
Advertise on podcast: Ukulele Underground Podcast
Rating
4.2from
This podcast has
232 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Ukulele UndergroundExplicit
No
Date created
2011/03/02
Latest episode
2025/04/29
Average duration
74 min.
Release period
7 days
Description
Weekly in depth discussion on how to become a better Ukulele player with Aldrine Guererro and the Ukulele Underground crew.
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The Last Ukulele Underground Podcast | The UU Podcast #165
2025/04/29
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.
Do you even need the THUMB? | The UU Podcast #164
2025/04/22
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?
Structured Practice Résumé... Remixes... REGIMENS | The UU Podcast #163
2025/04/15
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.
Developing the "Aldrine" Persona | The UU Podcast #162
2025/04/08
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.
The Advice You Probably DON'T Want to HEAR | The UU Podcast #161
2025/04/01
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".
Breaking out of the Festival Formula | The UU Podcast #160
2025/03/25
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.
Sincere Apologies, Musical Storytelling & Gigging Advice | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #159
2025/03/18
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".
Life Lessons from Moloka`i | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #158
2025/03/11
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.
Writing Pure Hearted Songs | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #157
2025/03/04
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.
Want to Learn FAST? Learn like a KID | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #156
2025/02/25
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...
Easy Fixes vs Skills that Take Time | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #155
2025/02/18
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.
Practices ALL Chords, Uses ONE Shape 80% | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #154
2025/02/11
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.
AHA Moments that Open Uke Doors | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #153
2025/02/04
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.
Recital Preparation & Tips | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #152
2025/01/28
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.
Trolling Music Nerds: Sharp 1 | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #151
2025/01/21
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.
Podcast reviews
Read Ukulele Underground Podcast podcast reviews
mayame09 2020/10/25
Does not make sense
Boo, jeer
Bobjtx 2019/03/03
Fun & Educational!
I really enjoy these impromptu discussions from some of the more recognized Uke players of today's generation. Great content, presented in a fun and ...
Rudrashekhar 2018/09/25
Excellent content!
I have throroughly enjoyed the content here.
Mr-Bean 2014/01/01
Great podcast but we need more.
Hi guys great to see this podcast back, but no updates since July?
Would love to see more frequent episodes. Love the behind the scenes stories of U...
thecacyfamily 2011/03/31
Great Companion to Ukulele Underground
One of the greatest ukulele players in the world shares great stories. Thanks Aldrine, you rock
RonVa 2011/03/08
The Podcast Heroes
Fun listening to your podcast. Interesting stories and background.
Hey Aldrine, how about playing chop-sticks for us ;)
Cheers,
ronva
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