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Curt Sheller • All Things `Ukulele and Jazz Guitar

The Basics and Beyond!!! Take your playing to the next level.
The Internet's largest collection of information for ukulele and jazz guitar.

New & Updated Lessons in the past 3 Months

Here are the lessons created or updated within the past 3 months, most recent first.

New Updated and Improved Lesson Section

toon_AnnounceThe Lessons pages have gone through a massive update and re-organization.

Over 146 lessons for ukulele, guitar and general music.

Lessons are now viewable by topic and instruments. Allowing visitors to find the lessons they are most interested in.

As the site has grown over the years, I was even having a hard time finding stuff.

New Premium Lessons Series for Ukulele and General Music

  • Fingerpicking on Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style - This series will explore fingerpicking styles on ukulele starting with a through look at the Alternating Thumb style. This style was made famous,on guitar by musicians like Merle Travis and Chet Atkins.
  • Harmonic Analysis - Harmonic Analysis (HA) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality.
  • QuickStart Chord Progressions - The QUICKSTART Rhythm Section Play-along Tracks are 24 unique styles designed for learning to solo in variety of contemporary styles. Each track is devoted to a scale covered in the QUICKSTART Scale Fingerings for Lead Guitar (suitable for ANY instrument). There are four background tracks for each scale featuring the chords of the scale. These tracks give you the opportunity to explore the sound of each scale in a lead setting.
  • Core Chords for Ukulele, The Big Six - From four F7 chord voicings or shapes, your can build your massive 4-part, a.k.a., “jazz” chord vocabulary. 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.

43 Lesson(s)

Lesson content icons:    PDF Download     Video     Audio

Modular Phonetic Rhythm, Level I Pairs Worksheet

Level I rhythmic syllable pairs for developing your ukulele strums vocabulary.

MPR21: Published: May 12, 2012, 9:46 pm | Updated: May 12, 2012, 7:48 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Modular Phonetic Rhythm, Level I Pairs Worksheet

Level II rhythmic syllable pairs for developing your ukulele strums vocabulary.

MPR22: Published: May 12, 2012, 9:46 pm | Updated: May 12, 2012, 7:48 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Modular Phonetic Rhythm

Modular Phonetic Rhythm<./b> represents a significant advance in the teaching and application of rhythm. Eliminating many inefficient aspects of rhythm education, Modular Phonetic Rhythm streamlines the traditional .....

MPR20: Published: May 15, 2012, 12:57 pm | Updated: May 15, 2012, 10:59 am | Author: Curt Sheller

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Mixolydian Play-along Tracks

Four premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Mixolydian scale. Suitable for any instrument.

MLQS1CD60d: Published: May 6, 2012, 9:33 pm | Updated: May 6, 2012, 7:33 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Fingerpicking - Alternating Thumb Style for Ukulele, Foundation

This lesson’s focus in on the alternating thumb style, commonly called Travis Picking in the guitar world. For guitar it’s an alternating bass note style with the thumb playing the lower, bass notes.

For .....

ULFP117a: Published: April 9, 2012, 8:29 pm | Updated: April 26, 2012, 12:47 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Fingerpicking on Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style

In this lesson we’re introducing the index finger four times to the alternating thumb pattern mastered in the Alternate Thumb Fingerpicking Style - Introduction. There is only one pattern in common or cut time.

ULFP117: Published: April 10, 2012, 1:21 pm | Updated: April 26, 2012, 12:58 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Fingerpicking on Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Ukulele, Lesson Seven

In this lesson we’re introducing the middle finger to the fingerpicking pattern mastered in lesson four. There’s only one pattern in common or cut time.

ULFP117hT2L4: Published: April 10, 2012, 1:21 pm | Updated: April 22, 2012, 3:31 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Fingerpicking on Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Ukulele, Lesson Six

In this lesson we’re introducing the middle finger to the fingerpicking patterns mastered in lesson three. There are six possible patterns in common or cut time.

ULFP117gT2L3: Published: April 10, 2012, 1:21 pm | Updated: April 22, 2012, 3:32 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Fingerpicking on Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Ukulele, Lesson Five

In this lesson we’re introducing the middle finger to the patterns mastered in lesson two. There are three possible patterns in common or cut time.

