Learning Ukulele with Curt

All Available Lessons

indicates the lesson has downloadable PDF (based on membership level).

Movable `Ukulele Chords

A series of weekly ukulele lessons originally presented throughout 2007 on movable ukulele chords as the "Ukulele Chord of The Week Series". Based on the Ukulele Chords book by Curt Sheller (me). It takes the open position chords and shows the movable form and the variations.

Dominant Seventh Chords?

Not all seventh chords are actually "dominant" seventh chords. This lesson covers when is a Dominant Seventh Chord NOT truly a Dominant seventh?

Ear Training - Pitch Recognition

Ear Training is the development of the active and passive capability to relate to music aurally. This includes the ability to recognize melodic and harmonic intervals, chords, chords progressions, rhythm, melody, and harmony.

Hearing the Changes

"Hearing The Changes" is knowing what the chords of a song or chord progression are and when they change. This lesson gets you on the road to developing this ability. This involves know the chords of the keys and scales that are used for common progressions and songs. And the ability to recognize the sound of intervals, the distance between intervals.

Music Basics

This series of lessons lays the foundation for the understanding of how music works – “The Principles of Music”. The lessons include information on understanding intervals, steps, Enharmonic Equivalents, the major scale, key signatures.

Basic Open Position `Ukulele Chord Chart

A core set of basic ukulele chords that ALL Ukulele players should know in the five common keys of C, G, D, A and E. With the possible seventh chords for the same common keys. The chart is organized in common keys and covers basic chords in these keys.

The Major Scale

Called the "learning scale" for a reason. The major scale is a great scale for learning how music and chords work. It’s a core scale from which a majority of your core, essential scales can be derived. There are 15 major scales.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Traditional and Contemporary Triads

A "Triad" is a three note chord. In traditional music theory, there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished, and augmented. Contemporary triads include sus and add.

Creating Cool `Ukulele Chords

Cool Chords - These are the chords do not typically show up in chord dictionaries or song books. These are the chords players ask, "What is that chord?"

Types of `Ukulele Chords

Naturally, for Ukuleles, all chords need to be voiced using only the four strings available. You would think that this is limiting, when in actuality it's quite liberating when you learn the makeup of chords. Chords can be categorized into four categories: “Open Position Chords”, “Movable Form Chords”, “4-part - a.k.a. Jazz Chords”, and “Free Form Chords.”

The Chromatic Scale

The only scale in music with ALL twelve notes of one octave. Not much use for improvisation or solos – but a great scale for learning the notes of the ukulele fingerboard, figuring out scales, chords and more...

Free Form Chords

"Free Form" chords are those chords that do not fall into one of the other chord categories. They typically don't show up in chord dictionaries or software programs.

Chord Spelling - Triads

This lesson presents the traditional approach for learning the chord tones of chords with a little twist to make it a bit easier. A Chord is three or more notes sounded simultaneously - together or almost together. The minimum number of notes required for a chord are three. These three note chords are called triads. Two notes are usually referred to as an interval or dyad. Each note of a chord is called a chord tone.

Practice Principles

Getting the most out of your practice sessions.

F7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position F7 chord and its movable form and variations.

Alternating Thumb Style, Building a Solid Foundation - The Basics

As the subtitle of this Fingerpicking Basics lesson for Ukulele implies, this lesson's focus is on the alternating thumb part of the style. Commonly called Travis Picking on guitar and Scrugg's Style for banjo. For guitar it’s an alternating bass note style with the thumb playing the lower, bass notes.

Reading Ukulele TAB - Alternate Notation

"TAB" or "Tablature", is an alternate form of musical notation, which tells players where to place their fingers on a particular instrument rather than which pitches to play. TAB is sort of a secret language between guitar players and ukulele players. Although a shortcut to getting started it actually serves to alienate one from the rest of the music world.

Basic `Ukulele Chord Fingering

The art and science of chord fingering. Learning your basic open position chords in common keys. We have four fingers and there're all not equal. Some shorter then others and some stronger that others. Everybody's hand is a little different. This does play a role in fingering chords.

Chord Spelling - An Alternate Approach

An alternate approach to determining the chord tones of any chord. Bottom-line is, it's the notes that make the chord, not the shape. A C chord is C, E, G - NOT this or that shape.

Cool `Ukulele Chords - G7

A non-traditional fingering for the G7 chord using the knowledge that the notes of a G7 chord are G B D F.

Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the `Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning

Standard music notation, the natural, sharp and flat notes of the ukulele fingerboard for C tuned ukuleles. Covers both high C and low G tuning variations.

Diminished Scale for `Ukulele - C Tuning

The "Diminished Scale" is a symmetrical scale with a repeating pattern of whole steps and half steps. You only need three Diminished scales to cover all 15 keys.

What is the Difference Between a Scale and a Mode?

The terms "scale" and "mode" are often used interchangeably, but strictly speaking, there is a significant difference between them in music theory. Although they may share the same set of notes, a scale and a mode or modal scale are not the same thing. It's important to note that a scale and a mode can contain the same notes.

Fingerstyle Basics for `Ukulele - t i m r, ( p i m a )

This lesson covers the common terms used for identifying the fingers used. And, presents a series of single string exercises for exploring and developing the techniques needed for this style.

C - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position C chord and its movable form and variations.

F - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position F chord and its movable form and variations.

D7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position D7 chord and its movable form and variations.

G7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position G7 chord and its movable form and variations.

Cool `Ukulele Chords - A7

A cool chord is most likely a Free Form chord. A free form chord typically includes open strings, wide stretches, displaced chord tones and or chord voicings. Plus they just sound cool.

Key Signatures - A Major and F Sharp Minor

"A Major" (or the key of A) is a major scale based on A, with the pitches A B C# D E F# G#. Its key signature has three sharps: F# C# G#. Its Relative Minor scale is F# Minor, Minor. Its Parallel Minor is A Minor.

What Finger is What?

Just what are the fingers of the plucking and fretting hand called. There can be a bit of confusion as to what the names and numbers of your fretting hand and the plucking or strumming hand are. Here are some of the common fingering notations I’ve encounter over the course of my studying ukulele and guitar.

Harmonic Analysis - Introduction

Harmonic Analysis (HA) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression, sequence, composition or song. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type.

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Pentatonic Play-along Tracks

Four Premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Pentatonic scale and suitable for any instrument.

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Aeolian Play-along Tracks

Four Premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Aeolian scale. Suitable for any instrument.

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Ionian Play-along Tracks

Four premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Ionian scale. Suitable for any instrument.

Chord a Day, January 1st - C

Happy New Year - What better way than to start the new year off with learning a new ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 1st is C. Originally start 2013, this is a great way to review and learn your chords.

Chord a Day, January 18th - C6

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 18th is C6.

Chord a Day, February 25th - Cmaj9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 25th is Cmaj9.

