STRUMMERS GUESTMAIL ARCHIVES PAGE FIFTEEN
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1-28-07,Dorothy
Hi. Bought my first uke in December had a vague idea about ukes by looking at some web
sites. Anyhow I just was very lucky in buying a tenor uke... a Lanikai... and I like the
sound of it. Now in my second month of professional lessons.. a half an hour a week and I
think it is great. I have progressed to playing ..Down In The Valley.. by picking the notes
and strumming the chord.
Have not got it down as yet but I am learning. My three fingers on my left hand are always a
little sore but I keep strumming. I enjoy looking at your web site and the page on how to
play the melody has really help me. My long term plan is to move into a banjo uke someday
just because of the difference any suggestions?
Jim Orrell... 78 years young!
1-28-07,Clint
Suggestions.. be aware that the banjo uke is very different than the traditional shaped uke.
Whole different sound... hope you get the chance to play one before you buy. Some can be a
bit louder than one might like. Purchase carefully. That said... banjo ukes are alot of
fun to have around.. they can be very overpowering in a group because most play them too
loudly. Fun.. but understand them and play them respectfully. Enjoy.
1-22-07,Eulalie
Hello, How do I purchase shirts and hats and buttons from your STORE? I clicked on
the store page then on the "buy now" But it doesnt allow you to pick what you want
to purchase. Am I doing something wrong? Let me know Eulalie
1-22-07,Clint
It is a Paypal button.. so when you fill out the info while paying for what you want, in
the comments box... just let me know what it is you are ordering. Mahalos
1-22-07,Eulalie
This is a very nice website. Lots of information for the beginner... intermediate and
advanced player. Nice job! Mahalo Eulalie
1-22-07,Clint
Mahalos. I like to think it is helpful a bit. Enjoy.
1-21-07,John Davis
Name- John Davis
Age- 34
Where is your big island located? Phoenix, Az
What's your favorite instrument? Ukulele
What do you love about the Islands? (I have only seen Maui) The views are the
best in the world. The Aloha spirit. Whats not to love?
Talk Story- I have been looking to pick up an instrument for awhile now. I decided to
learn the Ukulele.. I like the small size.. the fact it is a stringed instrument and the
sound of the uke when played. I have found your web site useful in learning to play the
ukulele and look forward to the day when I can play the ukulele with some proficiency.
1-21-07,Clint
Keep practicing daily. That day come soon. Glad da site helps. Laterz
1-20-07,Craig Colby
Hey man.. thanks for this web site. Ive played clasical guitar here in Georgia for years now
but it wasnt until my trip to Kauai last summer that I fell in love with the ukele. I like
your Pidgin talk.. its kind of the equivalent to our ebonics-
dis here web site iz pimp-tight, Jus like Orenthawl James.
1-20-07,Clint
Wha dih you gona call da pidgin, bruddah?
1-19-07,Marian Droba
Hi.. Its Marian from Philadelphia. Beautiful site. Am determined to start strummers group
in Media, PA outside of Philadelphia. Media's motto is "America's small
town". America's small town should have a ukulele marching band to match its motto..
yes? Love and Gratitude to you and your efforts to bring us all together.
1-19-07,Clint
An Ukulele marching band? Start tuckin in those Hawaiian shirts and bringin out da black
socks and Bermuda shorts! Good luck wid da strummers group but please forgo da marching
band. Mahalos for signin and for da nice words sistah
1-18-07,Ryan and Jenn H
howzit clint.. my name is ryan.. from Vancouver Washington.. just signed in to the network..
ive been wanting to learn to play the uke for a while.. Christmas 3 weeks ago i received a
lanikai .. soprano.. and fell in love.. went and bought a couple books and have been
strummin every day till my fingers hurt .. have such a long way to go but the chords are
coming together and i am loving it .. came across your website and love all the links and
helps and have been through the tutorials etc .. thanks a ton for the music samples .. am
listening to bruddah iz as i type and have been able to strum along with your help.. will
be taking the uke with me this weekend as we head to Oahu and Maui for the next 10 days ...
wouldnt mind strummin some iz on the beach overlooking 20 foot waves at honolua bay. Anyway
Mahalo for taking the time on your site .. ryan - from the big island of the pacific
northwest.. ps - any helps on learning the chords for twinkle twinkle i see in the
archives someone mentioned it once ...i love that song but am struggling by ear to get it
yet..tks bruddah
1-18-07,Clint
Glad you found da site. Lanikai good uke I think. Last you long time you take care of it.
