To do this, we are going to refer to the C major scale we learned in the last lesson. We want to be able to play a G major scale in five different positions across the ukulele fretboard. Now that we know how to build a G major scale, let’s learn some more practical ways to play this scale across the ukulele fretboard. Again, if this discussion about whole steps and half steps doesn’t make sense to you, go to the previous lesson to review. The blue dots represent the tonic note of the scale (G). We will use an example of the piano keys to help us visualize the scale. Let’s start on a G note and apply this interval pattern. We remember that a major scale interval pattern is whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. In the last lesson, we learned that we can build a major scale from any note by applying a whole step, half step interval pattern. First, we will look at the theory behind the scale, or how to build the scale, and then, we will look how to play the scale across the ukulele fretboard. If you don’t have a solid understanding of that lesson, this lesson probably won’t make much sense to you.įrom here on out, I will be structuring each of these major scale lessons very similarly. So again, if you haven’t learned the C major scale, go here before reading on. All of the lessons from here on out will be building off of our understanding of a C major scale. Learning the C major scale is a critical starting point. By now, you should be able to comfortably play a C major scale in all positions across the ukulele fretboard. In the first lesson, we looked at how to play a C major scale on the ukulele. We’re doing this by learning all major scales in the twelve different keys. Lenny San Jose, AKA Ukulenny, is a musician and educator based in Oakland, CA.Right now, we are in a big lesson series dedicated to learning the ukulele fretboard. This progression can be heard in many classic doo-wop songs, including “Duke of Earl,” “Earth Angel,” “Blue Moon,” and “Stand By Me.” Now you’re ready to practice the popular progression of C-Am-F-G7. You’ll find that if you swivel your wrist, the G7 fingers will “magically” be right where they need to be. The F chord employs a straight wrist, perpendicular to the neck, and the G7 takes your wrist closer to the headstock. ![]() In this transition, it helps to swivel, or pivot, your wrist. The F chord, at left, swivels into the G7 chord, at right. ![]() Hold F, squeeze on your index finger, and then place your ring finger on the bottom string, 2 nd fret, middle finger on C string 2 nd fret, to form a triangle. You’ll be keeping your index finger down during this transition. Notice that F and G7 share a “dot” in the chord shape diagram on the E string 1 st fret. One more chord! Let’s practice the transition between F and G7. Following the progression C-Am-F-C, you can play Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are.” Practice going between Am and F by lifting and placing the index finger. While staying on Am, add the index finger on the E string, 1 st fret, to form F. Practice going back and forth, third finger on the bottom, middle finger on the top, and you can play the chorus from “Roar” by Katy Perry, as demonstrated in the video above. Use the middle finger to go to the “other side” of the ukulele, placing it on the the 2 nd fret of the G string to form the A minor (Am) chord. Now that you’ve got the C chord down, you’re ready to add more. You can also do this exercise on every string for finger strengthening and finger technique.Practice placing your fingers closer to the metal fret for the cleanest sound of the chord. ![]() Try to ensure you’re bending your fingers and showing “knuckles.”.On the bottom string (the A string) add your first finger, then second finger, then third finger. Add the third finger (ring) to the third fret, same string.Add the second finger (middle) to the second fret, same string.Add the first finger (pointer) to the first fret.Play the A string (bottom string) with a steady pace.Place your fingers closer to the metal fret for the cleanest sound Use your third finger (ring finger) on the third fret on the bottom string-the A string-and you’ve got it! Now, here are a few “pointers” to help improve your finger technique. While holding the ukulele, when you look down the strings are G, C, E, A. Of course we can start with everyone’s favorite first chord, the C chord. ![]() Did you just get an ukulele but don’t know where to start? Or you’ve learned your basic chords but sometimes they sound buzzy, or just not quite right? Here are a few tips to help you nail those first few chords on ukulele.
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