The Live Ukulele Podcast

Practicing ʻukulele is the most critical part of playing to get right. All of your work here compounds into your skills. Just practicing any ol' way can work, but you're often leaving progress on the table. Here are some actionable tips to help you improve your productivity in the woodshed and get more musical skill along with your ʻukulele chops. Support the show Join my newsletter! It&...

In this episode I talk to Maui's own, Vince Esquire! He's one of the most original-sounding ukulele players you'll run across and he lends his shredding skills to an all-ukulele band, Kanekoa. We chat about learning on tour with big name artists, the hustle of music, and playing soulful ukulele. Funkulele album: https://open.spotify.com/album/1biKk7u5cw3p5AfhdSWv1J Kanekoa: https://...

These things make me want to pull my hair out! Let's explore them together and learn what *not* to do to become better, more insightful ukulele players.  Whether letting your ego get out of control, playing over the top of everything, over-shyness, staying glued to your sheet music, or asking too many questions, these things are some of the top ways to become the world's most annoying uk...

In this episode I chat with Jessica Maeve, a singer, songwriter, and ukulele player hard at work forging a path in music. Our conversation takes us from singing tips to gigging with the ukulele as a main instrument where it's not expected. Jessica's website: https://www.jessicamaeve.com/ Jessica's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/06LzkhEMItktSTIvLkzYxI Support the show Join...

This episode is inspired by my old car that just keeps going. With some DIY adjustments, you can get the very best out of even a crappy ukulele. I discuss changing strings, adjusting the saddle height, and adjusting the nut height, along with a couple other little tips. Tie bridge/slot headstock restringing video : https://youtu.be/mUbvUMxhSEA?si=Veid7MXceNJFgHpj Thru-bridge/normal peg headstock r...

In this episode I chat with Marc Gallagher in the UK about writing songs on the ukulele, teaching kids, and how being honest and open is necessary and important, even if it sometimes gets you in trouble. He's a real deal working musician who's transparent perspective is refreshing. I very much enjoyed this interview and hope you do too. Marc's website: https://www.marcgallaghermusic...

Welcome to 2026! In this episode I share some insight on how playing simple things one way or another drastically changes the sound of the music. We'll listen to some practical examples so you can start hearing the possibilities in your own playing. TOOL in Honolulu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmrRkcuhPJk "Black Hole Sun" baritone playthru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dqEi...

In this season finale episode I share some updates about my work and a realization about character in ukulele styles. Become a member: https://liveukulele.com/register/member/ Step By Step: Single String Picking (GCEA & DGBE versions): https://liveukulele.com/store/step-by-step-picking/ Support the show Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons an...

Maia is an instrumental ukulele virtuoso from Oʻahu who accompanies her playing with a wonder singing voice! She DJs dance parties and incorporates the uke into EDM genres. In this episode we chat about artistry and forging a fresh path. This interview is from earlier in the year. Check out @maiashizue for the latest on Maia's journey! Support the show Join my newsletter! It's free and I...

In this episode I sit down with Dizzi Diamond to talk about music, freestyling, beauty, and her 8-string baritone ukulele. Dizzi's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DizziDiamond1212 Brad @ Slack Key Show: https://www.showclix.com/event/brad-kevin-shem-sept10-2025 "Pandanus" baritone TAB: https://liveukulele.gumroad.com/l/mbuiwv Support the show Join my newsletter! It's free and...

Join me for some thoughts on ukulele week and how the uke isn't Portuguese, what it's like to have nervous students, and why "perfect" kinda sucks. Step By Step picking ebook: https://liveukulele.com/store/step-by-step-picking/ Dagan & Da Kine Sound: https://www.instagram.com/da_kine_sound/ Kingside: https://www.youtube.com/@Kingside808 Private lessons with Brad: https://li...

A quick reflection on dancing around the other musicians you play with. Push, pull, be dynamic! Support the show Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/ Support the podcast: Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5 Buy video less...

Here's the conversation with one of my main mentors that we're all been waiting for! Truly just scratching the surface of the stories this amazing man can tell from his life. If you enjoy Uncle's stories, check out his hilarious books, A Hawaiian Life and A Hawaiian Life Vol. 2 . Uncle George's website: https://kahumoku.com/ Slack Key Show website: https://slackkeyshow.com/ The...