Good you playin alot too. Good to jump right in. Here da chords for Twinkle Twinkle -
Ahi Wela. You need to count da beats tho. Laterz Ryan and Jenn
C F C G7 C F C G7 C A G D A D G D A D G D A D G D A D A D A G D
1-17-07,Lavonne F
Aloha. My name is Lavonne and Im a beginner on the uke. Ive played off and on for years but
I do find it relaxing and enjoyable. I came across your site and Im very interested in your
songbooks. Im trying to learn more bettah cuz my 15 yr old nephew is showing a strong
interest in it. I bought him a pono for xmas and he loves it. His little sister has been
learning off him as well. So I teach him... then he teaches her and then she comes to me for
clarification... its great. Anyhow I need more songs to teach them... Im running out. Like
I said Im not good at all but hopefully they will push me to learn more too. Could you give
me more info about what your songbooks are all about? By the way I live on Kaua'i.
Mahalo nui! Shaka... Lavonne
1-17-07,Clint
Cool to you for signin too Lavonne. Love Kaua'i... da kine. I email you bout da books.
Enjoy da tradewinds sistah. Laterz
1-11-07,Francis
Thanks for the effort! hope to be playing soon! Pat H Maine USA
1-11-07,Clint
You are welcome and Mahalos for signin.
1-7-07,Carol Haigh
Thanks for this great site. I live in Canada on an island off the west coast. I recently
bought a beautiful little concert ukulele in Hilo. She's a bushman and is a pleasure to
play. Before the ukulele I played guitar and still do but am starting to really love the
ukulele. I can get around okay now with a few basic chords and a little finger picking but
would love to meet up with somebody over on the big island for a lesson or a few or even to
just get together to play... to get me to the next level and show me how to get more of a
Hawaiian feel to my playing. Ideally... if you know someone out in Puna because that's
where I stay when I'm in Hawaii. Thanks again Carol.
1-7-07,Clint
I dont kno anyone from Puna.. but heres what you need to do.. next time you go to da islands..
ask one of da locals.. its okay.. they friendly ova there.. and they tell you where to find
a jammin uke playa that'll show you some stuffs. (Really) Lots of great
playas from da local hui sistah. Jammin. Have fun and Mahalos for signin.
1-6-07,Terri L. Phelan
Hi
Great page. I saw a cheap ukelele ...Vinci.. concert size.. soprano...I think...for sale a
couple of weeks and ago and felt that it was cheap enough so that if I lost interest I
wouldnt be too far in the hole. Went to the web for info and found your page....good basic
info. Thanks for taking the time to put this stuff out there. The thing that really got me
going about ukes..before the I saw the cheapy..was that I kept hearing this beautiful version
of "Somewhere over the rainbow" with what.. I was sure.. was a uke and a single male
voice. Ive head it in the background to some TV shows and I think a commercial or 2. I went
to Hastings and asked the young guy.....knew the song but had no idea about uke players and
their search kiosk was no help. When to Barnes n Noble and the guy behind the counter
believed he knew who it was .. went to their search kiosk ..different system.. and
immediately found the artist and song......no surprise to you......it was IZ. I ordered the
CD and within about 3 days happened upon the uke.....synchronicity strikes again!
Anyway I havent found anyone around here who knows anything about ukes.. but at least they
can tune it for me until I buy one of those digital readout gizmos. I love the fact that
you have 2 songbooks with hundreds of songs and produced CDs to go along with them. Im not
sure I care much for the way their written out .. all chords no tablature ..Ive learned a
little bit of the music lingo in 2 weeks time. I cant quite figure out how the whole
strumming thing works.....but Im downloading some video off another site right now and maybe
that will help clarify the matter.
I havent started learning chords yet.....was too interested in picking out Moonlight Bay via
tablature. I found the sheets at www.theuke.com and really like the fact that they combine
the actual music notes ..one day I might learn them via osmosis.. along with chords and
tabs. My rendition is getting pretty good but still needs practice. Eventually I hope to be
able to have agile enough fingers to combine individual notes with chording. I printed out
your page that had Somewhere over the rainbow and took it to my local music store to have
the guy show me what strumming that song on a guitar looks like. He seemed to think that the
chords over the words were shifted and not in the right place.. I know that I dont know.
Anyway.. he was gracious with his time but it didnt help me any.
