While Hawaiian slack key guitar masters use a great variety of alternate tunings, ukulele players are usually stuck in major sixth tunings (albeit in differing pitches, and linear or re-entrant). Retuning a couple of strings—or even just one—can help one discover new sonic worlds, makes some elusive voicings possible, and, in general, stimulates inspiration.
In this anthology, Choan Gálvez proposes you to work on a few scordaturas, all of them feasible using a standard low G string set. Your instrument won’t be at risk as all of the suggested tunings decrease the total tension supported by the ukulele.
We’re offering a signed and numbered limited edition of just 50 print copies. A standard edition will be available once this first batch goes out of stock.
You’re currently shopping for the print edition (we ship worldwide!), which also includes access to the PDF digital edition. A digital only edition is also available.
"This is a wonderful and very well thought out collection of pieces in alternate tunings. Choan has included some really interesting tunings such as Gsus4, which you don’t come across often. You’ll also find some traditional Hawaiian tunings such as taro patch and wahine. Everything is very clearly notated and these brilliant compositions are an absolute delight to play." —Matt Stead
The set of 12 original works by Choan Gálvez includes ragtime and bluesy compositions, havanera stylings, melancholical-optimistic tunes written at the dawn, and a touching elegy. All pieces are being demoed in this growing YouTube playlist.
This volume includes pieces using the following tunings:
- Taro patch: G C E G
- Wahine: G B E G
- Plectrum: F C E G
- Drop F: F C E A
- Open F: F C F A
- Gsus4: G C D A
- G minor: G Bb D G
For each of these tunings, the author offers descriptions and diagrams, and a few chord boxes in case you’d like to explore the variant further than the included pieces do. Every score is presented in notation and tablature.
Baritone players are also covered! Diagrams and tablatures are usable as-is, you’ll just be playing in different keys— Jus’ Press!
Got any questions? Contact The Ukulele Bookshop.
Special signed edition, 40 pages, A4 format, stapled. Includes access to the PDF edition.
ISMN 979-0-805446-72-1
Print edition, 40 pages, A4 format, stapled. Includes access to the PDF edition.
ISMN 979-0-805446-73-8
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