Chord a Day, March 8th - E7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 8th is E7.

Chord a Day, March 29th - F7#9b5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 29th is F7#9b5.

Connecting Scale Positions on `Ukulele

Whether it’s connecting licks, riffs, scale positions, arpeggios, sequences or melodies – navigating the fingerboard and connecting the various positions - it’s all about using sound fingering principles. I’ve adapted Chuck Anderson's, The Six Secrets of Guitar Fingering to the ukulele in my book The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering. It’s from these six fingering principles that connecting positions and navigating the multitude of possible pathways on the ukulele can become second nature.

Proper Fretting Hand Placement

Efficiency is the key to technique. This lesson shows the proper finger and thumb placement for the fretting hand.

Primary Chords - C Major

The primary chords for any major key are the I, IV and V chords of its corresponding major scale. For C Major, the primary chords are: C, F, G, and G7. From the primary and secondary chords of a major key, countless songs and chords progressions can be played.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Diminished and Augmented Triads, Strings 2 3 4

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. This lesson covers the augmented and diminished triads on strings 2 3 4.

Basic Blues Progressions in G Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of G major using the core 7th chords from the Big Six series of lessons. This is great way to explore this core chord in various keys. These are the two most common blues progressions used in traditional and contemporary music.

`Ukulele Scale Diagram Explained

The "Ukulele Scale Diagram" is an alternate notation and visual why of showing a scale using a grid pattern representing the strings and frets of the Ukulele Fingerboard.

The Big Six Core Chords - F7, Four Voicings, Learning Process

The Big Six Core Chords - "F7", four voicings. From shape to chord tones to intervals and back again. Really, learning what a chord is made of.

Quarter Note Strum - Variations

Building on the basic Quarter Note Strum lessons, here are four variations to get you started.

Fingering Gymnastics - a.k.a. Fingering Drills Introduction

Ukulele Gymnastics series contains quite a few lessons for developing your finger strength and independence of the fretting hand. The fretting hand is responsible for playing chords and single notes. The fretting hand and plucking hand are responsible for getting the music out.

The Andalusian Chord Progression

The "Andalusian" cadence is a term adopted from flamenco music for a chord progression comprising four chords descending stepwise. It is otherwise known as the minor descending tetrachord. Traceable back to the Renaissance, its effective sonorities made it one of the most popular progressions in classical music.

Simple - Basic Chord Progression

Diatonic scales such as the major and minor scales lend themselves particularly well to the construction of common chords because they contain a large number of perfect fifths. Such scales predominate in those regions where harmony is an essential part of music, as, for example, in the common practice period of western classical music.

Three Chord Progressions

Three-chord tunes, though, are more common, since a melody may then dwell on any note of the scale. Often the chords may be selected to fit a pre-conceived melody, but just as often it is the progression itself that gives rise to the melody.

Open Position Chords

The basic first chords most players learn. There are the chords in the first one, two, three and four frets of the ukulele and include at least one open string.

Basic Movable Form Chords

Sometimes called barre chords, these chords venture beyond the third fret.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson Four, Key Signatures, Sharps

This lessons covers the natural symbol and the sharp key signatures keys. In musical notation, a key signature is a collection of sharp or flat symbols placed together on the staff. Key signatures are generally written immediately after the clef at the beginning of a line of musical notation, although they can appear in other parts of a score, notably after a double barline. A key signature is use to indicate the “auto sharping or flatting of specified notes. Key signatures are also used to identify the key of a composition.

`Ukulele Chords and Progressions

An overview of the Ukulele Chords and Chord Progression lessons available.

Practice, Play and Rules (Theory) - The Three Words

Chuck Anderson wrote a great blog entry about the three words Play, Practice and Theory that send the wrong message to players and the general public.

The Muted Strum

The muted strum is executed by relaxing the chord hand during the strum. If the chord is a barre, relaxing the pressure is enough to create the percussive, drum like effect. If holding an open chord, the fingers relax but maintain enough finger pressure to get the muted sound. This is what a few players are calling, The Universal Muted Chord. You're utilizing your ukulele as a percussive instrument and there is no discernible pitch - just like a drum. This chord works on any song just as a drum works with any song and does't care what the key is. This is a great chord to use when learning a new strum.

Banjo `Ukuleles

The Banjolele (brand name; sometimes banjo ukulele or banjo uke) is a four-stringed musical instrument with a small banjo-type body and a fretted ukulele neck. 'Banjolele', sometimes also spelled 'banjelele' or 'banjulele' is a generic nickname given to the instrument, which was derived from the 'banjulele-banjo' introduced by Alvin D. Keech in 1917.

Solidbody Electric `Ukuleles

Most acoustic ukuleles can be plugged in with the addition of a internal pickup or stick-on pickup. This page focuses on purely "Electric Ukuleles". These are typically solid body instruments with pickups. Either magnetic pickups in the same vein as solid body guitar electric pickups or a piezo under the saddle pickups.

What to Practice?

That is the age old question when learning a musical instrument. This lesson explores that foundation needed for various styles of music and what would you need to be successful with each style.

HZ - Frequencies

I always wanted to know what Hz meant and how I could use it to tweak my sound. Knowing the frequencies, the HZ of the notes of the ukulele can help you to know what to cut or boost when it comes to sound.

Leciono Uno for TeStInG - CSP

Fred Flintstone is the main character of the animated sitcom The Flintstones, which aired during prime-time on ABC during the original series' run from 1960 to 1966. Fred is the husband of Wilma Flintstone and father of Pebbles Flintstone. His best friend is his next door neighbor, Barney, who has a wife named Betty and an adopted son, named Bamm-Bamm.

Tuning Your Ukulele

From tuning by ear to using an electronic tuner. The lesson goes over the various tuning methods for tuning your ukulele. You ALWAYS need to play in tune.

Common `Ukulele Tunings

Any tuning is possible on a ukulele, as long as the ukulele’s construction supports it and a string is available.

Comparing the High G and Low G, C Tunings

Exploring the differences in these two common C tunings, both the high G reentrant tuning associated with he ukulele and the low G variation. There are benefits to exploring both C tunings. Good excuse to have more ukes -:)

Learning The Blues Scale on `Ukulele

Learn the Blues ( Minor Pentatonic ) and Pentatonic ( Major Pentatonic ) scales on ukulele. A practical approach to learning theses two essential scales using the Blues. These five note scales, the Major Pentatonic and the Blues or Minor Pentatonic scales are two of the most common scales used in contemporary music.

Chord Shapes and Learning `Ukulele Chords

Pick up any chord dictionary, and one thought that should go through your mind is - TOO MANY CHORDS There is now way to memorize all those shapes. It would be better off learning how they came up with all those shapes. Most chord dictionaries are also just like pages transposed to all possible keys.

Advanced Single Note Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

To develop strong and independent left hand technique these series of graduated drills or finger gymnastics will increase your the comfort zone of usable technique. This lesson expands basic single string drills using multiple strings.

