100% found this document useful (1 vote)
933 views36 pages

Ukulele Method Books Sample

Uploaded by

Kishore
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
100% found this document useful (1 vote)
933 views36 pages

Ukulele Method Books Sample

Uploaded by

Kishore
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx TOPIC X

BOOK
ONE

6 Progressive
Topics
Exercises,
Games & Pieces
Downloadable
Audio
BOOK ONE
Acknowledgements Contents

Publishing Team Welcome 4


Devised and written by Ashley Hards, Jono Harrison and Tim Bennett-Hart
Musical excerpts composed by Ashley Hards Topic 1 Introduction 5
Edited by Jono Harrison
Proof reading by Jono Harrison, Simon Troup, Laura Hall and Ashley Hards
Topic 2 First Pieces 14
Notation engraving by Simon Troup of Digital Music Art
Topic 3 Using The Fretting Hand 24
Executive Producers John Simpson and Norton York
Topic 4 4/4 Time Signature and First Chord 30
Audio Team
Backing tracks created by Jono Harrison and Rory Harvey Topic 5 Further Pitches and the 3/4 Time Signature 38
Design & Illustration Topic 6 Further Pitches 48
Rather Nice Design | rathernicedesign.com

Distribution
Hal Leonard UK/Europe

Contact
RSL Awards Ltd.
Harlequin House
Teddington
TW11 8EE
www.rslawards.com

2 3
Welcome to Rockschool Topic 1
Ukulele Method!
This book will guide you through the basics of contemporary
ukulele playing. It has been designed to build your skills and

Introduction
knowledge as you work through topics. The book is split into six
topics, and includes musical examples, pictures, games and pieces
to learn and play in your lessons and at home.

This section of Rockschool Ukulele Method contains all the


Rockschool Examinations Pieces
On completion of the Rockschool Ukulele As you work your way through each topic, you
information you will need before you begin your first pieces.
Method books 1 and 2, you will be ready to will find different musical games to play with Over the next few pages you will find a guide to how your
prepare for your Rockschool Debut exam! This your teacher, and short pieces to learn. There
method gives you all the building blocks you are also pieces with additional accompaniment
instrument works, all the techniques used throughout the
need to move on to Rockschool grades, which parts, so you can play along with your teacher, book and an introduction to reading music.
are taken across the globe and regulated in and stickers for you to stick in your book as
the UK by Ofqual. Entering a Rockschool exam topics or pieces are completed.
is easy. Visit www.rslawards.com to enter
online. The full Rockschool examination terms Audio
and conditions as well as exam periods and Many of the musical examples and pieces in the
current fees are also available from the website. Rockschool Ukulele Method have audio tracks
that can be downloaded from the Rockschool
Getting Started website. The first is a full track that includes the
The first section of the book contains all the ukulele part along with a full band. The other is
information you will need before you begin your a backing track with the ukulele part taken off
first pieces. This includes a guide to how your so you can play along with the band.
instrument works, an introduction to reading What will you learn?
music and all the techniques used in the book.
Downloads How to tune your ukulele
Topics The downloadable content for this book can be
downloaded from RSL directly at the following
The skills you need to prepare for your Debut URL:www.rslawards.com/downloads How to hold a ukulele
exam have been split into 6 accessible and When downloading files you will need to input

achievable topics. The topics introduce brand


this code when prompted: L48NPMDGYE
Right and left hand positions
new skills and they also build on skills from The audio files are supplied in MP3 format, the most widely

Playing notes
compatible audio format in common usage – MP3s will likely be
earlier topics. familiar to anyone with a computer, iPod, smartphone or similar
device. Once downloaded you will be able to play them on any
compatible device; we hope that you find this extra versatility useful.

4 5
Welcome to Rockschool Topic 1
Ukulele Method!
This book will guide you through the basics of contemporary
ukulele playing. It has been designed to build your skills and

Introduction
knowledge as you work through topics. The book is split into six
topics, and includes musical examples, pictures, games and pieces
to learn and play in your lessons and at home.

This section of Rockschool Ukulele Method contains all the


Rockschool Examinations Pieces
On completion of the Rockschool Ukulele As you work your way through each topic, you
information you will need before you begin your first pieces.
Method books 1 and 2, you will be ready to will find different musical games to play with Over the next few pages you will find a guide to how your
prepare for your Rockschool Debut exam! This your teacher, and short pieces to learn. There
method gives you all the building blocks you are also pieces with additional accompaniment
instrument works, all the techniques used throughout the
need to move on to Rockschool grades, which parts, so you can play along with your teacher, book and an introduction to reading music.
are taken across the globe and regulated in and stickers for you to stick in your book as
the UK by Ofqual. Entering a Rockschool exam topics or pieces are completed.
is easy. Visit www.rslawards.com to enter
online. The full Rockschool examination terms Audio
and conditions as well as exam periods and Many of the musical examples and pieces in the
current fees are also available from the website. Rockschool Ukulele Method have audio tracks
that can be downloaded from the Rockschool
Getting Started website. The first is a full track that includes the
The first section of the book contains all the ukulele part along with a full band. The other is
information you will need before you begin your a backing track with the ukulele part taken off
first pieces. This includes a guide to how your so you can play along with the band.
instrument works, an introduction to reading What will you learn?
music and all the techniques used in the book.
Downloads How to tune your ukulele
Topics The downloadable content for this book can be
downloaded from RSL directly at the following
The skills you need to prepare for your Debut URL:www.rslawards.com/downloads How to hold a ukulele
exam have been split into 6 accessible and When downloading files you will need to input

achievable topics. The topics introduce brand


this code when prompted: L48NPMDGYE
Right and left hand positions
new skills and they also build on skills from The audio files are supplied in MP3 format, the most widely

Playing notes
compatible audio format in common usage – MP3s will likely be
earlier topics. familiar to anyone with a computer, iPod, smartphone or similar
device. Once downloaded you will be able to play them on any
compatible device; we hope that you find this extra versatility useful.

