Dear ones, today we explore the third string, learn about vamps, and play the world famous ʻImo ʻImo.
Moonrise Over Tantalus | Peter Kun Frary
Notes on the Third String
The diagram below illustrates the notes on the ʻukulele's third string, the C string.
Memorize new notes by speaking their names aloud as you play them. Once memorized, play through the notes on the first, second and third strings while speaking their names.
Study Tips
ʻImo ʻImo is based on the French folk song, Ah! vous dirai-je, maman (Oh! Shall I tell you, mama), commonly known in English as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The melody is straightforward and uses notes on the first, second and third strings. It should be smooth sailing after a small amount of practice.
ʻImo ʻImo | Demonstration and tips on playing the chords and melody.
Vamp
ʻImo ʻImo features a Hawaiian style vamp, i.e., a short introduction: the first two measures—the vamp—are taken up with only D7, G7 and C chords. The melody enters on beat 1 of the third measure.
Whole Rest
The black rectangle hanging from the ledger line in the first two measures is called a whole rest. A whole rest indicates one measure of silence. In this case, while the vamp chords are played, the melody is silent for two measures (8 beats).
How do you know when to begin the melody? Count 1-2-3-4 twice and start the melody on beat 1 of the third measure.
Practice the melody of ʻImo ʻImo until smooth and flowing with the beat. Read the music—don't just copy the finger movements in the video. Play along with the audio track or video to help shore up your rhythm.
Once the melody of ʻImo ʻImo is beneath your fingertips, learn the chords.
Chords
The main challenge of ʻImo ʻImo lies with the chords: four different chords with a harmonic rhythm of mostly two changes per measure, but here and there a full measure of the same chord. Watch your count! No shame in counting out loud to help keep your chord changes on target.
No Chord Symbol?
Some measures, or beginnings of measures, lack a chord symbol. The musical convention is to continue playing the prior chord until otherwise indicated. Thus, in the example below, strum a C chord at the red arrow.
Chords in Blank Measures | The second line of ʻImo ʻImo lacks a chord at the beginning of the measure. Continue playing the prior chord.
Down 2X Strum
We used the Down 2X strum earlier in the course and it's ideal for ʻImo ʻImo:
Strum downwards on beats 1 and 3.
Down 2X Strum | ʻImo ʻImo chords strummed twice per measure (no vamp).
When played well, each down strum sounds rich and fat, imparting an old timey jazz feel: chomp-chomp-chomp-chomp.
Light Touch
When you play ʻImo ʻImo with another ʻukulele player, do not overwhelm the melody with a boisterous strum. The melody should be louder than the chords, so listen to your partner and strum gently.
In the ʻImo ʻImo track, we use the Down 2X strum the first time through and switch to the Flat-Four strum on the repeat.
•••
Notes on the Third String
Study Tips
Vamp
Listen to the Track
Play the Melody
Chords
Down 2X Strum
