Learning Ukulele with Curt

Available Lessons Tagged with the Subject: "Intermediate"

279 Lessons Found

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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.

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.

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?"

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.

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 - 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Chord can be categorized into four categories: "Open Position Chords", "Movable Form Chords", "4-part - a.k.a. Jazz Chords", and "Free Form Chords."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Practice Cycles and Sequences

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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."

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 - 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.

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.

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.

A - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position A chords and its movable form and variations.

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.

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.

D7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position D7 chord and its movable form and variations.

E7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position E7 chord and its movable form and variations.

F7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position F7 chord and its movable form and variations.

G7 - Open Position and Movable Forms

Open position G7 chord and its movable form and variations.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Major and Minor Triads, Strings 1 2 3

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 major and minor triads on string 1 2 3.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Diminished and Augmented Triads, Strings 1 2 3

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 1 2 3.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Major and Minor 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 chart covers the major and minor triads on strings 2 3 4.

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.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Major and Minor Triads, Strings 1 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 chart covers the major and minor triads on strings 1 2 3 4.

Core `Ukulele Chords, Diminished and Augmented Triads, Strings 1 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 1 2 3 4.

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.

Basic Blues Progressions in C Major

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

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.

Basic Blues Progressions in D Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of D 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.

Basic Blues Progressions in A Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of A 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.

Basic Blues Progressions in E Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of E 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.

Basic Blues Progressions in F Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of F 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.

Basic Blues Progressions in Bb Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of Bb 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.

Basic Blues Progressions in Eb Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of Eb 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.

Basic Blues Progressions in Ab Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of Ab 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.

Basic Blues Progressions in Db Major

Basic and Quick Change blues chord progressions in the key of Db 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

Alternating Thumb Style, Patterns Summary

Summary of the core Alternating Thumb patterns from the Alternating Thumb Fingerpicking for Ukulele book.

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.

`Ukulele Strums - Core Pattern 6.1

Another one of the 72 possible strumming patterns based of the Modular Phonetic Rhythm system level II rhythmic syllables.

`Ukulele Struming Pattern 6.1T

Another one of the 72 possible strumming patterns based of the Modular Phonetic Rhythm systems level II rhythmic syllables.

Repeating Note Single String Fingering Drills

Building on the single note, 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with a repeating note or two. This series of lessons, although the examples are shown for ukulele, are appropriate for any fretted string instrument like guitar, banjo, or mandolin.

Exploring Major Triads on Ukulele Using a I IV I V Progression - C Major

Building major triads using the primary chords of C major. Triads are one of the first chords that really bring to light the need to know the notes of the neck. This lesson shows the three voicings and the solutions for playing a common "1 4 1 5" progression using C, F and G triads on the string 1 2 3 set.

Common Chord Progressions for the Key of D

Common chord progressions for the key of D. Using the primary and secondary chords for the key explore these common chord progressions for the key of D. D is one of the common keys that include C, G, *D, A, and E.

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.

Essential Ab Major Scale Patterns for Ukulele

Essential Ab 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 Eb Major Scale Patterns for Ukulele

Essential Eb 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 Db Major Scale Patterns for Ukulele

Essential DbMajor 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 G Major Scale Patterns for Ukulele

Essential G 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!!!

Open String, Two Finger Single Strings Fingering Drills

Using the original two finger-two notes single strings gymnastics, incorporate an open string. This develops the ability to get the finger on and off notes rapidly - getting out of the way when needed.

Open String, Two Finger Single Strings Fingering Drills

Using the original two finger-two notes single strings gymnastics, incorporate an open string. This develops the ability to get the finger on and off notes rapidly - getting out of the way when needed.

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, Banjo Rolls on Ukulele

Exploring banjo rolls on ukulele. In bluegrass music, a banjo roll or roll is a repeated accompaniment pattern of eighth notes. Each roll pattern is a right hand fingering pattern, which can be played while holding any chord position.

Alternating Thumb Style, Embellishments

Hammer-ons, Pull-offs, and Slides are the most basic embellishments and an integral part of rock, folk, country, bluegrass, and pop music styles.

Exploring Major Triads on `Ukulele Using a I IV I V Progression - Key of G

Exploring major triads using the primary chords of G major. Triads are one of the first chords that really bring to light the need to know the notes of the neck. This lesson shows the three voicings and the solutions for playing a common 1 4 1 5 progression using G, C and D triads on the string 1 2 3 set.