4 5
TOPIC 1 Introduction Introduction TOPIC 1

The Ukulele How To Tune


A quick guide Your Ukulele
A ukulele looks like a little guitar with only four strings. The easiest way to tune a ukulele is to buy an electronic
tuner, or even to download a free tuning app. It is nice
In fact, the playing style is quite similar! Once you have to understand how your instrument works though, and
learnt one instrument it is quite easy to switch between ukulele tuning is particularly interesting.

guitar and ukulele. The strings on most instruments start low and get G C E A

Head progressively higher if you play them in order but the


ukulele starts with a high note before dropping low!
This is called re-entrant tuning.

Frets

Tuning keys

Neck

C E G A SO DO MI LA

We can also give numbers to the strings, like this:


Sound hole
A = 1st E = 2nd C = 3rd G = 4th

Bridge

Some banjos also have re-entrant

other instruments that use this tuning?


6 7
TOPIC 1 Introduction Introduction TOPIC 1

The Ukulele How To Tune


A quick guide Your Ukulele
A ukulele looks like a little guitar with only four strings. The easiest way to tune a ukulele is to buy an electronic
tuner, or even to download a free tuning app. It is nice
In fact, the playing style is quite similar! Once you have to understand how your instrument works though, and
learnt one instrument it is quite easy to switch between ukulele tuning is particularly interesting.

guitar and ukulele. The strings on most instruments start low and get G C E A

Head progressively higher if you play them in order but the


ukulele starts with a high note before dropping low!
This is called re-entrant tuning.

Frets

Tuning keys

Neck

C E G A SO DO MI LA

We can also give numbers to the strings, like this:


Sound hole
A = 1st E = 2nd C = 3rd G = 4th

Bridge

Some banjos also have re-entrant

other instruments that use this tuning?


6 7
TOPIC 1 Introduction Introduction TOPIC 1

Playing the Ukulele Strumming, Plucking


There are many ways you can hold a ukulele when you are playing, but it is important to
be comfortable and that you can use both hands without worrying about dropping your
and Picking Techniques
instrument on the floor.
You can use your uke to play one note at a time, or lots of notes together.
You play best when your shoulders and arms feel relaxed. Don’t scrunch anything up! You can try playing with a pick, or you can use your fingers, or even your thumb.

Using a pick

1 Take your right hand and


turn it so your thumb is
pointing upwards (1) – a bit
like if you were going to shake
someone’s hand. Stretch your
fingers so they are pointing
forward. 1 2a

2 Curl your fingers back


(2a) then place the pick
on top of your fingers and put
your thumb on top of the pick
(2b and 3). Don’t squeeze your
fingers too much; your hand
should stay relaxed. 2b 3

How to pick
It is a great idea to use a
ukulele strap. Keep the strap
short so the ukulele head is
If you want to sit with your
uke then it is best to rest the
body between your legs
3 When you pluck a string,
only the very end (the
tip) should strike the string. With your right forearm resting lightly on the body of the
level with your shoulder. so it feels secure. Raise your To strum more than one string ukulele, hold the pick over the bottom string (string 4). The
You can sit or stand with the left leg and point the ukulele at a time, brush the tip of the tip of the pick should be just above the string. Hold the pick
ukulele in the same position. head at the sky. pick gently across the surface firmly between your thumb and index finger but keep your
of the strings. hand relaxed throughout.

Move your wrist in a downward motion so that the tip of the


pick strikes the string. Try to keep the movement as small as
possible so that the pick goes only a few millimetres past the
string. This means you won’t have to move your pick so far to
bent. Give it a go! Make sure your wrists are straight play the next note.

8 9
TOPIC 1 Introduction Introduction TOPIC 1

Playing the Ukulele Strumming, Plucking


There are many ways you can hold a ukulele when you are playing, but it is important to
be comfortable and that you can use both hands without worrying about dropping your
and Picking Techniques
instrument on the floor.
You can use your uke to play one note at a time, or lots of notes together.
You play best when your shoulders and arms feel relaxed. Don’t scrunch anything up! You can try playing with a pick, or you can use your fingers, or even your thumb.

Using a pick

1 Take your right hand and


turn it so your thumb is
pointing upwards (1) – a bit
like if you were going to shake
someone’s hand. Stretch your
fingers so they are pointing
forward. 1 2a

2 Curl your fingers back


(2a) then place the pick
on top of your fingers and put
your thumb on top of the pick
(2b and 3). Don’t squeeze your
fingers too much; your hand
should stay relaxed. 2b 3

How to pick
It is a great idea to use a
ukulele strap. Keep the strap
short so the ukulele head is
If you want to sit with your
uke then it is best to rest the
body between your legs
3 When you pluck a string,
only the very end (the
tip) should strike the string. With your right forearm resting lightly on the body of the
level with your shoulder. so it feels secure. Raise your To strum more than one string ukulele, hold the pick over the bottom string (string 4). The
You can sit or stand with the left leg and point the ukulele at a time, brush the tip of the tip of the pick should be just above the string. Hold the pick
ukulele in the same position. head at the sky. pick gently across the surface firmly between your thumb and index finger but keep your
of the strings. hand relaxed throughout.

Move your wrist in a downward motion so that the tip of the


pick strikes the string. Try to keep the movement as small as
possible so that the pick goes only a few millimetres past the
string. This means you won’t have to move your pick so far to
bent. Give it a go! Make sure your wrists are straight play the next note.

8 9
TOPIC 1 Introduction Introduction TOPIC 1

Using your fingers


Your First Song
1 Rest your forearm on the edge of the uke body. Make
a ‘thumbs up’ shape with your hand and rest your
thumb on string 4. Uncurl your fingers and rest the We are going to try our plucking and picking techniques on our first song.
tip of your index finger on string 1. Play the first string (A) four times, then the second string (E) four times.
Keep repeating it! Repetitive tunes can sound very effective in songs.

2 Scratch the string with your finger to make a


sound. Don’t pull the string or it will twang!

