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This is a fun challenge for summer.
Last fall, I suddenly wanted to learn ukulele when I heard Jake Shimabukuro’s Ichigo Ichie. I was so touched but didn’t know ukulele could make that kind of sound. Other than piano, I had never played any other instruments before that. Luckily there was a sheet music store near my office, and I found Jake’s song book that contained that song. I purchased an inexpensive ukulele there and literally tried to play it (that was rather comical because I had no idea what fret makes what sound or how the fingering works). Of course, I could barely picked up the first several measures and had no idea how to move on from the spot that said,”Chord symbols reflect overall harmony”. Since I’ve learned some skills and knowledge since I joined RC101, I’d like to try tackling this song again.1) Execution – My goal is to play Ichigo Ichie to the end.
2) Application – I’ll work on adding fillers to make it sound building up. Will watch many ukulele players’ videos and study how they are playing it.
3) Evaluation – I will record my sound weekly and analyze what needs to be done. I’m planning to post a couple of progress videos too.
Thanks @leb397! It’ll be interesting pulling together the accompaniment. I did one many years ago on harp but there are serious differences. It’s a beautiful aria!
Linda
My goal is to improve strumming techniques by completing the Next level Strumming course. I will complete all modules and record and post a video of the lovely capstone piece, Crossing Hemispheres. It is feeling a little ambitious, so I hope to also work on another goal that was inspired by several comments in last month’s challenge. A couple of other members mentioned their perfectionism and limiting their recordings. I will set a specific number of takes and/or time spent trying to get a clean take and pick the best of the imperfect options.
So fun to hear everyone’s goals this month so far! Although it’s really weird to not hear from @Andrew, very glad he can have a break after 100 challenges in a row! 😊
@robinboyd, really nice to see you, friend! So sorry to hear of your struggles with osteoporosis. That’s so stressful and awful, and so sorry you’re going through that. The video you shared was so beautiful, though – hope that goes well for you this month relearning it. 😊
@brettboy, I literally can’t wait to hear you playing that one! I realized I technically could learn how to play that on guitar, right? Because isn’t barring the 5th fret of a guitar a baritone ukulele? I should know this by now, lol, but I’m not good at “learning things,” try as I might ‘n’ may. Someone gave me a guitar a week or so ago. Anyway, really looking forward to hearing that! 😊I have no idea what I’m going to do still, lol. Really good sign! 😂 I was thinking of being extra bold and trying something else with singing. Gotta figure it out good ‘n’ quick! Hopefully in the next couple days… As far as working on my own stuff, I haven’t been feeling as inspired lately, but this year has been a lot for me. The ukulele love is still there always, though – just gotta tap into it. 😊
I think there’s a chance that there might be a “special guest” who will haunt everyone dreams, though… since Andrew will not necessarily hear and be tormented by it, LOL! That will be a surprise, no matter what tune I choose. 😂
Hello guys awesome challenge this month free to work on anything !!! I want to work on a Bengali(Indian) folk ukulele playing pattern which is called locally dotara style playing wanted to try it from a very long time although i am unsure i will be able to play it properly or not but still want to give a try
1)Execution: Learn the Jhumur style of strumming first
2)Application: Apply the Jhumur strumming style on a folk song called Pindare polasher bon
3)Evaluation:Record myself on every weekend and keep improving.
This is how the dotara style playing sounds
Okay, I think I’ve decided what I’m going to work on…
Execution: See if I can add a melodic accompaniment (by ear) to one of my own existing arrangements with a non-ukulele instrument (which shall remain secret – until it’s too late to turn back).
Application: Add a “secret” instrument accompaniment to my ukulele arr. of “Memory” from the musical “Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. For some, this will be an added layer of pain to listen to, for what will already be a detestable sound, but not for me! Love it!
Evaluation: Share the video of the two instruments together by the end of the month with optional check-ins on my progress (if time and my feeble brain allows).
I may create a fun video to go with this – again, if time allows, but I think it will!
Thanks for yet another free-for-all! These are super fun and can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!! 😀
1) Execution: I’ve been wanting to learn the electric guitar riff from the song “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan since I heard it live at Austin City Limits last year. Haven’t played my electric guitar in a while so this month I’ll give it a go.