Altered Seventh Chords on `Ukulele

Beyond basic open position chords, basic movable form chords, and a core set of 4-part chords. There are just too many chords shapes too memorize. Learning the principles of how chords are constructed and the ukulele fingerboard are the way to go. You can then create more advanced chords like 9#11, 7#5-9, 13b5, 7+9 on the fly as needed from your core set of chords.

Basic Single Note Drills for `Ukulele

Basic one, two, three and four note single string drills for ukulele for developing finger strength and independence. It's critical a player develop the finger strength and independence to explore their full musical potential. By developing a great fingerboard hand, you will be able to explore more challenging musical situations.

Building a Solid Jazz Chord Foundation for `Ukulele

Commonly called "Jazz Chords", these more sophisticated, contemporary chord voicings find their way into a wide variety of music forms and styles. This lesson is the first on the series that builds your core foundation for these chords.

Understanding a `Ukulele Chord Diagram

There're a lot different ways to show chord shapes, diagrams and images on a fretted instrument. This is the basic chord diagram I use in all my lessons and book. In this lesson the basic chord diagram as used for ukulele is explained.

Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele

The six essential scales are: Blues Major Pentatonic Mixolydian Dorian Aeolian and Ionian From the six essential scales, you can get through a wide variety of traditional and contemporary music. A scale is simply a collection of pitches or notes, not really a "this is a Jazz scale", "this is a Blues" or "this is a Rock scale". It's how a scale is used that really matters not its name.

Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the `Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning

The D Tuning comes in two versions where string four is either tuned to the "A", a major second below string one or low "A" where string fours is a perfect fifth below string three. The D tuning with a low A is the same as the thin four strings of a standard tuned guitar with a capo at fret (7).

Whole Tone Scale for `Ukulele - C Tuning

The "Whole Tone scale" is a symmetrical scale with an equal distance been each note or scale degree.

Which Way Is Up? - Up, Down, Ascending, Descending, etc...

Just what is "Up, Down, Ascending, Descending, Higher, Lower, Top, Bottom" as related to music?

Introduction to Scales and Soloing on `Ukulele - Major Pentatonic

An "Introduction to Scales and Soloing on Ukulele" using the C Pentatonic Scale. Taking what you might already know and using it in different ways. Exploring the entire ukulele fingerboard have hours of fun just doodling around and exploring the ukulele's possibilities.

Learning the `Ukulele Fingerboard (Finally!!!)

Most players struggle with learning the names of the notes of the ukulele fingerboard. There doesn't seem to a pattern and notes repeat. There is an easy way and "it's easier that you think." Most players know the names of the open strings for their favorite tuning.

Naming Chords on `Ukulele

A Chord can have alternate names based on how it is being used. A chord's function is an important determining factor in naming a chord. So unless you know the harmonic function of a given chord, you might not be able to accurately name it.

Upper Partial Chord Tones

Upper Partials or extensions for chords are the 9th, 11th, and 13ths of a chord. The 9, 11 and 13 can be altered chord tones depending on the type: e.g: b9, #9, #11, b13. These numbers, the 9, 11 and 13 refer to the scale tone/chord tone relative to the major scale used for building all chords.

Fingering an Open Postion D Major `Ukulele Chord

There are several ways to finger an open position D major chord. Depending on the context of how it's being used, one fingering might be better than another. Discover the "Mushy D" fingering.

Core Chords - The Big Six - Building a Solid Chord Foundation

The Big Six Core Chords is a series of lessons for building your core, essential 4-part chords. These chords commonly called jazz chords, are really just 4-part chords used in a wide range of musical styles. These chords include: Seventh , Major Seventh, Minor Seventh, Half Diminished Seventh or Minor Seven Flat Five, Diminished Seventh, and Augmented Seventh. These six chords form a core set of chords.

Classic Endings for `Ukulele

Two Feel, bVImaj7 bIImaj7, Basie Ending, Single, Double and Triple Tags, Chromatic, Take 'A' Train Ending, Shave and a Hair Cut, Lawrence Welk Ending. These are common classic songs ending that are used over and over in the standard song repertoire.

Exploring Improvisation on `Ukulele Using Tetrachords

Traditionally, a "Tetrachord" is a series of four tones filling in the interval of a perfect fourth. In modern usage a tetrachord is any four-note segment of a scale or tone row including the augmented fourth (+4). The term tetrachord derives from ancient Greek music theory, it literally means four strings.**

Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the `Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning

The G Tuning comes in two versions where string four is either tuned to the "D", a major second below string one or low "D" where string four is a perfect fifth below string three. The G tuning with a low D is the same as the thin four strings of a standard tuned guitar.

Creating Introductions and Turnarounds for `Ukulele

Introductions are a composed or improvised pieces of music that introduce - sets the stage for - a song or composition. Introductions, or intro for short, are used in all types of music. In this lesson, the focus is on introductions in contemporary pop, rock, blues, country, folk and jazz styles.

Enharmonic Equivalents

An "Enharmonic Equivalent" is where a musical pitch can have different names depending on the context in which it is functioning. An example is G# produces the same pitch as Ab but have different standard notations when written in music.

Alternate Fingerings for F7

Alternate fingerings for F7 in C tuning. The same fingerings would apply to C7 in G tuning and G7 in D tuning.

Learning Core Seventh Chords on `Ukulele

Beyond basic open position chords, basic movable form chords and a core set of 4-part chords. There are just too many chords shapes too memorize. Learning the principles of how chords are constructed and the ukulele fingerboard are the way to go. Then you can create more advanced chords like 9#11, 7#5-9, 13b5, 7+9 on the fly as needed.

Using Triads on `Ukulele

In music or music theory, a triad is a three-note chord (or, more generally, any set of three notes, pitches, or tones). Triads can be used harmonically, as chords and melodically, as single notes. These lessons explore both. Using triads as chords like any other chord and using triads as a basis for creating melodies and improvising.

`Ukulele Blues, Example J

"Diminished Seventh Passing Chord - Example J". From the book A Guide to Blues Progressions for Ukulele from A to Z.

`Ukulele Blues, Example D

"Major Quick Four Progression - Example D". From the book A Guide to Blues Progressions for Ukulele from A to Z.

Exploring Jazz ``Ukulele

Wikipedia defines "Jazz" as a musical art form which originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States from a confluence of African and European music traditions. The style's West African pedigree is evident in its use of blue notes, improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopation, and the swung note.

The Harmonized Major and Minor Scale Charts

The "Major Scale" or Ionian scale is a diatonic scale, made up of seven distinct notes, plus an eighth which duplicates the first one octave higher. In solfege these notes correspond to the syllables Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti/Si, (Do), the Do in the parenthesis at the end being the octave of the root.