& 44
q = 92

3 Now put your middle finger on the string and


scratch again.
Student

A A A A E E E E A A A A E E E E

4 Keep scratching with your index and middle fingers,


one after another. We call this ‘walking fingers’. Teacher

& b 44
F

’ ’ ’ ’
C

’ ’ ’ ’
Dm

’ ’ ’ ’
A

’ ’ ’ ’

Talking about fingers... Strumming

&
Sometimes it is useful to describe which finger You can play all the strings at once by Student

you are using so we give our fingers names: brushing or stroking them with your pick, A A A A E E E E A A A A A
your thumb or one of your fingers.
p thumb (pulgar in Spanish)
Bb
i index finger You can strum downwards by stroking Teacher

& b ’ ’ ’ ’
C F F
m middle finger towards the floor or upwards by stroking
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
a ring finger (anular in Spanish) towards your nose.
[5]

m
i
a Musical Games – Follow the teacher
1 Ask your teacher to choose one of these patterns for you to play:

AAEE AEAE EEAA AEEA AAAE AEEE


p
Right hand
2 Now test your teacher! Play a pattern. Do they know which one you played?
3 SUPER STAR TEST!!! Ask your teacher to sing a pattern without saying the note names.
Can you play it?

Download your audio


See page 4 for details

10 11
TOPIC 1 Introduction Introduction TOPIC 1

Using your fingers


Your First Song
1 Rest your forearm on the edge of the uke body. Make
a ‘thumbs up’ shape with your hand and rest your
thumb on string 4. Uncurl your fingers and rest the We are going to try our plucking and picking techniques on our first song.
tip of your index finger on string 1. Play the first string (A) four times, then the second string (E) four times.
Keep repeating it! Repetitive tunes can sound very effective in songs.

2 Scratch the string with your finger to make a


sound. Don’t pull the string or it will twang!

& 44
q = 92

3 Now put your middle finger on the string and


scratch again.
Student

A A A A E E E E A A A A E E E E

4 Keep scratching with your index and middle fingers,


one after another. We call this ‘walking fingers’. Teacher

& b 44
F

’ ’ ’ ’
C

’ ’ ’ ’
Dm

’ ’ ’ ’
A

’ ’ ’ ’

Talking about fingers... Strumming

&
Sometimes it is useful to describe which finger You can play all the strings at once by Student

you are using so we give our fingers names: brushing or stroking them with your pick, A A A A E E E E A A A A A
your thumb or one of your fingers.
p thumb (pulgar in Spanish)
Bb
i index finger You can strum downwards by stroking Teacher

& b ’ ’ ’ ’
C F F
m middle finger towards the floor or upwards by stroking
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
a ring finger (anular in Spanish) towards your nose.
[5]

m
i
a Musical Games – Follow the teacher
1 Ask your teacher to choose one of these patterns for you to play:

AAEE AEAE EEAA AEEA AAAE AEEE


p
Right hand
2 Now test your teacher! Play a pattern. Do they know which one you played?
3 SUPER STAR TEST!!! Ask your teacher to sing a pattern without saying the note names.
Can you play it?

Download your audio


See page 4 for details

10 11
TOPIC 1 Introduction Introduction TOPIC 1

Using Your Fretting Hand Chord Boxes


We can draw chords with a diagram of the end of the ukulele neck showing the strings and frets.
Sometimes this shows finger numbers, too.
Playing fretted notes

1 Make a circle between your second finger


and thumb.

2 Now open the circle so your hand looks


like a ‘C’. 1 2 3
2
1

3 Put your thumb on the back of the ukulele neck


behind the second fret. Don’t squeeze the neck
or try to hold the neck up. If you are sitting well
3

or using a strap, then the ukulele will hold itself.

4 Pinch onto one of the strings with your second


finger to make a circle again. If you are sitting
well this will feel comfortable and your wrist will One Finger Per Fret
be reasonably straight.
As you play through the lessons and pieces

5 Pluck the string you are holding down. Well done;


you have just played your first fretted note.
in this book you should use what’s called
the one-finger-per-fret method. This means
using your first finger to play the 1st fret, your
second to play the 2nd and so on, as shown
Finger Numbers in the illustration opposite. Notice how each
finger is placed close to but not on top of
We give each finger a number. each fret. This method means you can keep
your hand more or less in one position and
2 not have to move it around every time you
1
3 need to play a different note.
Left hand
4

12 13
TOPIC 1 Introduction Introduction TOPIC 1

Using Your Fretting Hand Chord Boxes


We can draw chords with a diagram of the end of the ukulele neck showing the strings and frets.
Sometimes this shows finger numbers, too.
Playing fretted notes

1 Make a circle between your second finger


and thumb.

2 Now open the circle so your hand looks


like a ‘C’. 1 2 3
2
1

3 Put your thumb on the back of the ukulele neck


behind the second fret. Don’t squeeze the neck
or try to hold the neck up. If you are sitting well
3

or using a strap, then the ukulele will hold itself.

4 Pinch onto one of the strings with your second


finger to make a circle again. If you are sitting
well this will feel comfortable and your wrist will One Finger Per Fret
be reasonably straight.
As you play through the lessons and pieces

5 Pluck the string you are holding down. Well done;


you have just played your first fretted note.
in this book you should use what’s called
the one-finger-per-fret method. This means
using your first finger to play the 1st fret, your
second to play the 2nd and so on, as shown
Finger Numbers in the illustration opposite. Notice how each
finger is placed close to but not on top of
We give each finger a number. each fret. This method means you can keep
your hand more or less in one position and
2 not have to move it around every time you
1
3 need to play a different note.
Left hand
4

12 13
First Pieces TOPIC 2

Topic 2 How To Read Music


You’ll be reading music in no time with
The Rockschool Ukulele Method!

The Stave The Stave

First Pieces The stave tells you what notes


to play, when to play them
and how long to play them
for. The stave consists of five
lines. Notes can be placed on
It’s always good to share, and it is great to share music. If you any of these lines or any space
between the lines.
write your music down then you can share it with the world!
This topic will show you how to read and write music.
Tempo, Bar Lines and Time Signatures
Music is divided into groups of beats called bars. Vertical lines on the stave are called bar lines.
They show where each bar begins and ends. The tempo of a piece tells us how fast or slow it is.
The time signature tells us how many beats there are in every bar, and what kind of beat it is.

