Just minutes before leaving home to teach, I compiled the three pieces I wrote for the fourth session of the six week ukulele class I am teaching at the library. Every piece needs a title. “Fingerstyle for Fun” was the first thing that came to my mind. It could easily be “Fun with Fingerstyle” or “Fingerstyle Finesse” or “Fingerstyle Frenzy.” I show different ways to fingerpick the high G ukulele with one-finger chords.
So-called one-finger chords require just one left hand finger to press one string on a fret. It just so happens that the notes made by a succession of such “presses” form a descending scale.
To encourage my students to read and play from tablature, I purposefully included blank chord diagrams for them pencil in the dots. There’s no requirement to label the chord diagrams, for these are single “pressed” dots and not necessary complete chords. For example, the chord in measure 15 shown above is actually a D minor chord (2210). However, to keep this piece as simple as possible, I only require one of the left fingers to be pressed at any time.
In each section of the piece, I introduce different kinds of right hand fingerpicking patterns. In the first section (not shown here), I indicate arpeggio with straight right thumb.
In section B, I introduce the Alberti accompaniment commonly heard and played in Mozart sonatas.
In section C, I introduce the use of alternating index and middle fingers to play consecutive notes on the same string.
In the final section, I introduce the deliberate use of dynamics. Loud then gradually softer. Immediately back to the same level of loudness and then gradually softer.
While recording this piece, I noticed that I could include the Bartok pizzicato I taught in class as well as other additions, repeats, and changes. The revised piece will get a new title – perhaps Fingerstyle Finesse.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
This piece is targeted at the first level of the book “Pick! Pluck! Play!” book.
The last page “Ukulele Chords” of the new book contains a table of ukulele chord diagrams ordered alphabetically for the chords used in the book.
I’m thrilled about releasing these books as a precursors (prerequisite) to the 12 Chinese Zodiac Suite, which contains three skill levels.
I am recording all my new compositions in the 100 Days of Ukulele 2025 project. To me, this challenge means uploading a new video recording of a new piece each consecutive day from 1st March to 8th June 2025.
For other recent compositions and arrangements by Anne Ku, please visit the Daily Music Writing Project or scroll through the consecutive blog posts.
