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douglas holtham Apr 20, 2021
Hello Brad.
I have been trying to learn to play the uke for 3 years. The only teacher i have available in my town is not really a teacher. The rest of the class and i have been taught how to “bash along” and play a few chords using just one strumming technique.
I was hoping your course might take me back to the very beginning and give me some tips in technique, like playing with some finesse and flair, and make the playing and listening experiences far more enjoy able than they are.
Perhaps you have a “beginner class” that i can do instead of this one.
I am happy to keep this course and progress into it one day.
Douglas. Many Thanks.
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Brad Bordessa (Admin) Apr 20, 2021
Aloha Douglas,
This is my only course right now. I’ve been doing weekly live streams on Youtube for the past few months. These contain some good tips on finesse and flair. You can check them out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2lOa8ulRqU&list=PLobvAUH2kXw4eau4V7l7PZhBFJ5XZqyq0.
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dg.giacomini Apr 22, 2021
Douglas,
I’m in a similar place. No teacher esp during Covid. I found a great 5 video free beginner’s course on his website. I like his approach and his energy. He’s usually over my head as even on the beginner course my strumming ain’t worth a lick. He’s also allowed a little bit of 1-1 email communication and he’s been a bit help. Other than Brad, I’ve supplemented on some of the other Youtube player/instructors. Good luck. I’m hoping this course isn’t far over my head or ability.
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David Smith Apr 20, 2021
What a fabulous course this is! I’m sure if you’ve been playing a while you know some of it, but Brad takes us much deeper. I am thrilled.
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Bob Seeley Jul 5, 2021
Brad, after spending time practicing and going through this course slowly, I’ve started reviewing it a second time and many of the nuances and subtleties are sinking in. There is so much to take in, especially once you consider the other scales. So for now I am sticking to the Am scale until it become more fluid. I can see how this will be helpful to review well into the future as my practice and skills grow.
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Brad Bordessa (Admin) Jul 8, 2021
Right on, Bob! As you progress it’s really interesting to revisit old material and discover all the new ways you can use it.
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John Romero Sep 20, 2021
What an eye opener. This has really helped my understanding of the whole fretboard. I was able to play along (with a few mistakes of course) Twinkle Twinkle with the high note and the low note. Wow, can barely make out the low melody note. The high melody note was easier to pick but with harmony listening more to the harmony.
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Brad Bordessa (Admin) Sep 22, 2021
Amazing isn’t it, John, what our ears prefer to hear? It was even interesting for me to create that blatant example and be like, “where’s the low note???”
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Peck Caroline Apr 19, 2023
Hi Brad,
I’m a bit lost with watching you play Twinkle Twinkle. From what I can see you are no longer in the key of Am. You sound and look to be starting with a C# and A going to E and G#. Is this correct? I get the gist of the example but why did you change keys? I played it in the key of Am. Same with the G and E strings. You start with F# and A. Again, not the key of Am. Am I missing something?
Caroline-
Brad Bordessa Apr 20, 2023
Aloha Caroline,
The “Twinkle Twinkle” example is in A major. “Twinkle Twinkle” is in a major key so I had to change it to fit. I wanted to use a very familiar obvious example so folks could easily listen for the melody.
I don’t play it here with the expectation that you will learn it, but your assessment of the notes is correct. If you get lost with the rest of it, check out the scale charts in the “More Scales” lesson and you should be able to find your way through it.
Brad
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Peck Caroline Apr 20, 2023
Thanks Brad. Just checking. Theoretically you could have played it in Am, is that correct?
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Brad Bordessa Apr 20, 2023
Theoretically. But by following the Am scales, some of the notes in the melody would move and make it sound very unfamiliar. Here’s an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LgkJ6QjMFU (the melody is the highest notes).
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Peck Caroline Apr 20, 2023
Thanks Brad. I appreciate your explanations. I’m loving all your courses. I’m doing a few at once. Keep on ukeing. Is that a word.
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Lisa Bohn Aug 30, 2023
Finally getting started on this class after a few months. As someone who has never learned music theory, I’m a ‘play by ear’ learner. I love learning the ‘why’ behind what I hear. This is a fun challenge for me.
Make sure you’re keeping your middle finger on the C-string!
If you have any questions or comments, post them here.
I’m going back through this video course as a refresher and also because I took a break to internalize the Am and C maj scales. After spending a lot of time learning F, G, D and Bb scales, I’m ready to apply these major and minor shapes to those scales. I’m super comfortable with the C major scales in 6ths but have yet to apply them to a song.
Always good to have a refresher, Bob!