In any event....if-when I figure out the strumming thing do you sell your songbooks and
CDs? Since I dont read music and will never learn an instrument if I have to learn.. I
have to hear the song to get an idea about timing and such. Also do you know of any
tablature software that has ukelele as one of the features? My local music store uses
something.. but I havent forced them yet to see if ukes are an option .. they generally use
it for transposing for piano.. guitar.. vocals ..as I understood one of the sales clerks..
Thanks for your time.. the info.. and your site.
1-6-07,Clint
Just keep lostenin to da IZ cd and you'll start to feel da strum... listen alot... ALOT.
And yeah.. da chordz shift over some of da songs when uploaded. (Gotta let some people
do some work here and there.. sheeeesh...)
Glad you found my site. Hope you find some more stuffs here to use. I do sell da playbooks
and CDs. I email you bout dem. And no.. I dont kno of any tab software that includes da uke.
Shame.. i kno.. jus a shame... but dat might jus be your calling here... yeah?
Mahalos for signin
1-6-07,Toby
HI there ..Love your website .. just started playing the soprano uke.. I am 36 and only
ever played the drums before. Please tell me that my fingers WILL be able to take on all
these awkward shapes.
1-6-07,Clint
I promise. In time bruddah.. in time. Good practice first.. and patience.. lots of
patience. Enjoy da journey..Laterz
1-3-07,Netagene
It was on a web site of someone who sells ukes. I think I got him PO'd for asking so
many questions over a month as he is about 700 miles from me. I have to be positive before
I buy on line. I've never seen either Kala or Lanikai in "person" ... I had
asked about a gig bag ..in case I bump into someone because I did not see them .. 15 eye
operations in 8 years .. gig bag less likely to make a bruise?.. about a L.O.N.G strap
to put over my head because I navigate with a white cane and need one free hand for opening
doors etc. Also asked if he had database and might have name of someone in my area who I
might get with.. more fun to jam with someone than alone.. yada.. yada.. ad nauseum. So I
still havent bought one.
1-3-07,Clint
So if i understand you correctly.. you po'd someone because you were being a customer?
I recommend that if you do buy a Kala.. buy it from someone else. Keep doing your
homework..but please make sure you look at the Lanikai as well. That's my
recommendation. I have a person in my strummers group selling one. A concert. Perfect shape.
Shell give you a good deal on it. Ive seen it and can give you my word on its condition.
If you want to talk with her.. email her from my Network Page.
Kerry Penberthy.. Torrance.. California.
Either way.. lemme kno you have anymore questions...and YOU should sign da Network as well if
you havent do so yet.. especially if youre lookin for someone to play with in your area.
Lemme kno how everyting goes with you search. Laterz friend
1-2-07,Netagene
Netagene here, Birmingham, Alabama! Sorry I don't speak Hawaiian,
(grin) Wrote to you about a month ago. Debating as to a Lanikai or a Kala. Either way
it will be a tenor with a solid spruce top. I know that Kala is newer and a little bit
cheaper. Otherwise they seem pretty much the same to me. As I said previously I used to play
mandolin and some rhythm guitar, mostly bluegrass.. some country.. some old timey music.
Once I buy one it will have to last the rest of my life.. which might be 40 more years!
I'm 62.. Mother's almost 90.. still mentally sharp and her mother lived to 102 and
was still telling jokes almost till she died! And even though I work ..almost minimum
wage.. I am on disability because I am legally blind! Gotta be a good axe to begin with..
I am open to your comments and comparisons of the Lanikai and the Kala. Hope for your
comments soon as I'm working on a deal to buy. And do you know of anyone who lives in
Birmingham, Alabama who plays uke? I don't drive... obviously. It's more fun
to have someone to pick with.. Happy New Year!
1-2-07,Clint
I honestly am not to knowing about da Kala.. so dont feel right commenting this or that bout
it. But I know da Lanikai.. and am very happy with da quality and performance.. overall
craftmanship and accuracy of the note pitches. Good purchase for da money. Da Kala.. you
gonna need to look at youself. Sorry. Just compare the two if you can.. feel them.. hear
them.. touch them. You played guitar before.. you gonna know. How you hear about Kala?
If you know somebody who have one.. talk wid them about it. Feel free to continue driving
too.. most people in California are blind.. and they still drivin too... yeah?
Good luck on you choice. Either one gonna last you da next 40 years you take care of it.
Mahalos for signin again Netagene. Lemme kno how goes... and Happy New Year.
