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 ..read more

Are you afraid of strings that go squeak in the night? I'm on tour in Ontario, Canada! Check out my new band Champagne Weather and catch an in-person ukulele workshop: https://www.champagneweather.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 ..read more

Music theory is a form of understanding that comes after you 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 ..read more

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! -- Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com ..read more

"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 ..read more

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 ..read more

Can't do the Vulcan salute? No problem! Stretching your fingers apart (think "live long and prosper") is only one way to reach those more challenging chords. In this episode, we explore the subtle but game-changing difference between stretching for the notes in a chord and reaching for the notes in a chord. The fretboard is a game of inches and, although posture is a huge topic that we can't possibly cover in one episode, I'm going to offer you one simple thing that you can do to wrap your fingers around challenging chord shapes. -- Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com ..read more

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! -- Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com ..read more

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! -- Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com ..read more

A short, bite-sized bonus episode for ukulele teachers. Here's a technique you can use in the classroom RIGHT NOW: turn any one-chord song (e.g. Row Your Boat, Frere Jacques, Every Night, etc.) into a soulful rocker. It's easy and fun. Definitely something you want to have in your bag of tricks as a classroom teacher, private instructor or community leader. JHUI Teacher Certification Program: https://www.uketropolis.com/jhui Free and premium teacher resources: https://www.uketropolis.com/teach ..read more