As you probably guessed, the 12-bar blues is made up of twelve bars or measures. Each measure gets four beats. Once you complete these twelve bars, you repeat the entire form. It’s easy to see that 12 bar blues forms and structures are built around 12 bars in total. Now, each bar is often broken down into quarter notes where the strumming pattern we mentioned above. The blues is like a language: you learn to speak it by listening and imitating what you hear. Chords and scales are your alphabet, and musical phrases built on those chords and scales are the words you use to express yourself. You can play the blues with a stranger you’ve just met, from anywhere on the planet, and if you both speak the language of the blues, you’ll sound like old friends who have rehearsed and played together for years. The Redwood S10 ukulele is the perfect introduction for both children and adults who're looking to take up a stringed instrument. By combining an comfortable playing feel with tonewoods that yield a punchy and bright response, Redwood has ensured that the S10 is a joy to play. Because the ukulele and guitar have so much in common, uke players like me, who started on guitar, are inclined to adapt their guitar skills to the uke. The result can be pleasing to the ear, and can even push the envelope for ukers, creating new styles and sounds in the process.

The thumb plays some of the melody notes, but it still plays every downbeat, four beats per measure. It may be small, but the ukulele is a serious instrument in its own right. Originally from Hawaii, it gained popularity throughout the United States during the early 20th century, then eventually internationally. We offer a wide selection of ukuleles across a range of popular brands, including Fender and Epiphone, who incorporate their classic guitar designs into stylish takes on the compact folk instrument. Other brands like Cordoba specialise in building high-quality ukes, while some series like the Yellow Submarine Ukuleles have a bright, quirky appearance and are ideal for beginners wanting a groovy-looking uke. The chords above are expressed in roman numerals. The “7” next to the roman numerals represent that the chord is a dominant 7th chord. The first four measures of the 12-bar blues are played over the tonic chord I7. This means, if we were playing in the key of A, our I7 chord would be A7, if we were playing in key of D, our I7 chord would be D7, and so on. An instrument to inspire beginners of all ages. The Gear4music Ukulele is fun, portable and easy to play. With a quality build to stand the test of time, it will hold your interest throughout hours of play and practice.That are four common varieties: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. These vary in terms of size, scale length and tuning. Nowadays, some manufacturers even produce guitar-ukulele and bass-ukulele hybrids, designed to more accessible to contemporary players. There are six basic blues sets of blues chords, those in the key of C, in the key of D, in the key of E, in the key of F, in the key of G, and finally, chords in the key of A. While not exclusive to blues music, just by turning a regular chord progression into a set of 7th chords, you can give a song a bluesy feel and soulful sound that will distinguish it from similar songs. The ukulele as we know it took shape in Hawaii, derived from an instrument called a machete that was passed on by Portuguese immigrants. It’s commonly found with four nylon strings and smaller body than the acoustic guitar. Maple has been used to craft the bridge, providing a responsive yet seamless connection between the strings and body. The nut supports the strings at the head to improve sustain and intonation, whilst the tuners uphold tuning integrity with absolute precision. The S10 has been completed in a dazzling blue finish, giving this particular model an eye-catching visual character. As well as that, the uke is supplied with a matching blue carry bag.

At GAK, we supply a variety of ukulele types, including Soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles, so you’re bound to find the one that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re just starting out or are looking for something more professional, our range will have you covered. If the previous version of “Stagolee” sounds a little stiff, that’s because there’s no syncopation; all the melody notes coincide with the thumb notes. When you start placing occasional melody notes between the thumb notes, things get rhythmically interesting. This version of the same tune adds syncopation and some slides, hammer-ons, and other touches that make it swing. Example 5: ‘Careless Love’ Blues in the key of A is a good place to start, because the key of A on the uke resembles the key of E on the guitar. Uke chord shapes in A look just like E shapes on the guitar, if you ignore the guitar’s sixth and fifth strings ( Example 1). For example, a normal C chord is made by simply holding down the A string at the third fret. The g, C, and E strings are simply strummed. The ukulele can be heard in a number of musical styles, from traditional folk music to modern pop and everything in between. Here at Andertons Music Co, we’re proud to offer one of the best ukulele selections in the UK. Our range includes offerings from Mahalo, Alvarez, Gretsch, Ibanezand many more, with modern ranges like the Fender California Series taking a step up in terms of quality.

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Travis-style guitarists play alternating bass notes with their thumb, on all four downbeats of every measure, while playing melodies on the higher strings with their fingers. Those thumb beats provide a steady accompaniment, taking the place of a bass player and rhythm guitarist. Even though the uke doesn’t have “bass strings” like the guitar’s sixth and fifth strings, you can get the rhythmic feel of raggy blues by playing the downbeats with your thumb, alternating on the fourth and third, or fourth and second, strings. Example 1: Basic Accompaniment Pattern