Major Arpeggios in Five Positions

Getting Beyond the Shapes

The goal is to get to the notes (names and intervals). And, how they sound, related to the context that you're using them in.

When it comes to chords, it's important to understand the notes they consist of and their intervals. Each chord is made up of a combination of specific notes, and the intervals between these notes determine the chord's quality and character. By learning the names and intervals of the notes in a chord, you can understand its structure and how it functions within a particular musical context.

For example, let's consider the C major chord. The basic shape of this chord on the ukulele is often played as the open C chord (0 0 0 3), which consists of the notes C , E , and G . These notes create a specific sound and harmonic function. However, there are numerous ways to voice this chord across the ukulele neck, using different fingerings and positions. Exploring these different voicings allows you to access different notes and intervals while still representing the C major chord, its sound and function.

Getting beyond the basic shapes is as simple as experimenting with inversions, extensions, and alterations. Inversions involve changing the order of the notes within a chord, while extensions add extra notes to the basic triad. Alterations modify the quality of certain chord tones, such as adding a sharp or flat to a particular note. This lesson coves the bas three notes and intervals of a major triad.

Understanding the relationship between chords and melodies is also crucial. Chords provide the harmonic framework, while melodies consist of individual notes that create a melodic line. By incorporating chord tones and extensions into your melodies, you can create more nuanced and interesting musical phrases.