`Ukulele Strums and The Modular Phonetic Rhythm System

Strums are Inseparably Linked to Rhythm. Any strum can be broken down to its Modular Phonetic rhythmic syllables. Modular Phonetic Rhythm, by Chuck Anderson is a system for learning rhythm. It teaches rhythm phonetically - just as language does. Remember 'Strums ARE rhythm'

`Ukulele Strums - Core Pattern 4.1

Another one of the 72 possible strumming patterns based of the Modular Phonetic Rhythm systems level II rhythmic syllables. A dotted quarter note and one eight note to four eight notes. Basically one rhythmic rhythmic syllable from the Modular Phonetic Rhythm tied to another syllable from the system.

`Ukulele Strums - Core Pattern 4.1T

Another one of the 72 possible strumming patterns based of the Modular Phonetic Rhythm systems level II rhythmic syllables. The last pattern in this series with the end of the first rhythmic syllable tied to the beginning of the second rhythmic syllable.

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - A

Example A blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - B

Example B blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - C

Example C blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - D

Example D blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - E

Example E blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - F

Example F blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - G

Example G blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - H

Example H blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - I

Example I blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - J

Example J blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - K

Example L blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - L

Example L blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - M

Example M blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - N

Example N blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - O

Example O blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - P

Example P blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - Q

Example Q blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - R

Example R blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - S

Example S blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - T

Example T blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - U

Example U blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - V

Example V blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - W

Example W blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - X

Example X blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - Y

Example Y blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

A to Z Blues Progressions, Example - Z

Example Z blues progression from my book "A Guide To Blues Chord Progressions For Ukulele A To Z".

The Big Six Core Chords - F6, Four Voicings

The Big Six Core Chords: "F6". This is the Level II of your core 4-part "Jazz" chords. The F6 is a 1 3 5 6 of the major scale, based on the root of the chord. A major 6th chord can be derived either from a seventh or major seventh chord. From a seventh chord lower the flat seventh one fret. From a major seventh chord lower the natural seventh two frets.

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.

Rhythm and Strums Level II Rhythmic Pairs - Lesson One

Level II Rhythmic Syllables 1 of 6 and 2 of 6 from the Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The Foundation and Workbook 1 book.

Rhythm and Strums Level II Rhythmic Pairs - Lesson Two

Level II Rhythmic Syllables 3 of 6 from the Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The Foundation and Workbook 1 book.

Rhythm and Strums Level II Rhythmic Pairs - Lesson Three

Level II Rhythmic Syllables 4 of 6 from the Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The Foundation and Workbook 1 book.

Rhythm and Strums Level II Rhythmic Pairs - Lesson Five

Level II Rhythmic Syllables 6 of 6 from the Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The Foundation and Workbook 1 book.

Rhythm and Strums Level II Rhythmic Pairs - Lesson Four

Level II Rhythmic Syllables 5 of 6 from the Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The Foundation and Workbook 1 book.

Harmonic Analysis - Partial Diatonic

"Partial Diatonic" is defined as a chord that HAS its root in the - "Harmonize Chord Chart," but its species or chord type is NOT in the Harmonized Chord Chart. Partial Diatonic chords are used to link chords without leaving the current key center. Secondary Dominant chords are a big part of this harmonic principle.

Harmonic Analysis - Common Chord Progressions

Common chord progression are simply the sequence of chords that contiounly show up in various styles of music and common keys.

Harmonic Analysis - Common Harmonic Sequences

Common harmonic sequences and their analysis with scale choices.

Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series

Harmonic Analysis ( HA ) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality. Once a chord's function is identified, scale selections along with chord and scale substitutions can be made. This process is called Root Movement Analysis ( RMA ). This series of lessons are extracted from my book for use with individual private and on-line students. Each lesson directly corresponds the chapters in my book Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution by Curt Sheller (me).

Harmonic Analysis - The Six Harmonic Principles - Overview

This lessons cover the "Six Harmonic Principles" that are used to do a Harmonic Anlyasis - the understanding of the functional sequence of chords.

