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Featured Ukulele Lessons
Learning Ukulele Strums - A Recipe for Success
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A strum is the execution of a rhythmic pattern - in a specific style at tempo.
Learning Strums, A Receipe for Success covers how to go about learning the various rhythmic patterns that are strums.
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.
This series of lesson's focus is on the execution.
Six Essential Scales for Ukulele
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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 scales are the Major and Natural Minor scales. The Major and Natural Minor scales are traditional scales and common scales in all forms of contemporary music. This lesson explores the Major and Natural Minor scales and their derivations.
From these two scales the Blues, Major Pentatonic, Mixolydiand and Dorian scale can be created.
Core Chords - Creating the Big Six from F7, 1st Voicing
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Taking a movable F7 chord, you can derive each of the 'big six' essential chords. 7, maj7, m7, m7b5, dim7, and aug7.
Featured Books 
Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning
Beyond knowing the names of the open strings most ukulele players find it hard to learn the whole fingerboard.
If your goal is to finally learn the names of the notes on the ukulele fingerboard. Then "Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard" is your answer. "Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning" has a step by step approach to finally mastering the ukulele fingerboard. FREE download.
The Blues Scale
Learn to play the Blues scale on ukulele. Available in "C" Tuning. Scale diagrams in the QuickStart format and chords chart for all keys. This book is a FREE download.
Ukulele Chords
NEW This small (1/2 size) chord book is a great little book to carry with you. Ukulele Chords covers basic open position and basic movable form chords. From these two chord categories a variety of songs and styles can be played.
A Guide to Ukulele Chords
This book is designed as a guide to ukulele (pronounced “oo-koo-lele”) chords. Covering basic ukulele chords that ALL uke players MUST know, movable chord forms, rock uke chords, how to transpose chords, learning the ukulele fingerboard and an introduction to 4-part “jazz” chords and more...
Ukulele For Guitar Players
Ukulele for Guitar Players is a guide to transferring the accumulated experience and knowledge gained as a guitar played to the ukulele.
A Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Ukulele A to Z
Covers the key of C major and C minor, including a detailed accompanying text explaining the principles behind each progression and the chord substutitions.
Exploring "Jazz" Chords on Ukulele
Exploring "Jazz" Chords takes the core chords from A Guide to Advanced Chords for Ukulele and shows their use over a variety of common chord progressions based on songs from the standard jazz repertoire.
A Guide to Advanced Chords for Ukulele
If your goal is to expand your chord vocabulary, The Advanced Guide to Ukelele Chords Series is your answer. Commonly referred to as "jazz" chords. A Guide to Advanced Ukulele Chords Volume I provides detailed information on voicing 4-part chords.
The Advanced Guide to Guitar Chords
Commonly referred to as "jazz" chords this provides detailed information on voicing 4-part chords.
Harmonic Analysis For Scale Selection And Chord Substitution
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 selections for improvisation and chord substitution.
Ukulele - Reading Music Series
Reading Music in Open Position, Single Note Studies- Primer. Reading music is not as hard as one might think. It may be new and unfamiliar to you but is not hard when you have a proper plan of attack.
Featured Song/TAB
Blue Bossa
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Blue Bossa is an instrumental jazz composition by Kenny Dorham (August 30, 1924 – December 5, 1972). It was introduced on Joe Henderson's 1963 album Page One. A blend of hard bop and bossa nova, the tune was possibly influenced by Dorham's visit to the Rio de Janeiro Jazz Festival in 1961. The tune has since been recorded numerous times by different artists, making it a jazz standard.
Includes: Play-along Lead Sheet, Ukulele TAB of Melody, Melody and Chord Ukulele rrangement, example chords and scales for accompanment and improv.
Over 1800 pages of
ukulele, guitar and music content. And 146 lessons for FREE or any donations.
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Learning Guitar
Basic Open Position Guitar Chords
Lesson Code: GL20
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Sometimes referred to as "cowboy" or "folk" chords. These chords are played in the fret one, two, and three are of the guitar neck and include at least one open string. Technically the open position is includes the open strings and frets one, two, three and four.
These are typically the first chords anyone learning to play the guitar learn.
Lessons Link
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Chord Substitution Principles
Lesson Code: MLRMA08
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
A substitution is when a chord replaces or is used in addition to an existing chord.
