Brazilian Lullaby is based on Chora Bananeira (Cry Banana Tree), a traditional lullaby from Brazil. It features a haunting minor mode melody and jazzy harmony.
Dreamland | Crescent moon over the Koʻolau Range | Peter Kun Frary
Study Tips
Melody
Brazilian Lullaby features 4-measure phrases organized around a recurring motive of four eight notes and two quarter notes (su-shi, su-shi, eat, eat). Once you learn the first two measures, you know the rhythmic pattern for the entire piece.
Lullaby Tempo
BrazilianLullaby is, well, a lullaby and, thus, designed to entice sleep. Play this lullaby with a gently swinging beat—like rocking a baby. The downbeat should be clear but not stomped on. Keep tempo on the upper side of andante.
The PDF score is linked at the bottom of this page.
Chords
A Flat-Two Strum is recommend: gently strum downwards on each beat with the flesh of your thumb—strum twice per measure. A flowing P-i-m-a arpeggio in each measure also sounds great.
Flat-Two Strum or P-i-m-a | Suggested accompaniment patterns
Listen to the Track
Begin your studies by listening to the audio track:
Brazilian Lullaby | Peter Kun Frary, ʻukulele
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Practice the melody until silky smooth. Play along with the audio track to help shore up rhythm. Once the melody is sound, work on the chords.
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Study Tips
Melody
Lullaby Tempo
Listen to the Track
Play Now!
Daily Review
