VeggieLover

My uncle just bought me a ukulele, made by Harmony, and apparently from the sixtys. I've been practicing every spare moment I have, but I have a few questions.
The instrument itself is old, but the nylon strings are probably new, and I'm having a hell of a time keeping the thing in tune. I know it takes time to "break in" new strings, but the first string seems to go flat more often than the others. is there anything i can do to speed up the process or to fix this problem?
Also, I can't find agreeing sources as to what the standard tuning is for a Ukulele. Right now i think it's in D, which is what the little paper that came with it recomends, but I'll be taking it to an open mic next week (just to jam around and show it off mostly lol) and i want to be able to play with some ppl, what is the key most likely to fit with other instruments?
I know about 4 chords (don't know which ones really, especially with the discrepancy above) and I've been playing around with my own song, nothing special but fun for me to play. Does anyone know of a site that would help me learn a bit faster?

Thanks, I'm kind of obsessed with my little instrument, and I'd like to talk with anyone else who plays

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ansam

Did you check that the tuning key for that string hasn't gotten loose?

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VeggieLover

no, i haven't, I barely know what that means...I'll have my step-dad check for me, thanks.

__________________
"Not remotely! Because iocaine comes from Australia, as everyone knows. And Australia is entirely peopled with criminals. And criminals are used to having people not trust them as you are not trusted by me, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you."

Farfisa

Well, for your "staying in tune" problem it depends on how you string it and what strings you are using. I can tell you right now when I first got my uke it took about a week for the strings to break in and stay in tune. I'd get some good quality strings before trying to replace the tuning keys though, if it takes longer then that I suppose.

Neapolitan

Tuning a Ukelele has two problems the tuning pegs (that depends on quality of your instrument) and then the strings. Pinching each of the strings with your index finger and thumb from the nut to the bridge helps stretch out nylons strings, that is what I do for my classical guitar.
most Ukeleles are tuned like the top four strings of a guitar thats capo-ed at the fifth fret but with the top string pitched an octave higher. GCEA

As for a site I hope you like The Beatles
click:Ukulele Beatles Fun! (Self-improvement for free)

good luck!

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VeggieLover

lol i love the beatles. Thank you so much!

__________________
"Not remotely! Because iocaine comes from Australia, as everyone knows. And Australia is entirely peopled with criminals. And criminals are used to having people not trust them as you are not trusted by me, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you."

Neapolitan

well, you are welcome too so much!

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bazmaz

Harmony ukes are very nice instruments. If the strings are old, you would do well to invest in a new set (a few bucks)

As a beginner, you will find loads of answers to the obvious questions that crop up on my blog (google - Got A Ukulele)

Go up to the top and click on the Beginners Guides section

Good luck, and any questions, get in touch through the blog