G/Ab Movable Form Ukulele Chords

The "G/Ab Movable Form Ukulele Chords", based on the open position "G, Gm, and G7" chords allow you to transpose these to any key. The movable form chords are the next step after learning the core open position chords.

C/Db Movable Form Ukulele Chords

The "C/Db Movable Form Ukulele Chords", based on the open position "C, Cm, and C7" chords allow you to transpose these to any key. The movable form chords are the next step after learning the core open position chords.

A/Bb Movable Form Ukulele Chords

The "A/Bb Movable Form Ukulele Chords", based on the open position "A, Am, and A7" chords allow you to transpose these to any key. The movable form chords are the next step after learning the core open position chords.

4-Part Movable 7th Chord Forms

Based on the open position seventh chords: A7, C7, E7, and G7. These movable seventh forms allow you to transpose the open position seventh chords to any key.

Diminished & Augmented Chords

Movable form "Diminished" and "Augmented" form chords.

Power 5, sus and add Movable Form Chords

Power 5, sus and add movable form chords. These chords are common rock and contemporary chord forms.

Harmonic Analysis - Conclusion

HARMONIC ANALYSIS for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution explored the six harmonic principles for analyzing chord progressions and songs using tradition tonic-dominant harmony and the scale modes.

Learning the Fingerboard, C Tuning - Random Shape

There is nothing that returns more value when learning a fretted musical instrument like the ukulele than really , and I mean really knowing the names of the notes of the fingerboard. This exercise takes any random fingerboard shape and names the notes using any combination of their natural, sharps and or flats names.

Alternating Thumb Style, Reading TAB

Tablature, or "TAB" for short, is a musical notation system for indicating instrument fingering rather than musical pitches in the standard music tradition. Tablature is common for fretted stringed instruments such as the lute, vihuela, or guitar. Tablature has been around for centuries and was common during the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Alternating Thumb Style, Remembering the Patterns

In addition to the individual rhythmic make-up of the pattern which is represented in the Standard Music Notation. Musical direction and the strings can help in remembering the patterns. The string pattern can really help with getting the plucking hand to actually execute the pattern as intended.

Core Ukulele Chords - Triads, Suspended Chords

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four traditional triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. And four contemporary triad chord types: sus2, sus4, add2 and add9.

This series of lessons explores contemporary suspended or sus chords using triads cover is earlier lessons of this series.

Core Ukulele Chords - Triads, Add Chords

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four traditional triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. And four contemporary triad chord types: sus2, sus4, add2 and add9. This series of lessons explores contemporary add chords using triads covered in earlier lessons of this series.

Remembering Songs

Listening to songs and wanting to play the same songs on ukulele – that's what draws most people to the ukulele. That and it looks like a load of fun and easy to play – which it is. Then you need to actually remember the songs that you're learning, so you can play them again. And, hopefully, not have to read them off a sheet all the time.

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.

Adjacent String Pairs Fingering Drills

Building on the one, two, three and four finger finger gymnastics, these adjacent strings drills add a change of direction to the exercises.

Developing Your Finger One Barre

The ability to place a single finger across more than one string, a “barre” is an essential technique for chords as well single notes and double stops.

Improvising Using Major Triads Plus One Note

Using Major Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing melodies and in improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

Improvising Using Minor Triads Plus One Note

Using Minor Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing and in and improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

Common Jazz Chord Progressions

Common Jazz Chord Progressions - there is a lot more common between songs than you might think. This lessons show some common progressions and the jazz standards that use them.

Common Chord Progression for Ukulele, C Major

In Western Harmony there is no stronger chord resolution in a major or minor key than then the V chord to the I chord, the dominant to tonic. In the key of C major this is G or G7 to C.

Fingerpicking on Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style

The "Alternating Thumb Style" lessons are in their own section and book.

A Practical Approach to Exploring Scales

On ukulele there aren't many positions where you can play a one octave scale from the root to octave. An instrument like the guitar with the additional lower strings five and six allows one to play a one octave scale in multiple positions in the basic 4-fret, 4-finger position. On ukulele there might be one or two depending on the scale and the key - and whether your using a low string four tuning. This lesson offers a practical approach to practicing your scales on ukulele.

Core Ukulele Chords - Sevenths

These chords are movable chord forms based on core 4-part seventh chords and triads with duplicated and/or omitted notes.

