14 Years of Memories & Finding Your PeopleVideo Podcast: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/the-last-ukulele-underground-podcast-the-uu-podcast-165.169256/

For the last Ukulele Underground Podcast, the UU Crew are taking a walk down Memory Lane. They reminisce from when Kahai first joined UU to their more recent Favorite Memories from the Podcast and Jams. Kahai ask what Takeaways Aldrine and Aaron have from UU, and shares his own learned lesson. The guys discuss the things that made them a great team (and some things that made them butt heads). They talk about the friends they were able to make, and how nice it is to find "Your People". At the end of the Podcast, Viewers share their own Favorite Moments. Thank you to everyone who watched, listened, sent in questions, or was a part of the podcast.

Kauai Festivals, Proper Standing Form & Capo Intonation TroublesVideo Podcast: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/do-you-even-need-the-thumb-the-uu-podcast-164.169140/

This Week, we're getting a recap of some of the Going-ons happening on Kauai and Oahu. Aldrine talks about the Kauai Ukulele Festival, the Hawaiian Culture that was shared at the festival, and the performers including his own Academy. Then the guys review the Brewers Festival which featured a Looping Performance from Mike Love (not from the Beach Boys). Aldrine gives a "Shoutout" to Sarah and Craig, and explains how his One Piece tournament went on Oahu. A viewer asks for Proper Form when Standing or using a Strap? Aldrine demonstrates how if you have Proper Form, you don't even need your thumb in the back of the neck to play. A couple more audience questions include how Aldrine keeps his picking nails nice, why ukes go out of tune when using a capo, and if pressing down too hard will cause grooves in the fret?

Proper Triangle Posture, String Expiration, Learning the Feel & Non-Wood UkesVideo Podcast: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/structured-practice-r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-remixes-regimens-the-uu-podcast-163.169033/

How do you know when to move on to next lesson? How do you structure a Proper Practice Résumé Regimen? The guys start this week's Podcast by giving some feedback to a "Drunken Gymnast". They explain why it's important to have proper form, and why you should move on even if you haven't "Perfected" a song or technique. Aldrine explains how he would allocate time in a Practice Session and what makes something "Practice" vs "Playing". When a UU Member asks if strings can "Expire", the UU crew disagrees with each other on how long strings can last in the packaging. Another viewer brings up learning Ohta-San's arrangements which leads the team to talk about why you can't learn the "Feel" of a song from written annotation. The Podcast is topped off with the topic of non-wood Ukuleles.

Being "Yourself" On Stage, Doubling Down on Jokes, & Reeling in the Audience

Video Podcast: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/developing-the-aldrine-persona-the-uu-podcast-162.168936/

On this Week's Podcast, Aldrine is revealing how and when his On Stage Persona came to be. The guys also discuss standing out from other Musicians, Making Multi-Layered Jokes, Looking for "Marks" in the Audience, and making the Audience feel like a part of the show. Taking some questions from the Live Chat, Aldrine shares his process for Learning a Song, and answers if 9, 11, and 13th Chords always need a flat 7th note. After showing what makes a dominant 9th chord, the UU Crew demonstrates how two ukuleles could be used to play a full 11 Chord. The podcast is topped off with a discussion on Pickups, and why Passive Pickups don't really suit Pro Players, but might do just fine for other people.

Classical Appreciation, The Cons of Chord Shortcuts, & Gaining the "Uncle Status"Watch the Podcast: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/the-advice-you-probably-dont-want-to-hear-the-uu-podcast-161.168830/

In the Style of Uncles, the UU Crew is giving some harsh truths and advice on this Week's Podcast. The Podcast Starts off with finding out what Song changed Aldrine's opinion on Classical Music. We also hear about the Songs and Genres that taught Aldrine "Phrasing", and influenced his playing. The Guys talk about how long you should go before changing strings, then give tips for Purposeful Practice. Aldrine explains the features that make up his Personal Ukulele, and the meaning of Chang a lang. The UU Team review some common workarounds for difficult chord shapes, and share why you probably don't want to use these chordal shortcuts. The end of the Podcast is spent talking about when Aldrine will reach Uncle Status, and what makes an "Ukulele Unc".

Craig and Sarah's Ukulele Retreat, Bringing a Cultural Component & What Makes a Good FestivalVideo Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/breaking-out-of-the-festival-formula-featuring-roo-the-uu-podcast-160.168727/

We're catching up with Friend, and UUer, Roo on Uke. We learn more about Roo, who he is, and why the name change? Aldrine and Roo were at Craig and Sarah's retreat last week, so they're giving their perspective recaps, and favorite things from the retreat. Viewers ask about Roo's latest Ukulele Acquisition, and what was the best advice he received from the UU Crew. Being a Festival/Retreat veteran, the guys grill Roo on what he thinks makes a good Festival or Retreat. Roo mentions attending the only UU Retreat on Kauai, and the benefits of bringing a Cultural Component to Retreats. At the end of the podcast, Roo gives the team some gifts from Rehobeth before Aldrine says something mean to Roo just to officially make it a UU Pod.

