Uketropolis: Ukulele Q&A with James Hill

Arranging. It's the all-too-often-overlooked skill that brings music to life... or not. Over the years, there is one simple strategy I've relied on time and time again. It's so simple that it's easy to miss. Plus: why not singing is one of the most important techniques for us singers.

• Uke Heads new single "Hearts On Fire": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hGrTIBBjnY
• My online ukulele courses (some free, some paid): https://www.uketropolis.com

Are you afraid of strings that go squeak in the night?

• My latest educational project, Ragalele, brings the magic of Indian Ragas to the ukulele: https://www.ragalele.com
• Uke Heads new single "Hearts On Fire": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hGrTIBBjnY
• My online ukulele courses (some free, some paid): https://www.uketropolis.com

Music theory is a form of understanding that comes afteryou play and experiment. A lot. At least that's my opinion. In this episode I make my case for playing first and asking questions later. Enjoy!

• I'm on tour in Ontario and Quebec! Join me for an in-person ukulele workshop: https://www.jameshillmusic.com/tour
• Uke Heads new single "Hearts On Fire": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hGrTIBBjnY
• My online ukulele courses (some free, some paid): https://www.uketropolis.com

Travis picking is named after Merle Travis, the Country-Music Hall-of-Famer who popularized the technique. If you're a bit bored with the same old strumming and picking techniques you've been using, well, it's Travis picking to the rescue! The thumb goes back-and-forth, the fingers dance on the melody. Simple, right? Not exactly. Like any physical skill, Travis picking takes time to acquire but it's well worth the effort!

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Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com

My new album Uke Heads comes out tomorrow, February 16th, 2024! But it's not just my album, it's a project that has become a global community. How did an idea go from doodles on scrap paper to a full album with over 165 players from 15 countries? In this special episode, taped live at the Uke Heads Gathering in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Chris Parsons and I reflect on the two-year arc of the 10-song recording. You'll hear from a number of people who played and sang on the album and get a preview the finished tracks.

• Learn more about Uke Heads and join the band at www.ukeheads.com
• Watch our latest video single, "Lucky in Love" on YouTube
• Shop Uke Heads merch including apparel and CDs at www.ukeheads.com/shop

"Angeline the Baker" (also known as "Angelina Baker") is one of the most well-known songs in the Old-time repertoire. It's appeal is a bit of a mystery: it only has two chords and its melody is pentatonic, meaning it doesn't even use all the notes of the major scale. And yet it contains multitudes. I continually return to this melody for its simple beauty and flowing rhythms. In this episode we examine a very specific moment in "Angeline the Baker" and I hope it inspires you to learn the rest of the piece. You won't regret it!

Watch Scott's arrangement of "Angeline the Baker": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t835kgnG3U
Learn more about James' Americana Ukulele online course: https://www.uketropolis.com/americana

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Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com

Is it legal to use a pick on the ukulele? Yes! Once and for all, YES! In fact, it's a gateway to some really interesting sounds. Specifically, it brings a level of agility to your melodies that is unlike anything else and it opens the door to tremolo flatpicking which can bring a new kind of lyricism to your playing. So, shine up your flatpicks and let's play!

Can't do the Vulcan salute? No problem! Stretching your fingers apart (think "live long and prosper") isn't the only way to play challenging chords. In this episode, we explore the difference between stretching for the notes in a chord and reaching for the notes in a chord. Although posture is a huge topic that we can't possibly cover in one episode, I'm going to share one simple thing that you can do to improve your chances with challenging chord shapes.

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Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com

The triple strum: it's one of my favourite ukulele topics... ever! I've been fascinated by this technique since I was a kid. Today, we get to dig into the magic of the triple strum and discover how left-hand muting takes this already-great strum to a new level.

If you're looking for a bucket-list ukulele experience, check out the Ukulele Hideaway in Sicily, a retreat with Yours Truly (and friends) taking place August 5-9, 2024. For more information, click here. I hope to see you there!

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Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com

Welcome back! I took a bit of time off to do a tour and release a new album but I'm back now and I have several episodes lined up for the coming weeks. This week I'll show you a simple strategy you can use in your practice to figure out which left-hand fingerings will work best. It's a simple thing but it can make a huge difference!

Reminder: next ukuLOUDLY rehearsal is January 19th at noon Pacific (3pm Eastern). You're invited! Go to www.ukuloudly.com to sign up for this global ukulele orchestra. It's free... and big fun!

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Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com