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Technique - Fretting Hand
Advanced Single Note Drills
Developing finger strength and independence will allow your to explore your full musical potential. This will able your to explore more challenging musical situations.
To develop this great left hand technique there is a series of graduated drills or finger gymnastics to increase your the comfort zone of usable technique.
Check out the video tab for examples.
View or download the PDF file for the complete lesson.
Some lessons are part of the Study with Curt! and Curt Sheller Publications Site Membership premium lesson series.
Basic 1234 Finger Drill
Here is an example from a previous lesson. A four note, single string finger drill played on each string.
Tips and Technique Suggestions
As these drills don't really sound that musical. They can be played while watching TV or riding a stationary bike. Their main goal is to get in a lot of reps and develop you chops.
- Keep your finger tips pointing to the strings. That's their job, to play notes.
- Keep your fingers close to the strings, ready to go. Your fingers need to be over the frets and string that they are currently playing or going to play. Four fingers can cover four frets.
- Always play in-control and accurate. This is easy to accomplish if you do the drills SLOW.
- If the next note is higher and on the same string, keep the current finger down. No need to release the string just to press is down again.
- Do all drill ascending and descending, the same drill. 1234 ascending and 4321 descending are different drills. There are 24 distant four finger possibilities. See the PDF download for all 24 possible combinations.
- Start on different frets.
- Start on string one.
- Do a sub set of the strings.
Demonstration of the Advanced Finger Drills
Adjacent String - Two Note Model
In a nut shell I took the basic 1, 2, 3, and 4 note, single string drills and moved one of the notes to another string. Some of these sound really strange and not very musical. But - their intent is to develop the finger strength and independence for more advanced playing. Technique is like money. You want to have more then you'll need to cover a variety of musical situations.
36 Lesson(s)
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Advanced Single Note Fingering Drills for Ukulele
Developing finger strength and independence with a series of graduated single string exercises. UL15b: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 18, 2013, 5:08 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Basic Single Note Drills for Ukulele
Basic one, two, three and four note single string drills for ukulele for developing finger strength and independence. It's critical a player develop the finger strength and independence to explore their full musical potential. By developing a great finger UL15: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: April 14, 2013, 3:35 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Chord Switching - Double Stops
Switching chords is all about finger independence and working together. These can be developed using the double stop fingering drills presented in this lesson. UL29: Published: January 15, 2013, 10:26 am | Updated: April 14, 2013, 3:41 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Fingerstyle on Ukulele - Single and Multi String Exploration
Exploring fingerstyle on ukulele. This lesson covers the common terms used for identifing the fingers used. And, presents a series of single and multi string exercises for exploring and developing the techniques needed for this style. UL112a: Published: October 17, 2011, 11:16 pm | Updated: April 14, 2013, 3:37 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Four Finger-Four Note Basic Single String Gymnastics for Ukulele
To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This four finger-four note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape. UL08d: Published: March 22, 2011, 11:12 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
One Finger-One Note Basic Single String Gymnastics for Ukulele
To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This one finger-one note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape. UL08a: Published: January 24, 2013, 1:31 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Open String, Two Finger Single Strings Gymnastics
Using the original two finger-two notes single strings gymnastics, incorporate an open string. This develops the ability to get the finger on and off notes rapidly - getting out of the way when needed. UL08-012: Published: March 10, 2013, 5:42 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Open String, Two Finger Single Strings Gymnastics
Using the original two finger-two notes single strings gymnastics, incorporate an open string. This develops the ability to get the finger on and off notes rapidly - getting out of the way when needed. UL08-01: Published: March 10, 2013, 5:42 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Proper Fretting Hand Placement
Efficiency is the key to technique. This lessons shows the proper finger and thumb placement for the fretting hand. UL08: Published: January 24, 2013, 1:25 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-2-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-2-1-2-3. UL08r12123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-3-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-3-1-2-3. UL08r13123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-1-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-1-1-2-3. UL08r21123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-3-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-3-1-2-3. UL08r23123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-4-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-4-1-2-3. UL08r24123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-1-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-1-1-2-3. UL08r31123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-2-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-2-1-2-3. UL08r32123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-4-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-4-1-2-3. UL08r34123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-1-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-1-1-2-3. UL08r41123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-2-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-2-1-2-3. UL08r42123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-3-1-2-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-3-1-2-3. UL08r43123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-2. UL08r1212: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:43 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-3-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-3-1-2. UL08r1312: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:49 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-4-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-4-1-2. UL08r1412: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:50 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-1-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-1-1-2. UL08r2112: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-3-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-3-1-2. UL08r2312: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-4-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-4-1-2. UL08r2412: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-1-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-1-1-2. UL08r3112: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-2-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-2-1-2 UL08r3212: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-4-1-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-4-1-3. UL08r3413: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-1-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-1-1-2. UL08r4112: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-2-1-2
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-2-1-2. UL08r4212: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-3-1-3
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-3-1-3. UL08r4313: Published: February 26, 2013, 6:06 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:53 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Repeating Note Single String Gymnastics
Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This series of lessons although the examples are shown for ukulele are appropriate for any fretted string instrument like guitar, banjo or mandolin. UL08r: Published: February 26, 2013, 10:46 am | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Three Finger-Three Note Basic Single String Gymnastics for Ukulele
To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This three finger-three note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape. UL08c: Published: January 24, 2013, 1:36 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Two Finger-Two Note Basic Single String Gymnastics for Ukulele
To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This two finger-two note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape. UL08b: Published: January 24, 2013, 1:33 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
Ukulele String Combinations
All possible ukulele string combinations. These are used to developing your ukulele technique. UL26: Published: March 22, 2012, 10:19 am | Updated: April 14, 2013, 3:37 pm | Author: Curt Sheller | |||
All book sizes are 8.5" x 11" unless noted and music stand friendly, "lay flat" coil binding.
