Ukulele Magazine

12/11/2025

Some musicians move fluidly between instruments, content to play whatever happens to be in their hands that night. Others are deeply committed to a single instrument, returning to it night after night, year after year—imagine Willie Nelson without his guitar, Trigger! In the ukulele world, Del Rey exemplifies the latter: inseparable from her Ron Phillips resonator ukulele—a polished silver musical cannon that fires off blues, rags, and obscure strands of American pop. Aaron Keim recently performed some maintenance on this instrument, which led to conversations with both Del Rey and Phillips. What emerged was a compelling sense that the relationship between builder, player, and repertoire forms a uniquely powerful and enduring bond.

Explore how the relationship between builder, player, and repertoire forms a uniquely powerful and enduring bond.

12/04/2025

Daniel Ward shows you what the harmonic minor is, where it came from, and why it creates such a distinctive sound—then puts it all together in a Spanish-style etude for ukulele.

Learn what the harmonic minor is, where it came from, and why it creates such a distinctive sound—then put it all together in a Spanish-style etude.

12/04/2025

From our friends at Holly's Ukulele Method:

FREE UKULELE HOLIDAY SHEET MUSIC FROM HOLLY’S UKULELE METHOD™!
Learn “O come, O come, Immanuel!” with Holly’s fingerstyle arrangement.
Visit: www.hollyukulele.com/learn-o-come-o-come-immanuel

11/28/2025

In Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol', Ebenezer Scrooge hears someone singing this song, picks up a ruler, and threatens to hit the stranger if he does not stop immediately. Most listeners are much more appreciative of this traditional carol, thought to go back as far as the 16th century.

Here you’ll find everything you need to learn to play “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” including lyrics, chords, notation, and TAB.

With a little practice, you should soon be entertaining your friends and loved ones with this holiday favorite!

11/26/2025

Okay uke fans, here’s a little pop quiz: Back in the early 1900s, what did ukuleles have in common with tennis rackets?

Okay uke fans, here’s a little pop quiz: Back in the early 1900s, what did ukuleles have in common with tennis rackets?

11/21/2025

From our friends at Kala Brand Music:

We’re thrilled to introduce the all-new Kala Light Tone Color-Changing Soprano Ukulele — Available Now!
With a rechargeable battery and 10 LED modes, every strum is transformed into a dazzling light show! It’s the ultimate way to add unexpected flair to your holiday moments, or give a unique gift sure to make their day!
Light up your sound. Order yours at kalabrand.com/lighttone

11/20/2025

Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are an organized duo who have been music teachers and performers since the 1970s. One of their many ukulele-focused endeavors, in addition to contributing to this magazine, is the annual Strathmore UkeFest in North Bethesda, Maryland, which saw its 17th annual gathering in August. The five-day event sold out again this year, with 160 students taking the plunge to immerse themselves in four-string master classes. This festival is not only a celebration of the instrument, but a way to seriously improve one’s ukulele chops in a short amount of time.

This festival is not only a celebration of the instrument, but a way to seriously improve one’s ukulele chops in a short amount of time.

11/01/2025

You know Jim D'Ville from the pages of Ukulele magazine, and beyond! This wonderful writer, teacher, musician, and friend could use our help:

If you play the ukulele, chances are you’ve been touched in some way by the gener… Gracie Terzian needs your support for Help Jim D'Ville Get Back on the Road

10/28/2025

Reading through all 49 previous issues of Ukulele in preparation for this special publication, I noticed a wealth of playing tips in the interviews with artists. Often they were tucked away in the answer to an unrelated question, or part of a tangent that led to a more conversational moment. The more I read, the more I felt that seeing these nuggets together in one place would be really useful for ukulele players of a variety of skill levels—not to mention teachers looking to pass along helpful tips to their students.

Explore a wealth of advice and playing tips from uke artists and teachers.

10/26/2025

Learn a Hawaiian Classic; now with video!

This story originally appeared in the Winter 2017 issue of Ukulele magazine. It has been updated with new video accompaniment featuring Christopher Davis-Shannon added in 2025.

This transcription is good introduction for players wanting to learn classic 1920s-style strumming and picking

10/17/2025

From our friends at Kala Brand Music:

Best Value of the Year — Kala Fall Warehouse Sale
We’re clearing out inventory to make room for the holidays with rock-bottom prices on select models, closeout deals, and factory seconds—up to 40% off! Some of the lowest prices you’ll see all year, perfect for early holiday gifting or adding a new uke to your collection. Limited quantities available. Shop now at kalabrand.com/collections/warehouse-sale

10/16/2025

Two chances to win this Martin Guitar Uke Bundle! Get ready to strum in style with this all-in-one ukulele package! Includes the beautifully crafted Martin 0XK Concert Ukulele and 2 Years of Backstage All Access Membership, Premium Polygut® Strings (developed with Aquila), custom ukulele picks, a handmade Souldier strap, and a clip-on tuner. Enter now:

2 CHANCES TO WIN THIS MARTIN UKE BUNDLE! Get ready to strum in style with this all-in-one ukulele package! Alongside the beautifully crafted Martin 0XK Concert Ukulele and 2 Years of Backstage All …