Chords can have a active or passive quality to them. Active chords tend to be restless and want to move on to other chords. Passive chords tend to offer a feeling of rest and resolution. This cycle of active and passive chords are what gives chord progressions their feeling of movement.
Lessons Link
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Comping the Blues for Guitar, String Family 1234
Lesson Code: GL06
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Using the the chord string family 1234. Expolore the blues progress in C using all four voicings of this core chord.
Lessons Link
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Demystifying Cut Time by Chuck Anderson
Lesson Code: ML04
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Cut Time is a source of confusion for many musicians. What exactly does it mean and how do you apply it?
Too often cut time is thought of as having two beats in a measure. There are not two beats in a measure of cut time - there are four beats in a measure of cut time. So what makes cut time any different than common time 4/4 time?
Lessons Link
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Developing Your Single Note Picking
Lesson Code: GL04
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Developing you single note picking starts with holding the pick properly, choosing the proper size and material and actually working on picking on your guitar.
Picks come in all shapes, sizes and materials. I suggest you use a medium to heavy pick.
Picks are categorized by their thickness with a Thin being the lightest and a Heavy being the heaviest. A medium to heavy pick offers the most versatility in a wide range of musical situations.
Lessons Link
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Lesson Info
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, melody and harmony.
Lessons Link
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Lesson Info
An Enharmonic Equivalent is where a musical pitch can have different names depending on the context in which it is functioning. An example is G# produces the same pitch as Ab.
Enharmonic equivalents will sound the same but are notated differently using standard music notation.
Lessons Link
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Lesson Info
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.
Lessons Link
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Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic
Lesson Code: MLRMA09
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
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 selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Full Diatonic harmonic principle..
Lessons Link
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Lesson Info
Hearing The Changes are knowing what and when the chords of a chord or chord progressions occur. this lessons gets you on the raod to developing this abaility.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - A Major and F Sharp Minor
Lesson Code: UL47
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for A Major and F Sharp Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - Ab Major and F Minor
Lesson Code: UL55
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Ab Major and F Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: Key Signatures - Ab Major and F Minor
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Key Signatures - B Major and G Sharp Minor
Lesson Code: UL49
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for B Major and G Sharp Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - Bb Major and G Minor
Lesson Code: UL53
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Bb Major and G Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - Bb Major and G Minor
Lesson Code: UL53
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Bb Major and G Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: Key Signatures - Bb Major and G Minor
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Key Signatures - C Flat Major and A Flat Minor
Lesson Code: UL58
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Cb Major and Ab Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - C Flat Major and A Flat Minor
Lesson Code: UL58
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Cb Major and Ab Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: Key Signatures - C Flat Major and A Flat Minor
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Key Signatures - C Major and A Minor
Lesson Code: UL44
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for C Major and A Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - C Sharp Major and A Sharp Sharp Minor
Lesson Code: UL51
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for C Sharp Major and A Sharp Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - D Flat Major and B Flat Minor
Lesson Code: UL56
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Db Major and Bb Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - D Major and B Minor
Lesson Code: UL46
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for D Major and B Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: Key Signatures - D Major and B Minor
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Key Signatures - E Major and C Sharp Minor
Lesson Code: UL48
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for E Major and C Sharp Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - Eb Major and C Minor
Lesson Code: UL54
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Eb Major and C Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - F Sharp Major and D Sharp Sharp Minor
Lesson Code: UL50
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for F Sharp Major and D Sharp Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - G Flat Major and E Flat Minor
Lesson Code: UL57
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Gb Major and Eb Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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Key Signatures - G Flat Major and E Flat Minor
Lesson Code: UL57
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for Gb Major and Eb Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: Key Signatures - G Flat Major and E Flat Minor
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Key Signatures - G Major and E Minor
Lesson Code: UL45
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Learn the recognize the key signature for G Major and E Minor. Learn their corresponding Major and Natural Minor scales with basic ukulele chords for each scale.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: Key Signatures - G Major and E Minor
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Lesson Info
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 educational approach, resulting in a reflexive reaction to rhythm.
