No uke got mail today. But if you live in California and around the area, check out Aldrine’s show or seminar. Check out these videos and see if he’s coming to an area near you. Also check out this THREAD for more details.

Bay Area
 

Huntington Beach

San Diego

Hope you guys have an awesome weekend! Stay uke and classy.

-UU Staff

Connect with ukulele players and discuss this episode HERE.

Hey Undergroundlings! Have you ever wondered, how the heck do people read tabs? In this episode, the one and only Dominator (of Dominator’s Uke Tabs) stops by and explains the basics of reading ukulele tabs! How convenient!

As Dom explains:
1. To orient yourself, it may help to draw the headstock on the left side of the tab, and the body (facing you) on the right side of the tab. This way you can see that the top line is the A string (bottom string on your uke), the second to the top line is the E string, the second from the bottom line is the C string, and the bottom line in a tab is the G string (top string of your uke).
2. A number on a specific line corresponds to a fret on a specific string. So if a number 4 appears on the top line, you would play the fourth fret on the A (bottom string) of you ukulele.
3. Numbers that are stacked on top of each other (or in the same vertical line) are to be played or strummed at the same time. Numbers that are staggered are to be played one at a time from left to right.

There are many more notations that go along with tabs (ex. hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, etc.) but we’ll save these for another episode. If you’re excited and want to learn the ins and outs of reading ukulele tabs right now, just log into the UU Forum and click on the “Tabs” section. And for more awesome tabs of great ukulele songs, check out Dominator’s site: Dominator Ukulele Tabs.

AND if you haven’t ordered your ukulele-related paraphernalia from the Ukulele Underground Store yet, go on and click! Lock them in and get them shipped in time for the gift giving!

Have fun, keep strumming, and stay safe this holiday season! Spread the joy of music wherever you go and the world will definitely be a better place.

Aloha,
-UU Staff

That’s right – April is the month we show even more love to the people of the Underground by giving away another (this time, even nicer) Free Ukulele!! It’s the “Oh, The Places Uke Will Go!” video contest, sponsored by KALA Ukuleles!

Here’s what you need to do:
1. Make a video of yourself and your ukulele in front of a landmark. Hometown, state, national, whatever. Basically anyplace that ukes can go.
2. Say your name (or screen name) and tell your viewers that you’re from the Ukulele Underground. Something like, “Hi, my name is BlahBlah_653 and I’m a part of the Ukulele Underground!! Stay tuned, because we’re about to change the world.” Or something to that effect.
3. Tag your video with the phrase “Ukulele Underground”
4. Submit it to the Official Contest Thread.

Done.

If you can’t get a hold of a camcorder, just find a good landmark and take a picture of yourself and your uke in front of it. Add your caption and tag it up with the info above and post it in the Contest thread.

We’ll be accepting only one entry per person – so make yours the best it can be! We’ll announce the winner at the end of April. Good Luck!!

*Oh yeah, if you would like to see the Ukulele that we’re giving away, it’s actually the very same model that Ukulele_Junkie reviewed a few weeks ago (plus a case!). Click HERE to see his video review.

View Contest Entries here

Brought to you by Kala Ukuleles

In this episode of Uke Minutes, Aldrine gives a few fun facts about the origin of the ‘ukulele; its name, where it came from, and the ancestor instruments it was modeled after. For a much more comprehensive history of this marvelous little instrument, check out the following web-tastic presentations:

History of the ‘Ukulele (UGH)
Over a Century of Ukulele History (Bounty)

How To String your Ukulele

So, you need to string your ukulele? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here we’ll help guide you through all the steps to replace your old, dead strings with some brand spankin’ new nylons …

Check out our video tutorial for all the same content, no reading required.

What you need:
1. a NEW set of strings.
2. a pair of string / wire cutters
3. about 20 minutes of your time

You should also determine whether your ukulele has a standard or tie-bar bridge and whether it has a standard or slotted head (see video) prior to starting your string-changing experience.

Read more

Humidity. It’s not something that tends to loom at the forefront of your mind, in regards to ukulele – especially when you’re rippin’ it up hardcore or kickin a smooth, tasty lick on your most prized wooden possession. And because historically, the instrument has tended to inhabit coastal or near-coastal-lying areas, the idea of even needing a humidifier on the inside of one’s ukulele case is often dangerously overlooked.

Today, with the help and support of international shipping and widespread exposure due to the internet, ukuleles have migrated to practically every inhabitable space on the globe. Unfortunately, many of those places often times experience relative humidity below the optimal 47%.

Right Now: Go to your favorite weather-information-providing-website now and check your city’s current relative humidity.

If it’s within the 35-45% range or lower – and you don’t have a humidifier in your ukulele case – you’re absolutely FU**- … um, DOOMED.

Just playin’. If you do, however, find yourself in the above-said arid state of doomed-ness, you should definitely take certain immediate actions:

Read more

Looking for an ukulele?

-Yes! What kind should I get? What is the difference between the sizes? Do they sound that much different? Which is the best for me? Ahhh! I have so many questions!

Relax. In time, we’ll break down everything for you … but first, SIZES:

Read more

Um, ok … go for it … yeah, hit the lights … no the other one … yeah, HIT IT!

Ahhh, yes people. FINALLY! Do you smell that? That there is the sweet smell of the underground wafting through your nose holes. Welcome one and all to UKULELE UNDERGROUND – The one-stop online location to soothe that aching ukulele addiction.

With New Ukulele Lessons each month, “Uke Minutes” technical tips, Live internet performances and broadcasts, Reviews, Live lessons, and more to come – go ahead, try out your new dancing feet, and check back often. We’re only getting started.

We’re glad you found us. Welcome to the Underground.

-UU Staff