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.

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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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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://www.kanekoasounds.com/
• Fender Smolder pedal: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/enEo4j (affiliate link)

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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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 ukulele player!

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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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 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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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 restringing video: https://youtu.be/x7G74Gyj57Y?si=WFVgAhbNRujcuPc1
• 
  

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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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.com/
• Marc's Bandcamp: https://marcgallaghermusic.bandcamp.com/

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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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=0dqEiHg2Fm0
• Moises.ai: https://moises.ai/

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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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 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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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 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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

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 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 lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
•  Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/