CONGRATULATIONS on getting to the final module. Now you have completed your introduction to Music Theory, hopefully you have a better understanding of how music physically works. This final module will help you discover how to transpose keys, find root notes of chord family progressions and become better acquainted with your major scales.
Click the button below to download your PDF Key Signature Chart so that you will be able to practice changing keys effectively with the ability to study those major scales and their accidentals.
Transposing or changing keys of a song is essential for a variety of reasons and knowing your major scales will give you the tools to be able to do just that. One reason to change keys is because you may struggle to sing a particular melody in a certain key because the pitch it either too high or too low. Another reason may be that the chords are a little too difficult to play or you are unfamiliar with them. A quick and easy way to change keys is by using a CAPO.
To change a songs key, you need to know which key your song is currently in. If your song contains music notation, then the key is usually illustrated at the start of the clef. If not, it could be the first chord played, although this is not always the case. Having an idea of how chord families work will give you a better idea of what song a key may be in and being able to play the pentatonic scale over a song can help too – it takes a bit of practice though.
So, when you have the key figured out, write out the notes of the root chords scale. For example, let’s use the chords for Don’t Worry, Be Happy, in the key of C which are: C – Dm – F – C.
Begin by writing out the C Major scale and make a note of the positions of each chords root note:
To change a songs key, you need to know which key your song is currently in. If your song contains music notation, then the key is usually illustrated at the start of the clef. If not, it could be the first chord played, although this is not always the case. Having an idea of how chord families work will give you a better idea of what song a key may be in and being able to play the pentatonic scale over a song can help too – it takes a bit of practice though.
So, when you have the key figured out, write out the notes of the root chords scale. For example, let’s use the chords for Don’t Worry, Be Happy, in the key of C which are: C – Dm – F – C.
Begin by writing out the C Major scale and make a note of the positions of each chords root note:
Here you can see that the root note of the C major chord falls under the 1st position of the scale, the root note of the D minor chord, (which is D note), is located at 2nd position, the F is at the 4th position and the C is repeated at position 1.
Now let’s say you want to change this key from C to G. You need to write out your G major scale, then use the number positions from above to figure out the new chord progression:
Now let’s say you want to change this key from C to G. You need to write out your G major scale, then use the number positions from above to figure out the new chord progression:
Position 1 is G. Position 2 A, but remember to change it back to an A minor chord. Position 4 is C and the final chord returns to G. So now you can play the song in the key of G using the chords of: G – Am – C – G. You can use the following Key Signature Chart to easily navigate the notes of each scale. Note that each scale has a different number of accidentals.
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If you are keen to explore more UCL Online Courses, here is a list of the ones currently available and those coming soon. You can purchase all courses via our website over at: www.ukuleleclub.org.uk
AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY FOR UKULELE PLAYERS (Now Available)
Explores how scales work, how chord structures work, how chord families work, how major, minor, pentatonic and blues scale are formulated, moveable scales, circle of 5ths and how to transpose keys.
THE LAUGHING RAG (Now Available)
For the more advanced player or those wanting to explore more advanced techniques. Ukulele Uff is known as the wizz of the strings and hosts this course, demonstrating a wide range of techniques such as the fan stroke, thumb roll, chord dampening, vamping, diminished runs and much more, along with a fantastic arrangement of the Laughing Rag song. This course will really take your ukulele playing to pro level.
MR SANDMAN (Now Available)
Learn a finger-style arrangement of the classic 1950's tune, MR SANDMAN and really impress your friends and family. No singing required as you will learn to pluck the melody along with the chords for this song which contains basic and alternative chord voicings, flamenco and vibrato strumming with a few thumb rolls and chord dampening sequences all complete with tab, audio and video tutorials to help you break down the song at a steady pace, section by section, before fitting it altogether to play full speed.
A FUN INTRODUCTION TO UKULELE PLAYING (Coming Soon)
Explores UCL level 1 course content and includes studies on how to identify major, minor and 7th chords and how to play them using the correct fingerings, a variety of basic strumming patterns with techniques on switching chords. How to read and play tab, exploring finger picking patterns and melody lines and a variety of basic 4, 8, 12 and 24 bar sequences to practice. This e-book comes with a free song book containing pop, blues and classical song arrangements with and a handful of finger exercises to help with timing and intonation.
IMPROVING YOUR UKULELE TECHNIQUE (Coming Soon)
Explores UCL level 2 course content and includes further studies on chord variations, alternative chord voicings, 12-Bar Blues in the key of A using 7th chords, an introduction to barred chords and moveable barred shapes, tab exercises with various solo techniques, intermediate strumming patterns and finger picking patterns. This course also comes with a free song book containing a range of rock, pop, blues and rock n roll genres with finger exercises to help develop speed and dexterity.
DEVELOPING ADVANCED UKULELE TECHNIQUES (Coming Soon)
Explores UCL level 3 course content and includes techniques on finding alternative chord voicings, strumming, advanced chord progressions, advanced strumming techniques and strumming patterns and advanced plucking techniques with a range of songs that venture into jazz, bluegrass, country and a free song book.
If you have any comments or suggestions about this online course or ideas for future courses, please get in touch with Elaine at: [email protected]
AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY FOR UKULELE PLAYERS (Now Available)
Explores how scales work, how chord structures work, how chord families work, how major, minor, pentatonic and blues scale are formulated, moveable scales, circle of 5ths and how to transpose keys.
THE LAUGHING RAG (Now Available)
For the more advanced player or those wanting to explore more advanced techniques. Ukulele Uff is known as the wizz of the strings and hosts this course, demonstrating a wide range of techniques such as the fan stroke, thumb roll, chord dampening, vamping, diminished runs and much more, along with a fantastic arrangement of the Laughing Rag song. This course will really take your ukulele playing to pro level.
MR SANDMAN (Now Available)
Learn a finger-style arrangement of the classic 1950's tune, MR SANDMAN and really impress your friends and family. No singing required as you will learn to pluck the melody along with the chords for this song which contains basic and alternative chord voicings, flamenco and vibrato strumming with a few thumb rolls and chord dampening sequences all complete with tab, audio and video tutorials to help you break down the song at a steady pace, section by section, before fitting it altogether to play full speed.
A FUN INTRODUCTION TO UKULELE PLAYING (Coming Soon)
Explores UCL level 1 course content and includes studies on how to identify major, minor and 7th chords and how to play them using the correct fingerings, a variety of basic strumming patterns with techniques on switching chords. How to read and play tab, exploring finger picking patterns and melody lines and a variety of basic 4, 8, 12 and 24 bar sequences to practice. This e-book comes with a free song book containing pop, blues and classical song arrangements with and a handful of finger exercises to help with timing and intonation.
IMPROVING YOUR UKULELE TECHNIQUE (Coming Soon)
Explores UCL level 2 course content and includes further studies on chord variations, alternative chord voicings, 12-Bar Blues in the key of A using 7th chords, an introduction to barred chords and moveable barred shapes, tab exercises with various solo techniques, intermediate strumming patterns and finger picking patterns. This course also comes with a free song book containing a range of rock, pop, blues and rock n roll genres with finger exercises to help develop speed and dexterity.
DEVELOPING ADVANCED UKULELE TECHNIQUES (Coming Soon)
Explores UCL level 3 course content and includes techniques on finding alternative chord voicings, strumming, advanced chord progressions, advanced strumming techniques and strumming patterns and advanced plucking techniques with a range of songs that venture into jazz, bluegrass, country and a free song book.
If you have any comments or suggestions about this online course or ideas for future courses, please get in touch with Elaine at: [email protected]