How to MASTER "The Big Bad B flat Chord!" PART ONE 🎶💪

[@marioschatzlmair3171]

"but if you smile , you'll enjoy this time" 😄♥️🤗 love the way you are

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks… Might as well use our consciousness to enjoy the journey we’re on 😊

[@francesginocchio2255]

This helped me so much! I think I was trying too hard before -- these simple steps have me close to a solid Bb

[@UkuleleZen]

Nice Frances! Keep at it - gravity is your best helper...soften up & be patient...it can take time to train the hand to be soft, but with awareness you'll make it a habit :) Cheers & thanks for watching - Hope you'll subscribe for more goodies from Ukulele Zen!

[@JM-my2wf]

Great advice, good reminder to RELAX....of course, you've been doing this for 1000 years so you always have good advice. Muchas Gracias!

[@merrillheubach6953]

I have been struggling, Stu, with this chord. I am a newish player (only 2 years into it) and in my mid- 70s. Hard to get those old fingers into position. But this video has really helped me to relax and the lift leap and land really nailed it for me. I met you in Liverpool Nova Scotia in 2019 and thought you were a great teacher. Now I am putting it all together, mostly from your videos. I joined your Patreon site. So grateful to you and your wonderful teaching. sorry you cannot be out doing your workshops during this time of Pandemic, but you sure are giving a lot to be thankful for with you giving and loving teaching. Metta.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks so much Merrill 🙏🎶 TSOme of these chords are quite tricky indeed...therefore, it's my pleasure to teach with some Metta & lovingkindness in my intentions. Thanks very much for joining as a patron! I loved being at the Ukulele Ceilidh last year & I hope the festival will continue into the future...it is a really great one! Wishing you all the best...happy playing, Stu

[@ragamuffinukes2779]

Hi Stu! I love the chirping birds background -- very "zen" ... and I too loved this tutorial. My fingers are 68 and your tips for patience, finger stretches and simple quick practices were SPOT-on... Thank you again... 🙋‍♀️

[@UkuleleZen]

Glad it was helpful Charlee!

[@ukeplayalongs]

I love the Mainland! I recently bought a cedar/rosewood baritone. Thanks for making the video--as a teacher, it's always good to see how others present concepts. As a vocalist, so many songs fit the general public better in F (C is often too low), and that B-flat can cause players to shut down (just as the F does on Baritone ukulele or Guitar). I also like "Lift, Look, and Leap," and if I ever use it, I'll make sure to credit you!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks & thanks for the credit! Perhaps someday I'll be able to present a workshop at your club or near your town. Be well, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@TBlack-dz5bo]

What you said about breaking the association of tension with playing really hit home. I tend to anticipate difficult chords with dread. I gotta loosen up, lol!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks for watching and I hope that lesson helps you to conquer this chord. It’s a process for sure... relaxing the hands and making them soft while we play take some time - but it’s worth it! 😄 enjoy the gift of going slow in this fast world 😉🌎🎶

[@georgealexopoulos2676]

Hi Stu, love the sound of birds in the background.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks George… This was filmed in a art studio made from a converted barn… lots of birds in the rafters and the art installation as well had lots of birds 😉🤙🎶

[@vannessawallin9199]

Gosh I love you!!! So helpful

[@UkuleleZen]

Thank you for watching Vannessa! Subscribe for more vids :)

[@barkartDOTcom]

Great energy!

[@sleepy314]

I like to fully bar, because the 7th and minor and minor 7th are just a 'finger lift' away .... and since it is movable, I am able to do 36 chords! Because it is closest to the nut, Bb requires most pressure. So i do a lot of barred C chords just for fun and to practice the shape. I mostly play a tenor, so Bb is a little easier to push down than on my soprano. Now the hardest thing for me is to RELAX, which as you point out is so important. Thanks for bringing the ZEN to ukulele.