12-27-06,Meeh
Wassup! Just came across your website and enjoyed it. Just wanted to know if you know
the picking chords to the song "Brown Eyed Girl" finally getting into ukulele again
but not as good as I would want to be but would love to have the picking chords to that
song for now. What part of the Big Island are you from? Anyways right on and keep on
strumming
12-27-06,Clint
You may be able to find da chordz on one awesome site I kno called
Ukulelestrummers.com
I think on da Song Pages. (sheeesh...)
Look around people... look around...
I hope you not done lookin around, cuz cause all dis and alot more out there on
da site...
Oh, and I from Hilo... born and raised.
(Yeah......not so much...)
12-22-06,Walton Scott
I found your website linked from the Moonlight Beach Ukulele Strummers of Encinitas,
California. My wife bought me my first Ukulele - Valley Made concert - during a stay
in Waikoloa. Thats when I discovered "portable Aloha". When I have it with me I have
more fun. I will ask new acquaintances if they play the guitar then tell them that
they also play the ukulele. ( go ahead, make an open D chord - taa-daa!
its a G Major!!!).
Thats fun.
12-22-06,Clint
Glad you found da portable aloha. I agree. You cant help but have fun wid da
uke. Mahalos for signin and happy new yearz to you, cuz.. But rememba tell da guitar
playas... playin da ukulele is a style of playin... not jus fingerin chordz.
Laterz
12-16-06,Jeff West
Hello Clint. I purchased a patch and a playbook from you. I have been strumming and picking
with the Royal Hawaiian Ukulele Band in Berkeley for about 3 and half months now. I just
looked at your collection of ukes again. I have 2 old Harmony sopranos.. A Bushman Jenny
Concert and a Risa half-pineapple-half-regular w cut-out. One picture is of
the Risa I bought from the Blonde woman named Jeannie from Portland she is posing for a
picture with Lyle Ritz - thought you might like to see. Jeannie had a business trip in
the Bay Area so one evening she went to Mike DaSilvas ukulele building studio and then over
to play at the RHUB with me. Heres just a few Uke and People Pics. I am in the orange shirt.
Mike DaSilva is with his Santo reproduction. If you are a YouTube person you can see Mikes
shop and the Santo being made. I am a big YouTube fan. There are 500 ukulele videos
there! Attached is my order for purchase. Please send me a total and I will pay via
PayPal. Mele Kalakimaka.. Brudda Jeff
12-16-06,Clint
Mahalos Jeff. Good to hear you again. Hope all is well. I gonna put you pic in da
gallery too. Nice Risa half pineapple uke you have. Very cool looker... bet da sound jammin
too. I appreciate you comin back and i email you bout da stuffs. Laterz friend
12-16-06,Richard Bending
Hello! I have run a Uke Club in England. Would you be able
to send two red uke pins and your Play Book 1 to me in the UK? Thanks. Look forward to
hearing from you.
12-16-06,Clint
I gonna email you and let you kno how... bruddah. Good job wid da uke club. Hard work i kno.
Mahalos for signin.
12-16-06,Eric Ralund
Sitting looking at your amusing website for the first time. And what a pleasant time that
is. Just bought a ukulele on a trip to spain and have never played it before. But Im very
familiar with both guitar and violin. Have got my uke in tune as you recommend G C E A. Was
told otherwise by a friend of mine - a tuning where the 3 string is lower than the 4. Is
that all rubbish or just another tradition?
I have chosen to proceed in your way for the time being and cant wait to go on. Thank you
for now for your great efforts - Its a jolly good site as the Englishmen says. Erik
Ralund, Denmark.
12-16-06,Clint
Traditionally da 4 string is higher sounding den da 3 string. Many people have started to
lower da 4 string an octave because it give da instrument a fuller sound...having da lower
G.. and if you play instrumentally.. it give you a bit more range too. Make it sound like
it supposed to.. not a toy. Hope dat answer you question. Mahalos for signin
12-11-06,Kimo
Many years ago I had to move away from the islands (Maui) I just picked up the Uke
about 6 months ago and it brings back many great memories. Your web site has helped a lot in
teaching me how to play. Mahalo and ALOOOOHA ! Kimo
12-11-06,Clint
No matta bruddah.. glad you playin again. Mahalos for signin. Enjoy. Laterz
12-10-06,Taine
Hi. Mahalo. My name is Taine from Auckland, New Zealand. I
found your website on Uke in Google. It is an awesome place and I really appriciate your
time and effort poured in it. I also enjoyed your sense of humour. Thank you. Blessings.