In this episode I talk to next-generation slack key/ukulele player, Keʻala Lindsey, about learning by osmosis, Hawaiian immersion, and songs that don't land well with local boys. Keʻala's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ke.alamokihana/ Support the show Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://...

This episode throws back to season 2, episode 14 when I talked to my friend, Isaac Wang, about the beginning of our music careers and the website. I also share an update on the George Kahumoku Slack Key & Ukulele Workshop. Support the show Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/...

Pronouncing the Hawaiian language correctly is one of the many important ways foreigners should respect the people, place, and culture of Hawaiʻi. In this episode, I walk through the basic pronunciation of Reverend Dennis Kamakahi's classic song, "Kōkeʻe." Follow along with the words here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XsKAZqHEMVpDwDKFnSXGCxOFxJEwqwIb/view This Kani Ka Pila Class...

Many people get caught up in the latest ukulele technique or strum they're learning and automatically add it to every song. This is a surefire way to make every song boring and cliche. It's important to step back and observe the overall effect of your musical choices as a critical listener.  In this episode I share some thoughts on looking past your ego to serve music in the best way pos...

Singing is a wonderful way to accompany your ukulele playing. Anyone can use it to create more diverse arrangements and connect better to the expression of their music. In this episode I sit down with my friend, Joey Bradley, for a discussion and lesson on singing. Joey is a great singer and shares some tips that benefit all of us ukulele players who are less comfortable with our voices.  I sing o...

Working musicians are often around loud sounds. Ukulele players not so much, but it can still have an impact on your hearing. In this episode I discuss some areas that I try to be cautious and provide some tips for saving your hearing. Kingside: https://kingside808.com/ Andrew Talks to Awesome People hearing panel: https://www.youtube.com/live/KTJKsskbTxQ?si=sypX1ZYHpx8EA2UV Support the show Join...

In this rebroadcast of one of my favorite podcast interviews, I speak to songwriter and baritone uke rhythm whiz, Kelly Hyde. Kelly's site: https://www.kellyhydemusic.com/ Kelly's music on Bandcamp: https://kellyhyde.bandcamp.com/ Plug In ebook: https://liveukulele.com/store/plug-in/ Support the show Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons...

This episode celebrates the launch of my new ebook, Plug In! It's all about choosing the right gear and getting the settings right so you get the best sound out of your ukulele pickup. I share some stories from my evolution of understanding live sound and some of the best bloopers. Learn more about Plug In: https://liveukulele.com/store/plug-in/ Hualalai: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1213820/ep...

This month's guest runs one of the most well-regarded online ukulele shops in the USA. Mim has been a longtime proponent of providing a setup for every instrument sold. In this episode we peek behind the veil of the ukulele selling business and find out why she brings a fret-rocker to NAMM! https://mimsukes.com/ Fretboard Mastery For Uke mini-series: https://liveukulele.com/register/fretboard...

We often get over-determined to practice and play something. When is a good time to let go? In this episode I try to answer the question: when should I give up on a chord, song, or technique? Live Ukulele store: https://liveukulele.com/store/ Ukulele Story by Herb Ohta, Jr.: https://www.herbohtajr.com/index/merchandise/recordings/ukulele_story.php Support the show Join my newsletter! It's fre...

Victoria aka Jiggy with Viggy joins the podcast for a fun exploration of arranging songs for ukulele, what it's like to be a big deal on social media, and how "Vicky" became "Viggy"! Jiggy with Viggy: https://jiggywithviggy.com/ @jiggywithviggy Viggy's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jiggywithviggy -Jake Shimabukuro "Eleanor Rigby": https://www.youtube.com/...

Welcome to the first episode of season 6 of the Live Ukulele Podcast! This week I share some updates and dig into the concept of "killing your babies," letting go of things that are holding you back in your music. - Changelog: https://liveukulele.com/updates/ - Baritone learning philosophy: https://liveukulele.com/baritone/learning-philosophy/ Support the show Join my newsletter! It&apos...