Hello from the UK

enjohn

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Feb 18, 2021
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Northamptonshire United Kingdom
Hi everyone. Just joined the group as I have rekindled my interest in playing again so now I'm in search of refresher lessons! Unfortunately, arthritis in my hands, particularly my 'chord hand', is causing me a few problems at the moment! Looking forward to following the community.
 
Welcome to UU, enjohn!

You can take a look on YouTube to get back in the swing of things. Depending on where you live there might be a uke group around. They might currently be doing Zoom meetings only, but eventually meetings in pubs or community centres will resume. If you mail a local group, they might also be able to point you in the direction of a local teacher.
You could also sign up for lessons in various formats online, and most will offer free sample lessons.

James Hill has several courses (https://www.uketropolis.com/theukuleleway)

Rock class 101 https://rockclass101.com/

Ukulele Underground + https://ukuleleunderground.com/course-level/beginner/
 
Welcome to UU, enjohn!

You can take a look on YouTube to get back in the swing of things. Depending on where you live there might be a uke group around. They might currently be doing Zoom meetings only, but eventually meetings in pubs or community centres will resume. If you mail a local group, they might also be able to point you in the direction of a local teacher.
You could also sign up for lessons in various formats online, and most will offer free sample lessons.

James Hill has several courses (https://www.uketropolis.com/theukuleleway)

Rock class 101 https://rockclass101.com/

Ukulele Underground + https://ukuleleunderground.com/course-level/beginner/

Thank you for your welcome message and the YouTube links.
 
Welcome enjohn and a big hello from Chicago IL, USA!
I have found that playing ukulele/guitar helps keep my fingers moving despite my arthritis in my hands.
It seems when I take a few days off is when they get hard to move again.
 
Hi Enjohn, Welcome to the Forum!

I have arthritis in my hands as well. Some days are better than others. Right now I manage an hour before I have to quit.

Stretches before you play help. Lots of videos online showing how to do them.

A luthier or a guitar repair tech can lower the action on your uke to make it easier to fret chords and notes. Some ukes require only a soft touch to play if the action is right. You may throw off the intonation up the neck, or get a little buzz if the strings are too low. But the trade off is worth it to me.

You can get bendy fluorocarbon strings for your uke that are easier on the fingers than Nylon strings. I think Fremont BlackLines are some of the Kindest to my hands.

Some people have great success with CMB Oil or Diclofenac Gel (Voltaran) on their hands for treating the pain before or after playing.

Best of luck.
 
Hi Joe T thanks for the welcome. Unfortunately, I've had a few years off, so a lot to do!
I'm thinking about getting a strap so that I only have to concentrate on the chords, and not the grip, so much. A bit of a minefield as to the best to go for and the fixings - research underway!
 
Hi Kenn2018, thanks for the welcome and the advice. A lot of useful information I can investigate, particularly lowering the action.
I am also looking to try a strap to see if that helps, just need to do some more research on that, though. I have tried various gels, without much success. Since reading your post, I have also found some YouTube tutorials that deal with finger exercises. Thanks for help help.
 
Most welcome here. Hope your enthusiasm will help from the odds. Wish you all luck.
 
Hi. You may already know this, but Northampton has an active ukulele group

https://thenugs.co.uk/

and if you live near the border with Leicestershire there is also the Harborough Ukulele group (I am am member)

https://www.mhug.co.uk/

Hopefully the day that both can start to meet in person again is not too far off now
 
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