2) Application: This riff includes bends, hammer one, pull offs, slides, and pentatonic scales. I found a few YouTube tutorials so I might take elements from both for different parts of the riff.
3) Evaluation: The goal is to post at least 2 updates. And test out different tones to see what works best.
@the_bumble_bard really looking forward to your entry. Can’t wait to hear your secret instrument! Oh and your “special guest” ☺️
Some get ideas this month. Love the variety
So I was inspired by @karenj and @abster Cripple Creek claw hammer. I love playing my old banjo ukulele sooo
Execution to learn Cripple Creek by Christopher Shannon
Application practice daily, as I do and try to memorize
Evaluation post a final entry, hopefully using the new microphone I just ordered. This will be part of my learning as well.Last, as a bonus, I’m learning Blue Moon and may post that. I like to practice a few songs so this is a back up. Louisa
Hi Everyone! Such a great challenge! Here’s my plan:
1) Execution – I will be working on learning how to play a tune using a glass slide.
2) Application – Play the version of the traditional blues song Betty and Dupree that appeared in a Ukulele Magazine article by Fred Sokolow.
3) Evaluation – Regular practice to learn and play the piece as written. Record and post result.
Looking forward to hearing the wide variety of submissions! 🙂
I have a version of Fly Me To The Moon which has been bedeviling me for 2 years since I found it on the internet. That will be my piece for the month.
It has a few challenging chord changes. That will be my project to practice on. Working out the best way to play the initial chord so that I can transition easily into the second.
The moment of truth: Putting up a recording of playing it.
Thanks, Andrew, for another interesting challenge. I hope you’re enjoying a well-deserved break!
@The_Bumble_Bard: I can’t imagine what instrument some might consider a detestable sound that adds a layer of pain – don’t tell me you also play the bagpipes! (Which I happen to enjoy listening to, btw, if played well.)I’ve always loved the beautiful melody of Spanish Romance, and since I’ve been wanting to add more expression to my playing, that’s a perfect piece. And I like the vibrato technique that Steven describes.
Execution: Learn and memorize the fingering.
Application: Practise every day, focusing on vibrato, rubato, and dynamics.
Evaluation: Record myself once a week.Added personal challenge: Once I’ve practised a million times or two, it’s first take only for the final recording.
Thanks Bumble Bard 🙂 The baritone is tuned DGBE which is the same as the bottom 4 strings of a guitar. If you capo the Fifth Fret of a baritone you have GCEA (standard Uke tuning). You could try Morrison Jig on your guitar but it would be very tricky to avoid the low E and A strings. Also this RC101 arrangement requires tuning the D string up to an E to get an open Em tuning.
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning to learn strumming techniques such as Claw Stroke, Triplet & Fan Strum, and Split Stroke for a long time. Now is the time.
Execution: Learn “12th Street Rag” taught by Christopher and master new strumming techniques.
Application: Practice the song at a slow tempo and gradually speed up. Go back to a slower pace when I make a mistake.
Evaluation: The result should be a smooth tempo throughout the entire song and a foundation for other songs using the mentioned strumming techniques.I look forward to all submissions. The selection is very interesting.
Jana@grannieannie I love your added personal challenge, going with your first recording. I always get a little stressed when it’s time to record, and then make mistakes I wouldn’t normally make in practice. And I usually end up doing a million takes (and often one of my earlier versions was the best anyway). Your idea also lends to appreciating music in the moment, instead of chasing after an elusive perfection that is maybe less authentic anyway. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
@brettboy, thank you so much for explaining that!! That makes sense. It’s almost a baritone uke, but not quite with those two extra strings, dang. Well, maybe I can make it work (probably not)!! Anyway, thank ye! 🙂
@grannieannie, haha, ohhhhhhhhh, you’ll see!! Muahahahahahahaha! …Ha! I wish it were the bagpipes. I do think those are cool, but my fragile anxious being can’t handle that level of volume. 😂 So, happy you’re working on Spanish Romance, good golly that arrangement by Steven is so gorgeous! I learned that one a while ago. It’s so satisfying to play. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
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