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Luke Plays Uke
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 24 เม.ย. 2020
My name is Luke and I love to play solo arrangements on the ukulele!
I'm a fan of just about any genre, but I'm partial to memorably melodic songs, which usually leans more toward jazz of the golden era, but I can't deny the allure of some Disney songs or certain pop hits from truly amazing singers. Or just songs with strong hooks. I don't know - I just like music in general and it doesn't take much to get me stoked, but there's got to be a strong melody as a base. Trying to incorporate that melody into a rhythm as a solo arrangement is a great challenge, but it's a lot of fun!
The ukulele is a joyous instrument with a gentle learning curve and an amazing versatility, but this channel specifically was made for people who want to see and hear pieces played solo and without vocals.
So if you're interested in a bit more than singer/strummer ukulele pieces, click the subscribe button and the bell to enable notifications and I'll keep uploading new pieces! Thanks!
I'm a fan of just about any genre, but I'm partial to memorably melodic songs, which usually leans more toward jazz of the golden era, but I can't deny the allure of some Disney songs or certain pop hits from truly amazing singers. Or just songs with strong hooks. I don't know - I just like music in general and it doesn't take much to get me stoked, but there's got to be a strong melody as a base. Trying to incorporate that melody into a rhythm as a solo arrangement is a great challenge, but it's a lot of fun!
The ukulele is a joyous instrument with a gentle learning curve and an amazing versatility, but this channel specifically was made for people who want to see and hear pieces played solo and without vocals.
So if you're interested in a bit more than singer/strummer ukulele pieces, click the subscribe button and the bell to enable notifications and I'll keep uploading new pieces! Thanks!
Sway (Solo Ukulele)
Ukulele Nick is one of my favorite arrangers on TH-cam and, as much as I want to sit down and go through the hassle of actually learning theory or even arranging my own songs based on published sheet music, it's a lot more fun to just learn Nick's stuff.
You can learn it here: th-cam.com/video/CNBxJvYEvUo/w-d-xo.html
And this is one of my favorite songs. The main melody is so efficient in the way it drills into your brain and it just never seems to leave.
The problem is that the song sounds a little hollow if you don't include the bridge and the bridge is a smidge tricky. It's a good exercise to cover the importance of how much one fret move on one string can change the feel of the whole chord, but it took me forever to get a decent grip on it.
Still, I'm a better ukulele player for it.
So thanks, Nick!
In other news, I've been thinking about my playing. A buddy of mine who plays jazz guitar says I play ukulele like a classical guitar player with a big emphasis on warm tones that he doesn't normally associate with the ukulele (which is good - I like warm tones), but I can't help but feel that I don't play ukulele per se, but rather guitar ON the ukulele. And that's something I'd like to work on. Watching the likes of Corey Fujimoto work around the high G is magical and I'd like to find out what he's on about. And Christopher Davis-Shannon is constantly working jazz and jazz-inspired stuff onto a soprano with a high G.
And I'm over here leaning on the low G and it feels like a crutch.
So I think I'm going to put most of my ukes in their cases (it's cold here so it's probably good for them to go in their cases anyway until the humidity gets a bit better) and use ONE ukulele - a SOPRANO ukulele with a high G string - and lean into learning something new.
To be honest with you, I'm a little nervous about it and this just makes me more sure that it should happen. I shouldn't be nervous because a string it changing and I'm losing notes. I should be more flexible and adaptive.
Also, good things can happen from experiments like this. A friend of mine, after decades of jumping from genre to genre on the guitar and becoming something like a jack of all trades and a master of none, decided to dedicate an entire year to learning the blues. He said he would play nothing but the blues and just worked and worked at it.
Blues is a genre that's easy to get a grip on the basics but that's where most people stop. They think "alright, I've got this," and stop trying to get better, preferring to move laterally. But my friend dedicated himself to getting better and he made the blues sound good - something I was shocked by because I am not a fan of the blues at all.
So maybe there's something to this isolation and dedication.
I guess we'll find out, eh?
I'm not entirely without guidance, though. I have Christopher Davis-Shannon's awesome book covering the Fornby techniques for strumming and I have two Fred Sokolow books (covering Disney and Christmas songs in high G) so, as nervous as I am, at least I have those.
But I think I'm going to limit myself to JUST those.