Learning the Bo Diddley Strum

The Bo Diddley strum is named after Bo Diddley. Bo Diddley is an American R&B vocalist, guitarist, songwriter ( usually as Ellas McDaniel ), and rock and roll pioneer. He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and a hard-edged electric guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs, along with African rhythms and a signature beat (a simple five-accent clave rhythm) that remains a cornerstone of rock and pop.

Two Finger Slide Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

Slide is used when the passage cannot be played within a single 4 fret span or when more notes per string required to produce a particular effect. I's also used in situations where a gradually ascending or descending diagonal motion best solves the physical and musical demands of the passage.

Three Finger Slide Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

Slide is used when the passage cannot be played within a single 4 fret span or when more notes per string required to produce a particular effect. I's also used in situations where a gradually ascending or descending diagonal motion best solves the physical and musical demands of the passage.

Two Finger Pass Fingering Drills for `Ukulele

Pass maximizes the number of notes per string, making the timbre consistent. It's used to move up or down the neck to cope with a passage in which the range is unusually large. The pass provides an effective way to move straight up the first string. It's particularly useful in developing 3 octave fingerings and in playing melodies with an adjacent drone string.

Reading Music on `Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, Introduction

There are a few things in music that students and players avoid. These are things like learning to read and knowing the notes of their own instrument. It is hard on guitar - but not so hard on ukulele. With the right guidance and plan of attack. IT IS EASY. It is really quite easy on a uke. Starting with natural notes in in the open position you can finally check off the Reading Music to do item. Learning to read standard music notation is really, really easy.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, String One

From the available natural notes in open position there are three notes on string one. A, B and C. The Open Position is the open strings and frets one, two, three and four.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, String Two

From the available natural notes in open position there are three notes on string two. E, F and G.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, String Three

From the available natural notes in open position there are two notes on string three. C, and D.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, Strings One, Two and Three

Open Position Review - All the natural notes covered on string one, two and three comprise the C Major scale. Here is the fingerboard shape on ukulele.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - The Basics

Learning to read begins with recognizing the notes on the staff and knowing where they are located on the fingerboard. Knowing the name is also a essential skill.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, Alternate Note Locations

One of the reasons it is hard to read music on the guitar and the ukulele is, alternate note locations. In the open position there is one alternate note location. The open E, string two can also be played on string three, fret (3). If there is no overwhelming musical reason to play one location vs. the other. Then play the one that is easier to play. Use your ear as the final judge as to which one you prefer.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Rest and Ties

A tie extends the rhythmic value of the first note by the value of the next note. Ties can span multiple notes. Rests are symbols for silence. Each note each has an equivalent symbol for silence.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, Drills and Exercises

You can get the fingers working and trained to follow our ear by playing scales, intervals, sequences and arpeggios. These are the four elements used to create melodies and improvisation.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, What About String Four?

"C Tuning, Low G", extends the melodic range to G below middle C. This expanded range allows for a wider selection when selecting songs to play. The G, A and B are the same names as a high string four but sounding one octave lower.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, Songs

The following songs can be played in open position using the natural notes covered in the previous lessons of this primer. These songs do not use any signatures, no time signature or key signature is shown. All songs are played with a quarter note taking one beat.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Tuning Your Ukulele

It is important to always have your ukulele in tune. This lesson covers the various ways of getting you ukulele in tune.

Reading Music on Ukulele Series - Reading in Open Position, Rhythm

The Ukulele - Reading Music Series uses the "Modular Phonetic Rhythm System" by Chuck Anderson for learning rhythm.

Backdoor Chord Progressions

In jazz and jazz harmony, the chord progression from IV7 to bVII7 to I has been nicknamed the backdoor progression or the backdoor II-V. This name derives from an assumption that the normal progression to the tonic, the II-V-I turnaround (II-V7 to I, see also authentic cadence) is, by inference, the front door. It can be considered a minor plagal cadence in traditional theory.

Fifties (1950s) Chord Progressions

Another common way of extending the I - IV - V sequence is by adding the chord of the sixth scale degree, giving the sequence I - vi - IV - V or I - vi - ii - V, sometimes called the 50s progression.

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.

The Four Chord Pop Progression

This is the most popular chord progression in use today. It has replaced the most common chord progression that was used in the 50s, the 1 6 2 5 chord progression.