Transposing Individual `Ukulele Chords

"Transposition" is the process of moving a note, chord, scale or any musical passage from one key to another key. All music can be transposed, from a single note to a complex musical score. This lesson deals with transposing chords on ukulele and transposing chords.

`Ukulele Strums - Getting Started

One of the first skills a ukulele player learns is the art and craft of strumming – playing rhythm. This refers to an accompaniment technique suitable for the singer, singer/songwriter or someone who plays a support role for another instrument.

Practice Cycles and Sequences

Sequences and cycles for practicing scales, intervals, melodic sequences and arpeggios.

Exploring Core Chords on Guitar using Strings 1 2 3 4 and C Blues

Using chord "Voice Leading" principles we will explore all 4 voicings of core seventh chords using string family 1 2 3 4 chords.

Selecting a `Ukulele

A `Ukulele is: Light Weight, Affordable and Portable | Four Strings and Four Fingers | Less Need for Strumming Accuracy | There is nott a lot expected from a ukulele player. The 'Ukulele (pronounced oo-koo-lele) comes in four standard sizes: Soprano (sometimes called Standard), Concert, Tenor and Baritone.

The Trouble with TAB

TAB, short for tablature is a form of musical notation using numbers and letters on a staff that that corresponds to the number of strings of fretted string instrument. Theses number tell a player which fret to place their fingers on the fingerboard. TAB has a history with lute music from centuries ago and has found wide use in the music publishing industry catering to the guitarist who can?t or doesn't want to learn to read.

Reading Music on `Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position

This series of lessons will allow you finally, to check that Reading item off your music To Do list. Learning to read standard music notation opens a world of music to you. Music notation is the Lingua franca of amateur and professional musicians alike.

QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Lesson Series

"QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingerings" are a highly organized, efficient system of scale and arpeggio fingerings. Each fingering pattern is shown with a fingerboard shape, TAB and standard music notation. Related chords are also explained for each scale. Master these fingerings and unlock your potential for solos and improvisation.

What is the Blues?

The Blues are at the heart of all American music. It has influenced Country, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Bluegrass and just about every form of American music we listen to today. The Blues - a chord progression, a scale, a feeling. This lesson presents an introduction to the blues progression and a couple of scale position of the pentatonic scale to get you started improvising.

Chord Substitution on `Ukulele

A chord substitution is when one chord replaces another chord or is used in addition to a current chord.

Demystifying Cut Time by Chuck Anderson

Cut Time is a source of confusion for many musicians. What exactly does it mean and how do you apply it? Here is a guest lesson by internationally renowned jazz guitarist and educator Chuck Anderson.

Basic `Ukulele Strums and Variations

"A strum is the execution of a specific rhythmic pattern, at tempo, in a particular style." A strum can be broken down into its rhythmic syllables. These rhythmic syllables are defined by what particular style is being performed. Basic ukulele strums and variations to get you started.

A - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position A chords and its movable form and variations.

G - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position G chord and its movable form and variations.

D - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position D chord and its movable form and variations.

E - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position E chord and its movable form and variations.

Am - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position Am chord and its movable form and variations.

Cm - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position Cm chord and its movable form and variations.

Dm - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position Dm chord and its movable form and variations.

Em - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position Em chord and its movable form and variations.

Fm - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position Fm chord and its movable form and variations.

Gm - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position Gm chord and its movable form and variations.

A7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position A7 chord and its movable form and variations.

B7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position B7 chord and its movable form and variations.

C7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position C7 chord and its movable form and variations.

E7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position E7 chord and its movable form and variations.

Using Songs to Learn `Ukulele

There are two approaches when learning a musical instrument like the ukulele or guitar. The first approach and one that is very popular with the ukulele goes right along with its easy to play reputation. This approach uses songs to learn the ukulele. A second approach is to learn what would be consider the the basics before working with songs.

Basic Open Position Guitar Chords

Sometimes referred to as cowboy or folk chords. These chords are played in the fret one, two, and three are of the guitar neck and include at least one open string. Technically the open position includes the open strings and frets one, two, three and four. These are typically the first chords anyone learning to play the guitar learn.

The E/F Movable Barre Form Chord

The "E/F Movable Barre Form" chords are movable form chords based on the open position E, Em, E7, and Em7 chords. With the root on string six, these chords can be transposed to ANY key.

Developing Your Single Note Picking

Developing you single note picking starts with holding the pick properly, choosing the proper size and material and actually working on picking on your guitar.

The A/Bb Movable Barre Form Chord

The "A/Bb Movable Barre Form" chords are movable form barre chords based on the open position A, Am, A7 and Am7 chords. With the root on string five, these chord can be transposed to ANY key.

Four Finger-Four Note Basic Single String Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This four finger-four note drill is designed to get your hands in shape. These exercises work no matter what style of ukulele you play or want to play.

The Learning Process - The Mind, Hands and Ears

For music and learning an instrument like the ukulele or guitar, it's all about the making the connection between your Mind, your Hands, and your Ear. When listening to music, we enjoy it at the tempo the composer or artist intended, in real time. Only the ear is involved in listening. This is passive listening and you're simply enjoying the music. This is what we do every day and it's what draws us to want to learn a musical instrument.

Playing by Ear - The Ultimate Goal

The ultimate goal for any musician when playing a musical instrument is to "Play by Ear". It’s true whether you’re singing, banging a drum, strumming a guitar, or our favorite instrument, the ukulele. If your fingers can already interpret and follow what your inner ear commands, you’ve obtained your goal and are "Playing by Ear."

Understanding Chromatic Intervals

An interval is the distance between two notes. An interval has a name and a type. "Chromatic Intervals" are NOT taken from a major scale. They are derived from the diatonic intervals.

Understanding Interval Inversion

Inverting intervals using the "Rule of Nine". An interval is the distance between two notes. An interval has a name and a type. Intervals can be played one note (melodic) or two notes (harmonic) at a time, ascending or descending.

Key Signatures and the Circle of Fifths and Fourths

Traditional key signatures provide a wealth of information that can enhance our understanding of music and its underlying principles.

Key Signatures - C Major and A Minor

In music, it is important to learn and recognize the key signature for C Major and A Minor. These two keys have corresponding major and natural minor scales, along with basic ukulele chords that can be used with each scale. The key of C Major, also known as the learning key, is particularly easy to memorize and start using.

Key Signatures - G Major and E Minor

“G Major” (or the key of G) is a major scale based on G, with the pitches G A B C D E F#. Its key signature has one sharp: F#. Its Relative Minor scale is E Minor. Its Parallel Minor is D Minor.

Key Signatures - D Major and B Minor

"D Major" (or the key of D) is a major scale based on D, with the pitches E F# G A B C#. Its key signature has two sharps: F# C#. Its Relative Minor scale is Bm Minor. Its Parallel Minor is D Minor.