Mystery Guest, Knowing What to Fingerpick, Song Variations & Gigging in HawaiiVideo Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/sincere-apologies-musical-storytelling-gigging-advice-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-159.168606/In a Heartfelt and Sincere tone, Aldrine has to issue a Deep Apology to a Close Personal Friend (who will remain anonymous). After the Completely Serious Apology, Aldrine gives a quick lesson on No Ke Ano Ahiahi. He shows how you can build up from playing the chords; to strumming; to fingerpicking; and finally adding in the Melody Line to make it a Solo Song. The guys also answer how Music (and Hawaiian Music in particular) can have a so many different variations of the same song. The crew starts talking about Classical Music and Music Notation which leads to Aldrine telling a story about being surprised by his own Sheet Music. Aldrine and Mike share some advice they got about Music and Life before sharing their own tips for getting a gig in Hawaii, and joining the Hawaii Music Scene without being "That Guy".

Joining a Community, Small Island Life, & LāhuiVideo Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/life-lessons-from-moloka-i-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-158.168494/Aldrine and Aaron went to Moloka`i this weekend to play for the Super Bowl (Soup R' Bowl). While on Moloka`i, the guys got a taste of what "Real Small" island life can be like, and learned valuable Life Lessons. Aldrine learned how to hug correctly, and the proper way to sing Happy Birthday in Hawaiian. Some of the Major Takeaways from the weekend was how to Become a Part of a Community, and the True Meaning of Being Rich. Before the Podcast ends, the Crew gives away the Pure Heart CD for the Songwriting Challenge, explains the awesomeness of Moloka`i Hot Bread, and talks about experiencing Video Game Withdrawals. Come along for the ride and become a part of our Hui.

Half Step Down Tuning, Letting Songs Out, Syncing Strumming and Chord Switches

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/writing-pure-hearted-songs-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-157.168379/

This week the guys are imitating Pure Heart, and showcasing their Half Step Down songs for the Songwriting Challenge. The guys talk about what inspirations they took from Pure Heart, letting the Song guide them, and why it's better to let Songs out rather than bottle them in. Encouraged from the Challenge, a UUer asks if all the strings need to be tuned down a Half Step? The last quarter of the Podcast is spent giving tips for when you lose your place while strumming, and how to sync up your strumming and chord switching. Some last minute questions about pickups, and Easy Left Hand Exercises are answered before the guys remind everyone about the New Play Along, and the Open Mic this coming Thursday.

CAGE, Movable Chords, Favorite Movies & Our First Picking Songs

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/want-to-learn-fast-learn-like-a-kid-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-156.168289/

What is the CAGE Method, and is there an easier way to learn Movable Chords? Besides explaining CAGE, the guys discuss what pick guards are, and if they are worth it? We go off on a little bit of a movie tangent when a watcher asks what Aldrine thinks about the new Bob Dylan Biography? Aaron asks for Aldrine to take a walk down memory lane and explain how he first learned to pick. These stories remind the crew why Kids learn so fast, and what we can all do to be more like them. Before the podcast ends, Aldrine gives tips for incorporating the melody line in a song, and ways to explore open tuning on the Ukulele? Maybe the CAGE Method was the friends we made along the way...

Different Types of Hand Pain, Fixes for Barre Chords, & Neapolitan Ice Cream

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/easy-fixes-vs-skills-that-take-time-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-155.168177/

What are the common problems that new players encounter which can be fixed fast vs the ones that will take time? But before The UU Beatles answer this question, they talk about the worst comic arcs to jump in the middle of. Mike discusses his experience teaching both a beginner class, and a class of mixed skill levels. He also shares his method for explaining and feeling swung rhythms. Aldrine answers how much ukuleles he owns, if some are easier to play, and what is his favorite one? The guys suggests what to do when someone starts to feel hand pain, and tips for holding the barre chord. They also answer how common is Low G, and explain/show what are the pros and cons of both High G and Low G Ukes. Like a Neapolitan Ice Cream, this week's podcast is quite the mashup of Flavors, Topics, and Opinions.

8-4-2-1 Exercise, History of Tuning, Songwriting Challenge #40 & A Rare Signed CDVideo Podcast & Timestamps:https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/practices-all-chords-uses-one-shape-80-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-154.168086/Why makes a Chord Shape the "Standard"? Why are Ukulele's tuned the way they are? Magic Mike is back on the podcast to help the guys answer these questions and more. The Crew offers advice on Chord Changes in American Pie, and how someone can practice "Tricky" changes. Mike gives a "brief" history on Equal Temperament and Instrument Tunings before the guys explain what makes some keys easier to play on different instruments. The next Songwriting Challenge is set, and there's a pretty Special PRIZE to go along with it. The podcast ends with Mike describing how he uses Aldrine to teach performing to his Students, and Aldrine reveals what his Walkout/Hype song is.