The Big Six Core Chords - Level II

The next series of chords that build on the Bix Six Core Chords and form the foundation for ALL your jazz chords include: Major Sixth ( 6 ), Minor Sixth ( m6 ) and Minor-Major Seventh ( mL7 ).

Upper Partials and Chord Extensions

A chord extension or upper partial are the chord tones above the octave and not one of the fundamental 4-part chord tones. These are the ninths, elevenths and thirteenths of chords. All chord extensions on ukulele will displace a fundamental chord tone. This is even true for guitar with the ability to add the extension to another string.

Alternating Thumb Style, Additional Practice Material

Additional practice material for developing and exploring the possibilities of the alternating thumb on ukulele no found in the book.

Core Ukulele Chords - Level One

The remaining chords for The Big Six, Level I Core Chords. The Big Six chords include: Seventh 7, Major Seventh maj7, Minor Seventh m7, Half Diminished Seventh or Minor Seven Flat Five diminished 7 m7b5, Diminished Seventh o7 and Augmented Seventh +7. These six chords form a core set of chords.

Open String Fingering Fingering Drills

Open string fingering gymnasics build on the basic one, two, three and four finger single note - single strings drills.

Basic Movable Form Chords

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

Traditional and Contemporary Triads

A "Triad" is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four traditional triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. And four contemporary triad chord types: sus2, sus4, add2 and add9. Triads can be used harmonically, as chords and melodically, as single notes. Triads are a great way to get started with creating melodic solos and improvising.

4-part Contemporary Chords, a.k.a. Jazz Chords

Core Chords is a series of lessons for building your 4-part chords. These chords commonly called jazz chords, are really just 4-part chords used in a wide range of musical styles. 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.

Melody and Chord Tips

Creating "Melody and Chord Arrangements", in theory are as simple as harmonizing the melody with a chord. Which is playing a chord that has the melody note as the top note of the chord voicing. In practice it is a little more involved, but not much more.

Core Chords - Building a Solid Foundation of Contemporary Chords

"Core Chords" are a concept that I typically apply to 4-part chords and your more contemporary modern chords. This where a solid foundation of a core set of chords really help in learning the massive amount of chords that are required for play contemporary music or jazz on ukulele or guitar. Not such a task on ukulele with on one four string set of strings to build your 4-part chords vs. the theoretically possible 15 sets available for guitar.

Reading for `Ukulele Series - C Tuning

This is a series of lessons for reading music for ukulele at a "Pro" level.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson One, Introduction

This is a series of lessons for reading music for ukulele at a pro level. Reading can be thought of on many different levels. 1) the ability to slowly and painfully “work out” the written music. 2) the ability to “hear” the music by looking at the notation. 3) the ability to “notate” your ideas in standard music notation. 4) the ability to “read” music as you read a book or an article. 5) the ability to communicate with other musicians in the written language of music. 6) the ability to learn songs that you’ve never heard.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson Two, Note Recognition

Once you understand the basic concept of reading, it’s time to get down to the development of the skills. We know our goal is to read music as well as we read words. Now, how do we get there? Note Recognition - If you can’t recognize the notes on the staff, you certainly can’t read them. For anyone who is past this step, great! But in many cases, the recognition of notes on the staff is not as good as it should be. If you can’t read music, this skill doesn’t exist at all.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson Three, Open Position

Now that you can recognize the notes on the staff in the Treble clef, it’s time to start connecting that knowledge to the ukulele. One of the most significant problems in reading for the ukulele, is that many of the same notes can be found in multiple locations on the neck. For example, the same A note is an open string one, string two - fret (5) and string three, fret (9) and if using a high G tuning - string four fret (2). The only way to cut down this complexity is to organize the ukulele into positions where this duplication is either eliminated or at least, minimized.

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.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lessons Five, Key Signatures, Flats

This lessons covers the natural symbol and the flat 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.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson Six, Ties

This lessons's work will advance rhythm by introducing Ties. Many ukulele players can find the notes on their instrument but can't read rhythm with enough accuracy and speed to be considered "sight readers". Remember that sight reading is just a level of reading. It's not some special and mysterious skill. When you read a book or magazine, you don't have to "work out" the words before you "read" them. You just read them.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson Seven, Rests & Position II

Lesson seven covers reading in position II. After spending time on open and first position, we're ready to move into the second position. The second position is defined as the notes on frets 2, 3, 4 and 5 on all four strings.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson Eight, Position III

After spending time on open, first and second position, we’re ready to move into the third position. The third position is defined as the notes on frets 3, 4, 5 and 6 on all four strings.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson Nine, Position IV

Lesson Nine covers reading in position IV.

