Travis Picking exercises for ukulele

Travis Picking refers to a fingerpicking pattern that makes use of an alternating bass. On the four-string ukulele, the right hand can fingerpick outside strings alternating with the inside strings using two, three, or four fingers. We explore five different variations in exercises for both low G and high G ukuleles in this blog post.

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Oh Susanna for ukulele

The universe has a strange way of directing me to my next song. I was looking at upcoming national days. The 13th of January every year is National Stephen Foster Day. Known as the Father of American Music, Stephen Collins Foster died on 13th January 1864 at the age of 37. At first, I thought of arranging “Beautiful Dreamer” but this morning, I woke up humming “Oh Susanna.”

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Ukulele exercise for waltz accompaniment

Triple time, triple meter, or three beats to a measure is a characteristic of the waltz as well as other dance forms. Accent or emphasize the first beat. What else can you do to accompany a waltz?

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Strum & Fingerpick Exercise in 3/4 Time

Is it easy to switch from strumming to fingerpicking? Here’s an exercise that will get you to do both. When we strum, we are referring to block chords. However, it’s also possible to fingerpick a block chord. Similarly, it’s possible to strum a broken chord. Curious? Read on.

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Accompaniment exercises in 3/4 time for low G ukulele

This blog post is about a fingerstyle ukulele exercise for low G ukulele in the key of A minor. The time signature is 3/4 which means a count of three. The exercise supports the song “Feed the Birds” in a previous blog post.

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Accompaniment in 3/4 time for high G ukulele

So far in my daily music writing project I have arranged two pieces in 3/4 time. Both pieces are in minor keys. Both can be accompanied as a waltz or lullaby or ballad. What does this mean for playing on high G ukulele?

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Feed the Birds with ukulele

Where do I get my ideas for arranging music? Sometimes it’s a song that reminds me of something. Sometimes it’s a national day. For “Feed the Birds” from the movie Mary Poppins, it’s both and more.

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Auld Lang Syne in F for low G ukulele

The experience of writing for low G ukulele is entirely different from writing for high ukulele. Playing the arrangement is also something else. I daresay Auld Lang Syne in F on low G ukulele is easier to play than that my version in G major on high G ukulele. They sound different, too.

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On Top of Spaghetti in C for high G ukulele

The first thing I read after I got up this morning was whatever was on the dining table. It threw a curve ball at me. Instantly, the tune entered my head. The only way to get rid of that ear worm was to write it down. January 4th is National Spaghetti Day.

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Left Hand Techniques for ukulele

Left hand techniques refer to the different ways to produce sound with the fretting hand. In addition to preparing the pitch, these left hand fingers can also be employed to produce sound by sliding, bending, hammering on, and pulling off. We explore exercises for the high G ukulele, as applied to Auld Lang Syne for high G ukulele.

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