And James Hill's jazz course because I've been working through that.
Anyway, music is an adventure and I feel like I'm leaving the furthest known point in the Shire and walking toward the mountain.
You can learn it here: th-cam.com/video/CNBxJvYEvUo/w-d-xo.html
And this is one of my favorite songs. The main melody is so efficient in the way it drills into your brain and it just never seems to leave.
The problem is that the song sounds a little hollow if you don't include the bridge and the bridge is a smidge tricky. It's a good exercise to cover the importance of how much one fret move on one string can change the feel of the whole chord, but it took me forever to get a decent grip on it.
Still, I'm a better ukulele player for it.
So thanks, Nick!
In other news, I've been thinking about my playing. A buddy of mine who plays jazz guitar says I play ukulele like a classical guitar player with a big emphasis on warm tones that he doesn't normally associate with the ukulele (which is good - I like warm tones), but I can't help but feel that I don't play ukulele per se, but rather guitar ON the ukulele. And that's something I'd like to work on. Watching the likes of Corey Fujimoto work around the high G is magical and I'd like to find out what he's on about. And Christopher Davis-Shannon is constantly working jazz and jazz-inspired stuff onto a soprano with a high G.
And I'm over here leaning on the low G and it feels like a crutch.
So I think I'm going to put most of my ukes in their cases (it's cold here so it's probably good for them to go in their cases anyway until the humidity gets a bit better) and use ONE ukulele - a SOPRANO ukulele with a high G string - and lean into learning something new.
To be honest with you, I'm a little nervous about it and this just makes me more sure that it should happen. I shouldn't be nervous because a string it changing and I'm losing notes. I should be more flexible and adaptive.
Also, good things can happen from experiments like this. A friend of mine, after decades of jumping from genre to genre on the guitar and becoming something like a jack of all trades and a master of none, decided to dedicate an entire year to learning the blues. He said he would play nothing but the blues and just worked and worked at it.
Blues is a genre that's easy to get a grip on the basics but that's where most people stop. They think "alright, I've got this," and stop trying to get better, preferring to move laterally. But my friend dedicated himself to getting better and he made the blues sound good - something I was shocked by because I am not a fan of the blues at all.
So maybe there's something to this isolation and dedication.
I guess we'll find out, eh?
I'm not entirely without guidance, though. I have Christopher Davis-Shannon's awesome book covering the Fornby techniques for strumming and I have two Fred Sokolow books (covering Disney and Christmas songs in high G) so, as nervous as I am, at least I have those.
But I think I'm going to limit myself to JUST those.
And James Hill's jazz course because I've been working through that.
Anyway, music is an adventure and I feel like I'm leaving the furthest known point in the Shire and walking toward the mountain.
มุมมอง: 720
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มุมมอง 3834 ปีที่แล้ว
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Once Upon A Dream Ukulele
มุมมอง 6624 ปีที่แล้ว
Sleeping Beauty is easily the best classic Disney movie and this song stands out as its best. Ever since I was a kid, I would get it stuck in my head where it would stay seemingly forever. At least until Disney's movies from the 90s came out.
This song looks really fun to play, but in the end, what are you doing New Year's Eve?
Very nice. The best ever Thanksgiving song ever written, I think. (Look it up if you didn't know that)
I did NOT know it was a thanksgiving song, but that actually makes sense since there’s no mention of Christmas anywhere. That makes it all the more interesting that it’s consider one of - if not THE - first secular Christmas songs ever written. People must have been really keen to plant that flag to use a Thanksgiving song and it’s not like the dates of Jingle Bells is SUPER far away from Up On The Housetop! All that said, Jingle Bells and Joy to the World are prime examples of what you can do with just a C Maj scale and make it sound super impressive! Thank you for the kind words!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Very nice! I sing this song in a trio with my cousin's. Can you attach a cord chart to down load?
I can do you one better than that! In the description of the video I I voided a link to Nick’s video that taught me how to play it! His video has all the critical information on the screen for you. Enjoy!
Amazing awesomeness.
Love how you express the music with your whole being. Great playing too!
Thanks! That melody just gets inside you!
@@LukePlaysUke most definitely 🤙
I really like your cover and the way you play it. Is there something special to your strumming? It doesn't sound as it normally does but I don't know what it is. And your uke sounds great!!!
