72 – Another Way To Learn Basic Chords

In this post: Learn basic chords

Note: If you are new to the ukulele, I suggest you read the posts in the order in which they are numbered.

I'm baaaaack. Sorry to be away so long. My saxophone trio, the Winded Jammers, has kept me busy. We've had a bunch of concerts lately and have expanded our group to five by adding a bass guitar and bongos. I'm looking to expand our capabilities, which has gotten me back to the uke and the tenor banjo. I'm looking into amplifying a uke, or getting one already setup, such as a solid body Eleuke.

Meanwhile, I came across an idea on the Banjo Hangout forum. The author of the post explained his methodology for learning chords when he was starting out. I like it because the sequence is fun to play. Basically, he played a I-VI-II-V-I major chord progression and a I-vi-ii-V-I major/minor chord progression. For example, this would give you sequences like:

Major:

G – E7 – A7 – D7 – G
C – A7 – D7 – G7 – C
F – D7 – G7 – C7 – F
Bb – G7 – C7 – F7 – Bb

Major/minor:

G – Em7 – Am7 – D7 – G
C – Am7 – Dm7 – G7 – C
F – Dm7 – Gm7 – C7 – F
Bb – Gm7 – Cm7 – F7 – Bb

Eventually you would want to start in all 12 keys. You can use the circle of fifths to figure out the remaining sequences.

Later

71 - Year One

In this post: Time to play outside

Note: If you are new to the ukulele, I suggest you read the posts in the order in which they are numbered.

We just passed the one-year anniversary of Lazy River Uke. It’s been a fun-filled and eventful year. More to the point, though is that it reminds me of my theme - Lazy River - and the time of year that it recalls, which is NOW. This is the time to take your uke outside and let your music play on the gentle breezes of summer. The uke is one instrument you can do this with and not run the risk of alienating your neighbors. (If I were to take my saxophone outside I’d hear about it soon enough!)

If you have a friend or family member who plays the harmonica or ocarina and can join you, so much the better. These three instruments seem made for being out in nature, especially warm nature. (BTW - if you live in the southern hemisphere, just set this aside for November.)

Every year a neighbor of ours who just recently retired from show biz, sets up a tent in his back yard and invites the neighbors over for an amateur hour or two. It’s great fun and turns up surprising talent in unexpected places. This year my wife and I are considering a uke-harmonica duet. The operative word here is “considering.” First she has to learn the harmonica. Then we have to pick a simple tune or two. That part should be easy enough. I guess she could always whistle instead. The uke sure is versatile!

Later,
-- Al

70 - The Fine Art Of Visualization

In this post: Practice by using visulaization

Note: If you are new to the ukulele, I suggest you read the posts in the order in which they are numbered.

MANY years ago, while bedridden with pneumonia and frustrated in the knowledge that I was missing the start of basketball practice in my sophomore year of high school, I recalled having read about Jim Thorpe, the great American/Indian athlete. He made visualization a routine part of his practice. While others were knocking themselves out with physical practice, he was sitting there imagining himself running races, pole vaulting, high jumping and so forth. (That’s not to say he didn’t also practice the physical side of things.)

Being bedridden with time on my hands, I began imagining myself shooting layups left-handed (I’m right-handed, of course). Amazingly, when I finally made it back onto the court weeks later, I discovered I was able to shoot layups left-handed, smoothly and successfully.

I’ve only occasionally applied this technique to my music, and am now wondering why I don’t do it more often. I have plenty of challenging passages to deal with in my community band endeavors, and the one time I tried visualization things seemed to improve. I read through all the numbers we had to play for a given concert, imaging myself actually playing them and paying particular attention to the phrasing and timing (a couple of weak areas for me). When it came time to actually perform, I found myself much more confidant and familiar with the music.

Visualization is especially useful at those times when you want to practice but don’t dare for fear of waking a sleeping child or spouse. Basically, it’s a matter of running through in your mind what the chord sequences are, what the strum pattern is, and so forth. If you can’t remember a certain passage, get out the instrument and finger the chords or step through a single-note sequence till you can remember it.

Visualization is also a great way to deal with those awkward phrases and difficult fingering sequences. You can work through a phrase, paying particular attention to the notes without being distracted by actually having to play them as well. Count them out and then feel the phrase.

With difficult fingering sequences you can train your fingerings by using your mind. Ultimately you want to get your fingers to know what to do without having to think too much. Visualization gets your mind on board so that when the time comes to play, your mind is not getting in the way. It already knows what’s going on.

Give visualization a try. I think you’ll be glad you did.

Later,
-- Al