For those who play string instruments, you can tell immediately that I don't know how to play. Well, not totally true. I can finger pick, I just haven't learnt the chords.
This ukulele belongs to my kiddo nephew. He plays the guitar and ukulele, and when he came to stay with me last summer I borrowed his uku. He taught me to play some simple songs. I can play Amazing Grace (unbelievably easy and lovely song!!), Old MacDonald Had a Farm (very easy as well), God save the Queen (now called God save the King), and Away in a manager (my favorite Christmas carol, need to start practice that now Christmas is coming). I can also play a few of my favorite Chinese songs. The one that I play most is the unofficial Hong Kong national anthem which is banned in Hong Kong. The authorities gets very snowflake when this is played and they are trying to get Google to change their algorithm so it doesn't come up in searches like below 🤣
Any way, I digress. I have never played any instrument in my life and I always envy those who do. How lovely is it to pick up an instrument to play your favourite piece of music to yourself or someone you love. Sadly I don't have the patience to learn to play an instrument properly. I tried to learn the uku chords, but it's so difficult to remember the finger positions and move switfly from chord to chord. After practicing for a little while, my left wrist really hurts as do my fingers, so I lose patience and give up. In the end, I figured I'd make more progress just fingerpicking.
Now I can play those few songs I mentioned above and I'm very pleased with myself. I know the melody sounds awful, and the tempo is wrong but it is so satisfying to listen to melodies I played myself. Sometimes when I'm determined, I try to practice every day, and normally each session lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes. That's enough time for me to play all the songs I know and feel very chuffed before my wrist starts to hurt.
Earlier this year. I was really aggressive and started to learn Canon in D as I just love that. I found a YouTube video and the guy played it so beautifully. I practiced religiously for a week with his video and even started to develop calluses on my fingertips. Because I didn't know the chords it took me extra long time to remember things. Like he would say we play a G, now a C, and a B minor etc. I would have to look up what a G is and where to place my fingers. I was memorising positions but not the name of the chord. Big mistake. I was running before I learnt to walk. In the end, I managed to play a couple of sections ~~terribly~~ and was awfully proud ofmyself. Then other things took over my life and I stopped learning the uke.
I'm very determined to nail Canon in D one day. It's not easy but I don't think it's beyond me if I put in the time and effort. The fact I like it so much is a big incentive for me to learn it. But this time I think I should learn the basic chords first before I rush into things. It's a long road ahead, but I'll get there..... one day.