What will you learn? Tempo


Time Signature Bar Lines
How to read music
The ‘musical alphabet’
Note values and rhythms
Bar Bar Bar
The note ‘middle C’
A piece using middle C TAB
The note E TAB is the most popular type of notation for ukulele players because you don’t have to learn to
read music before you start using it. TAB shows you what notes to play by placing numbers on top
A piece using C and E of four lines that represent the strings of the ukulele. The numbers tell you where to place your
fingers on each string. But TAB doesn’t show you when to play the notes nor how long each
note should last. All of this information can be found on the musical stave...

14 15
TOPIC 2 First Pieces How to Read Music First Pieces TOPIC 2

The Clef
This is the treble clef. It tells you which note each
Note Values
line and space of the stave represents. There are
lots of different kinds of clefs which place the Musical notes last for different lengths of musical time, called beats. Beats can be
notes on different lines and spaces. The piano fast, slow, or anything in between, depending on the tempo (speed) of the music!
uses two – the treble clef and the bass clef.
Whole note / semibreve 4 beats each
A note that lasts for four counts, 4
or beats, is called a whole note
or semibreve.
The Musical Alphabet Half-note / minim 2 beats each
A note that lasts for two counts, 2 2

A B C D E F G
Each note in music has a letter, from A to G. or beats, is called a half note
We call this the ‘musical alphabet’ and you or minim.
will find this on the white keys of the piano. Quarter-note / crotchet 1 beat each
A note that lasts for one count, 1 1 1 1
or beat, is called a quarter note
or crotchet.

The Notes
The notes that fall on the lines of the stave can be remembered by the phrase
‘Every Good Boy Deserves Football’ – or you could make up your own. The spaces
between the lines can be remembered easily because they spell the word ‘FACE’.
If you get stuck, remember ‘FACE in the space!’

E G B D F F A C E
Every Good Boy Deserves Football “FACE”

Rhythm Note Head Stem

The rhythms in musical notation are described Middle East


on the stave by different note heads and stems. 3,000 years ago
These tell you where in the music each note
should be played and how long it should be in Syria 1400 BC.
played for. The lessons that follow later in this stylus to carve
book will cover different notes and rhythms. symbols in wet clay

16 17
TOPIC 2 First Pieces First Pieces TOPIC 2

Rhythm Games Treble Stave


Try these rhythms on one of your open ukulele strings. Middle C
Once you have played each rhythm through, can you join them together?
Ask your teacher to play a rhythm, and see if you can point to the right one in the book!
Middle C is the first note we learn to
read. It sits below the staff, on its own

Rhythm 1 ˙ œ œ line. You’ll find middle C by playing an


open third string

T
A

œ œ œ œ
O
B
Rhythm 2

Rhythm 3 œ œ

Bar Lines
To make more sense of beats, we put them into bars of music.

A bar line shows the end of a bar


A final bar line shows the end of the piece

Single Bar Line Final Bar Line

18 19
TOPIC 2 First Pieces First Pieces TOPIC 2

‘On The Beat’


This piece is four bars long. It contains the rhythms you have learnt played on the note ‘middle C’.
Let’s Play!
Below, there is a second part which your teacher can play with you!
Ok, you are making a great sound and you know some cool
rhythms so it’s time to get creative!

& 44 w
q = 108
Student

œ œ w œ œ
MISSION 1
Listen to the audio download, or ask your teacher to play this funky chord progression:

T
A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
‘Twenty Twenty’
B
q = 88

& 44 .. Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Œ Û ÛÛÛÛÛ Û Œ
Am G Am Am G Am
4
Teacher C F G 7sus 4 C Teacher

& 4 ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ |

Û Û ÛÛ ÛÛ Û Œ ..
F G Am G Am

& | |
[3]

MISSION 2
Tap a rhythm along to the music. Anything you like!

MISSION 3
Now play your C string along to the music. Play any rhythms
you like, play fast, play slow, play loud, play soft. Mix it up
– this is your musical adventure!

Well done! improvising.

Download your audio Download your audio Download your audio


See page 4 for details See page 4 for details See page 4 for details

20 21
Using The Fretting Hand TOPIC 3

Topic 3 C and D
Ok, it’s time to start fretting those strings! Look back to page 12 if you
need a reminder. In fact, if you press with your second finger on the
second fret on the C string you will produce the next note we need: D

D is written just under the bottom line on the stave.

Using The MISSION 1


Can you play smoothly
between C and D? Keep your
MISSION 2
Can you play smoothly
between C and D WITH YOUR
MISSION 3
Ask your teacher to sing
or play a little tune using

Fretting Hand
second finger really close to EYES CLOSED?! Ahhhh. You C and D. Can you play it
the note when you lift it off so can do it, go for it! back to them?
it is easy to put it down again.

‘Stepping Up And Down’


How many notes are there on a ukulele? LOADS!
We have four strings but we can play more notes by
4
q = 76

&4 w
pressing the strings onto the fretboard. It is time to Student

learn what some of these ‘fretted’ notes are called. w w w


T
A 0 2 2 0
B

& 44 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Teacher
Œ Œ Œ
Am Dm G Am

œ œ w

What will you learn? T


A
B
0 0 2 3 0 5 5 3 2 0
3 3
0 2 5 0

How to play C, D and E together


New pieces
Starting to improvise
Download your audio
See page 4 for details

24 25
TOPIC 3 Using The Fretting Hand Using The Fretting Hand TOPIC 3

‘Before The Moon Rises’


Listening Games
& 44
q =132
Student

œ œ w w
Can you spot which tune your teacher is playing? Now play one for your teacher to spot.

& 44 œ & 44 œ
Teacher Teacher

T
A
B 0 0 0 2
0
2 0
œ œ œ œ œ œ

4
& 44 œ & 44 œ
Teacher
Œ Û Û Œ Û Œ Û Û Œ Û Œ Û Û Œ Û Œ Û Û Œ Û
C G F C

& 4 Teacher Teacher

œ œ œ œ œ œ

‘After The Storm’ Let’s Play!

