Hello from Baltimore (bawlmer)

Howdy everyone, my name is Bob from Baltimore. If you have any questions about western boots or hats, just ask me. I knew quite a bit about the industry from every perspective.

I bought my first Ukulele from the richest man in the world about 4 years ago. It sat in its bag for a long time while I worked too hard. Forced into retirement in October of 2019 (I am now my father's caregiver. He has slight dementia that worsens every day), I had time and inclination to start learning. Now I'm at the point where I can make any chord change that I want, at any time I want, which is totally unrelated to making the correct chord changes at the correct time. I'll get to the point where I can make the changes the songwriter wanted at the time the rest of the band makes those changes, but I'm not there yet.

I grew up playing trumpet from age 7 to 14 from Mr. Wiseman. I truly believe he hated kids, but maybe it was just me and my sisters. But I do thank him for teaching me to read music. I became proficient, made all-county, but was very very mechanical. I quit playing about the time of motorcycles and girls. I picked trumpet because it only has 3 valves. Maybe I got a uke for the same reason, I don't know, but I'm glad I did.
I will have questions for this site, like the D7 -- why teach us a method to play a chord that doesn't even have a D in it??? Especially when a true D7 is so easy to play. And do I really need to learn these weird chords? How often will I play an F#m? I will have questions because I need to know the 'why' of it, whenever possible.

So far this site has been more than fantastic. Not just because I bought a Martin S1 here, but because of the support I've seen others get. It reminds me greatly of usenet groups from back in the day.

Current inventory:
Soprano -- Martin S1
Concert -- my first: Donner DUC-1 (terrible frets. plays great except for barre chords), Lanikai travel uke ( I keep this in the barn and play while dad naps), Cocobola Long Neck Concert, Low G (phenomenal build and sound) I would love a baritone from them.
Tenor -- Revolution of Austin wood resonator (I am so confused)
Baritone -- Cordoba 21b - Basic but I really like the DGBE tuning. I just don't know what the difference is between this and a tenor guitar.
Other -- Erlewine Chiquita, George Strait Autographed cheap acoustic, Martin LX1, Coronet, Trumpet, Accordion. I can't play the guitars, or accordion. Yet. But they look good.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate this site quite a bit.

Great introduction imazappafan. Welcome and a big hello from Chicago!

Hi Imazappafan. Welcome to the UU Forum. I find this time of year we have to beware of the yellow snow.

I understand your situation somewhat. I had to care for my mother who had Alzheimer's and the ravages of mini strokes. My father was in hospice care at the time.

It's a rough time. I'm also sure your father appreciates you being there with him. Even if he can't express it. Music is often a way to communicate. Especially the music they enjoyed growing up. And their early adulthood.

Ukuleles are amazingly versatile. And some day, I'll be able to take full advantage. I think you are well on your way. Enjoy.

Welcome to UU, Imazappafan!
The ukulele is an incredible instrument. It helps you learn new things, it facilitates entertaining people around you, it will help relax you, you can socialise with the rest of the band, etc.
Don't fret about those weird chords. Learn them as you go along and learn a new song that asks for them. It's not about the name of that chord. You will come across other chord names with different names in different contexts. So, learn them in context.

Welcome Imazappafan!

Welcome, Bob! Good to have you here.