ULFP117fT2L2: Published: April 10, 2012, 1:21 pm | Updated: April 22, 2012, 3:33 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Fingerpicking on Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Ukulele, Variations - Lessons Ten

Lesson ten introduces variations of lesson nine the level II rhythmic syllables from Chuck Anderson's Modular Phonetic Rhythmic System. These patterns are part of a possible 36 variations.

ULFP117k: Published: April 15, 2012, 9:23 pm | Updated: April 22, 2012, 3:28 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Fingerpicking on Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style, 3/4 Time

Applying the alternating thumb fingerpicking style to 3/4 time.

ULFP117l: Published: April 22, 2012, 8:33 pm | Updated: April 26, 2012, 12:56 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Common Ukulele Tunings

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.

UL101: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: April 11, 2012, 10:25 am | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Getting Started

Getting stared with Harmonic Analysis.

MLR01: Published: April 9, 2012, 2:33 pm | Updated: April 9, 2012, 12:59 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale .....

MLRMA09: Published: April 6, 2012, 8:53 pm | Updated: April 7, 2012, 2:21 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Unresolved

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale .....

MLRMA10: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:00 pm | Updated: April 7, 2012, 2:38 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Partial Diatonic

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale .....

MLRMA11: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:04 pm | Updated: April 7, 2012, 2:21 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Cycles

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale .....

MLRMA12: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:09 pm | Updated: April 7, 2012, 2:21 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Internal Modulation

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale .....

MLRMA13: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:12 pm | Updated: April 7, 2012, 2:17 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Basic Concepts

Root Movement Analysis is the process of determining the root movement of chords within a chord progression, the chord types that are used as well as identifying tonal centers. This root movement can be determined .....

MLRMA14: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:17 pm | Updated: April 7, 2012, 2:17 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Chromatic

Chords ascending or descending by Chromatic half steps between roots. The root and species are NOT in the harmonized chord chart.

MLRMA15: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:20 pm | Updated: April 9, 2012, 1:19 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts

Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts used for while doing anHarmonic Analysis. Shows triads and 4-parts chords for all 15 major and minor keys.

MLRMA16: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:23 pm | Updated: April 9, 2012, 10:50 am | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Worksheet and Examples

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale .....

MLRMA17: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:27 pm | Updated: April 7, 2012, 2:17 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Harmonic Analysis - Scale Selection

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale .....

MLRMA18: Published: April 6, 2012, 9:31 pm | Updated: April 7, 2012, 2:16 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Glossary of Music Terms

Common and not so common music terms.

Knowing the language and terms used with music aides in your own understanding when exploring your music potential.

ML07: Published: March 23, 2012, 9:06 am | Updated: March 23, 2012, 7:14 am | Author: Curt Sheller

Ukulele String Combinations

All posible ukulele string combinations. These are used to developing your ukulele technique.

UL26: Published: March 22, 2012, 10:19 am | Updated: March 22, 2012, 8:41 am | Author: Curt Sheller

What Finger is What?

Just what are the fingers of the plucking and fretting hand called.

UL27: Published: March 22, 2012, 10:02 pm | Updated: March 22, 2012, 8:03 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Alternate Fingerings for F7

Alternate fingerings for F7 in C tuning. The same fingerings would apply to C7 in G tuning and G7 in D tuning.

These are taken from the Ukulele Chord of the Week lessons presented 2007.

UL118: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 12, 2012, 8:34 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Chord Spelling - An Alternate Approach

The quickest and most directy way to determine the chord tones of any chord are to use the scale degrees of its major scale. For a major triad the chord tones are the 1st, 3rd and 5th scale degrees of its major scale. For .....

ML02: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 9, 2012, 9:08 am | Author: Curt Sheller

Cool Ukulele Chords - F Sharp Minor Seven Flat Five

F#m7b5 or F#half-diminished seven is a common chord in the key of G major and Em - especially Em.

Part of my Cool Chords series for ukulele, this chord is strange in that an alternate fingering produces the same .....

UL133: Published: January 29, 2012, 5:25 pm | Updated: March 12, 2012, 8:33 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Your First Ukulele Chord

Your first ukulele chord is typically an open position C major chord. It's only one finger and ukulele players love to show new players this, the easiest, usable ukulele chord for new players. Especially .....