& 44
q =104 Ask your teacher to play the chords below. Or download the audio. It’s time to get creative!
Student Play along, making up a tune using C, D and E. Listen to how your notes sound with the backing.

œ œ œ œ œ œ w
You can’t go wrong – it is your song after all! You might notice that some notes sound great if
you repeat them or hold them for a long time, and other notes sound like you want to move away
from them quickly. Don’t forget to try out lots of rhythms!

T
A 0 0 0 0 q = 96

& 44 .. ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
B 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 0
C F C G
Student

& 44
Teacher Am G F G Am

’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’

Well done!
Now you can…

Play pieces with


three notes
Move up and down
Download your audio between C, D, and E Download your audio
See page 4 for details See page 4 for details

28 29
TOPIC 6 Further Pitches Further Pitches TOPIC 6

What is a Scale? Let’s Play!


Scales are patterns of notes that work in Let’s take our time on this one. You have a lot of notes now.
a sequence. We can use them to create You have the whole C major scale to play with!
melodies and they are used in many of
our favourite songs! 1 Start by listening to the backing track. Tap some rhythms along to it and relax.
C D E G A 2 Now play it again and make something up just using notes on the first string.
These five notes create two scales we can use – 3 Play it again. This time you can use the notes on the first and second string.
C major pentatonic and A minor pentatonic. 4 Last time. This time you can use the whole C major scale.

C Major Scale (ascending) ‘Chillin’ at the C Side’


q =110
Here is your first full major scale. Things are going to get really exciting now. You can use the notes

& 44 | Û ÛÛ ‰ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ | Û ÛÛ ‰ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ


C F
in your scale to write songs and later on it will help you understand a whole family of chords that Student

J J
sound brilliant together The major scale includes every note – no one is left out!

Û ÛÛ ‰ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ | Û ÛÛ ‰ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ


Am G

& |
Student

[5]
J J
C D E F G A B C

Û ÛÛ ‰ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ | Û ÛÛ ‰ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ


C F

& |
Student

Crazy fact! [9]


J J
October

& | Û ÛÛ ‰ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ | Û ÛÛ ‰ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛ |


eighth Am G C
Student

[13]
J J

TOP TIP
seven

eighth
This is called an octave.

oct Download your audio


See page 4 for details

50 51
What’s Next?
Well done for completing the
Rockschool Ukulele Method Book 1!

BOOK
TWO
In Book 2, you will learn:
8th Notes and More Chords
Syncopation
Songwriting In C
Sharps and Flats
6 Progressive
Topics
Pentatonics and
Exercises,

Call and Response


Games & Pieces
Downloadable
Audio

Styles of Music and


Performance Pieces

By Topic 6, you’ll be ready to start preparing for your


Rockschool Debut ukulele exam!
BOOK
TWO

6 Progressive
Topics
Exercises,
Games & Pieces
Downloadable
Audio
Acknowledgements Contents

Publishing Team Welcome 4


Devised and written by Ashley Hards, Jono Harrison and Tim Bennett-Hart
Musical excerpts composed by Ashley Hards. “I’m Gonna Wash Your Windows” Topic 1 8th Notes and More Chords 6
composed by Megan Hards and Hollie Baker-Wight
Edited by Jono Harrison
Topic 2 Syncopation 13
Proof reading by Jono Harrison, Ashley Hards, Laura Hall and Simon Troup
Topic 3 Songwriting in C 22
Notation engraving by Simon Troup of Digital Music Art
Executive Producers John Simpson and Norton York Topic 4 Sharps and Flats 28
Audio Team Topic 5 Pentatonics and Call and Response (Jamming) 38
Backing tracks created by Jono Harrison and Rory Harvey
Topic 6 Styles of Music and Performance Pieces 45
Design & Illustration
Rather Nice Design | rathernicedesign.com

Distribution
Hal Leonard UK/Europe

Contact
RSL Awards Ltd.
Harlequin House
Teddington
TW11 8EE
www.rslawards.com

2 3
Welcome to Rockschool
Ukulele Method Book 2!
This book follows on from the basics of contemporary ukulele In Book 1, we learned about:
playing covered in Book 1, giving you new skills and knowledge as
you work through each topic. The book is split into six topics, and How to tune your ukulele
includes musical examples, pictures, games and pieces to learn How to sit or stand with your ukulele
and play in your lessons and at home. Strumming and picking
Using your fingers and your fretting hand
Rockschool Examinations Pieces How to read music
On completion of the book, you will be ready to As you work your way through each topic, you First Pieces
prepare for your Rockschool Debut exam! This will find different musical games to play with
method gives you all the building blocks you your teacher, and short pieces to learn. There
Using the Fretting Hand
need to move on to Rockschool grades, which are also pieces with additional accompaniment 4/4 Time Signature and how to play a C major chord
are taken across the globe and regulated in parts, so you can play along with your teacher.
the UK by Ofqual. Entering a Rockschool exam
3/4 Time signature
is easy. Visit www.rslawards.com to enter Audio How to play the notes in C major
online. The full Rockschool examination terms Many of the musical examples and pieces in
and conditions as well as exam periods and the Rockschool Ukulele Method have audio
current fees are also available from the website. tracks that can be downloaded from the
Rockschool website.
Topics
The skills you need to prepare for your Debut
exam have been split into 6 accessible and
achievable topics. The topics introduce brand
new skills and they also build on skills from
earlier topics.

Downloads
The downloadable content for this book can be
downloaded from RSL directly at the following
URL:www.rslawards.com/downloads

When downloading files you will need to input


this code when prompted: 9BDSHN4LYK

The audio files are supplied in MP3 format, the most widely
compatible audio format in common usage – MP3s will likely be
familiar to anyone with a computer, iPod, smartphone or similar
device. Once downloaded you will be able to play them on any
Let’s continue…
compatible device; we hope that you find this extra versatility useful.

4 5
8th Notes and More Chords TOPIC 1

Topic 1 What Are 8th Notes?


8th notes (also called ‘quavers’) are worth half a quarter note beat each.
This means you can clap or play two 8th notes for every beat.

