Not at all! Most groups like ours use easy-to-follow chord charts and song sheets, so you can strum along and sing without reading traditional music notation.

TCUC jams often use song sheets that feature the Nashville Numbering System (NNS). NNS may sound complicated, but it really isn't. It's a simple way to describe chords using numbers instead of chord names. For a deeper dive, check out this great resource.

• Buy a good ukulele. You don’t need an expensive one, but make sure it stays in tune and feels comfortable in your hands.
• Straps are your friend. Although not necessary, traditional straps hold up the ukulele's headstock, freeing your chording hand for easy movement across the fretboard.
• Start simple. Learn a few basic chords first—C, G, F, Am—and you’ll be playing songs in no time.
• Slow = fast. Practice changing chords cleanly, not quickly. By taking it slow, you'll focus on accuracy, and your speed will come naturally.
• Practice a little, often. Even 10 minutes a day adds up—and keeps the fingers nimble!
• Play songs you love. Pick tunes that make you smile; that’s what keeps you strumming.
• Laugh at mistakes. Every missed chord is part of the learning—and part of the fun.
• Join a jam. Playing with others will improve your skills and boost your confidence.
• Be patient with yourself. Progress takes time, and everyone’s musical journey is different.
• Celebrate small wins. Every new chord, song, or jam moment is worth applause.

• Under $60–$80: Flight Travel and Flight Ultra Travel ukuleles
• $65–$100: Enya Nova U
• $200–$250: Outdoor Ukuleles
• $250 and up: Magic Flea Ukuleles

Buy from a reputable dealer. They ensure good quality, may perform setups, and can help you choose a uke that plays well right out of the box. Here are some of our favorites:

• The Ukulele Site
• Elderly Music
• Mim's Ukes
• Aloha City Ukes
• UKE Republic
• The World of Ukes (in the UK)*
• The Southern Ukulele Store (in the UK)*

*These retailers ship to the USA

Ukuleles come in three standard sizes: soprano, concert, and tenor. Each has a slightly different feel and sound. Sopranos have a bright, traditional uke sound; tenors offer deeper, fuller tones; and concerts fall somewhere in between. None is “better” than the others—it really comes down to the sound you like and what feels comfortable in your hands.

Standard ukulele tuning is gCEA (high G, lowercase g). Some ukuleles use GCEA (low G, uppercase G), which gives a slightly deeper sound and a wider range for picking melodies. Both are perfectly acceptable!

If you’re just starting out on the uke, here are a few instructors we love for their clear, beginner-friendly approach:

• Bernadette Plazola
• Cynthia Lin
• Lil Rev
• Matt Stead
• Stu Fuchs

Looking to take your playing to the next level? See our full list of Recommended Instructors.

The internet is packed with great ukulele resources. Here are a few our members often recommend:

• Jim's Ukulele Song Book (OzBcoz)
• UkeBuddy
• UkeTabs
• Ukulele Underground
• Ultimate Guitar
• Got A Ukulele

TCUC is a social group run by volunteers, and there’s no membership fee. From time to time, we may ask for contributions to help cover operating costs, like website hosting or special events. Participation is always welcome, with no obligation to contribute.

The Twin Cities Ukulele Club is run entirely by dedicated volunteers who organize jams, gigs, events, and resources for our community. If you’d like to meet the folks who keep TCUC running—and see our thanks to those who’ve contributed along the way—visit our Behind the Scenes page.

Address: Twin Cities Ukulele Club, 

7440 Girard Avenue South, 

Richfield, MN 55423

Email: tcucinfo@gmail.com