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| Advanced Single Note Fingering Drills for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2006-07-15, last updated: 2006-07-15 Developing finger independence with a series of graduated single string exercises.
In this lesson we’ll take it one step further by expanding the single string drills to multiple strings.  more lesson information…
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 | Alterted Seventh Chords on Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 Beyond basic open position chords, basic movable form chords and a core set of 4-part chords. There are just too many chords shapes too memorize. Learning the principles of how chords are constructed and the ukulele fingerboard are the way to go. Then you can create more advanced chords like 9#11, 7#5-9, 13b5, 7+9 on the fly as needed.
Seventh chords are the chords that have the most possible variations. 9th, 11th, 13th, b5, #5, b9, #9. And, combinations of the same. more lesson information… |
| An Introduction to Creating Solo Ukulele Arrangements
by Curt Sheller - published: 2008-06-23, last updated: 2008-10-06 Creating a solo ukulele chord arrangements is as simple as harmonizing a melody by playing a chord with that has that melody note as the top note. This style of playing is called “Chord Melody” or ”Melody and Chord’”. The hard part comes with: What chord voicing? When should I play a chord? When are single notes OK? And a few other issues usually pop up.
Luckily we don’t have to wait for monster chops, a massive chord vocabulary or endless hours of practicing scales and chords to play the ukulele. Although practice is good. All we need are a few chords and single notes and we can have hours of ukulele fun just doodling around on the uke and creating simple melody and chord solo ukulele arrangements. What you already know can lead to hours of fun. more lesson information… |
| Basic Single Note Drills for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-09-01, last updated: 2010-09-01 Basic one, two, three and four note single string drills for ukulele to develop finger strength and independence.
It is critical that you develop the finger strength and independence to explore your full musical potential. By developing a great left hand, for right hand players, you will be able to explore more challenging musical situations.
To develop this great left hand technique there is a series of graduated drills or finger gymnastics/exercises that will allow you to play at higher and higher levels and increase your the comfort zone of usable technique. more lesson information… |
| Basic Ukulele Chords
by Curt Sheller - published: 2006-11-01, last updated: 2009-10-15 The art and science of chord fingering. Why are some chords harder to finger than others?
This lesson adds some insight into why some chords are harder to learn than others. more lesson information… |
| Basic Ukulele Strums and Variations
by Curt Sheller - published: 2010-07-30, last updated: 2010-07-30 Basic ukulele strums and variations to get you started.
This is the place to start if you are jsut getting started with ukulele. Or, want to know how to teach basic strums and always have success. more lesson information… |
| Building a Solid Jazz Chord Foundation for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 Beyond learning basic ukulele chords, most ukulele players struggle with advanced chords. These more sophisticated voicings, commonly called “jazz” chords, find a wide use in all forms of music and styles. These 4-part chords are the bread and butter of jazz ukulele. more lesson information… |
| Chord Substitution on Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2006-04-02, last updated: 2010-03-17 A chord substitution is when one chords replaces another chords or is used in addition to a current chord.
A substitution can superimposable and non-superimposable. A chord substitution can have note substitutions, additions, alterations, or upper partials. more lesson information… |
| Classic Endings for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 0000-00-00, last updated: 0000-00-00 2 Feel, bVImaj7 bIImaj7, Basie Ending, Single, Double and Triple Tags, Chromatic, Take the 'A' Train Ending, Shave and a Hair Cut, Lawrence Welk Ending. more lesson information… |
| Common Ukulele Tunings
by Curt Sheller - published: 2006-09-01, last updated: 2010-03-15 Any tuning is possible on a ukulele as long as the construction supports it and a string is available.
Here are the most common tunings for the Ukulele shown in concert pitch. more lesson information… |
| Comparing the High G and Low G, C Tunings
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-09-01, last updated: 2005-10-01 There are benefits to exploring both C tunings. Good excuse to have more ukes -:) more lesson information… |
| Cool Ukulele Chords
by Curt Sheller - published: 2007-11-24, last updated: 2007-11-24 Cool Chords - These are the chords that do not typically show up in chord dictionaries or song books. They might show up in software programs that produce chords based on some underlying computer algorithm. These are the chords players ask, “What is THAT chord?” more lesson information… |
| Cool Ukulele Chords - G7
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-10-15, last updated: 2009-10-15 A cool chord is most likely a Free Form chord. These free form chords typically include open strings, wide stretches, displaced chord tones and or chord voicings. Plus they just sound “cool”.
