Mozart wasn’t the first to write variations on the famous tune of Twinkle, “Twinkle Little Star.” Unknown to many, Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach, a cousin of Johann Sebastian, also wrote one. The Piano Brothers have recorded theirs, called “Twinkle Lullaby.” I wonder how many others have made such variations on the theme. Here’s my take on the nursery rhyme tune, hence “Tweak the Twinkle for high G ukulele.”
I introduced the Alberti accompaniment for “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” in the 80-page Fun with Uke Book. I also included it in the 20-page Festive Edition, which contains eight of the 24 nursery rhymes.
Whenever chords are given, the sheet music lends itself to the possibility of duetting with another ukulele player.
On repeat, both players can do something different with the music.
I show different ways to play the notes on the high G ukulele. When the first four bars appears again (in measure 9, not shown here), play the notes elsewhere on the ukulele.
After repeating the first page twice, we move to the second half which shifts to the parallel minor key of C minor. The chords change, as do the notes.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
“Tweak the Twinkle” is one of the 12 pieces in the new book “Pick! Pluck! Play! Fingerstyle Ukulele.” I had intended it for Level 1 but maybe it should be in Level 2. I haven’t decided yet.
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.