A way to count this is to say the beats 1, 2, 3, 4; then add in the 8th notes between each beat:

8th Notes and


Beats Beats Beats Beats

1 – and –
2 – and –
3 – and –
4 – and –

More Chords 8th Notes 8th Notes 8th Notes

Now try clapping. Can you clap on each


‘and’, while your teacher claps the beats?
It’s time to get those plectrums and fingers flying! We are going 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

to look at strumming patterns. We will also learn some new


chords to try out with your new rhythms. More strumming ideas
We have only been stumming downwards so far, but why not strum upwards as well?
This is a really useful techique when strumming 8th notes because we can strum down
on the beat (1, 2, 3, 4) and up on all the ‘ands’ in between.

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
What will you learn?
8th notes
But what if there is a mix of quarter notes and 8th notes?
New chords A minor and F major Simple, just strum down on the quarters and down-up on the 8ths:

Chord Piece
Repeat marks
& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û

6 7
8th Notes and More Chords TOPIC 1

Topic 1 What Are 8th Notes?


8th notes (also called ‘quavers’) are worth half a quarter note beat each.
This means you can clap or play two 8th notes for every beat.

A way to count this is to say the beats 1, 2, 3, 4; then add in the 8th notes between each beat:

8th Notes and


Beats Beats Beats Beats

1 – and –
2 – and –
3 – and –
4 – and –

More Chords 8th Notes 8th Notes 8th Notes

Now try clapping. Can you clap on each


‘and’, while your teacher claps the beats?
It’s time to get those plectrums and fingers flying! We are going 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

to look at strumming patterns. We will also learn some new


chords to try out with your new rhythms. More strumming ideas
We have only been stumming downwards so far, but why not strum upwards as well?
This is a really useful techique when strumming 8th notes because we can strum down
on the beat (1, 2, 3, 4) and up on all the ‘ands’ in between.

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
What will you learn?
8th notes
But what if there is a mix of quarter notes and 8th notes?
New chords A minor and F major Simple, just strum down on the quarters and down-up on the 8ths:

Chord Piece
Repeat marks
& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û

6 7
TOPIC 1 8th Notes and More Chords 8th Notes and More Chords TOPIC 1

8th Note Rhythm Games One and Two


1
2
Copy cat Ask your teacher to play rhythms and you can copy them as an echo.
Block Bulider Ask your teacher to play a rhythm – you have to copy it and add another rhythm
Fingered Chords
for your teacher to play. Keep adding more rhythms – how high can you build your tower?
In book 1, we learned how to play a C major chord...

& 44 Û Û Û Û & 44 Û Û Û Û Û
BUT... we can’t keep playing songs with only one chord!
Let’s learn some more chords and things will be much more interesting.

We talked about the key of C major having its own family of chords. We are going to

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û & 44 Û Û Û Û Û
learn two more chords from this family and all three chords go really well together.

Am F

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û & 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û
X O O O X O O O

1
People generally think major

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û & 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û
2 2 chords sound happy and
minor chords sound sad .
Ask your teacher to play you
some major and minor chords.

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û & 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û
Can you tell which is which?

A minor F major

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û & 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
Exercise those fingers!

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û & 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
We need to learn to change quickly between our chords. The exercise below should help.
Start super slow so you have plenty of time to change chords.

4
& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
q = 96

&4 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
& 44 Û Œ Œ Œ Û Œ Œ Œ Û Œ Œ Œ Û Œ Œ Œ
C Am F G
Student

Download your audio


See page 4 for details

8 9
TOPIC 1 8th Notes and More Chords 8th Notes and More Chords TOPIC 1

Writing Chords & œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ œœœœ
Student

So far we have seen You can also write out all the T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
chords written like this: notes in a chord like this: A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Û œœ
C C

& & œœ Ó Œ
Teacher

& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
- dows I’m gon - na wash your win - dows for

T 0 3 0
A
T T 3 B 0 0 0 0 0 0

A A 0 [4]

B B 0
0

œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ ..
C

&
Student

‘I’m Gonna Wash Your Windows’ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ


.
This song is a great for driving grown ups mad! Try singing about tidying your bedroom

.
or washing your dishes, but instead of doing it, just keep playing your ukulele! 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q =152

4 œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
C Am

&4 œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ ..
Student Teacher

œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
& w
you.

.
.
T
T 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 A 0
B
A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 [7]
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2

& 44 Ó
Teacher

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Psst! Have you any idea


I’m gon - na wash your win - dows I’m gon - na wash your win -
what this new symbol
means? Turn the page
T 0 0
A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B

Download your audio


See page 4 for details

10 11
TOPIC 1 8th Notes and More Chords

Repeat Marks Topic 2


This is an end repeat mark, it means go back and play this
section again. Either go back to the start repeat mark or go
right back to the start if you haven’t seen one yet.

& 44 ..
q =112

œ œ œ œ ..
Student

œ œ w
.
œ œ œ œ
Look out for the dou - ble dots, they mean start a - gain.

.
Syncopation
. .
T 0 1 1 0
A 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2
B

Music would sound very ‘stiff’ if every rhythm we played was on

& 44 .. ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Teacher C F G C
the beat. Syncopation makes use of the off-beats – we can stress
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
these instead of the down beats. In contemporary music we call
these syncopations ‘pushes’. This gives our music a certain
groove. Take care, it can be tricky at first!
& .. œ œ œ œ œ œ .. œ œ
Student

œ œ w
. .
Play these two bars one more time. Now we reach the end.

. .
T 3 3 2 0 2 0
A 3 1 1 0
B 2 0

.. ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Teacher Am Em F G C

& ’ ’ ’ ’ |
[5]

This is a start repeat mark. Remember it!


When you see the next end repeat you need
to come back to this point. What will you learn?
8th note rests and upbeat strumming
Ties & Dotted quarter notes
Download your audio
See page 4 for details

12 13
TOPIC 2 Syncopation Syncopation TOPIC 2

8th Note Rests and Mix and Match


Upbeat Strumming Here are some 8th note rhythms. Can you think of any more? What happens if you join
two together? Time to get creative again. What is the coolest rhythm you can build?

