BIGDB
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Hello everyone, I just finished learning jake shimabukuros bach song and that's been one of the hardest songs I've ever learned. So I was wondering what everyone's biggest ukulele obstacle they've over come or working on now
Biggest ukulele obstacle you've over come?
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consitter
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This is going to come off as a smart ass answer, but it's really not...
Buying one. Before I saw my first up close and personal ukulele on a trip to Hawaii in 2005, I always thought of them as toys. I happened into a shop in Kona after an off ship excursion there during our cruise.
It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I had never played a stringed instrument before, and there's no one around here that gives lessons, so I'm completely self-taught. I suck as a teacher. I know quite a few notes, and make feeble attempts at playing, but I enjoy it. That's what matters.
Buying one. Before I saw my first up close and personal ukulele on a trip to Hawaii in 2005, I always thought of them as toys. I happened into a shop in Kona after an off ship excursion there during our cruise.
It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I had never played a stringed instrument before, and there's no one around here that gives lessons, so I'm completely self-taught. I suck as a teacher. I know quite a few notes, and make feeble attempts at playing, but I enjoy it. That's what matters.
Currently hoping to overcome the effects of arthritis at the base of the thumb on my fretting hand. Have see a hand specialist. Maybe a brace, or something ?????
Based on the OP's recent accomplishment, I assume he's way out of my league as a player. But as an average ukulele enthusiast, my biggest accomplishment has been committing enough songs to memory to not be paralyzed when I take out my instrument in public or at a family gathering.
I made the mistake, early on, of playing off cheat sheets and it ruined me for a number of years. For a long time, I couldn't play a simple three-chord song in public without having the chords in front of me. Once I realized this was completely psychological, I began to work my way out of it. I don't play very much in the warm weather months, so it takes me a week or so to get in the groove once winter comes around; however, these days, I'm at the point where I don't totally choke when the uke is in my hand and the songbook is nowhere to be found.
I made the mistake, early on, of playing off cheat sheets and it ruined me for a number of years. For a long time, I couldn't play a simple three-chord song in public without having the chords in front of me. Once I realized this was completely psychological, I began to work my way out of it. I don't play very much in the warm weather months, so it takes me a week or so to get in the groove once winter comes around; however, these days, I'm at the point where I don't totally choke when the uke is in my hand and the songbook is nowhere to be found.
coolkayaker1
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Biggest obstacle that I have not overcome: selling a gently played used ukulele for anything even close to the new price I paid for it since the ukulele popularity has become as limp as old panty hose in the past two years. At this rate, the ukulele will be on par with Bollo ties and Crocs by 2016.
Bob-in-Alberta
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My biggest problem is finding the time to play. Work keeps getting in the way and my "win the lottery and retire" plan hasn't happened yet.
hammer40
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My biggest obstacle has yet to be mastered. The stretch and independent dexterity of my pinky finger is what really holds me back at this point.
I'm still wrestling with my biggest non-technique obstacle, which is playing in public. I'm fine in groups, but I've shied away from open mics in which I'd be singing by myself or in a very small group.
My biggest technique hurdle so far has been a 6-stroke arpeggio strum (4-2-3 / 1-3-2) that I had to learn as two beats worth of triplets for a Hawaiian song I performed with my Hawaiian music ukulele class when we played at the Maui Ukulele Festival in October 2012. (The strum also works for 3/4 time (4-2 / 3-1 / 3-2). I used it this year to play Silent Night and Silver Bells for caroling.) For literally months, I couldn't get my fingers to do what I knew they had to. Oddly enough, once I learned this arpeggio strum, others came more easily.
My biggest technique hurdle so far has been a 6-stroke arpeggio strum (4-2-3 / 1-3-2) that I had to learn as two beats worth of triplets for a Hawaiian song I performed with my Hawaiian music ukulele class when we played at the Maui Ukulele Festival in October 2012. (The strum also works for 3/4 time (4-2 / 3-1 / 3-2). I used it this year to play Silent Night and Silver Bells for caroling.) For literally months, I couldn't get my fingers to do what I knew they had to. Oddly enough, once I learned this arpeggio strum, others came more easily.
Captain America
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I love this story. That's great!
For me, it was learning the triple stroke.
For me, it was learning the triple stroke.
hahaha...that's why you keep them all!!
It would also help if the "K" brands didn't increase their price every year since I started playing. I think many players remember the old prices so the 20% discount based on the 2013 pricing is not attractive to many.
TaoJones1066
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Singing and playing... at the same time. I've played guitar, bass, and mandolin, but I never could sing and play. Very first song on the uke, and I was able to do it. The song was Sea of Love.
Freeda
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My impatience.
Oh wait, did you say something we have overcome??
Oh wait, did you say something we have overcome??
Doc_J
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My total lack of any rhythm.
OldePhart
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That was probably it for me, too. Then I saw a Kimo Hussey video where he rocked my world in the first 2-1/2 minutes.
"This is your index finger. It does two things; it goes down, and it goes up. This is your thumb and it only does one thing;l it goes down."
Now, obviously, there are many ways to play triplets and other patterns but that little bit of advice right there put me over the top. Then I spent almost a year working almost exclusively on nothing but right hand techniques (didn't learn a single new song, even). Now, I can honestly say that my former weakest point (right hand) is now my strongest...and I still basically suck!
Now...I guess it's time to work on my second biggest problem, memorizing songs and getting away from "lead sheets."
John
peaceweaver3
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I totally don't get this, but would like to! Could you explain the numbers - (4-2-3 / 1-3-2) and (4-2 / 3-1 / 3-2)? Or better yet, where can I hear them? Thanks!
As for me, I've learned to use my pinkie (it doesn't tremble anymore), and find chord inversions. Well not really learned, as in worked hard, but they gradually built up and one day it occurred to me, "Gee, I can do this. When did that happen?"
Oh, and after doing some fret damage, I've found a style of nail-keeping if you will, that works for me. Doesn't sound like much, but it was a huge deal at the time.
Great thread!
TaoJones1066
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DaleR, is that a fez-o-rama fez in your pic?
TaoJones1066
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I was just looking at those! I want either the Elder Sign fez, or the mimic fez with the squid on it. But to stay somewhat on topic, my next ukulele hurdle will be changing up the old down-down-up-up-down strumming pattern.
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