This is a cool sounding G7 chord. more lesson information… |
| Core Jazz Scales for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2008-01-02, last updated: 2010-03-15 From two scales you can derive other essential rock, jazz and contemporary scales. more lesson information… |
| Diminished Scale for Ukulele - C Tuning
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 The Diminished Scale scale is a symmetrical scale with a repeating pattern of whole steps and half steps from the previous. You need three Diminished scales to cover all 15 keys. more lesson information… |
| Dominant Seventh Chords?
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 When is a Dominant Seventh Chord NOT a Dominant seventh?
Not all seventh chords are dominant. more lesson information… |
| Exploring Jazz Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2010-03-15, last updated: 2010-03-15 Wikipedia defines Jazz as a musical art form which originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States from a confluence of African and European music traditions. The style’s West African pedigree is evident in its use of blue notes, improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopation, and the swung note.
At a minimum to explore jazz or contemporary music on a ukulele you need a core set of chords and scales. It is this foundation or core that you can build on.
This lesson contains links and resources for developing as a jazz ukulele player. And, a great overview of what is needed as far as chords, scale and the essential elements that are needed to explore jazz on a ukulele. more lesson information… |
| Fingering an Open Postion D Major Ukulele Chord
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 There are several ways to finger an open position D major chord. Depending on the context of how the chord is being used one fingering might be better than another. more lesson information… |
| Fingerstyle - Travis Picking for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 This style of fingerpicking on guitar is called Travis Picking.
Travis Picking is a fingerstyle made famous by Merle Travis. This style is commonly played on steel string acoustic guitars. Pattern picking is the use of "preset right-hand pattern[s]" while fingerpicking, with the left hand fingering standard chords. more lesson information… |
| Fingerstyle Basics for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 Fingerstyle basic for ukulele using traditional classical guitar fingering, p i m a more lesson information… |
| Four Movable F7 Chords Voicings for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2006-03-15, last updated: 2006-03-15 Four movable form F7 chords. These can build the foundation for all your 4-part, “jazz” chords.
These are taken from the Ukulele Chord of the Week lessons I presented 2007. more lesson information… |
| Hearing the Changes
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-09-15, last updated: 2009-09-15 Hearing The Changes is simply hearing when and where the chords of a progression or song change and knowing what the chords are.
more lesson information… |
| Introductions and Turnarounds for Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2006-03-15, last updated: 2006-03-15 Intros are a composed or improvised piece of music that introduces—sets the stage for— a song or composition. Introductions, or intro for short, are used in all types of music. In this UkuleleWorkshop, the focus is on introductions in contemporary music.
Intros can be various lengths but are typically four measures long. They are mainly harmonic in nature, using chords without a melody. Single notes and intervals can be added for melodic color. more lesson information… |
| Learning Core Seventh Chords on Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-07-31, last updated: 2009-07-31 Beyond basic open position chords, basic movable form chords and a core set of 4-part chords. There are just too many chords shapes too memorize. Learning the principles of how chords are constructed and the ukulele fingerboard are the way to go. Then you can create more advanced chords like 9#11, 7#5-9, 13b5, 7+9 on the fly as needed.
Seventh chords are the chords that have the most possible variations. 9th, 11th, 13th, b5, #5, b9, #9. And, combinations of the same.
From these four core seventh chords you can build ALL your altered seventh chords. From these core seventh chords you can build ANY 4-part chord you will even need. more lesson information… |
| Learning The Blues Scale on Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2006-02-01, last updated: 2010-03-15 Learn the Blues and Pentatonic scale on ukulele.
A practical approach to learning essential scales using the Blues scale.
Scales like chords are typically learned as shapes using chord grids, TAB or any number of methods. They show the fingerboard shape, what strings to play and possibly the fingers that are used to play the scale. But what are the names of the notes? What chords can I use them with? You are usually left to fend for yourself.
The five note Major Pentatonic and Blues or Minor Pentatonic scales are two of the most common used in contemporary music. This lesson will focus on the blues scale in the common key of D. more lesson information… |
| Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard (Finally!!!)
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-07-31, last updated: 2009-07-31 Finally learn your favorite or all the common ukulele tunings.
Most players struggle with learning the names of the notes of the ukulele fingerboard. There doesn’t seem to a pattern and notes repeat. There is an easy way and...
...it’s easier that you think! more lesson information… |
| Movable Ukulele Chords
by Curt Sheller - published: 2008-01-02, last updated: 2009-09-15 A series of weekly lessons presented in 2009 in movable ukulele chords.