UL60: Published: December 10, 2011, 8:16 pm | Updated: April 27, 2012, 2:17 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Ear Training

Ear Training is the development of the active and passive capability to relate to music aurally. This includes the ability to recognize melodic and harmonic intervals, chords, chords progressions, rhythm, .....

ML03: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 9, 2012, 9:16 am | Author: Curt Sheller

Ear Training

Ear Training is the development of the active and passive capability to relate to music aurally. This includes the ability to recognize melodic and harmonic intervals, chords, chords progressions, rhythm, .....

UL10: Published: October 30, 2011, 11:19 pm | Updated: March 12, 2012, 8:13 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Basic Ukulele Chords

The art and sceince of chord fingering. Learning your basic open position chords in common keys.

ULM40: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 8, 2012, 12:45 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

What is the different between a Scale and a Mode?

A scale and mode can contain exactly the same notes. So when it is a scale and when is it a mode?

This lesson explores the content that determine when a scale is a mode.

UL110: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 12, 2012, 7:48 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Ukulele Doodling - An Introduction to Scales and Soloing on Ukulele

An Introduction to Scales and Soloing on Ukulele using the C Pentatonic Scale

Licks, riffs, leads, spontaneous melodies, solos... In the guitar world, this is called Lead Guitar. In the ukulele .....

UL107: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 14, 2012, 10:10 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Six Essential Scales for Ukulele

The six essential scale are: Blues, Major Pentatonic, Mixolydian, Dorian, Aeolian, and Ionian.

There are two scales that can be the memorized and all other essential scales referenced from these two. These two .....

UL04: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 14, 2012, 8:48 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Types of Ukulele Chords

The types of chords possible on ukulele.

Open position chords, movable form chords, 4-part, a.k.a. jazz chords and free from chords.

UL114: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 9, 2012, 9:16 am | Author: Curt Sheller

Transposing Chords

Transposition is the process of moving note, chord, scale or any musicial passage from one key to another key. All music can be transposed, from a single note to a complex musicial score. This lesson .....

UL05: Published: January 6, 2011, 11:00 am | Updated: March 12, 2012, 8:32 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Selecting a Ukulele

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" .....

UL128: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 12, 2012, 8:31 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Understanding Intervals

An interval is the distance between two notes. An interval has a name and a type. They can be played melodically or harmonically.

Simple Diatonic Intervals are taken from a major scale.

UL31: Published: January 6, 2011, 11:09 am | Updated: March 8, 2012, 12:05 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Standard Music Notation

Rather than do a complete lessons on standard music notation. Why reinvent the wheel. There are lot of great resources online and books in music stores that already exsist. Here is my take on several of the .....

UL17: Published: December 9, 2011, 8:41 pm | Updated: March 12, 2012, 8:12 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Basic Open Position Ukulele Chord Chart

A core set of basic chords that all Ukulele players should know in five common keys: C, G, D, A and E. In all common "dominant" seventh chords in every key.

UL700a: Published: December 8, 2011, 3:21 pm | Updated: March 12, 2012, 8:12 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Basic Open Position Ukulele Chord Chart for Lefties

The Basic Open Position Ukulele Chord chart for Lefties. Common chords in five common common keys: C, G, D, A and E. In all common "dominant" seventh chords in every key.

UL700b: Published: December 8, 2011, 10:47 pm | Updated: March 12, 2012, 8:12 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

UKEREAD1-cover-rotated

Hard Copy Book: $9.95
PDF Download: $4.95

Ukulele- Reading Music Series - Primer

Reading music is not as hard as one might think. It may be new and unfamiliar but is not hard when you have a proper plan of attack.

Reading music on the ukulele is easier than reading music on guitar or piano. There are only four strings with a smaller range of possible notes.

Music in the key of C with all natural notes, no flats or sharps is pretty easy to play in open position on a ukulele. This would be the same as playing the white keys of a piano.

Standard music notation has been the Lingua Franco of musicians, both professionals and hobbyists for many centuries.

Reading standard music notation opens you up to vast world of published music.

Reading simple melodies in open position is the first step to reading music on the uke.

More info and complete samples of entire book.

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Thanks for visiting and checking out the site!

Content is always being added and updated. So check-in often. Thanks, Curt

UL11 - NEW.PHP | Updated: Saturday, 14th April, 2012 @ 08:55pm

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