12-10-06,Clint
Cool. Im glad you found da site. Thanks for da nice words. Mahalos for signin from there
too. Laterz Taine
12-10-06,Jimmy Rara
Aloha, I have been playing guitar for about 25 years. My family on my mothers side has a
lot of history in Hawaii and she would always tell us stories of her childhood. My cousin
and I are very close and she recently visited me here in Florida. She is learning to play
the uke and she brought it with her. I helped her tune it and noticed I had a great diffculty
putting it down. So I went out and bought a starter uke and I am amazed at the versatility
of the instrument. Of course listening to Jake Shimabukuro can be quite inspiring. Its a
wonderful addition to my collection and all I can say is the only limitations to this and
all intruments is our imagination and creativity. I have a great interest in the traditional
style of playing and I use both tuning options GCEA and Standard ADF#B. Theres
definately a learning curve considering my genre is rock. However it makes for some
wonderful experiments and it has helped my playing technique overall. This is definately an
instrument to loved and respected.
12-10-06,Clint
I agree cuz. Many think of this fine instrument as a toy. If you think of it as a toy,
you'll play it like a toy. I jam on dis little instrument... nothin you can't play
on it. Respect it.. love it... play it. Glad you've picked it up.. and glad you signed
my site. Mahalos and laterz to you
12-08-06,Mac Barnes
Hi. I just found your site and love it. I have been playing guitar for many years, then
I got a Tahitian Ukulele while I was there and learned some chords. Recently I got a
Hawaiian Ukulele and now I am mastering some chords and I have a Hawaiian song book. So your
site is very helpful and the chart of multiple chords on one fret diagram is the best... da
kine! Here is my desire and I hesitate to say anything simply because I am such a
beginner. - Surely this too will happen if I just practice... but in my Hawaiian song
book there are some very nice transition chords between phrases in the lyrics. For instance
in the song 'Lovely Hula Hands'.
So I was wondering if I could find anywhere some assembly of chords that go together. Such
as C.. F.. G7 and then some transition chords that are not so common.
On your site are many chords that I have never used. But when and with what other chords
would they go together? That is essentially my question.
So please do not feel that you have to answer this. I know that with practice I will get my
own repertoire. Thanks for your site. Mahalo
12-08-06,Clint
Probably not what you wanna hear.. but just short of me typin you a 5 page email...
I would suggest that you take a look at the local library or music store... or local
college or university library-bookstore.. and pick yourself up a basic theory book. What
you really need here - and as a way to kick your learning in the ass - would
be a beginning theory class. Priceless tool will you be taught, bruddah. After you
learn the basics.. take a look at my theory links on da links page. I love music theory..
really opens your playin when you understand what the heck you're doin. Enjoy.
12-07-06,Egan
I just visited your site and I will use all the info you have provided to learn to play the
ukulele. Having only had a ukulele for about a month. I am so happily surprised as to how
much enjoyment it has brought me. It truly is a beautiful instrument. I just bough a cheap
toy version. It cost me twenty five bucks. I notice that the frets are not precisely located
and it will not play everything perfectly in tune. I want to get a better ukulele. Do you
have any suggestions. Egan
12-07-06,Clint
Oh, bruddah... you shouldve bought da 30 dolla uke instead, they both crap.. jus da
30 dolla one burn longer.. keep you warmer in da winter time.
Cuz, You need a good tool you wanna enjoy playin. You see da frets off, yeah?
( shocking ) With da ukulele you gonna get what you pay for. You need be
careful.
Look for da "Lanikai" ukulele. Good uke. Cost you about 150.. but last you foreva
and give you somethin good to play too. I recommend you jus stop playin da one you have
before you learn some nasty hard to break habits. Do youself a favor and buy a decent uke
for you. It Christmastime and you deserve it. Good luck. Lemme kno how goes it wid
you.
12-06-06,Samang
Hey My Bruddah from another Muddah.. Grabbed a uke when I was on one big island. Not putum
down since! Hey not bad for a howlie! My name is Sam and I live in
Sydney, Australia,
I used to live in Hawaii 10 years ago - when i was dumb and young - i didnt even
bother with the music back then.. which now i deeply regret. Went with a new wahine friend
who had never traveled over seas.. took her to the Big Island - she wanted to go to
Wakiki... i told her no way, she gonna expierence real Hawaii. She has never regreted it
and has fallen in love with the place. Anyway.. i picked up a uke and now my wahine friend
is a uke widow.. I cant put it down! I do have some music experience and have no
troubles with theory.. i just need some tuition on strumming. I love your website and am
still looking for the wahine pages!