Key Signatures - E Major and C Sharp Minor

"E Major" (or the key of E) is a major scale based on E, with the pitches E F# G# a B C# D#. Its key signature has four sharps: F# C# G# D#. Its Relative Minor scale is B Minor. Its Parallel Minor is E Minor.

Key Signatures - B Major and G Sharp Minor

"B Major" (or the key of B) is a major scale based on B, with the pitches C# D# E F# G# A#. Its key signature has five sharps: F# C# G# D# A#. Its Relative Minor scale is G# Minor. Its Parallel Minor is B Minor and, its enharmonic equivalent is Cb minor.

Key Signatures - F Sharp Major and D Sharp Minor

"F# Major" (or the key of F#) is a major scale based on F#, with the pitches F# G# A# B C# D# E#. Its key signature has six sharps: F# C# G# D# A# E#. Its Relative Minor scale is G# Minor. Its Parallel Minor is F# Minor and, its enharmonic equivalent is Gb minor.

Key Signatures - C Sharp Major and A Sharp Minor

"C# Major" (or the key of C#) is a major scale based on C#, with the pitches, all sharps C# D# ES F# G# A#. Its key signature has seven sharps: F# C# G# D# A# E# B#. Its Relative Minor scale is A# Minor. Its Parallel Minor is C# Minor, and its enharmonic equivalent is Db minor. C# is a somewhat easy key and scale to memorize as all the note are sharp.

Key Signatures - F Major and D Minor

"F# Major" (or the key of F#) is a major scale based on F#, with the pitches F# G# A# B C# D# E#. Its key signature has six sharps: F# C# G# D# A# E#. Its Relative Minor scale is G# Minor. Its Parallel Minor is F# Minor and, its enharmonic equivalent is Gb minor.

Key Signatures - Bb Major and G Minor

"Bb Major" (or the key of Bb) is a major scale based on Bb, with the pitches Bb C D Eb F G A. Its key signature has two flats: Bb Eb. Its Relative Minor scale is G Minor. Its Parallel Minor is Bb Minor. B-flat major is a suitable key for most wind instruments, especially those for which it is their home key, such as clarinets, trumpets, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and flutes in B-flat.

Key Signatures - Eb Major and C Minor

"Eb Major" (or the key of Eb) is a major scale based on Eb, with the pitches Eb F G Ab Bb C D. Its key signature has three flats: Bb Eb Ab. Its Relative Minor scale is C Minor. Its Parallel Minor is Eb Minor. E flat major is often associated with bold, heroic music, in part because of Beethoven's usage.

Key Signatures - Ab Major and F Minor

"Ab Major" (or the key of Ab) is a major scale based on Ab, with the pitches Ab Bb C D Eb F G. Its key signature has four flats: Bb Eb Ab Db. Its Relative Minor scale is F Minor. Its Parallel Minor is Ab Minor.

Key Signatures - D Flat Major and B Flat Minor

"Db Major" (or the key of Db) is a major scale based on Db, with the pitches Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C. Its key signature has five flats: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb. Its Relative Minor scale is Bb Minor. Its Parallel Minor is Db Minor.

Key Signatures - G Flat Major and E Flat Minor

"Gb Major" (or the key of Gb) is a major scale based on Gb, with the pitches Gb Ab Bb Cb Db Eb Ab F. Its key signature has six flats: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cc. Its Relative Minor scale is Eb Minor. Its Parallel Minor is Gb Minor, usually replaced by F-sharp minor, since G flat minor, which would have nine flats, is theoretically possible but is not typically used.

Key Signatures - C Flat Major and A Flat Minor

"Cb Major" (or the key of Cb) is a major scale centered around Cb, with the following pitches: Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, and Bb. The key signature of Cb Major includes seven flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, and Fb. The relative minor scale of Cb Major is Ab Minor, while the parallel minor is Cb Minor. Cb Major is considered relatively easy to memorize, as all of its notes are flat.

Core Chords - Creating the Big Six from F7, 1st Voicing

Taking a movable "F7" chord, you can derive each of the Big Six Core Chords. 7, maj7, m7, m7b5, dim7, and aug7 from that voicing.

Core Chords - Creating the Big Six from F7, 2nd Voicing

Taking a movable "F7" chord, you can derive each of the Big Six Core Chords. 7, maj7, m7, m7b5, dim7, and aug7 from that voicing.

Core Chords - Creating the Big Six from F7, 3rd Voicing

Taking a movable "F7" chord, you can derive each of the Big Six Core Chords. 7, maj7, m7, m7b5, dim7, and aug7 from that voicing.

Core Chords - Creating the Big Six from F7, 4th Voicing

Taking a movable "F7" chord, you can derive each of the Big Six Core Chords. 7, maj7, m7, m7b5, dim7, and aug7 from that voicing.

Fingerstyle on `Ukulele - Single and Multi String Exploration

Exploring fingerstyle on ukulele. This lesson covers the common terms used for identifing the fingers used. And, presents a series of single and multi-string exercises for exploring and developing the techniques needed for this style.

Which Way Is Up? - Up, Down, Ascending, Descending, etc...

What is up, down, higher, lower, top, bottom, ascending, descending on a guitar? Up, down, higher, lower, top, bottom, ascending, descending should refer to musical pitch and not to direction as we know it. Up and higher refers to the raising of musical pitch. Down and lower refer to the lowering of musical pitch. Top refers to the upper note of a chord voicing or musical phrase and bottom refers to the lowest note.

Ear Training

Ear Training is the development of the active and passive capability to relate to music aurally. This includes the ability to recognize melodic and harmonic intervals, chords, chords progressions, rhythm, melody and harmony.

Basic Open Position `Ukulele Chord Chart for Lefties

A core set of basic ukulele chords that ALL Left Handed Ukulele players should know in the five common keys of C, G, D, A and E. With the possible seventh chords for the same common keys. The chart is organized in common keys and covers basic chords in these keys.

Standard Music Notation

Music notation or musical notation refers to various systems of writing music. Diverse systems of musical notation have developed in various cultures. In fact, many cultures simply do not notate their music in any form.

Your First `Ukulele Chord

Your first ukulele chord is typically an open position "C Major Chord." It's only one finger and ukulele players love to show new players this, the easiest, usable ukulele chord for new players. Especially someone coming from guitar where an open position C major is three fingers and not that easy as the first chord.

Common Progressions, Major Keys

Every wonder why certain chords seem to popup together time and time again? All harmonic or chord movement in a chord progression is a combination of the active and passive quality of individual chords within the progression or song. Chords provide tension and resolution, the feeling of movement and non-movement in songs and progressions.

Switching Chords

A series of finger drills for developing finger independence, strength and coordination for switching chords.

Cool `Ukulele Chords - F Sharp Minor Seven Flat Five

F#m7b5 or F# half-diminished seven is a common chord in the key of G major and Em - especially Em.

