Also known as the Hawaiian turnaround, the famous Hawaiian vamp refers to a short chord sequence that can introduce and end a song, intercede between verses and choruses. The chords depend on the destination key.
Leap Year Special
On Maui, I return to the first ukulele jam session I ever attended in my life. I will record the stunning sunset on the Pacific Ocean from the beach in North Kihei. Walk across the road to the green wooden church. Take my shoes off.
- Record on YouTube livestream: warm-up session. (click more below the YouTube video to see the URL for the song book)
- Livestream the first half of the program.
- Video short clips of the break.
- Livestream the second half.
- Livestream the last song (click more to see the URL for the song book)
Join me this Thursday 29th February 2024 for an authentic Hawaiian jam at sunset. You can be late but not earlier than 6:30 PM HST (which is 11:30 PM EST or 4:30 AM GMT) to follow my livestream on location.
Most of the songs are three or four chords. The verses and choruses are usually repeated in the Hawaiian songs. You get lots of practice!
Be sure to download the 163 page song book to follow the livestream video. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get e-mail notification of the livestream video. I don’t know the URL in advance.
Chords in the Hawaiian Vamp
I remember when I learned the Hawaiian vamp in my first ukulele class on Maui. It felt so authentic! I had heard it so often at luaus, hula shows, in shopping malls, at airports, … everywhere in Hawaii. It was described to me as a “two five one” progression, written as II – V – I.
When I gave my first music theory for ukulele course (in Zoom), I realized that it’s not really “two five one.” It’s not II – V – I. It’s not II7 – V7 – I either.
Rather, it’s (V7) – V7 – I.
Soon, I was showered with questions.
- What do all these Roman numerals mean?
- Does the chord progression change with the key?
- How can you easily memorize what the chords should be?
- Does it matter whether you play it on a low G or high G ukulele?
- Is there a specific fingerpicking pattern to make it sound more authentic?
- What kind of strumming makes it sound “right” ?
- How can we fingerpick AND strum the vamps?
Registration
These one-hour workshops are FREE for 3 Chord Thursday paid subscribers and currently enrolled students (WINTER 2024), otherwise $25 to participate. The sessions will be recorded for review and available for purchase. All workshops are one-hour long and occur on Thursdays at 4:30 PM EST.
If you are unable to attend or wish to watch the video recordings for review, please indicate in Zoom and you can order these.
Please register in Zoom for each workshop regardless of whether in-person or not.
- 1st February 2024 hybrid session (in-person in Boston, MA) and in Zoom
- 7th March 2024 in Zoom only
More information
Testimonials
This was an very interesting workshop for people who are somewhat proficient in musical theory,’ and who like to know more about musical repertoire (like Hawaiian songs). (Participant in The Netherlands)
Anne Ku’s approach to teaching ukulele playing is ideal for anyone thinking about trying out an instrument. Her progression of topics and courses allows you to develop to a level and at the pace of your interest. I shared my class’s amazement at how a few simple chords can enhance the simplest of songs. And then, WE could do it! Sign up for the FUN of it! (Participant in the Philippines)
Previous workshops in the Fun with Uke Series
The following workshops were offered FREE for owners of the Fun with Uke Book.
Auld Lang Syne (January 2024) in four different workshops, learn how to
- memorize lyrics
- apply the Circle of Fifths
- add chords to enrich harmony
- modulate and transpose
- accompany with strum and fingerpicking patterns
Holiday Songs (November & December 2023) in three different workshops, go through Christmas songs and learn the best techniques and strategies for
- fingering and switching chords on time and in time
- choosing the best accompaniment for strumming and fingerpicking
Fun with Uke & Wild Chocolate (November 2023) (in-person only),
- 1st half: all 24-nursery rhymes in the Fun with Uke Book
- 2nd half: selected popular songs with song sheets
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