12-06-06,Clint
Keep lookin cuz.. so worth da lookin. Mahalos for findin da site and for signin too. Oh to
be able to turn back da clock..do sometings very different, yeah? Tell me.. Laterz
to you. Enjoy.
12-04-06,Brian
Hi Clint, Nice meeting you and the group last Saturday. I enjoy listening to Hawaiian
music and just recently decided to pick up the ukulele. You have a great site - it's
a great resource for ukulele information. Could you please bring a copy of the Uke Playbook
this coming Saturday? Thanks.
12-04-06,Clint
Glad you found us Brian. Nice having you. Glad da Kalikimaka music no gonna scare you away.
Tis da season, yeah? I bring da book too. Laterz cuz
12-04-06,PJ
Hi Clint, We haven't met yet but I hope we will one day soon. First I must say that
your Strummers website is awesome. And learning that your group SB Strummers meets at The
Bartlett Center every Saturday, just 2 blocks from our home, was truely a message
from heaven. Heres my story- My mother who owns 2 ukes (1 was her fathers) used
to play when she was in her late teens-early twenties. She and her father would play
them at home and sometimes she would take hers to parties or the beach to play with friends.
Not sure what type ukes they are but I do know they need a little work (1 needs fret
repair, both need restringing and tuning). I am hoping to get these both done in
time to be a Christmas surprise for my Mom but I dont know who or where to take them to for
repair. In June 2005 Gram and I saw an article in the Breeze about "The Strummers"
and had talked about having them repaired and learning a few songs to surprise Mom on her
B-day in Sept. Alas that never came to pass because Grandma soon got ill and we were
unable to follow thru with our plan. We 3 have lived together for the last 8 years and Mom
and I were Grams full time care givers. When we lost my Grandmother of 98 yrs. on the 12th
of last month we were left with a huge void that I hope to fill with music and new friends.
I am certain that if I could find a reputable person-shop to entrust the repairs of her
instruments to that you would soon have Mom and I joining your Saturday Strummers at the
Bartlett Center So my goal here is simple - Fulfill Grams and my hope of having them
repaired - Surprise Mom at X-mas - Fill the void by joining the SB Strummers. If
possible would you please recommend a place I could take them? If you need to assess
them before making a recommendation I could drop by Bartlett Center this coming Saturday.
Thank You. PJ Hayden
12-04-06,Clint
Hey PJ, Mahalos for sign and talkin story. Nice. Gonna email you about this. No
problem and... see you Saturday.
11-30-06,Netagene
Names Netagene.. age 62. Birmingham, Alabama. 30 years in central Florida back
"home" almost 11 years ago to be near elderly parents only to have them look after
me when I became almost 100 percent blind in one eye Dec. '98 and legally blind in the
other eye Oct. '03. Surgeries and now have a good bit of usable sight in one eye.
Parents bought a piano for me when I was about 5. School choruses since 4th grade. Voice and
classical piano major in junior college. Naturally sing harmony.. mostly alto.. some tenor.
Was in Sweet Adelines awhile years ago. Do a pretty good job sight playing and singing. Had
plenty of music theory over the years too. Volunteer DJ with Tampa public radio WMNF... did
a bluegrass show about 13 years. Also emceed some festivals.. sometimes went to as many as 6
jam sessions a week.. some bluegrass only.. some just anything acoustic.. jazz.. country..
old timey.. folk.. etc. A bunch of us were always pickin somewhere - church and county
and state fairs. Didnt get paid but we were jammin anyway so might as well get a couple of
passes and some free meals! Right? Self taught - mostly rhythm.. except for
keyboards.. on guitar.. mandolin.. upright bass.. Appalachian dulcimer.. autoharp.. lead as
well as rhythm on the aharp.. console organ. Did have a hammered dulcimer which I never much
learned to play. Still have the piano.. one electric keyboard.. a Q-Chord.. poor
substitute for the wood and wire of an autoharp.. but dont have to worry about tuning it..
Appalachian dulcimer.. various toys, recorder.. penny whistle.. slide whistle.. kazoo..
etc. I miss my autoharp and guitar but because I no longer drive I can't go much of
anywhere to pick. We have lousy bus service. ... and I just bought a cheap.. cheap uke.