Comping the Blues for Guitar, String Family 1234

Using the blues progression will can explore all voicings on string family 1 2 3 4. Using Voice Leading principles we will explore all 4 voicings of a seventh chords. To goal here is to play a different voicing in each measure. By transposing the C7 voicings to F7 (up 5 frets) and G7 (up 2 frets from F7).

Ukulele String Combinations

All possible one, two, three, and four string combinations on ukulele. Used for single note technique, fingerpicking, harmonic intervals, and chord string families.

Glossary of Music Terms

A glossary of common music terms. Common and not so common music terms. Knowing the language and terms used with music aides in your own understanding when exploring your music potential.

Harmonic Analysis - Chord Substitution Principles

A "Substitution" is when a chord replaces or is used in addition to an existing chord. Chords can have an active or passive quality to them. Active chords tend to be restless and want to move on to other chords. Passive chords tend to offer a feeling of rest and resolution. This cycle of active and passive chords are what gives chord progressions their feeling of movement.

Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Full Diatonic harmonic principle.

Harmonic Analysis - Unresolved

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Unresolved harmonic principle.

Harmonic Analysis - Cycles

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Cycles harmonic principle.

Harmonic Analysis - Internal Modulation

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Internal Modulation harmonic principle.

Harmonic Analysis - Basic Concepts

Harmonic Analysis is the process of determining the root movement of chords within a chord progression, the chord types that are used as well as identifying tonal centers. This root movement can be determined and categorized using one of six harmonic principles and the harmonized chord charts referenced in the lessons.

Harmonic Analysis - Chromatic

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Chromatic harmonic principle.

Harmonic Analysis - Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts

Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts are used for while doing a Harmonic Analysis (HA). Shows triads and 4-part chords for ALL 15 major and minor keys. "Yes, Virginia there are 15 keys."

Harmonic Analysis - Worksheet and Examples

"Harmonic Analysis" is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. A blank worksheet and examples for notating your harmonic analysis.

Harmonic Analysis - Scale Selection

A Harmonic Analysis is then used to make vertical and horizontal scale selection for improvisation and chord substitution.

Alternating Thumb Style, Thumb and One Finger - Level One

In this lesson we’re introducing the index finger once to the alternating thumb pattern mastered in the Alternate Thumb Fingerpicking Style - Introduction. There are four possible patterns when adding the index finger once in common or cut time.

Alternating Thumb Style, Thumb and One Finger - Level Two

In this lesson we’re introducing the index finger twice to the alternating thumb pattern mastered in the Alternate Thumb Fingerpicking Style - Introduction. There are six possible patterns in common or cut time.ssible variations in this lesson.

Alternating Thumb Style, Thumb and One Finger - Level Three

In this lesson we’re introducing the index finger three times to the alternating thumb pattern mastered in the Alternate Thumb Fingerpicking Style - Introduction. There are three possible patterns in common or cut time.

Alternating Thumb Style, Thumb and One Finger - Level Four

All the previous lessons in the "Fingerpicking for Ukulele, Alternating Thumb Style Series" where melodic, single notes only. This lesson introduces The *Pinch, where any one of the thumb/index finger or thumb/middle finger combinations can be played together - harmonically.

Fingerpicking on `Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style

There are two common styles of fingerpicking on ukulele. This series of lessons explores the Alternating Thumb Style. A future series will explore the Thumb and three finger style, the traditional p i m a classical guitar style that we’ll adapt to ukulele.

Alternating Thumb Style, Thumb and One Finger - The Middle Finger

In this lesson we’re reolacing the index finger with the middle finger for the patterns mastered in chapters/lessons two, three and four.

Alternating Thumb Style, Thumb and Two Fingers - Level Two

In this lesson we’re introducing the middle finger to the fingerpicking patterns mastered in chapter/lessons four. There are six possible patterns in common or cut time.

Alternating Thumb Style, Thumb and Two Fingers - Level Three

In this lesson we're introducing the middle finger to the fingerpicking patterns mastered in lesson/chapter four. There's three patterns in common or cut time.

Alternating Thumb Style, Thumb and Two Fingers - Level Four

In this lesson we're introducing the middle finger to the fingerpicking patterns mastered in lesson/chapter five. There's only one pattern in common or cut time. this pattern is demonstarted on the four possible string orders.

Alternating Thumb Style, The Pinch

All the previous lessons in the "Fingerpicking for Ukulele, Alternating Thumb Style Series" where melodic, single notes only. This lesson introduces The *Pinch, where any one of the thumb/index finger or thumb/middle finger combinations can be played together - harmonically.

Alternating Thumb Style, Rhythmic Variations

Rhythmic variations can be incorporated into this style of fingerpicking, creating a variety of syncopated patterns. All previous patterns were steady in nature, with the thumb alternating and playing on every downbeat. Many of the following patterns are syncopated, creating rhythmic variety.

Alternating Thumb Style, Additional Time Signatures

The patterns in the previous chapters were all in 4/4, common time with four beats per measure or pattern. The alternating thumb fingerpicking style can be used with additional time signatures.

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Blues Play-along Tracks

Four Premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Blues scale. Suitable for any instrument.

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Dorian Play-along Tracks

Four Premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Dorian scale. Suitable for any instrument.

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Mixolydian Play-along Tracks

Four Premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Mixolydian scale. Suitable for any instrument.

QuickStart Chord Progressions Play-along Tracks, Introduction and Tuning Notes

The QUICKSTART Rhythm Section CD contains 24 unique styles designed for contemporary lead guitar. Each track is devoted to a scale covered in the QUICKSTART Scale Fingerings series of books. There are four background tracks for each scale, featuring the chords of the scale. These tracks give you the opportunity to explore the sound of each scale in an improvisational setting.

Modular Phonetic Rhythm, Level I Pairs Worksheet

Develop your ukulele strums vocabulary and sharpen your reading chops with the "Level I, Modular Phonetic Rhythmic Syllables — Pairs Worksheet".

Modular Phonetic Rhythm, Level II Pairs Worksheet

Develop your ukulele strums vocabulary and sharpen your reading chops with the "Level II, Modular Phonetic Rhythmic Syllables — Pairs Worksheet".

Modular Phonetic Rhythm

"Modular Phonetic Rhythm" by Chuck Anderson represents a significant advance in the teaching and application of rhythm. Eliminating many inefficient aspects of rhythm education, Modular Phonetic Rhythm streamlines the traditional educational approach, resulting in a reflexive reaction to rhythm. This approach is applicable to all ages and to all styles of music.

Understanding a Guitar Chord Diagram

The traditional/standard guitar chord diagram is typically used for showing chords. It is also used for showing scales-shapes, licks, and runs.

Essential Jazz Scales for `Ukulele

After you mastering the six essentials scales below and start to explore more advanced styles of music, especially jazz. There are a few more scales that are needed to cover the broader harmonic palette that a typical jazz tune draws from.