Evolution of Europa, Aldrine's Sharingan, Hidden Ukulele Monsters, & Settings for Amps Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/aha-moments-that-open-uke-doors-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-153.167993/

Hear about the "AHA Moments", The Big Epiphanies, The Breakthroughs that accelerated the UU Crews' musical growth. Aldrine starts off by giving 3 examples of mind expanding realizations. Kahai connects his AHA moment with a question from the audience about Inversions and Movable Chords. This leads to Aldrine explaining the history of his version of Europa, and the influences of two players in particular. Aldrine reveals how Jake Shimabukuro is truly a hidden Ukulele Monster, and what other Monsters Aldrine has had the opportunity to Jam and learn from. The podcast ends with Audience questions about Amp Settings and the general trend of increasing ukulele prices.

Choosing what Ukulele to Perform with, Budget Conscious Brands, & Best Plastic Ukuleles Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/recital-preparation-tips-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-152.167896/ The AG Academy had it's Recital over the weekend, so Aldrine gives a recap of how his students performed, and tips for viewers who are preparing for a Recital or organizing their own Group Performances. UU Regular, Jim, asks how to choose the right Ukulele to perform with? Another viewer asks how do you know what fingers to use for different chords and different frets? The guys share what to look for if you want an Alternative to a K Brand ukulele without breaking the bank. They also share their opinions on Ukuleles made out of Plastic and other Synthetic Materials. At the end of the Podcast, the crew discusses the hype over the Low G Strings, and explain why they don't go to NAMM anymore.

Recreating Songs Quickly, Instrument Retirement, & Music Theory that Makes No Sense! Video Podcast: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/trolling-music-nerds-sharp-1-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-151.167784/ How do we go from a Sitcom Opening to Enraging Music Theory Nerds? Along the way, Aldrine answers how he's able to give efficient feedback, and recreate a song after only seeing/hearing it once. Someone asks when should you retire an instrument, and Mike gives some examples of musicians "Retiring" their instruments out of sentimentality. Aldrine and Aaron show their own battle worn ukuleles. The guys offer some playing advice and general tips for how to self diagnose your own playing roadblocks. The crew discuss the benefits of learning to play instruments in the modern age, and why a guitar player disguised as a ukulele teacher is a red flag. At the end of the podcast, Aldrine derails the show with a "Music Theory" question to intentionally rile up Theorist.

Performers vs Entertainers, Being a Part of the Joke, Learning from Comedians & Wrestlers

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/the-3-levels-of-entertainers-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-150.167692/ The guys are sharing their perspectives on what makes a good entertainer. They discuss the qualities that people may overlook when they want to perform. They also reflect on their own growth as performers and entertainers, and how you can see their evolution on this very podcast. The latter half of the podcast is spent answering questions about phrasing, what type of music Aldrine plays at home, posting songs online, and giving an updates on the Legendary Low G Strings. Listen the podcast, and come be a part of our very long Joke.

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/what-matters-to-musicians-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-149.167604/ The 4 horsemen of UU are using their GUTS to make choices. Low G or High G? Soprano or Tenor? What makes a better instrument: Materials or Construction? What is more important: Note Choice or Rhythm? Find out what the guys chose, and what the live audience voted for. The crew also answers questions like how to know what songs work with Low G, how to practice Call and Responses, and why Ukuleles cost so much when they use less materials?

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/it-happened-again-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-148.167492/

"Good things do happen to bad people." Something incredible happened for the second time, but before this insane anomaly is discussed, the guys are talking about adding Extensions to passing solos, the secrets behind "Magic" Riffs, and how to get started with Open Tuning. The UU Crew also give examples of Ukulele Resolutions for the New Year, and what Aldrine learned from having Abe Lagrimas Jr. as his teacher. What a way to end the year, huh? Thank you to everyone who tuned in and enjoyed the podcast. We'll see you in 2025!

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/%F0%9F%8E%84jazz-is-the-stinky-cheese-of-music-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-147%F0%9F%8E%81.167428/

We're all over the place on this week's podcast. Mike is back, and the guys try answering how much riffing is prepared vs off the top of the dome. Aldrine equates riffs to catchphrases and new vocabulary to try out in sentences. Mike give a brief history lesson of riffing, and explains the different levels of difficulty of riffs/improvising. A UUer asks the guys what they think about the origin of Mele Kalikimaka which leads the crew to discuss the perception of Hawaii in the 20's, and stereotypes people have about music from different cultures. Someone else ask how much songs you should know to perform while another member asks if using Tabs is a crutch? It's a grab bag of tangents and references.

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/you-dont-suck-at-improv-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-146.167349/

It's only Aldrine and Kahai this week. The guys start off this different feeling podcast by explaining what people should do to prep Gift Ukuleles, so they're ready to be played? They also talk about other things to consider when gifting an ukulele, and the songs that newbies can start with. A question about Favorite Ukulele Websites leads to a discussion about Social Media, and the dream of Raising Chickens. Aldrine answers a question about using all vs some of your fingers for fingerpicking before opening a gift from "Sarah and Craig". When someone asks for a tutorial to the Europa improv, Aldrine and Kahai share their thoughts on how to learn improvising, and why you should stay positive on your music journey. The podcast ends talking about the new Solo and Play Along, and reminding people to get the Holiday Sweater while they can.