The basis of Travis Picking is “inside, outside.” Fingerpick the two inside strings (C and E) then the outside strings (G and A) of the ukulele. Most of my new piece “Step In and Out” uses such movement of inside and outside pairs of strings of the high G ukulele, hence the title of this piece from my new book “Pick! Pluck! Play!”
“Slide left hand (same fingers) up and down the fret as needed” means take your left hand fingers and slide on the fretboard towards the sound hole or back as needed. This is needed from measure 20 in the piece.
The right hand fingers continue to fingerpick the middle two strings followed by the outer two strings until bar 32 for just one measure. From measure 49, it changes, as shown below.
I introduce a hammer-on in the measure before the last.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
“Step In and Out” is one of the 12 pieces I’m writing for Level 1 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.
