Ukulele Underground Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Easy Fixes vs Skills that Take Time | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #155 Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Different Types of Hand Pain, Fixes for Barre Chords, & Neapolitan Ice Cream

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/easy-fixes-vs-skills-that-take-time-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-155.168177/

What are the common problems that new players encounter which can be fixed fast vs the ones that will take time? But before The UU Beatles answer this question, they talk about the worst comic arcs to jump in the middle of. Mike discusses his experience teaching both a beginner class, and a class of mixed skill levels. He also shares his method for explaining and feeling swung rhythms. Aldrine answers how much ukuleles he owns, if some are easier to play, and what is his favorite one? The guys suggests what to do when someone starts to feel hand pain, and tips for holding the barre chord. They also answer how common is Low G, and explain/show what are the pros and cons of both High G and Low G Ukes. Like a Neapolitan Ice Cream, this week's podcast is quite the mashup of Flavors, Topics, and Opinions.

Practices ALL Chords, Uses ONE Shape 80% | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #154 Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

8-4-2-1 Exercise, History of Tuning, Songwriting Challenge #40 & A Rare Signed CDVideo Podcast & Timestamps:https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/practices-all-chords-uses-one-shape-80-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-154.168086/Why makes a Chord Shape the "Standard"? Why are Ukulele's tuned the way they are? Magic Mike is back on the podcast to help the guys answer these questions and more. The Crew offers advice on Chord Changes in American Pie, and how someone can practice "Tricky" changes. Mike gives a "brief" history on Equal Temperament and Instrument Tunings before the guys explain what makes some keys easier to play on different instruments. The next Songwriting Challenge is set, and there's a pretty Special PRIZE to go along with it. The podcast ends with Mike describing how he uses Aldrine to teach performing to his Students, and Aldrine reveals what his Walkout/Hype song is.

AHA Moments that Open Uke Doors | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #153 Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Evolution of Europa, Aldrine's Sharingan, Hidden Ukulele Monsters, & Settings for Amps Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/aha-moments-that-open-uke-doors-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-153.167993/

Hear about the "AHA Moments", The Big Epiphanies, The Breakthroughs that accelerated the UU Crews' musical growth. Aldrine starts off by giving 3 examples of mind expanding realizations. Kahai connects his AHA moment with a question from the audience about Inversions and Movable Chords. This leads to Aldrine explaining the history of his version of Europa, and the influences of two players in particular. Aldrine reveals how Jake Shimabukuro is truly a hidden Ukulele Monster, and what other Monsters Aldrine has had the opportunity to Jam and learn from. The podcast ends with Audience questions about Amp Settings and the general trend of increasing ukulele prices.

Recital Preparation & Tips | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #152 Jan 28, 2025

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Choosing what Ukulele to Perform with, Budget Conscious Brands, & Best Plastic Ukuleles Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/recital-preparation-tips-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-152.167896/ The AG Academy had it's Recital over the weekend, so Aldrine gives a recap of how his students performed, and tips for viewers who are preparing for a Recital or organizing their own Group Performances. UU Regular, Jim, asks how to choose the right Ukulele to perform with? Another viewer asks how do you know what fingers to use for different chords and different frets? The guys share what to look for if you want an Alternative to a K Brand ukulele without breaking the bank. They also share their opinions on Ukuleles made out of Plastic and other Synthetic Materials. At the end of the Podcast, the crew discusses the hype over the Low G Strings, and explain why they don't go to NAMM anymore.

Trolling Music Nerds: Sharp 1 | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #151 Jan 21, 2025

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Recreating Songs Quickly, Instrument Retirement, & Music Theory that Makes No Sense! Video Podcast: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/trolling-music-nerds-sharp-1-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-151.167784/ How do we go from a Sitcom Opening to Enraging Music Theory Nerds? Along the way, Aldrine answers how he's able to give efficient feedback, and recreate a song after only seeing/hearing it once. Someone asks when should you retire an instrument, and Mike gives some examples of musicians "Retiring" their instruments out of sentimentality. Aldrine and Aaron show their own battle worn ukuleles. The guys offer some playing advice and general tips for how to self diagnose your own playing roadblocks. The crew discuss the benefits of learning to play instruments in the modern age, and why a guitar player disguised as a ukulele teacher is a red flag. At the end of the podcast, Aldrine derails the show with a "Music Theory" question to intentionally rile up Theorist.

The 3 Levels of Entertainers | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #150 Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Performers vs Entertainers, Being a Part of the Joke, Learning from Comedians & Wrestlers

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/the-3-levels-of-entertainers-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-150.167692/ The guys are sharing their perspectives on what makes a good entertainer. They discuss the qualities that people may overlook when they want to perform. They also reflect on their own growth as performers and entertainers, and how you can see their evolution on this very podcast. The latter half of the podcast is spent answering questions about phrasing, what type of music Aldrine plays at home, posting songs online, and giving an updates on the Legendary Low G Strings. Listen the podcast, and come be a part of our very long Joke.

What Matters to Musicians? | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #149 Jan 07, 2025

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Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/what-matters-to-musicians-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-149.167604/ The 4 horsemen of UU are using their GUTS to make choices. Low G or High G? Soprano or Tenor? What makes a better instrument: Materials or Construction? What is more important: Note Choice or Rhythm? Find out what the guys chose, and what the live audience voted for. The crew also answers questions like how to know what songs work with Low G, how to practice Call and Responses, and why Ukuleles cost so much when they use less materials?

It Happened... AGAIN! | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #148 Dec 31, 2024

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Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/it-happened-again-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-148.167492/

"Good things do happen to bad people." Something incredible happened for the second time, but before this insane anomaly is discussed, the guys are talking about adding Extensions to passing solos, the secrets behind "Magic" Riffs, and how to get started with Open Tuning. The UU Crew also give examples of Ukulele Resolutions for the New Year, and what Aldrine learned from having Abe Lagrimas Jr. as his teacher. What a way to end the year, huh? Thank you to everyone who tuned in and enjoyed the podcast. We'll see you in 2025!

Jazz is the Stinky Cheese of Music! | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #147 Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/%F0%9F%8E%84jazz-is-the-stinky-cheese-of-music-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-147%F0%9F%8E%81.167428/

We're all over the place on this week's podcast. Mike is back, and the guys try answering how much riffing is prepared vs off the top of the dome. Aldrine equates riffs to catchphrases and new vocabulary to try out in sentences. Mike give a brief history lesson of riffing, and explains the different levels of difficulty of riffs/improvising. A UUer asks the guys what they think about the origin of Mele Kalikimaka which leads the crew to discuss the perception of Hawaii in the 20's, and stereotypes people have about music from different cultures. Someone else ask how much songs you should know to perform while another member asks if using Tabs is a crutch? It's a grab bag of tangents and references.

You DON'T Suck at IMPROV! | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #146 Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/you-dont-suck-at-improv-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-146.167349/

It's only Aldrine and Kahai this week. The guys start off this different feeling podcast by explaining what people should do to prep Gift Ukuleles, so they're ready to be played? They also talk about other things to consider when gifting an ukulele, and the songs that newbies can start with. A question about Favorite Ukulele Websites leads to a discussion about Social Media, and the dream of Raising Chickens. Aldrine answers a question about using all vs some of your fingers for fingerpicking before opening a gift from "Sarah and Craig". When someone asks for a tutorial to the Europa improv, Aldrine and Kahai share their thoughts on how to learn improvising, and why you should stay positive on your music journey. The podcast ends talking about the new Solo and Play Along, and reminding people to get the Holiday Sweater while they can.

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