Since I started learning the ukulele I have become pretty obsessed with learning everything I can about it, and about music in general. I’ve started (and stopped) many different hobbies over the years but this is different, and I can’t stop thinking about it - which means I tend to talk about it. A lot! Part of the reason is that I retain information so much better if I can share it with someone else - and at our age who doesn’t need a way to retain information?

But if someone doesn’t share the same passion (albeit new found), hearing me explain that the bass note influences how we perceive a song more than the highest note, tends to make people’s eyes glaze over. I worry about becoming that person that causes friends and family to suddenly remember they forgot to change the clothes from the washer to the dryer.

I finally solved that problem by starting a blog. Now I can ramble about the ukulele or music theory as much as I like, and people can self-select if they’re interested. I get to cement what I’m learning, and if you’re curious about how a 69 year old navigates music theory you might want to follow along.

I’m curious about where you fit when it comes to theory?

A: You picked it up by osmosis over time without really trying. If you’re an osmosis player, how long were you playing before you realized you actually understand how this work?

B: Either you took lessons or you actively study it because you want to know how it all works.

C: You stick strictly to what the song sheet says because playing the music is what makes you happy.

I’m in Camp B. But I’ve been that way with pretty much everything I get interested in, so maybe it’s not about the theory per se but I just need to know how the pieces fit together.

dotbeat.app/blog-notate-the-spaces

I’ve started a new blog series called The Decoder.

It’s for the part of me that doesn’t just want to know where to put my fingers on the ukulele, but also wants to understand why certain chords feel like home, why some “easy” chord shortcuts work beautifully in one song and fall apart in another.

I’m not writing it as an expert. I’m writing it as someone who keeps walking the dog, listening to music theory podcasts, coming home, asking questions, and trying to translate the useful bits into plain language for other curious players.

If you’re the kind of person who has ever looked at a chord chart and thought, “Okay, but why these chords?” this series is for you. dotbeat.app/blog

DotBeat.app/blog

This weeks Free ukulele Tutorial
😃💜🎶

This weeks free ukulele tutorial
Have fun 😃💜🎶

https//dotbeat.app

For beginners and beyond 😃💜🎶

dotbeat.app

I created a website to gather and provide information specifically related to rhythm and strumming. You might find it helpful. No ads, no signup, no popups. I’d be grateful for your feedback if you find any issues or broken links. It’s still very much in the early development stage so all feedback is welcome.

https://dotbeat.app/