An original, bluegrass inspired song by Curt Sheller in the key of C. Originally inspired by Tommy Emmanuel's song Tall Fiddler. The tune has evolved over the years as a bluegrass improvisational vehicle.
Subjects(s): Fingerpicking • Bluegrass
An original, bluegrass inspired song by Curt Sheller in the key of C. Originally inspired by Tommy Emmanuel's song Tall Fiddler. The tune has evolved over the years as a bluegrass improvisational vehicle.
A few performances for historical or hysterical purposes.
A few are performed using a flat-pick as I originally wrote it. I currently, mostly perform Pony Express using Alternating Thumb Style .
This is an ever evolving song as a few new parts have been added over time.
USPS Commemorative Postage Stamp
Pony Express
Live at 2023 NJ Uke Fest
Video by Kevin Coughlin for MorristownGreen.com of my performance of my original song, "Pony Express" at the 2023 New Jersey Uke Fest
This is the latest version as I'm always adding new parts on the fly.
Live at The Gershwin Hotel
Original uke composition performed on solo uke at the 2009 New York Uke Fest, The Gershwin Hotel, May 31, 2009.
This version is on of the first videos of Pony Express when I used a pick before working up of a fingerpicking version. Still used a pick if I want to play really fast.
Live at Curt Sheller Publications World HQ
Even faster pick style version.
Original handwritten chart for Pony Express by Curt Sheller.
There are two distinctly different Fingerpicking Styles. The Classical (pima) and "Alternating Thumb Style" commonly called "Travis Picking" in the guitar world and "Scruggs Style" in the banjo world. The focus of this series is on the classical (pima) style.
This is the common alternating thumb and two finger strumming style utilizing the thumb, index and middle fingers. Commonly called “Travis” picking in the guitar world. This series of lessons explores and adapts this style to ukulele. Travis Picking is a finger-style made famous by Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. This style is commonly played on steel string acoustic guitars.
Fingerpicking for Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style, 2nd Edition is a new expanded edition that focuses on the alternating thumb fingerpicking style through a series of graduated lessons-chapters incorporating your index and middle fingers with the alternating thumb.
return in your investment)—it is this— learning the
f*ckingnotes of your OWN instrument. Sorry for the tough talks—but it is sooooo true!
Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think. Book: Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer
An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing. Book: Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele
Checkout the Books & Reference Charts for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.
Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A
Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E
A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4