Modular Phonetic Rhythm streamlines the traditional educational approach, resulting in a reflexive reaction to rhythm. This approach is applicable to all ages and to all styles of music. It has applications for the individual musician as well as for groups such as orchestra, jazz band, marching band, small groups etc. Lessons Link
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Practice Cycles and Sequences
Lesson Code: UL18
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Sequences and cycles for practicing scales, intervals, melodic sequences and arpeggios.
These sequences also help in learning where any interval is of a given note, the chord tones of chords and aides in memorizing scales.
Lessons Link
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QuickStart Chord Progressions, Mixolydian Play-along Tracks
Lesson Code: MLQS1CD60d
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Four premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Mixolydian scale. Suitable for any instrument.
Lessons Link
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QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Lesson Series
Lesson Code: QS01
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingerings are a highly organized, efficient system of scale and arpeggio 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 solos and improvisation.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Lesson Series
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The A/Bb Movable Barre Form Chord
Lesson Code: GL22
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
The A/Bb Movable Barre Form chords are movable form barre chords based on the open position A, Am, A7 and Am7 chords. With the root on string five, these chord can be transposed to ANY key.
Lessons Link
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The E/F Movable Barre Form Chord
Lesson Code: GL21
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
The E/F Movable Barre Form chords are movable form barre chords based on the open position E, Em, E7 and Em7 chords. With the root on string six, these chord can be transposed to ANY key.
Lessons Link
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The Learning Process - The Mind, Hands and Ears
Lesson Code: UL450
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
For music and learning an instrument like the ukulele or guitar, it's all about the making the connection between the Mind, Hands and Ear.
When listening to music, we enjoy it at the tempo the composer or artist intended, in real time. Only the ear is involved in listening. This is passive listening and enjoying the music. This is what we do everyday. It's what draws us to want to learn a musical instrument.
Lessons Link
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Lesson Info
The Major Scale or Ionian scale is a diatonic scale, made up of seven distinct notes, plus an eighth which duplicates the first one octave higher. In solfege these notes correspond to the syllables "Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti/Si, (Do)", the "Do" in the parenthesis at the end being the octave of the root.
The simplest major scale to write or play on the piano is C major, the only major scale that does not require sharps or flats. The C major scale uses only the white keys on the piano keyboard.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: The Major Scale
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Understanding Chromatic Intervals
Lesson Code: UL31b
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
An interval is the distance between two notes. An interval has a name and a type.
Chromatic Intervals are NOT taken from a major scale. They are derived from the diatonic intervals.
Lessons Link
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Understanding Interval Inversion
Lesson Code: UL31c
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
Inverting intervals using the Rule of Nine.
Lessons Link
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Lesson Info
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.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: Understanding Intervals
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Lesson Info
Triads can be used harmonically, as chords and melodically, as single notes.
Triads are a great way to get started with creating melodic solos and improvising.
These lessons explores using triads as a basis for creating melodies and improvising.
Lessons Link
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- Go to full lesson: Using Triads on Ukulele
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What is the different between a Scale and a Mode?
Lesson Code: UL110
Published: December 31, 1969
Updated: December 31, 1969
Lesson Info
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.
Lessons Link
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PDF Download: $4.95
Ukulele for Guitar Players
This book is for current and former guitar players discovering the ukulele for the first time or returning to the instrument.
Ukulele for Guitar Players is a guide to transferring the accumulated experience and knowledge gained as a guitar played to the ukulele. Or exploring the possibilities that the ukulele offer. Covers chords, scale and an introduction to reading standard music notation on ukulele.
The ukulele is both a different instrument than the guitar and at the same time a lot like the guitar.
Guitar players that also play the ukulele find that it gives them a different and fresh look at how they also approach the guitar.
Thanks for visiting and checking the site!
Content is always being added and updated. So check-in often. Thanks, Curt
P.S. You may think from the look of it that Curt Sheller Publications is a slick, profitable business, but it's actually not (maybe a car payment a month, cheap car). I spend a lot and time money creating the content, lessons and books for this site (a labor of love), so if you dig my content and want to see more of it. I could use your help by spreading the word and maybe buying a book or two if you haven't already, to help defray the cost of running the site. Thanks in advance for your help. This is a labor of love and I'd do it even if I didn't make a lot of money, hey I don't!
You can also make a donation to the lesson-site fund. Button in the sidebar of the site.
If I'm not teaching, I'm working on this site and new lessons, books and goodies.
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