Beyond memorizing the basic open position, movable form chords and a basic set of core 4-part chords. You create all other chords on the fly as needed. With a knowledge of how chords are constructed and the notes of the fingerboard this is possible. Heck, with this knowledge you can write you own dictionary, software or series of chord lessons. more lesson information… |
| Naming Chords on Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-09-01, last updated: 0000-00-00 A Chord can only be named in the context of how it is being used and after determining how it is functioning within that context. more lesson information… |
| Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-09-01, last updated: 2005-09-01 Standard notation, natural, sharp and flat notes of the ukulele fingerboard for C tuned ukuleles. Both high C and low G variations. more lesson information… |
| Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 Standard notation, natural, sharp and flat notes of the ukulele fingerboard for D tuned ukuleles. Both high A and low A variations. more lesson information… |
| Natural, Sharp and Flat Notes of the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-09-01, last updated: 2005-09-01 Standard notation, natural, sharp and flat notes of the ukulele fingerboard for G tuned ukuleles. Both high D and low D variations. more lesson information… |
| QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Lesson Series
by Curt Sheller - published: 2010-03-15, last updated: 2010-03-15 QuickStart Scale & Arpeggio Fingerings are a highly organized, efficient system of scale fingerings. Each fingering pattern is shown with a fingerboard shape, TAB and standard music notation. Related chords are also explained for each scale. Master these fingerings and unlock your potential for improvisation. more lesson information… |
| Reading Music on Ukulele Series
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-09-15, last updated: 2009-09-15 This series of lessons will allow you finally, to check that Reading item off your music To Do list.
Learning to read standard music notation opens a world of music to you. Music notation is the
Lingua franca of amateur and professional musicians alike.
There is a distinction between reading and sight reading. Reading is not as hard as you think with the right plan of attack. Especially on a ukulele.
more lesson information… |
| Reading Ukulele TAB - Alternate Notation
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-09-01, last updated: 2010-03-15 TAB or Tablature is a form of musical notation, which tells players where to place their fingers on a particular instrument rather than which pitches to play.
Generally speaking, tablature is commonly used by informally trained musicians in folk, popular and rock music. more lesson information… |
| Selecting a Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-09-15, last updated: 2010-05-06 The ukulele (pronounced oo-koo-lele) comes in four sizes: Soprano (sometimes called Standard), Concert, Tenor and Baritone. The Baritone is tuned just like the four thin strings of a standard tuned guitar and called "G" tuning (D G B E). The Soprano, Concert and Tenor is typically tuning in a "C" Tuning (G C E A) or "D" tuning (A D F# B). The Tenor can also be tuned like the Baritone ukulele. more lesson information… |
| The Major Scale
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-09-15, last updated: 2009-09-15 Wikipedia defines Jazz as a musical art form which originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States from a confluence of African and European music traditions. The style’s West African pedigree is evident in its use of blue notes, improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopation, and the swung note.
At a minimum to explore jazz or contemporary music on a ukulele you need a core set of chords and scales to start. It is this foundation or core that you can build on.
This lesson is contains links and resources for developing as a jazz ukulele player. more lesson information… |
| The Trouble with TAB
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 TAB, short for tablature is a form of musical notation using numbers and letters on a staff that that corresponds to the number of strings of fretted string instrumen. Theses number tell a player which fret to place their fingers on rather than which pitches to play.
TAB has a history with lute music from centuries ago and has found wide use in the music publishing industry catering to the guitarist who can’t or doesn’t want to learn to read. TAB doesn’t exist in mainstream music, primarily by some music magazines and on the internet.
Learning to read TAB can be accomplished in minutes. Learning to read standard music notation takes a little longer. more lesson information… |
| Transposing Chords and Scales
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-09-01, last updated: 2010-08-01 Transposition is the process of moving a musicial passage from on key to another key. All music can be transposed. From a single note to a complex musicial score. This lesson deals with transposing chords. more lesson information… |
| Tuning Your Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-01-01, last updated: 2010-03-15 Various methods of tuning your ukulele. From tuning by ear to using an electronic tuner. more lesson information… |
| Types of Ukulele Chords
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 The types of chords possible on ukulele.
open position chords, movable form chords, 4-part, a.k.a. “jazz” chords and free from chords. more lesson information… |
| Ukulele Blues, Example D
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-01-01, last updated: 2005-01-01 Major “Quick Four” Progression - Example D
From the book A Guide to Blues Progressions for Ukulele from A to Z
To break up the monotony of six measures of a I chord when the progression is repeated. A V chord is added to measure twelve turning the progression back to the I chord. A IV chord is added to measure two, returning to the I chord in measure three. This change is often referred to as a “Quick Four” change. A IV chord can also be added to measure ten. more lesson information… |
| Ukulele Blues, Example J
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-03-15, last updated: 2005-03-15 Diminished Seventh Passing Chord - Example J
From the book A Guide to Blues Progressions for Ukulele from A to Z
A common linking substitution is to use a diminished chord as a passing chord on beats three and four of measure six. more lesson information… |
| Ukulele Doodling - Introduction to Scales and Soloing
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-10-15, last updated: 2010-03-22 Licks, riffs, leads, spontaneous melodies, solos... In the guitar world, this is called Lead Guitar. In the ukulele world, we can call it whatever we want.