Chord a Day, January 2nd - F

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 2nd is F. January 2nd happens to be my (Curt) birthday. Sorry, Mom and Dad, you didn't get that tax deduction.

Chord a Day, January 3rd - G

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 3rd is G. G is a primary chord in the common keys of G, C, and D.

Chord a Day, January 4th - G7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 4th is G7

Chord a Day, January 5th - Dm

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 5th is Dm The 'm' is pronounced 'minor'.

Chord a Day, January 6th - Em

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 6th is Em The 'm' is pronounced 'minor'.

Chord a Day, January 7th - Am

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 7th is Am The 'm' is pronounced 'minor'. This chord, discovered deep in the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company's coal mine in Mauch Chunk, Carbon County of Pennsylvania by Am.

Chord a Day, January 8th - Cadd9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 8th is Cadd9. Cadd9 is a great contemporary chord in wide use in a variety of styles.

Chord a Day, January 9th - Cadd2

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 9th is Cadd2. Cadd2 is a great contemporary chord in wide use in a variety of styles.

Chord a Day, January 10th - C7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 10th is C7

Chord a Day, January 11th - D7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 11th is D7. This partial D7 is ofter referred to as the Hawaiian D7 chord after its use in the Chord sequence C D7 G7, a common turnaround in Hawaiian music. So much so that it's called the Hawaiian Turnaround.

Chord a Day, January 12th - E7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 12th is E7

Chord a Day, January 13th - Gsus4

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 13th is Gsus4

Chord a Day, January 14th - A7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 14th is A7

Chord a Day, January 15th - Fm

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 15th is Fm.

Chord a Day, January 16th - Cm

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 16th is Cm.

Chord a Day, January 17th - E

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 17th is E.

Chord a Day, January 19th - B7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 19th is B7.

Chord a Day, January 20th - D

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 20th is D.

Chord a Day, January 21st - A

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 21st is A.

Chord a Day, January 22nd - Eb

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 22nd is Eb.

Chord a Day, January 23rd - Gm

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 23rd is Gm.

Chord a Day, January 24th - C5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 24th is C5.

Chord a Day, January 25th - Cmaj7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 25th is Cmaj7.

Chord a Day, January 26th - Emaj7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 26th is Emaj7.

Chord a Day, January 27th - Amaj7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 27th is Amaj7.

Chord a Day, January 28th - C9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 28th is C9

Chord a Day, January 29th - Am7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 29th is Am7

Chord a Day, January 30th - Asus4

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 30th is Asus4

Chord a Day, January 31st - Csus4

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 31st is Csus4

Chord a Day, February 1st - C#m

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 1st is C#m

Chord a Day, February 2nd - F#m

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 2nd is F#m

Chord a Day, February 3rd - Bbmaj7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 3rd is Bbmaj7

Chord a Day, February 4th - Dsus2

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 4th is Dsus2

Chord a Day, February 5th - F5add2

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 5th is F5add2

Chord a Day, February 6th - C5add2

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 6th is C5add2

Chord a Day, February 7th - G5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 7th is G5

Chord a Day, February 8th - Gmaj7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 8th is Gmaj7

Chord a Day, February 9th - Cadd9sus4

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 9th is Cadd9sus4

Chord a Day, February 10th - A9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 10th is A9

Chord a Day, February 11th - A13

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 11th is A13

Chord a Day, February 12th - A13

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 12th is A13

Chord a Day, February 13th - Bb5add2

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 13th is Bb5add2

Chord a Day, February 14th - Csus2

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 14th is Csus2.

Chord a Day, February 15th - Gsus2

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 15th is Gsus2.

Chord a Day, February 16th - C13

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 16th is C13.

Chord a Day, February 17th - C7b9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 17th is C7b9.

Chord a Day, February 18th - Em7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 18th is Em7.

Chord a Day, February 19th - G6

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 19th is G6.

Chord a Day, February 20th - dim7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 20th is a diminished seventh chord.

Chord a Day, February 21st - dim7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 21st is a Diminished Seventh chord.

Chord a Day, February 22nd - F#m7b5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 22nd is F#m7b5.

Chord a Day, February 23rd - Asus4

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 23rd is Asus4.

Chord a Day, February 24th - A+

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 24th is A+.

Chord a Day, February 26th - Amaj9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 26th is Amaj9.

Chord a Day, February 27th - Am9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 27th is Am9.

Chord a Day, February 28th - Em9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 28th is Em9.

Chord a Day, February 29th - ?

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for February 29th is ( see ya' again in 2028).

Chord a Day, March 1st - Bb

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 1st is Bb. For transposition purposes today's the root on string one or four can be used. This is where really and I mean really knowing the notes of the ukulele fingerboard really pay off.

Chord a Day, March 2nd - Bb7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 2nd is Bb7. Using the root on string one from yesterday's Bb chord allows you to reuse the transposition chart or knowledge for the Bb7 shown today.

Chord a Day, March 3rd - F7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 3rd is F7. We are now entering into the so-called “Jazz” chord, world of chords. Technically “Jazz” chords are simply 4-part contemporary chords that find the use in a wide variety of traditional and contemporary music.

Chord a Day, March 4th - C7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 4th is C7.

Chord a Day, March 5th - G7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 5th is G7.

Chord a Day, March 6th - D7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 6th is D7.

Chord a Day, March 7th - A7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 7th is A7.

Chord a Day, March 9th - B7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 9th is B7.

Chord a Day, March 10th - B7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 10th is B7.

Chord a Day, March 11th - Eb7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 11th is Eb7.

Chord a Day, March 12th - Ab7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 12th is Ab7.

Chord a Day, March 13th - Db7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 13th is Db7.

Chord a Day, March 14th - Ab7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 14th is Ab7.

Chord a Day, March 15th - Db7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 15th is Db7.

Chord a Day, March 16th - C9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 16th is C9.

Chord a Day, March 17th - F9

Learn a new Ukulele Chord a Day for every day of the year. The chord for March 17th is F9.

Chord a Day, March 18th - G9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 18th is G9.

Chord a Day, March 19th - A9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 19th is A9.

Chord a Day, March 20th - D9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 20th is D9.

Chord a Day, March 21st - E9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 21st is E9.

Chord a Day, March 22nd - C13

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 22nd is C13.

Chord a Day, March 23rd - C13

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 23rd is C13.

Chord a Day, March 24th - F7

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 24th is F7.

Chord a Day, March 25th - F7#5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 25th is F7#5.

Chord a Day, March 26th - F9#5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 26th is F9#5.

Chord a Day, March 27th - F7b9#5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 27th is F7b9#5.

Chord a Day, March 28th - F7b9b5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 28th is F7b9b5.

Chord a Day, March 30th - F7#9#5

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 30th is F7#9#5.

Chord a Day, March 31st - C13#9

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for March 31st is C13#9.

Whoo!!!, Too Many Chord Shapes to Memorize!!!

