LEVEL 1 - BARITONE TRAINING: MODULE ONE
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Welcome to level 1 Baritone training for Rocking Around The Christmas Tree.
Week one includes:
At this level it we would expect that you will already have experience with the chord shapes, fingering positions and these basic strumming patterns. If not then you may need to visit the UCL Level 1 Online Absolute Beginner course commencing January 2020.
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STRUMMING PATTERNS
First of all lets look at the strumming patterns that you will utilise throughout the song. The main strumming pattern used is the calypso strum (the first pattern) with a selection of down strums throughout the song.
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There are some dampening techniques used throughout the song, in particularly on the down strums where two or more chords are found within a bar. Below is a video tutorial on how to achieve an effective dampening technique hosted by Ukulele Uff.
Click on the button below to download a copy of the UCL Dampening Techniques info sheet and try out the extra curricular exercises.
CHORD TRAINING
There are 7 basic chord shapes contained within this song arrangement at level 1. Make sure you are familiar with them all before starting the song. Have a listen to each of the chords strummed on the 1st beat of each bar at 80BPM four times each and have a go yourself. Make sure you fix any buzz sounds by adjusting your fretting fingers appropriately.
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VERSE TRAINING
All verses utilise the exact same chord and strumming sequence as illustrated below. The verse segments utilise C, G7 and Dm chords only.
Each box below, contains a one bar sequence with corresponding strumming patterns. The words have been placed on the PDF in the places they would feature in the song within each bar for assistance.
TASK: Listen to the audio below and follow the chord diagram section below to get used to each of the strumming patterns as follows:
Each box below, contains a one bar sequence with corresponding strumming patterns. The words have been placed on the PDF in the places they would feature in the song within each bar for assistance.
TASK: Listen to the audio below and follow the chord diagram section below to get used to each of the strumming patterns as follows:
- Bars 1 to 4 utilises the calypso strum for each bar in correspondence to the chords as illustrated.
- Bars 5 to 7 utilises down strums only but note the chord changes within each bar.
- The final bar 8 ends the sequence and finishes with just one down strum on the C chord lasting 4 beats.
MP3 Play Along
Please download the MP3 by clicking on the blue button below. This play along track consists of just the bass and melody parts with the rhythm section taken out so that you can hear your part in the mix as you play along.
TOP TIP: Try and keep a copy of this track on your device or laptop with easy access and practice playing your part along as often as you can. Imagine you are jamming with other members of the orchestra and try and make your part fit in perfectly. Ideally you should memorise the strumming so you don't need to depend on it too much when performing, but that will come in time after plenty of practice.
TOP TIP: Try and keep a copy of this track on your device or laptop with easy access and practice playing your part along as often as you can. Imagine you are jamming with other members of the orchestra and try and make your part fit in perfectly. Ideally you should memorise the strumming so you don't need to depend on it too much when performing, but that will come in time after plenty of practice.
END OF MODULE ONE
This completes your module one training for the first week. It is essential that you practice this part as often and precisely as possible. Ideally you should practice along at least twice per day, if not more for great results.
Week 2 training content will be available once the button below turns blue on Monday 11th November around 5pm UK time.
Week 2 training content will be available once the button below turns blue on Monday 11th November around 5pm UK time.