UCL Level 2.2 - WEEK 1
Crocodile Rock
This week you will explore Elton John's classic hit, CROCODILE ROCK and learn some new strumming techniques that will take your ukulele playing to the next level.
SONGBOOK DOWNLOADS
Have a listen to just the audio track with the level 2.2 part and vocals only at full speed of 140BPM:
Strumming Patterns
FLAMENCO STRUM & FAKE FLAMENCO (AKA: RASGUEDO)
The flamenco strum provides that Spanish sounding rhythm that really separates the sound of the strum. It also contains a chuck strum on beat 3. The flamenco strum is illustrated by the zig zagged line under beat 2.
To achieve it, you play beat one as normal then drive all of your finger nails starting with your pinky, ring, middle and index in a downwards motion quickly followed by an up strum then a downward chuck strum before completing the rest of the pattern.
For the fake strum, you can simply drive your thumb through all strings. It's not as effective but you get a similar sound.
Have a listen to the audio below to hear what the intro, mid section and outro would sound like using this technique:
To achieve it, you play beat one as normal then drive all of your finger nails starting with your pinky, ring, middle and index in a downwards motion quickly followed by an up strum then a downward chuck strum before completing the rest of the pattern.
For the fake strum, you can simply drive your thumb through all strings. It's not as effective but you get a similar sound.
Have a listen to the audio below to hear what the intro, mid section and outro would sound like using this technique:
CHUCK STRUM:
The chuck strum contains two rhythmic beats within a one bar pattern that fall on beat 2 and 4 and are illustrated with a blue X.
To achieve a ‘chuck’ strum sound, the key is to palm mute the strings on those beats and strike all fingernails across the strings at the same time.
After a bit of practice, this technique should start to sound really effective.
As you can see the strumming pattern itself looks very similar to the calypso strum so if you can play that strum you are half way there.
Have a listen to the audio below to hear what the verse sections would sound like using this technique:
To achieve a ‘chuck’ strum sound, the key is to palm mute the strings on those beats and strike all fingernails across the strings at the same time.
After a bit of practice, this technique should start to sound really effective.
As you can see the strumming pattern itself looks very similar to the calypso strum so if you can play that strum you are half way there.
Have a listen to the audio below to hear what the verse sections would sound like using this technique:
ROCK N ROLL / BLUES STRUM
This technique requires some dampening or "vamping' on the first 3 beats to get a short sharp sound that is prominent in rock n roll songs and the rest of the strums played as directed. On various chords such as the A7 you can release the index finger on various beats to give it more of a blues rock sound.
Have a listen to the audio below to hear what the start of the bridge sections would sound like using this technique:
Have a listen to the audio below to hear what the start of the bridge sections would sound like using this technique:
VIDEO TUTORIALS
Video tutorials will be uploaded within 24 hours of your class taking place.
There are 3 sections to this song that repeat. Each section is repeated twice per section throughout the song.
There are 3 sections to this song that repeat. Each section is repeated twice per section throughout the song.
INTRO SECTION
VERSE SECTIONS
CHORUS / BRIDGE SECTION
MP3 DOWNLOAD
Click on the button below to download the full arrangement of Crocodile Rock with all parts, L2.2, L3 & Baritone.
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