Tag Archives: chords

I Left My Heart in San Francisco for Ukulele Play Along

Tony Bennett’s 1962 recording of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was a double whammy. It made him famous. It made the song famous. He sang it in the key of C major. But it’s not a three chord … Continue reading

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Yankee Doodle

As a child, I sang “Yankee Doodle” without understanding what a Yankee Doodle was. The Dutch say the word “Yankees” comes from the names of two guys, Jan (pronounced Yan) and Kees (pronounced Case). Further research shows that “Yankee Doodle” … Continue reading

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3 Chord Thursday Musicals

On the last Thursday in November, 30th November 2023, let’s appreciate songs from Musicals – musicial productions in 3 Chord Thursday, the thematic song session in Zoom. Check this list of 50 broadway hits of all time and 101 Greatest Showtunes … Continue reading

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3 Chord Thursday Rest in Peace (RIP)

On Thursday 2nd November 2023, we observe the Day of the Dead by honoring the music of those musicians who passed away this past year and recent years. Rest in Peace (RIP) Christine McVey, Harry Belafonte, Tina Turner, Gordon Lightfoot, … Continue reading

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Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Who wrote the original tune to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? The same melody used in the alphabet song “A, B, C, D, E, F, G”? The popular nursery rhyme “Baa, baa black sheep, have you any wool” also uses this … Continue reading

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Game of Thrones

I was living on Maui when “Game of Thrones” premiered on American cable TV HBO in Spring of 2011. I must have watched one episode of it on someone else’s television and concluded that the main theme was an ear … Continue reading

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3 Chord Thursday Preview Nutmeg Ukulele Festival

On the first Thursday, 7th September 2023, we give a preview of the 2nd Nutmeg Ukulele Festival, a one day event in Simsbury, Connecticut. In this one hour session in Zoom, 1) get a taste of ukulele bootcamp, 2) learn … Continue reading

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My Country, ‘Tis of Thee or God Save the King

On an American air base in the island of Okinawa, I grew up singing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” before I learned that the same tune was known as “God Save the Queen” or “God Save the King” depending on … Continue reading

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God Bless America

Irving Berlin initially penned the words to “God Bless America” while serving as a sergeant at an army camp in 1918. As typical of many of his songs which didn’t fit the occasion at the time, it was put away … Continue reading

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Correct fingering for error-free execution with ease

“Pencil in your fingering for both hands. Use a pencil in case you want to erase later. Decide on the fingering. Practice with the fingering you wrote in the score.” Why? The students in piano and ukulele classes ask. Why … Continue reading

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