We have been playing a lot of rhythms like this:

& Û Û Û Û
Student

& 44 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
Student

& Û Û Œ
Student

8th notes don’t have to be played in


& 44 Û And an 8th note rest
& 44 ‰ & Û ‰ Û ‰
J
Student

J J
pairs. A single 8th note looks like this: looks like this:

& Û ‰ Û Û
So now we can do something really clever: we can rest on the down beats (‘1,2,3,4’) and play Student

J
on the up beats (all the ‘ands’). Try playing fake strums on the rests, so you can play all the up
beats with up strokes!

& Û Û ‰ Û
Student

& 44 ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û J
Student

J J J J

& Û Û Û ‰
Student

Take a rest!
J
Once you have got used to your new upbeat strumming technique you need to mute the strings
at the end of your fake down stroke. Then you will have a really cool choppy sounding rhythm.

14 15
TOPIC 2 Syncopation Syncopation TOPIC 2

‘Keep It Up’
Ties
& 44 .. œ
q =112

œœœœœ œ œ œ œ œœœœœ
Student

œ Sometimes we need to join two or more notes together to make one long note.

.
. & & œ œ
˙
T 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 2 3 2 0
A 1 0 1
B

& 44 .. ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û
Teacher Am F Am
This note rings for two beats. The tie joins these one-beat notes
J J J J J J J J J J J J together to make a two-beat note.

& œ ˙. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Student

œ Why would you want to do this?


0 0 Well, sometimes you might want a note to ring for a funny number of beats so we have to make
T 1 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 1
A
0 0 0
the note by joining notes together with a tie. In this example we have joined a half note and an
B
8th note together. This creates a note which is two and a half beats long.

& 44
Teacher

& ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û
j ‰ Œ
‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û
F C F
Student

J J J J J J J J J J J J
[4]
œ

& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. ..
Student

w
.
Or maybe you want a long note at the end of a bar but there are not enough beats left to fit it

.
T 0 in. In this example we have put a three beat note at the end of a bar, even though there was only
A 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 0
B 0 0 one beat left!

& 44 œ Ó
Student

‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ..
œ
Teacher

& ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û ‰ Û
C F Am

|
J J J J J J J J
[7]

Download your audio


See page 4 for details

16 17
TOPIC 5 Pentatonics and Call & Response (Jamming) Pentatonics and Call & Response (Jamming) TOPIC 5

Call and Response ‘Don’t Call Me No More’


q = 84

& 43 .. ˙ .
Teacher:

œ œ ˙. ˙.
‘Call Me Back’ Teacher

q =120 œ
& 44 œ œ œ œ ˙ .
Teacher: Student:

œœœ ’’’’ ’’’’


.
T 0 0 0
A 3 0 3
B

T 3 0 0 3
A 3 0 0 3
B Student:

& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Student

& œ œ œ œ
Teacher: Student:

œ œ ˙ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ T
A
B

T 3 0 0 [5]
A 3 0 3 3
B
[5] Teacher:

& ˙. ˙.
Teacher

Œ œ œ œ ˙.
Teacher: Student:

& œ œœœ œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T 0
A 3 0
T B 2 0 0
A 3 3 0 3 3 0
B 2 0 [9]

[9]

’ ’ ’ ..
Teacher: Student: Student:

& œ œ œœœ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ & ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’


Student

œ œ ˙
.
.
T 3 3 3 0 3 0 T
A 0 2 A
B B
[13] [13]

Download your audio Download your audio


See page 4 for details See page 4 for details

40 41
TOPIC 5 Pentatonics and Call & Response (Jamming) Pentatonics and Call & Response (Jamming) TOPIC 5

Let’s Play & ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’


Student

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Teacher
Major Pentatonic Jam & œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
It’s time to get foot stomping as you jam over this East Coast country song.
Use your C major pentatonic and play with attitude! T 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
[5]

‘Trail Blazing’

& 44 .. ’
q = 92

’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ & ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ .. |
Student Student

C G C F C

& 44 .. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ & œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ .. ÛÛÛ Û Û |


Teacher Teacher

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

. .
. .
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 T 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
A A 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 B
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
[7]

& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Let’s Play


Student

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Teacher
Minor Pentatonic Jam
& œ œ œ œ œ
œ
œ œ œ œ
Now you can follow in the steps of all those great blues players by jamming over this
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
8 bar blues song. Turn the page, turn down the lights and take your uke on a journey
T
A
B
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0 with your A minor pentatonic scale.
2 2 2 2
[3]

Continued over…

Download your audio


See page 4 for details

42 43
TOPIC 6 Styles of Music and Performance Pieces Styles of Music and Performance Pieces TOPIC 6

Styles of Music Listening to Music


It’s now time to explore different styles of music. Here are just some of the genres It can be helpful to listen to music and try to put into words what we’re hearing. Can you
featured in the songs selected for the Rockschool Ukulele grade books! listen to some pieces from each style on the previous page and talk with your teacher about:

Rhythms how many beats are there in a bar? Can you clap to the drum beat?

Pop Reggae Soul Tempo does the piece feel fast? Slow?
Instruments what instruments can you hear?
Pop music can be considered Reggae is a music genre that Soul music originated in the What is the ‘mood’ of the piece? Is it happy? Sad? Mellow? Relaxed?
as the most popular and originated in Jamaica in the 1950s and early 1960s, and What do you think gives it that mood?
current contemporary music late 1960s. Reggae music blends elements of African-
appealing to the largest features distinctive rhythmic American gospel music, Lastly, use the space below to write down the titles of any new artists or songs you’ve discovered…
numbers of people. It features grooves, and feel-good rhythm and blues and jazz.
catchy melodies, great lyrics, melodies. It was also used It can be considered a style
and hooks. It can often be to convey messages of peace (or ‘genre’) of pop music.
up-beat/dance-able. and unity.
Soul artists:
TOP TIP
Pop artists: Reggae artists: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder,
Listening to all
Adele, Ed Sheeran, Toots and the Maytals, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett
kinds of music
Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande Bob Marley
helps us to become
better musicians –
in fact, listening is
just as important
as playing!
Rock TV & Film
There are many styles of rock Music is used to bring life to
music. It originated with rock film and TV shows. It can
’n’ roll in the 1950s, but it is often add to the drama, and
still developing today. Like is vital to give meaning to
other forms of music, blues and moving picture and sound.
gospel are part of the sound. Next time you watch a film,
The guitar has always been listen to the music. What is it
important in rock music either bringing to the picture? How
as part of the rhythm or as a would it be different if there
solo instrument. Rock music was no music?
can range from easy listening
pop music to thunderous, epic Film Composers:
instrumental pieces. Hans Zimmer, John Williams,
Alan Silvestri, Danny Elfman
Rock Artists:
Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Queen,
Aerosmith, Nirvana, Oasis