A Guide to Ukulele Chords, 2nd Edition
A Guide to Ukulele Chords, Second Edition is designed as a guide to ukulele chords. Covering the basic ukulele chords that ALL ukulele players SHOULD know. A Guide to Ukulele Chords covers movable chord forms, rock chords, how to transpose chords, learning the ukulele fingerboard and includes an introduction to 4-part, a.k.a jazz chords and more...
From a few core, basic chord shapes and a understanding of how chords are constructed. Your chord vocabulary can be dramatically increased without memorizing countless chord shapes. There are too many chord shapes to memorize.
This book will take the mystery out playing and understanding chords on the ukulele, whether it is a standard, concert, tenor or baritone ukulele in C tuning, low or high string four.
Tunings: C Tunings. Low or high string four variations.
Lefties of the world! Don't feel left out. There is a version for you: A Guide to Ukulele Chords for Lefties
More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...
ISBN-13: 978-1-60321-047-8 Published: November 2011 Pages 50
Ukulele Chords
This mini (1/2 size) chord books are the perfect size for every ukulele gig bag or case and a great addition to you music book library.
SPECIAL: $4.97 for Hard Copy This is the same price as the PDF download.
Ukulele Chords covers basic open position and basic movable form chords. From these two chord categories a variety of songs and styles can be played.
Seventh chords, Major Sevenths, Minor Sevenths, Diminished, Augmented chords sus and add chords.
Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).
More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...
ISBN-13: 978-1-60321-000-3 Published: March 2007 Pages 44
PDF/eBook
Printable PDF
$4.95
NOW - With quick download after payment.
Apple iBook Available
A Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Ukulele A to Z
The Blues are at the heart of all American music. It has influenced Country, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Bluegrass and just about every form of American music we listen to today.
Studying the blues chord progressions presented in this book will open a wealth of creative possibilities for exploring chord progressions in all styles of music, not just blues.
This volume covers the key of C major and C minor. Each example includes detailed accompanying text explaining the principles behind each progression and its chord substitutions.
A Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Ukulele A to Z starts with a basic three chord, 12 bar blues and progresses up to a sophisticated jazz blues with multiple chord substitutions.
All examples are shown in C and G tuning. Suitable for Soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukuleles. Get through this book and you'll have a solid jazz chord foundation to build on.
Tunings: C and G. Low or high string four variations.
More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...
ISBN-13: 978-0-9714044-4-1 Published: March 2005 Pages 80
A Guide to Advanced Ukulele Chords - Volume I
Beyond learning basic Ukulele chords most players struggle with advanced chords. Commonly called “jazz” chords, these more sophisticated voicings find a wide use in all forms of music.
A Guide to Advanced Chords for Ukulele presents a highly organized and efficient approach to the mysterious subject of advanced chords. Chord dictionaries are not the answer. Even chord theory does not offer any insight into unraveling the complexity of Ukulele chord voicings.
If your goal is to expand your chord vocabulary, A Guide to Advanced Chords for Ukulele is your answer.
More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...
ISBN-13: 978-0-9714044-8-9 Published: March 2003 Pages 70
Exploring Jazz Chords on Ukulele
Exploring Jazz Chords takes the core chords from A Guide to Advanced Chords for Ukulele and shows their use over a variety of common chord progressions based on songs from the standard jazz repertoire.
Building a Solid Jazz Chord Foundation using Seventh, Major Seventh, Major 6, Minor Seventh, Minor Sixth, Diminished Seventh, Minor Seventh Flat Five and Augmented Seventh chords.
Tunings: C and G. Low or high string four variations.
More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...
ISBN-13: 978-1-60321-007-2 Published: January 2007 Pages 52
The Advanced Guide to Chord Progressions for Ukulele - Volume I
Volume I features the principles of voice leading applied to chord progressions. These principles are explained using chords from volume I of The Advanced Guide to Ukulele Chords. Chapters with common major and minor full diatonic, partial diatonic and chromatic chord progressions are also included to further explore voice leading principles presented in the book.
Tunings: C Tuning with a low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).
More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...
ISBN-13: 978-0-9714044-9-6 Published: January 2004 Pages 80















