Beginner - holding the ukulele

You might be tempted to hold the ukulele like a guitar - but this is a different instrument!

How to Hold the Ukulele

As opposed to guitars which have straps for easier holding, the ukulele is so small that it doesn't need a strap.

Hold the ukulele high up on your body, around the chest area. The body of the ukulele should be cradled in your right arm, with your right hand extended for strumming/picking. Strumming should be over the area right at the end of the neck - not over the hole. Your left hand is the fretting hand, responsible for pushing down the strings on the fretboard at various positions. Be careful not to hold it too tightly, or you will smother the tone.

If you are a lefty, swap the words right and left in this article, and you're all set to go.