46
TOPIC 6 Styles of Music and Performance Pieces Styles of Music and Performance Pieces TOPIC 6

Styles of Music Listening to Music


It’s now time to explore different styles of music. Here are just some of the genres It can be helpful to listen to music and try to put into words what we’re hearing. Can you
featured in the songs selected for the Rockschool Ukulele grade books! listen to some pieces from each style on the previous page and talk with your teacher about:

Rhythms how many beats are there in a bar? Can you clap to the drum beat?

Pop Reggae Soul Tempo does the piece feel fast? Slow?
Instruments what instruments can you hear?
Pop music can be considered Reggae is a music genre that Soul music originated in the What is the ‘mood’ of the piece? Is it happy? Sad? Mellow? Relaxed?
as the most popular and originated in Jamaica in the 1950s and early 1960s, and What do you think gives it that mood?
current contemporary music late 1960s. Reggae music blends elements of African-
appealing to the largest features distinctive rhythmic American gospel music, Lastly, use the space below to write down the titles of any new artists or songs you’ve discovered…
numbers of people. It features grooves, and feel-good rhythm and blues and jazz.
catchy melodies, great lyrics, melodies. It was also used It can be considered a style
and hooks. It can often be to convey messages of peace (or ‘genre’) of pop music.
up-beat/dance-able. and unity.
Soul artists:
TOP TIP
Pop artists: Reggae artists: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder,
Listening to all
Adele, Ed Sheeran, Toots and the Maytals, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett
kinds of music
Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande Bob Marley
helps us to become
better musicians –
in fact, listening is
just as important
as playing!
Rock TV & Film
There are many styles of rock Music is used to bring life to
music. It originated with rock film and TV shows. It can
’n’ roll in the 1950s, but it is often add to the drama, and
still developing today. Like is vital to give meaning to
other forms of music, blues and moving picture and sound.
gospel are part of the sound. Next time you watch a film,
The guitar has always been listen to the music. What is it
important in rock music either bringing to the picture? How
as part of the rhythm or as a would it be different if there
solo instrument. Rock music was no music?
can range from easy listening
pop music to thunderous, epic Film Composers:
instrumental pieces. Hans Zimmer, John Williams,
Alan Silvestri, Danny Elfman
Rock Artists:
Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Queen,
Aerosmith, Nirvana, Oasis

46
TOPIC 6 Styles of Music and Performance Pieces Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx TOPIC X

Congratulations!
‘Spring Breeze’
This piece uses a lot of notes from the chords shown above the stave. Start by strumming the
chords. Then go back through the piece, still making the chord shapes, but playing the melody.
There is only one bar where this doesn’t work!

q = 92

#4 . œ
& 4 . œœœœœ œ ˙
G C Em D G

œ œ œ œ œ œœœ
œ œœ ˙
Student

œ œ œ
T
A
B
. 2 33 3 0 3
. 2 2 0
2
3 3 0
2
2
0 2
2
3
2
3
2 Xxxxxxx
# œ
C Em D Em C

œ œ œ œ
Student name

& œ œœœ œ
Student

œœœœ˙ w œœ˙
You’ve completed
T
A
B 0 0 2
0 0 3 0 0 2
2
3
2
3
3
0 0 Rockschool Ukulele Method Book 2
[6]

# œ œ
Em D G D Em

& œ œ w œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Student

œ Stick

achievemen
t
stick er
2 2 2 2 0 2 here!
T 3 3 2 3 2 2 0 3 3
A 2 2
B
[11]

# w
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙ .. w
C G D C C G

&
Student

œ œ
. 3
.
T 3 2 2 0 0
A 3 2 2 3 0 0 3 3 Teacher’s Signature Date
B 2 0

[16]

TOP TIP
You can also let the notes ring
over each other by holding onto
your chords which sounds great. Download your audio Download your audio
See page 4 for details See page 4 for details

54 55

TOPIC X
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
BOOK
ONE
6 Progressive 
Topics
Exercises, 
Games & Pieces
Downloadable 
Audio
BOOK ONE
3
Contents
Welcome  
 4
Topic 1  
 Introduction  
 5
Topic 2   First Pieces  
 14
Topic 3   Using The Fretting Hand  
 24
Top
4
Welcome to Rockschool 
Ukulele Method!
This book will guide you through the basics of contemporary 
ukulele playing. It has
5
Introduction
Topic 1
What will you learn?
 How to tune your ukulele
 How to hold a ukulele
 Right and left hand positions
TOPIC 1
Introduction
6
The Ukulele
A quick guide
A ukulele looks like a little guitar with only four strings.  
In fact, the
Introduction
7
How To Tune 
Your Ukulele
Some banjos also have re-entrant 
DŽǕŴŘŴŇƙ„ŴǯƀǕĺŴēƀǕDŽŘĶDŽœĠƪĠ„ƪĠ„Ŵǯ
other in
1DŽŘưDŽƪŘāţǯDŽƀǩƪŘŇŇťĠǯƀǕƪĺŴŇĠƪưŘĶǯƀǕƪǩƪŘưDŽư„ƪĠDŽƀƀ
bent. Give it a go! Make sure your wrists are straight 
ǩœĠŴǯƀǕ
TOPIC 1
Introduction
9
Strumming, Plucking  
and Picking Techniques
 
You can use your uke to play one note at a time, or lot
TOPIC 1
Introduction
10
Using your fingers
Strumming
You can play all the strings at once by 
brushing or stroking them with y

You might also like