The book I wrote, Ukulele for Dummies is out now in the US and in Canada. You can find full details of what’s in the book here but if you’ve got any questions, ask away in the comments or by email. It’s been out in the UK for just over a month and has been […]

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black (Chords) She might not have been much of a uker, but she could certainly write a tune. The chords for this one are pretty straight forward, but it’s worth switching it up a bit with these inversions. Suggested Strumming You can mimic the guitar by strumming down on the […]

There’s a new Shiny and the Spoon album on the horizon (sign up for their mailing list to be alerted when it’s out). It features their hit cover of Take On Me, and Black Nag from Uke Hunt Podcast #8. I also threw a few questions in Amber Nash’s face: What can we expect from […]

I’m looking forward to getting my hands on Givers’ new album. Two videos from them including the final song from their NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Also up: Arborea, Paula Fuga, The Gregory Brothers (aka Schmoyoho/Auto-Tune the News/Songify This) at Vidcon and more.

Great news: musicguymic is on the mend and back selling ukuleles. But not on eBay. You can only buy if you contact him directly. Ukulele auction in New Zealand with ukes signed/decorated by Rhys Darby, Katy Perry, All Blacks captains and others. Michihiro Matsuda’s experimental ukulele on Fretboard Journal. Cyclops dobro ukulele Photos: Ukulele clown, […]

Podcasts: Jessica ‘Miss Jess‘ Graves spanks the dirty blues on the Bedpost Confessional (not suitable for minors – and anyone who can’t handle awesome-overload). Kate Micucci discuss her life, career and how her acting teacher told her to never play ukulele in public on Riki Lindhome’s podcast. In the Studio talk ukuleles with, Corktown Ukulele […]

I’m taking a couple of weeks off the blog. I’ll be back on 5th August with plenty of new stuff.

So much good stuff this week. I had to cut out some stuff I really like. Including the new Amanda Palmer video. Those that did make it include some summery, laid-back tunes from Leftover Cuties, Lemoskine and Nicholas Abersold along with Pops Bayless, Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer and plenty more.

The ukulele often gets lumbered with the ‘novelty instrument’ tag. Obviously unfair. But there are some ukuleles that are asking for it. There have been quite a few trends in ukuleles of dubious usefulness (cutaways, slotted headstocks, oddly-placed soundholes), but these five stick in my mind. Feel free to leave your nominations in the comments. […]

If anyone suggests to you that ukuleles aren’t sexy, send them Ramon Novarro’s ukulele seduction (via Ukulele Porn) from the equally steamy film The Pagan. Pictures: Uke, I am your father (via @mytvisevil), Chameleon Ukulele (via ukuleles.tumblr.com. Two ukulele playing ducks: this one who is adorable. And this one who is a badass mother funker. […]