Following “Wander on One,” I aimed at composing a short piece deliberately using only the four notes on the four open strings and the four notes that requires pressing the second fret on the high G ukulele. To this end, I also enlisted a few “necessary” notes on the third fret. “Skip the Second” doesn’t mean to not play the second fret. On the contrary, it requires playing on the second fret as well as a few instances of the third fret. Because the first fret is not used at all, I recommend to use your left hand index finger on the second fret.
The notes on the second fret of the ukulele are A, D, F#, and B above middle C. The first three form D major. The second three (D, F#, and B) form B minor. All four notes form Bm7.
Thus it’s very compelling to write a piece that makes use of these notes and chords.
“Skip the Second” is one of the 12 pieces I’m writing for Level 2 of the new book “Pick! Pluck! Play! Fingerstyle Ukulele.”
The last page “Ukulele Chords” of the new book contains a table of ukulele chord diagrams ordered alphabetically for the chords used in the book.
I’m thrilled about releasing these two books as a precursors (prerequisite) to the 12 Chinese Zodiac Suite, which contains three skill levels.
I am recording all my new compositions in the 100 Days of Ukulele 2025 project. To me, this challenge means uploading a new video recording of a new piece each consecutive day from 1st March to 8th June 2025.
For other recent compositions and arrangements by Anne Ku, please visit the Daily Music Writing Project or scroll through the consecutive blog posts.
