Ukulele Theory 101a - Hawaiian Vamps

[limegummi]

This video was very helpful - I don't have much theory knowledge, but I needed to learn the vamp concept very quickly. I went from "what?" to "oh I see!" by the end of this video. Thanks!

[alika207]

Aloha! I'm a music major myself, and I love theory. I'd like to make one suggestion though. Please remember your accidentals in certain keys. I have perfect pitch, so I can be a little picky sometimes. But mostly I one sweet wahine. Hehehehe.

[chotiyav]

Really thks u , your clips re very useful for newbie like me. I like all technic that u teach abt stumming coz after i practiced follow u , i found amazin several voices from my love uke. ^^, thump up to u x 100!!!

[airmanfoote]

Did I just write that wrong between the 2(7) and the ii7? Or am I wrong about the progression of the scale itself?

[tafkam1]

@airmanfoote it's always written ii7 which means a minor 7th chord. V of V (5 of 5) is more accurate

[airmanfoote]

I guess an easier way to figure the progression would be; 2(7), 5(7), 1

Hope that helps! I'm new at this too, but found that from a different tutorial.

[tafkam1]

@airmanfoote yes but that is not theoretically correct. 2(7) is generally understood as ii7 = Dm7 (in the key of C)

[wigidowmeow]

I looked up D7 and the chord shape you used seems different. Aren't you supposed to bar the second fret while playing the bottom string third fret? It looks like you played the fourth and second strings only. Can you explain?

[tafkam1]

@wigidowmeow you can play D7 both ways, they're two different voicings.

[aznguyjimmy]

omg where did you get that uke its sooo pretty xD

[soulsurfseeker]

yeah, "gunfunnit'd" fo' shu'a...

...the website looks good, can't wait for some of the "coming soon" stuff too.

I'm glad I found your lessons. I've been hacking away at guitar for 30 years, but just started the uke. I have been struggling to get that "Hawaiian" sound until i came across your posts.

[soulsurfseeker]

Thanks, I am still a bit confused to the "why", but understand the "how", but theory has always confounded me!

I'll check out your website for more...

Shoots!

[tafkam1]

@soulsurfseeker you mean it's always "gunfunnit'd" you? lol

[soulsurfseeker]

This has been very helpful....

Can you clarify the part in the theory where you say to "pretend you are in..." (whatever the IV is).

Mahalos from Moku O' Ke'awe

[tafkam1]

@soulsurfseeker @soulsurfseeker sure - just make that IV chord a I chord for that brief moment. then the chord that precedes it will be a dominant 7th. check out my new website where I have a whole lesson on I, IV, and V - website is in the info box. thanks!

[tokyoamducias]

Five seven of five seven of one...

[bingcro]

thank u very much learned a lot will discus with my friend and work it out tks again

[vonroden]

I am thinking of getting a Ukulele :)

how are they tunned?

[tafkam1]

in the order of "my dog has fleas" it is G, C, E, A. C is middle C on the piano and G E and A are all above that

[herseyb]

wonderful explanation!

[comeonnowu]

Excellent teaching. I really like your style

[barrjordan]

if your playing a one four five progression does that mean thats the order you play the chords or is it just use the 1 4 and 5 chords?

[tafkam1]

both!

[FIDOUS]

thanks alot, your instruction is great.. not too techical and very practical. Top notch

[sivadb518]

Hey man, this was well explained, and you know what you're talking about for sure. Where did you learn theory? You teach yourself?

[tafkam1]

no i actually studied in college as a music major. thanks - glad you liked it! hope it helps!

[GregX999]

Hey, I've been watching all your vids. Great work man!! But I have a question about this one. Instead of saying "the 5th chord of the 5th chord", why not just say "the 2nd chord"? So in the key of C, the extra "vamp" chord is D - the 2nd of C. Seems easier to remember and figure out on the fly if needed.

[tafkam1]

Good question - it's because it wouldn't be musically "correct". The II (2) chord in the key of C is D Minor, not Major. Big difference. Also, it's the major minor sound (D7) that gives the vamp that push. Sorry to get all technical but I am using these terms hoping you to get you inspired to do a little theory research - it really helps! Thanks for asking

[GregX999]

Ah, that makes sense. I thought there would be a good reason. I've only been starting to learn theory. Thanks!

[Noold]

All the chords hold the same for piano, and are sometimes easier to visualize on the piano. I just started playing the Uku, so mabye thats the reason :)

[honipop]

You da man...

[FlutyUke]

Thank you.  You are very clear and patient.

[fumetune]

I love the strum you're using on Waikiki Hula. Can you convert it into UPDown notation? To my tin ear it sounds like DD UDUD. Sometime please consider a lesson on strums. I must have watched this one on vamps 875 times. My favorite!

[arjant90]

Hey, this is nice.

I want to buy a (cheap) uke myself, does it matter a lot which materials are used?

What is important to a ukulele?

[tafkam1]

oh yeah, it definitely matters which materials are used. the best thing to do is try them out in person because it's all personal preference. plus, if you're pretty serious about starting, it's always recommended to spend the money to get a good instrument, i'd say around $300-400 for a good uke

[arjant90]

Ok. but it's just for fun 4 me;). I want to spend at most 110 bugs or something... I saw one of laminated rosewood (a 'Richwood' ukulele), and one of solid mahogany (but that one was of 'stagg', what I really don't like:P).

Tnx

[twotwentythreee]

Cheap like 60-70 bugs cheap? try LANIKAI. I feel there are well made, maintains its tuning, and will get you started, I started with a LU-21T (tenor) i have expensive ukes now but i find my self still jamming with the ol Lanikai.

[fumetune]

Please give a biginner some very general thoughts on to get the most out of daily practice.

[tafkam1]

practice everyday away from the TV and go through things very slowly and meticulously, try to see how all these lessons connect and see the bigger picture. also, do a LOT of listening and playing along to CD's!

[fumetune]

I looked on iTunes for "Waikiki Hula", but there are so many up there that I got totally confused. Please recommend a version for someone not familiar with the melody.

[hawaii8]

ey bruddah on da waikiki hula on the d chord can u play it as da bar on da 2nd fret? mahalo uncle

[tafkam1]

yes but if you bar the whole fret that means you're playing B on the 1st string so technically it would be a D6 chord.

[hawaii8]

oh i see bruddah!!

im real dedicated to da uke i started playin this song but the way you strum it is awesome!!

im tryin but.... no success haha thanks a lot bruddah you help a lot

[AuntieOm]

Mahalo! You make it all so clear.

Blessing you,

Your Dear Auntie Om.