I started by finding two notes on different strings but the same fret with my left fingers and slid them up and down the fretboard until I heard something interesting. I only used my right two fingers in alternating motion to fingerpick the two notes. What emerged was a familiar nursery tune. Thrice I was blinded by questions that caused me to think. Today, the three blind mice came out to play.
Writing this piece reminds me of the well-laid plans of mice and men. My late composition teacher once asked me, “Are your fingers doing the composition?” At first I was stumped. What kind of question was that? Was he testing me whether I knew how to compose?
There are different ways to compose. Sometimes I’m driven by a melodic tune. Sometimes a chord progression. Lately, I’ve been driven by ideas.
Is it possible to find interesting things to play by exploring the instrument with my fingers?
Don’t let the high fret numbers scare you. The motion is repetitive. You only go up and down the fretboard with a sliding motion on two strings on the same fret.
Besides finding interesting notes on two strings on the same fret, I was also searching for a way to present a piece that’s deceptively easy to play.
It’s easier to play a tune that’s familiar than one that’s not.
It’s easier to play a passage that has a predictable pattern than one with no pattern or one with exceptions.
I am only using two fingers to fingerpick: my right thumb and index finger.
It’s possible to use only two fingers in the left hand to press the strings on the fretboard, too.
The accents are important to bring out the melody and keep the momentum.
As always, choose a slow tempo to study the piece. How fast can you get?
Pick! Pluck! Play!
“Thrice Blinded by Mice” will be included in the second level of the book “Pick! Pluck! Play!”
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.