I appreciate the kind words! As to the strumming, I don’t know if I’m doing anything special besides maybe incorporating a chunk in it for rhythm. Is that what you’re referring to?
@@LukePlaysUke Thanks for your answer. I don't know whether it's the chuck that makes your strumming so interesting but I could listen to it all day long because it really sounds great. Thank you for sharing your video and have a great day,.
@@Teeum5 wow, that’s very flattering to hear! Thank you so much!
@@LukePlaysUke o
😊 great instrumental. I play it with the tap and scrape on fretboard method I learned from… I think it was Sarah Maisel at Strathmore one year.
I’ve never heard of that technique!
@@LukePlaysUke Here it is 😊th-cam.com/video/VCHIh6DmA9c/w-d-xo.html
@@tippytoetoli wow! I have legitimately never seen that technique before! The golpe I’ve seen, but the scrape down the frets was super cool!
@@LukePlaysUke I know. It’s cool huh? I wish I could remember who taught it to me. Could’ve been Brittnai Paiva. I just don’t remember it was so long ago.
@@tippytoetoli it sounds like something would do for sure
Sounds good! Looking forward to what comes from your high g adventures!
Me too!
We’ve got the same name. Now if I could only acquire his playing skill…
Yes, those tones are very warm indeed as well as quite lovely... and that is very good!
Thanks you! I really appreciate it!
BTW, I have come to the conclusion is that one should not use theory to decide what to play (that should be more from feel and hearing), but where the theory comes in is in understanding why what one played by feel works... or doesn't work and thus can help in fixing those things that didn't work and better appreciating those things that did work.
@@LukePlaysUke And thank you for making and uploading your videos!
@@RonLWilson I have a similar philosophy regarding theory. Mike Mushok of Staind said his music teacher told him to learn all theory and then forget it and I think what the teacher meant was understand it, and then go with your gut afterward. That’s what I want, because I want to know why my favorite songs work the way they do so I could start to incorporate those lessons into my own arrangements. Also, I want to be able to figure out stuff on my own without relying on sheet music (and also know how to write in standard notation) because I hate leaning on others to do the work for me. I like too many songs that are uncommon for the ukulele and feel held back by my own lack of knowledge.
Love it!!
Thanks, Larry! I appreciate it
Awesome Russ! Thank you for your lovely gift of music! Tons of bless to you and your entire family! Luv you always and always!
Thank you, Carol! I’m glad you liked it!
Outstanding Russ. thanks! And Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you so much!
Sounds great 🥰 Thanks for sharing. - Tom 🤙
My pleasure! Thank you for watching!
Sweet!
Thank you!
Fantastic!
Thanks, Matt! That means a lot coming from you.
Wow.. Awesome job 👍🏽💯
Thanks so much! It’s a huge compliment coming from you!
Christmas in July !!! For me at least. I can listen to Christmas music year-round. Luke , I am so used to your sign language at the end of your music, I was so surprised that the man SPEAKS !!! I pray that the rest of this year just keeps getting better for you Luke !! - Merry Christmas in JULY !! - FLOYD AMASON
I absolutely love Christmas music and wanted to put together a small concert. I plan on doing another one this year for people to be able to put on while they open presents or something. Just trying to spread some cheer, you know?
WOW, that Pono really has great tone !! - FLOYD AMASON
Pono makes some amazing ukes. This one is cedar and ebony and it requires a bit more of a gentle touch or it gets a little boomy, but I love how rich the chords sound. It’s my favorite tenor in my little collection.
lOVE THAT JAZZ!! In the late 60s I sang and played upright Bass with a Jazz Quartet. I then toured for 35 plus years around the world with my identical twin brother performing our original contemporary Christian music. The songs I wrote always had a Jazz feel to them, but my brother Boyd's songs all had a 60s rock feel. I did not start playing the Uke untill around 2011, a few years after I retired. My claim to fame in the ukulele world was backing up Ken Middleton on a couple of songs , with my Harmonica. I have those on my channel, Ken is a great fellow. Luke, I am looking forward to hearing more Jazz tunes from you. Great Job on this classic!! FLOYD AMASON
That sounds amazing! I’m a big fan of jazz standards so there’s definitely going to be more in the future. I appreciate all the comments and encouraging words! They mean a lot to me. I hope you have a great day!
