On tuning a uke:

[Pluck one string for each syllable in the verses, and strum for the bridge. Use 0210 as the V chord in the verses, but the real I/IV/V chords in the strumming parts.]


I
Wish I could play the ukulele,
I'd pick it up and strum it gaily,
   V
If I could play the ukulele
          I               V7             I
Like this. /strum-strum-a-strum-a-strum-strum/

Wish I could play the ukulele,
I'd pick it up and practice daily,
    V
Till I can play the ukulele
          I                V7            I
Like this. /strum-strum-a-strum-a-strum-strum/


Bridge

    IV
The people on the Island
       I
Call it 'oo-koo-lay-lee'
       II
So the reason I can't play it might
    V7
Be 'cause I don't pronounce it right,

        I
So, wish I could play the oo-koo-lay-lee,
I'll pick it up and strum it daily,
    V
When I can play the oo-koo-lay-lee
Like this:
    I                  V7       I
/strum-strum-a-strum-a strum-a strum-a/


Copyright 1960, 2001, Paul James McNeeley

It says, "One string per syllable," but occasionally you sing two syllables for the string you're playing. The parts of the verses marked for the I chord are open strings, the parts in the verses marked V are actually V9 (0120 in chord diagramese), and it's easier if you just listen to it sung by someone else, but it's how my uncle Buddy chose to tune his ukes. He said that "My Dog Has Fleas" had no reference, so he wrote a whole song as reference. It works, too.

Bob Clayton