10 dollars plus shipping - brand is "Titan" - from ebay. May not be even
worth 20 as a canoe paddle! Looking at a Johnson concert size one.. also ebay for about
40.. then shipping. I figure if I can teach myself guitar I can teach myself ukulele. I am
open to suggestions as to what affordable.. I work but am also on disability for awhile..
axe to look for as I doubt Ill be satisfied with the tiny Titan for any length of time!
I enjoyed your site! Netagene
11-30-06,Clint
Nice to have such a cool background in playin all da mountian instruments. Very cool. Glad
you able to fit in ukulele as well. I recommend da "Lanikai" ukulele you get a
chance. Great ukes. Johnson pretty good for what you gonna pay .. 40.. get it. Made
not too bad. Pretty close on da pitches too. Mahalos for checkin out my site. I
appreciate you talkin. Laterz
11-28-06,Sandi McL
Hiya Clint, that there fella that said he played in Octaves, can you explain
that? Is that like one note at a time or turning the chords into a do re mi sorta
thing? If I understand correctly it is like going up the instrument and playing one note
at a time. I always had alot of trouble with that. I guess I am more of a chords-rythym
gal. Not good on the solos. How do ya do that? I play by ear, never had official
teachin so I ask ya lots of questions. Hope ya dont mind. Thanks for any help, you been
great.
11-28-06,Clint
Sistah Blondie... much info here.. i gonna try smooth it out fo you too... jus a bit. Playin
in da octaves is like doublin da strings so you gonna play one low G and one high G.. one low
C and one high C... etc. Also might mean dat you gonna play in a lower notes and sing da
higher notes.. an octave higher. Same named notes.. jus different pitches.. widens da
playin field of range. Can be much nicer you kno what you doin. Alotta octaves happenin
in my instrumental jazz music. Nice harmonies wid da octaves.
For a start on instrumental playin see my instrumental pages. Give you an idea on where you
need start. Den my music readin flashcards and add on a learnin page here... a learnin page
there.. and keep askin questions. Lotta homework to do here.. but you da site hillbilly
blondie..I kno you got time up there to play... yeah sistah? Mahalos for talkin again.
Keep in touch
11-26-06,Denise
Aloha, I'm kinda new to your web site. I live on Oahu. I have a G String ukulele and
been playing for a short time. I took a couple lessons, stopped when my dad got sick and
passed away but now I'm starting to play again. I haven't taken more lessons,
just playing what I know to exercise my fingers and relax. I printed couple songs from your
website and thats what I've been playing. What I needed help with is how to strum the
different songs. For instance one of the songs I printed was All I Have to Offer You is Me
by Ka'au Crater Boys and found that when I strum it going
up-down-up-down-up-up-down sounds better than just going up and down
up and down. I hope you know what I'm trying to say. If you have a better way let me
know. One of the newer songs I printed is Still the One by Ka'au Crater Boys. Can you
suggest the best way to strum this song' Anyway I like your website and wanted to know
how to get a hold of the Uke Playbooks. Do you sell them or can you tell me how I can get a
copy? Thanks for your reply, hope to hear from you soon. Denise
11-26-06,Clint
Denise... yeah, I know what you tryin to say. Any song gonna sound better when you get
off da up down up down up down up down... I suggest you purchase da CD and if you already
have it.. listen to it over and over and over.. tryin to imitate da strum.. keep tryin.. and
listen close to da strum. It a quick strum but it easy.. listen.. listen.. an listen more.
Listen til you hear it clear in you head. Problem many people have is they wanna play
Hawaiian music but they no own any Hawaiian music CDs. Make no sense to me. You wanna win
da lottery, you need to buy a ticket, yeah? Patience and listen. You gonna end
up wid somethin better than what you got now. I email you bout da book too. Laterz
11-23-06,Janine Guevara
Hafa Adai! Your site is great! My son has a new instrument, his Ukelele!
On the first day he received his ukelele he taught himself "Brown Eyed Girl". A
couple of weeks later he downloaded "My Honey Baby" and taught himself note
by note by ear until he could play it to his liking...Thanks for the site, we are loving
it! He's currently working on "Somewhere over the rainbow" by IZ.