I call it Ukulele Doodling! Just like an artist can doodle around and draw whatever he or she fancies, we can do the same on ukulele. Anyone can have hours of fun just doodling around the ukulele – exploring its possibilities.
This lesson explore the Major Pentatonic scale and it's chords.
more lesson information… |
| Ukulele Strums - Getting Started
by Curt Sheller - published: 2008-09-23, last updated: 2010-07-29 A strum is the execution of a specific rhythmic pattern, at tempo in a particular style.
One of the first skills a ukulele player learns is the art and craft of strumming, playing rhythm. This refers to an accompaniment technique suitable for the singer, singer - songwriter or someone who plays a support role for another instrument.
Strumming requires a specific set of skills. They are: 1) Memorization of chords 2) The ability to switch chords smoothly and 3) The ability to choose and execute a suitable rhythmic strum. It is this 3rd skill that is our focus in “A Guide to Ukulele Strums”.
Though strumming looks natural to the casual observer, it is anything but natural to the beginning ukulele player. Even experienced players have difficulty in identifying and executing certain strums. Though this is one of those topics that is typically taken for granted, there is much to learn about rhythmic feels, accents, dynamics, strum direction, feel, percussive accents, idiomatic styles and tempo variation.
First and foremost, the subject of strumming is inseparably linked to rhythm. Though an ability to read rhythm is helpful, it’s not necessary to profit from these lessons.
Topics and information covered in these lessons cover:
- Basic Strums
- Your Rhythm Engine
- Basic Variations
- Six Rhythmic Syllables
- 36 Rhythmic Syllable Pairs
more lesson information… |
| Understanding a Ukulele Chord Diagram
by Curt Sheller - published: 2005-01-15, last updated: 2005-01-15 The basic chord diagram as used for ukulele is explained. more lesson information… |
| Upper Partial Chord Tones
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 Upper Partials or extensions are the 9th, 11th, and 13ths of a chord. The 9, 11 and 13 can be altered chord tones depending on chord type: examples b9, #9, #11, b13. more lesson information… |
| Using Triads on Ukulele
by Curt Sheller - published: 2008-01-02, last updated: 2008-01-02 Triads can be used harmonically, as chords and melodically, as single notes.
Triads are a great way to get started with creating solos and improvising.
These lessons will explore both. Using triads as chords like any other chord and using triads as a basis for creating melodies and improvising. more lesson information… |
| Which Way Is Up? - Up, Down, Ascending, Descending, etc...
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2010-07-20 What is up, down, higher, lower, top, bottom, ascending, descending on a ukulele?. This UkuleleLesson focuses on clearing up what these terms refer to and should refer too. Up, down, higher, lower, top, bottom, ascending, descending should refer to musical pitch and not be related to gravity as we know it. Up and higher refers to the raising of pitch and down and lower refer to the lowering of pitch. Top refers to the upper note of a chord voicing or musical phrase and bottom the lowest note. more lesson information… |
| Whole Tone Scale for Ukulele - C Tuning
by Curt Sheller - published: 2009-03-15, last updated: 2009-03-15 The WHOLE TONE SCALE scale is a symmetrical scale with an equal distance been each note or scale degree. Each scale degree is a whole step from the previous.
You only need two whole tone scales to cover all keys more lesson information… |
Curt Sheller and Curt Sheller Publications. A small (me, myself and I) independent, by choice, publishing company catering to the needs of musicians, guitar players and ukulele players worldwide. Offering the resources and information needed to develop as a musician. Curt Sheller Publications, created in 1995, has been on the web for over 15 years. I have over 40 years of playing experience and have been involved in private music education for the past 20 years.
Taking advantage of my jazz guitar skills, I began pursuing the potential of the ukulele. Researching the field, I saw very little material organized for the intermediate and advanced player. I have developed an international reputation as a ukulele expert having written over 20 books on the subject of ukulele.
Curt Sheller plays an
Ko'olau Ukulele created by John Kitakis & family.
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The wealth of FREE information, lessons, TABs and resources available on this site are supported by your generous purchases of the books, CDs and products available on this site. Please support this site by visiting my 
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The wealth of FREE information, lessons, TABs and resources available on this site is supported by your generous purchases of the books, CDs and products on this site. Please support this site by visiting my online store. Thanks, Curt!