Publisher's Synopsis
Welcome to the 'Ekolu 3 String Ukulele Strumming Mastery book! This is an invitation to explore the boundless possibilities of a truly unique instrument. The 'Ekolu (pronounced: ā-kŏ'-lŭ), a 3-string marvel designed by six-time Grammy winner Daniel Ho in collaboration with Pepe Romero Jr. and Romero Creations, is redefining the ukulele experience. With its innovative design, the 'Ekolu simplifies the art of playing while opening new realms of creativity and musical expression. The 'Ekolu, which means "three" in Hawaiian, offers a refreshing take on the traditional ukulele by omitting the 4th or G string, leaving you with just three strings to work with, C - E - A. But don't let the reduced string count fool you, this instrument retains the full, warm sound of a standard ukulele while making playability easier than ever. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned player, the 'Ekolu is designed to help you focus on what really matters: rhythm, groove, and the pure joy of making music.
The 'Ekolu Ukulele is ideal for those who are just starting their musical journey, as well as for experienced players looking to simplify and refine their technique. The reduced string count eliminates unnecessary complexity, allowing you to focus on perfecting your rhythm and groove. Chord progressions become a breeze on the 'Ekolu. The three-string setup makes it easier to learn and switch between chords, helping you build confidence as you explore new musical styles. Despite its innovative design, the 'Ekolu maintains the rich, resonant sound that you love about the traditional ukulele. You'll enjoy the familiar warmth of the ukulele's tone, with the added benefit of enhanced playability. The 'Ekolu 3 String Ukulele Strumming Mastery book is thoughtfully designed to guide you through the essentials of playing this unique instrument. The book starts with foundational lessons, introducing you to the basic strumming patterns and chord structures. As you progress, you'll tackle more complex rhythms and intricate chord progressions, all tailored to the three-string setup of the 'Ekolu. You'll begin by getting to know your instrument, understanding its unique features, and learning why the 'Ekolu is such a game-changer for musicians. The book will then lead you through basic chords and strumming patterns, starting with simple yet effective strumming techniques like the D-D-D and D-DU-D patterns, perfect for beginners looking to build a solid foundation. As you advance, you'll explore more dynamic strumming patterns such as D-D-DUDU and the Island Strum, and learn how to smoothly transition between chords like C, Am, F, and G. For those ready to challenge themselves, the book offers advanced techniques that include strumming styles like the "Shine On" strum (D-DU-D-DU) and the "Bayliner" strum (D-DX-UXU), which will further refine your playing skills. You'll also have the opportunity to apply what you've learned to classic tunes and new compositions like "Lemon Drops," "Yellow Canary's," "Sancho's Revenge," and Hawaiian "Noho Pai Pai." These songs will not only enrich your repertoire but also demonstrate the versatility of the 'Ekolu. Moreover, the book will help you unlock the secrets of diatonic chords in the keys of C and G, which are fundamental to many popular songs, empowering you to play a wide range of music with confidence. The 'Ekolu Ukulele Strumming Mastery book is more than just a series of lessons, it's an adventure in music making. By the end of this book, you'll not only be proficient in strumming the 'Ekolu, but you'll also have a deeper understanding of how to create and enjoy music with this extraordinary instrument. Whether you're here to learn the basics or to take your ukulele playing to the next level, this book is designed to meet you where you are and help you achieve your musical goals.