Too many chord shapes to memorize Hopefully, that is something you might have realized after three months into the Chord a Day saga. There are way too many chord shapes to memorize.

Chord Switching - Double Stops

Switching chords are all about finger independence and working together. This can be developed using the "double stop"  fingering drills presented in this lesson. A "double stop" is a term borrowed from violin technique where you are stopping two strings or two notes - an interval.

One Finger-One Note Basic Single String Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This one finger-one note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape.

Two Finger-Two Note Basic Single String Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This two finger-two note drill is designed to get your hands in shape. These exercises work no matter what style of ukulele you play or want to play.

Three Finger-Three Note Basic Single String Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This three finger-three note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape.

Common Chord Progressions for the Key of C Major

Sometimes called the “learning key”, the key of C Major is one of the easiest keys to memorize and begin using. C major (often just C or key of C) is a musical major scale based on C, with pitches C D E F G A B C. Its key signature has no flats or sharps. Its relative minor is A minor A B C D E F G A B.

Four Famous Core `Ukulele Strums - Pattern One

For ukulele there are four core, basic strums that will get you started. This is the first of the four core patterns.

Four Famous Core `Ukulele Strums - Pattern - Pattern Two

For ukulele and guitar there are four core, basic strums that will get you started. This is the second of the four core patterns.

Four Famous Core `Ukulele Strums - Pattern - Pattern Three

For ukulele there are four core, basic strums that will get you started. This is the third of the four core patterns.

Four Famous Core `Ukulele Strums - Pattern - Pattern Four

For ukulele, there are four core, basic strums that will get you started. This is the fourth of the four core patterns. This is the famous Island Strum that you will hear a lot in the Ukulele community.

Four Famous Core `Ukulele Strums - Pattern - Review

Review of the four core ukulele strums.

Whole Steps and Half Steps Explained

The distance between any two notes can be defined by steps - half steps, whole steps, semi-tones, whole tones. From this series of steps you can get the names of the notes of ANY of the fifteen major scales.

Essential Bb Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele

Essential Bb Major scale patterns for ukulele.

Essential C Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele

Essential C Major scale patterns for ukulele. Learning scales typically starts with learning a position or pattern by shape. For a lot of players that‘s where it stops. With the many possible shapes between chords and scales to learn - there has to be a better way - There is!!!

Essential D Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele

Essential D Major scale patterns for ukulele.

Essential F Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele

Essential F Major scale patterns for ukulele.

The Big Six Core Chords - F7, Four Voicings

The Big Six Core Chords, Level I - F7, four voicings. The F7 is a 1 3 5 b7 of the major scale, based on the root of the chord. For F7 the chord tones are: F A C Eb. These ARE the four F7 chord voicings that are used for deriving other chords. If all else fails when trying to remember a particular chord you can go back to your base seventh chords and go through the chord formula for deriving the chord you need.

The Big Six Core Chords - Fm7, Four Voicings

The Big Six Core Chords, Level I - Fm7, four voicings. The Fm7 is a 1 b3 5 b7 of the major scale, based on the root of the chord. For Fm7 the chord tones are: F A C Eb.

The Big Six Core Chords - Fmaj7, Four Voicings

The Big Six Core Chords, Level I - Fmaj7, four voicings. Fmaj7 is a 1 3 5 7 of the major scale, based on the root of the chord. These are the four Fmaj7 chord voicings that will be used for deriving other major seventh derived chords. There are far too many chord shapes to memorize thousands of shapes.

The Big Six Core Chords - Fm7b5, Four Voicings

The Big Six Core Chords, Level I - Fm7b5, four voicings. The Fm7b5 is a 1 b3 b5 b7 of the major scale, based on the root of the chord.

The Big Six Core Chords - Fdim7, Four Voicings

The Big Six Core Chords, Level I - Fdim7, four voicings. Fdim7 is a 1 b3 b5 bb7 of the major scale, based on the root of the chord. These are the four Fdim7 chord voicings that will be used for deriving other chords. There are far too many chord shapes to memorize thousands of shapes.

The Big Six Core Chords, Level I - Faug7, Four Voicings

The Big Six Core Chords, LevelI - Faug7, four voicings. Faug7* is a 1 3 5# b7 of the major scale, based on the root of the chord.

Six Essential Scales - Ionian/Major Chords

The Ionian/Major scale is one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know. Here are the chords for all 15 Ionian/Major scales. From the Ionian/Major scale all other diatonic and pentatonic scales can be derived.

Six Essential Scales - Aeolian/Natural Minor Chords

The Aeolian/Natural Minor scale is one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know. The scale formula, based on the major scale is: 1 2 b3 5 b6 b7 8.

Six Essential Scales - Dorian/Minor Chords

The Dorian/Minor scale is one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know. The scale formula, based on the major scale is: 1 2 b3 5 6 b7 8.

Six Essential Scales - Blues/Minor Pentatonic Chords

The Blues/MInor Pentatonic scale is one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know. Here are the chords for all 15 Pentatonic/Major Pentatonic scales.

Six Essential Scales - Pentatonic/Major Pentatonic Chords

The Pentatonic/Major Pentatonic scale is one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know. Here are the chords for all 15 Pentatonic/Major Pentatonic scales.

Six Essential Scales - Pentatonic/Major Pentatonic QuickStart Scale Shapes

QuickStart scale shapes summary for Pentatonic/Major Pentatonic, one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know. The scale formula for this scale, based on the major scale is: 1 2 3 5 6 8`.

Six Essential Scales - Aeolian/Natural Minor QuickStart Scale Shapes

QuickStart scale shapes summary for "Aeolian/Natural Minor", one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know. The scale formula for this scale, based on the major scale is: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8´.

Six Essential Scales - Blues/Minor Pentatonic QuickStart Scale Shapes

QuickStart scale shapes summary for Blues/Minor Pentatonic, one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know.

Six Essential Scales - Ionian/Major QuickStart Scale Shapes

QuickStart scale shapes summary for Ionian/Major, one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know.

Six Essential Scales - Dorian/Minor QuickStart Scale Shapes

QuickStart scale shapes summary for Dorian/Minor, one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know.

Six Essential Scales - Mixolydian/Dominant QuickStart Scale Shapes

QuickStart scale shapes summary for "Mixolydian/Dominant", one of the six essential scales that every ukulele player should know.

Primary Chords - D Major

The primary chords for any major key are the I, IV, and V chords of its corresponding major scale. For D Major, the primary chords are: D, G, A, and A7. From the primary and secondary chords of a major key, countless songs and chords progressions can be played.

Primary Chords - A Major

The primary chords for any major key are the I, IV and V chords of its corresponding major scale. For A Major, the primary chords are: A, D, E and E7. From the primary and secondary chords of a major key, countless songs and chords progressions can be played.

Primary Chords - E Major

The primary chords for any major key are the I, IV a