The short definition for the Italian word arpeggio is harp like. A longer definition is the individual notes of a chord played in succession. An even longer definition is to play the single notes in succession, either ascending or descending in pitch. If you’re curious about the arpeggio, check out my latest composition “Arpeggio Curioso” for the high G ukulele.
There are many ways to fingerpick this piece. You can use only the right thumb. Use the thumb, index, and middle fingers, i.e. p, i, m. You can also assign a finger to a string, hence, p, i, m, a.
I try to stick to the same or similar fingerpicking patterns to keep it simple.
Three quarters of the way into this instrumental piece, I take the fingers from 4/4 time into 6/8 time with a feeling of triplets. The eighth note retains the same metric value (beats per minute).
I stick to easy fingering for the left hand. Keep the B7 or Em shape in measures 22 to 24.
I also make deliberate use of moveable chord shapes up and down the frets in a sliding motion.
As with all my compositions posted on this website, my next step is to record it for the 100 Days of Ukulele 2025 Project. In the process of recording, I indicate left hand fingering for ease and smoothness of transition.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
“Arpeggio Curioso” is aimed at the second level in the “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.
