Add one more beat in every measure, common time becomes 5/4 time. “Thrive on Five” (pentatonic) becomes “Thrive on Five in Five.” It’s still pentatonic, for only the five notes from a major pentatonic scale are used. This is one of the 12 pieces in the new book “Pick! Pluck! Play!” that I’m writing for beginners to play on the high G ukulele.
The first fret is never pressed in this piece. It makes sense to use your left index finger to press the C-string on the 2nd fret. In fact, you can leave that finger there for the entire piece.
Because 5/4 time is uncommon, it’s necessary to count to five for every measure until you “get” it.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
“Thrive on Five in Five (pentatonic)” 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.