I am sure Bette would be proud of your arrangement of this great song. Mighty fine, mighty fine my friend!! - FLOYD AMASON
Beautiful rendition of this Disney Classic!! Great Job Luke !!!! - FLOYD AMASON
Thanks! This was the first time I used sheet music and started to try to incorporate the melody because I knew how the song went (it’s one of my favorites). It was a lot of fun putting it all together.
If I could play like you I would not have to sing when I play the uke. Your a fine musician my friend!! - FLOYD AMASON
Thank you, Floyd! I really appreciate that!
Really nice!
Thank you! It’s one of my favorites to play!
Great read! Thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to read it! ;-)
Lovely!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
Beautiful
Thank you!
Music at my grandma’s funeral and I like hearing it so much! I would love the tabs😉
Thanks! Try here: facebook.com/102908854822424/photos/a.307686207678020/307685041011470/?type=3
@@LukePlaysUke you are awesome. Thanks so much ❤️. I’ll see what I can do 😉
@@dianaaldridge-ukulele7785 if you do end up learning it, be sure to send a video! I’d love to see how it worked for you!
Wonderful bro!
Thanks very much! I really appreciate it!
Nailed it! Bette Midler's The Rose was played at my grandmother's funeral and I have the same reaction if it ever comes on. New goal though: have Backstreet's Back played at my funeral.
Did I not just say *NSYNC was superior?!
Although... I can’t imagine a better way to achieve some levity than being in a somber wake and hearing “am I sexual? YEEEAAAAAHHHH...”
Your Great Grandmother would love it. One of her favorites. Love it
Thanks!
My most favourite song and tune! Thank you - beautiful performance! 💕
Thank you so much! It’s a fantastic song!
Kamaka and a Spooner. Very nice! Is that a tenor or a baritone?
It’s a tenor! An HF-3 to be precise. A very cool ukulele!
Looks fun to study, I’ll add this to my future chord melody lessons, right now I’m still learning the basics. 👍 well done 👏🏻
Thank you! I got it from Hal Leonard’s Christmas Fake Book if you want to get the sheet music.
This is sound so beautiful Luke, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words. I hope you had a great Christmas and that your New Year is fantastic!
Beautiful!
Thanks, John! I appreciate it!
Ahhh. The touch on that triple strum at the end! Merry Christmas!
Thanks! I love wrapping up with a flourish!
Every time i watch your videos it makes me want to pick up my daughter's uke
Thanks, bud! That’s very nice to hear and you should ABSOLUTELY grab your daughter’s uke and play!
Magnifique :-)
Maud Merci beaucoup! I was just trying to do justice to such a beautiful melody.
@@LukePlaysUke Good job, +1 subscriber !
Maud Thank you! That means a lot to me! I hope you like the videos I’ll be publishing in the future!
Noice!!!
Peta Gray Thank you! It’s a lot of fun to play this song.
A great rendition! Such a good tune, never gets old 👍
dalexstone Thank you! I really appreciate it. It really is such a beautiful melody.
👏
Luv it and a nice clean clear sound.I just want to hear you sing along as you play.
I’m a horrible singer. A British guy gave an honest critique years ago, saying my singing lacks beans. It’s weak and just... not good. But that’s why I’m working on developing my solo ukulele chops - so the ukulele can sing for me and (hopefully) nobody gets put off of the music.
@@LukePlaysUke Hi Luke,I won't tell you that you can sing if you say you can't but I hear many people say they can't sing.Your voice is a wind instrument and everyone's is different. Find your range and sing along with others is best way to start.Sing in your own natural voice,don't copy others but you can put the intonation on the words. I don't think of myself as a singer but I do try and give it a tune.Maybe you have a daughter,gran daughter or friend who could have some fun singing along to your playing? Nothing ventured,nothing gained.
I appreciate the supportive comments! Honestly, besides in the shower or car, singing doesn’t interest me nearly as much as trying to put the vocal melody line into the structure of the song to make it full from the chords and recognizable from the melody. I’ve always liked jazzy instrumentals so I think it’s just something I gravitate toward naturally. But this isn’t to say that I don’t learn sings the kids want to sing along to if they ask. ;-)
Some sort of jitter on the video. Not sure what might cause that,