy crap that I really don’t want to play. I’ve said it before I’ll say it again - beginner songs on everything are demotivating because they suck arse. And I’m having trouble overcoming the ukulele’s ‘quirky’ image.
Also I have never done a stringed instrument before. As a kid I played keyboard
Let me give you some advice:
I've been playing for 20 odd years now. You've made some important steps today.
You have an instrument, a goal, and the information required to reach the goal.
That's a big deal!
My suggestion would be, instead of learning the chords, start slow with just learning the main note of each chord and play them one by one. Ie: if the progression is C major, D minor, E major, then just locate the C, D, and E notes and play along with the song.
It's a slow process, but it's incredibly fulfilling if you give yourself the space and patience to learn and most importantly, have fun!
I learned glycerine by bush and come as you are by Nirvana just single notes when I first started. It gave me the confidence and sense of accomplishment to continue.
If you need any help, or guidance, shoot me a message. Always happy to help someone with their musical journey 🙂
Heh, thanks. I think I’ve scared myself off already
Hey good on you for taking that first step! I was kind of thinking ukelele myself.. my kids had lessons at school, and I thought if they can teach kids in a public school setting to play a thing then why not have a crack myself! In the same spirit I had a go at recorder during lockdown, and it was fun and I sounded no worse than my kids anyway!
That’s what I’m trying to do, let myself be a beginner at things. It’s so hard
(I have an $8 recorder too)
As a keyboard kid who has a guitar and a ukulele, guitar is a LOT more rewarding because if anything you could just play the melody. Ukulele doesn't give you that range. Guitar sounds way better on its own too. Just playing a single chord or note and enjoying the vibration already feel nice. Can't really do that with a ukulele.
A ukulele is easier to hide when I inevitably fail 🤦