Virtuosic instrumental ukulele performances woo and awe us. Master ukulele shredders like Taimane and Jake Shimabukuro play so fast and furiously that sometimes you can’t see the fingers at all. They play up and down the neck, covering the entire geography of the four string instrument. It would seem impossible to play at their breakneck speed. But maybe it’s possible to play an octave lower, half as fast, or even strum the chords and play along.
Body Surfing by Herb Ohta
Shown above, the first four chords used in the instrumental ukulele solo piece “Body Surfing” are an example of the Andalusian cadence, a common chord progression I discuss in my book on the subject.
For less virtuosic players, it’s possible to play the repetitive riffs an octave lower from what is usually played.
If it weren’t for the Bb note below middle C, it’s easier to play these riffs on the high G ukulele.
Practice suggestions
- Practice the chords until you can finger and switch and play them without looking at the chord diagrams.
- Listen and watch Taimane and Jake play Body Surfing.
- Play along by strumming the chords.
- Read the notes and tabs and fingerpick the riffs.
More information
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