Reading for `Ukulele - Lesson Ten, Position V

Lesson Ten covers reading in position V.

Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele - C Pentatonic

Essential C Pentatonic or Major Pentatonic 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!!!

Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele - Pentatonic Scale Five Position Summaries

The five pentatonic scale positions - a summary. This is the first steps for most players in learning the pentatonic scales in various positions on the neck.

Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele - Major Scale Five Position Summaries

The five "Major/Ionian" scale positions — a summary. The five basic positions are simply the expansion above and below the root and octave of the one octave scale fingerings using the notes that are available in that position. This lesson explores that on the lowest note of the position with every finger.

`Ukulele Chords and Progressions

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

Improvising Using Major Triads Plus Flat Seventh

Building on the Major Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos lesson you can add a b7 to a major triad for a 4-part Seventh chord. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing melodies and in improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

Improvising Using Diminished Triads Plus One Note

Using Diminished Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing melodies and in improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

Improvising Using Augmented Triads Plus One Note

Using Augmented Triad Arpeggios - Plus One for Creating Melodic Solos. With chord tones, the notes of a chord playing a predominant role in writing melodies and in improvised melodies. The triad plus one additional note is a great melodic device for creating melodies - either written or improvised.

Exploring Major Triads Plus One - Fingering Solutions 1 2 3 5

Exploring the triads plus one series is best done using the QuickStart series format and the fingering principles from my book The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering. The QuickStart series format single fingering solution for starting on each finger on strings four, three, two and one. Using the fingering principles from my book The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering allows you to explore scales, arpeggios, intervals and sequences from every finger-every strings, creating multiple pathways through any single note passage.

Tetrachords: Minor (1 2 b3 4)

The Minor tetrachord is the 1 2 b3 4 of a Natural Minor or Aeolian scale.

Tetrachords: Phrygian (1 b2 b3 4)

The Phrygian tetrachord is the 1 b2 b3 4 of a Phrygian scale.

Exploring Major Triads on `Ukulele Using a I IV I V Progression - Key of D

Exploring major triads using the primary chords of D major. Triads are one of the first chords that really bring to light the need to know the notes of the neck. This lessons shows the three voicings and the solutions for playing a common 1 4 1 5 progression using D, G and A triads on the string 1 2 3 set.

Playing by Ear - Melodies

Playing Melodies, Licks, Riffs, Motifs, and Single Note Lines by ear is all about getting your ear to recognize intervals and train the fingers to follow your inner ear and play these melodies on demand.

Playing by Ear - Rhythm

Playing "Rhythm by Ear" is all about getting your ear to recognize the sound of rhythms . And just like melodies, train the fingers, and the hands to follow your inner ear and play these rhythms on demand.

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.

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 -:)

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.

Understanding Diatonic Intervals

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. Simple and Compound Intervals are taken from a major scale. Chromatic Intervals are NOT taken from a major scale. They are derived from the diatonic intervals.

Basic Open Position Guitar Chords - Standard Tuning

Not to leave our guitar players out of the action here is a chart for basic chords for guitar. The basic open position chords that all guitar players should know. These are typically the first chords beginner learn.

Finding a Good Teacher

It's unfortunate that there' s no oversight or organization that regulates private music teachers. This is especially true for private guitar and ukulele teachers. Anyone can hang a shingle out advertising private lessons or put content online. So finding a good teacher can be a problem. Here are a few questions you can ask prospective teachers and generally speaking what their answers should be. I'll also input my perspective which should give some info on accurately evaluating a prospective teacher or online content.

Modular Phonetic Rhythm, Level III Pairs Worksheet

Level III rhythmic syllable pairs for developing your ukulele strums vocabulary and sharpen your reading chops.

First `Ukulele Lesson

This is a scan of a typical first lesson that ALL students new to the ukulele might get in one of my private one-on-one lessons. View the full lesson for my notes and my comments on what doesn't make it on every the sheet. There's a lot of that goes on in an individual private lesson and is different from student to student.

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