Have a great day and thanks again for the blessing of your site! Janine
11-23-06,Clint
You welcome sistah. Glad you son jammin da uke.. note by note betta too even if you gonna
play some of da chords too.. got da instrumental stuffs comin, yeah? See my
instrumental pages for you son. Cool. Mahalos for signin. Lemme kno how goes it. Laterz
11-20-06,Neville Peacock
Love the site Clint! Been playing only couple of years, self taught so I hope I can
meet up with some like minded Ukulele lovin people in my area. Keep up the great work in
promoting the greatest instrument in the world! Best wishes from
England
11-20-06,Clint
Mahalos for signin Neville. I appreciate you checkin in from da mother land... Enjoy da uke
and I hope people start lookin at you playin and jump on da band wagon wid you. Laterz.
11-12-06,Matt and Laurie Jones
Hi there. Here is my info. Laurie Jones age - 35
I love your site. I wish my hubbie could get together with you guys...he is a ukelele man
himself. He rocks on it. We are both music teachers. We have 4 children and live in
Mississippi. We love Jazz etc. Come visit us on our site www.jonesrestoration.com
Thanks for having so many awesome resources. I love your site!
11-12-06,Clint
Cool site you have too. Nice pictures. Mahalos for signin and glad you can use some of da
stuff I have here. Jam on. Laterz
11-9-06,Cary Brent
Aloha Clint, Howzit? You know things are okay here on the Big Island. Other than a
little shake, rattle an rollin we experienced last month. Big doins in Waimea (my
new hometown) as the fifth annual Ukulele an Slack Key Guitar Institute is happening. A
great opening reception last night with jammin by James Hill, David Kamakahi an our own
Hilo girl Brittni Paiva. Tonight more jammin with the same folks as well as Dennis
Kamakahi, Ozzie Kotani an Jeff Peterson. And all of this fo free bra. I think I gonna
like dis place. Im taking a few workshops this Friday an Saturday too. At last nights
reception I finally met Bob Gleason of Pegasus Ukuleles an Guitars (you might remember I
had him make me a tenor uke). A great guy and he appreciated that I brought my uke for
him to check out. He said he always enjoys seeing his work and that he could tell that its
being played. Also I want to update my new address on your Network as it still shows me
living in Redondo Beach. Please update to show Im in Kamuela, HI. I did have a B-day
and am now 62 years young. E-mail address stayed the same. Thanks Clint for your
inspiration an teaching and starting this old fart on the road to a lifetime of 4 string
bliss. Later Bra Cary Brent
11-9-06,Clint
Ah, Cary. Glad everting gonna be good wid you. Long time no talk story wid you,
yeah? Now you jus movin round da Island.. livin here.. livin dea.. cool for you. Glad
you still rememba da little folk who you step on to get where you at now.. brah.. kiddin now
(sheeeeesh) jus kiddin. Glad everting ok wid you. Jam on. I change you
Network info if I rememba.. I getten old too, yeah? Oh yeah, dat little Brittni
sometin cool to hear and no too bad to see either, yeah? wow...anyways..Later on my
friend. Keep it cool and keep in touch ever now and den. Peace.
11-6-06,Lance Barker
Greetings Clint, My name is Lance Barker, friends call me Barkowitz. I just turned
50 and I have recently fallen in love with the Uke! I jam every Monday night at our
local pub in my big island of Plumas County, CA. I am playing an 8 string Lawson tenor
Uke with all strings coursed (no octaves) and with the G tuned low. Thanks for a
great Uke resource. I am trying to learn as much as I can about music
(theory-technique-performance) because I never did any music as a youngun
(gotta catchup fast). Been all over the world but not yet to the islands!
I play Celtic,folk,oldtimey,americana,blue-grass and starting to get
into jazz. Cheers. Hope to meet you some day.
11-6-06,Clint
One day we may meet cuz. Sounds like you in da uke heavy. Cool. Keep on jammin and keep in
touch. Take what you need here. Laterz.
11-3-06,Jim Balicanta
Aloha. Ive been referencing your site for a couple of years now and it is absolutely
fantastic. I am formerly from Maui and keep up with my ukulele playing. Im a former music
educator in Tucson, Arizona and your teaching tools are great. Im going to be teaching
ukulele lessons here in Tucson in association with a hula halau. I would like to know how I
can order your song books and your 4 cd set. I love your site and keep up the good work.
Mahalo and Aloha
11-3-06,Clint
Mahalos for da nice words. I will contact you bout da book and CDs. Jam on and Mahalos for
signin
11-2-06,J Conner
your site helped me and my friend learn some new songs thanks, were in hawaii right now We
live here !! thanks again
11-2-06,Clint
No problem bruddah... glad you found me. Take what you need and I hope it continues to help.
Laterz
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