[@UkuleleZen]

@Sleepy314 Great observations! The bar is a very important skill to get down & ultimately it's worth the effort! I have a video called "making bar chords easier" which emphases the use of gravity... Easier to show in person than on a video but I did my best! Wishing you well - keep on jamming, Stu

[@gavinwood2199]

Brilliant. Thanks.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Gavin! Be well & happy playing, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@alexandracoker7177]

Before watching, I couldn't play this chord without muting at least one of my strings. Your advice was so helpful!! And I really appreciate your positivity and just your general vibe. Definitely going to be watching more and already subscribed. Thank you!!

[@UkuleleZen]

I'm so glad Alexandra! Keep on playing & I'll "see you" in some videos soon :-)

[@neslihanpolat18]

Thanks! you help a lot I appreciate it 🙏

[@UkuleleZen]

My pleasure! 🙏 Bb ain't so bad, eh? :-)

[@mysjana6325]

I already loved the BBB but you made me like it more! Big smile & THANKS Stu!

[@UkuleleZen]

Glad to hear it! Big smile right back 😊

[@elaineieio9664]

This is a beautiful thing.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thank you for adding your presence here. Be well, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@alexandershaikasperski1643]

Stu, thanks a lot for your lessons, tips and energy! It's really works. Thanks a lot, and huge hug!

[@UkuleleZen]

My pleasure Alexander! I post new videos every week - hope you'll consider subscribing t the channel kzbin.info Play on! 🎶🤙

[@andyrose7953]

Just found this from your Tutti Frutti lesson - thanks for the vey helpful tips! It's been a long struggle to be able to make the chord shape without having my ring finger droop down and dampen the C string. Next goal is to get here from F (or some other chord) without taking 30 seconds to adjust all the fingers!

[@UkuleleZen]

Glad it was helpful! It can be really helpful to practice chord changes in a way where the motion between one chord & the next is very smooth...I look at it like a "slow motion finger ballet"...dancing over the fretboard. Seeing the motion if each finger slowly can help then coordinate - then try it faster. Letting go & allowing that slow training o come trough really helps. Thanks for watching Andy!

[@joelbarahona142]

:) the lessons man, they are always in the exact moment. Saludos Stu.

[@UkuleleZen]

Obrigado!

[@Claire21438]

This chord has been my nemesis! Thanks for the advice. I am definitely too tense (to the point where I actually really hurt my hand). Will try this!

[@karinmitschang9734]

great tip

[@UkuleleZen]

Bb opens up a lot of new possibilities :-)

[@tneil7075]

Beautiful country up there...looks like Dogman...Bigfoot country...see Dogman encounter radio...ep 190...etc etc etc....and Jeff Nadolnys channel. ..and David Poliades Missing 411...

[@gerryhealy1832]

Thanks Stu 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Gerry!

[@lyndawells4507]

Thank you. I was terrified of that chord till now

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Lynda! My mission is accomplished! Be well, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@ianlindsay8557]

Love the lesson stu . Could you cover the D bar chord as I find it better than open chord but don't see many tutorials or tabs that use it.

[@UkuleleZen]

Great idea Ian! I'll add that to the list & make a lesson for it sometime soon. Cheers, Stu

[@Hazellllllllllls]

Brilliant tutorial, thank you wise and relaxed soul ✌️🤘🌻

[@UkuleleZen]

Thank you Chelsea! I can tell you are wise & relaxed as well! Be well & happy playing, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@gooseotter1594]

Love

[@MrEricgal]

This is really helpful.... I especially like the Bflatmaj7... Which is basically the Em shape. Couldn`t I just play this instead of the Bflat?

[@UkuleleZen]

You can - BUT - the open A string will sometimes clash with a song that asks you to play a straight Bb chord. Bb may & has a different sound - all depends on the song! Work up to the bar (or mini bar with two strings covered & you'll be richly rewarded) :-)

[@thomasflagg7209]

That should come easily to guitarists, who use that chord shape to play an F.

[@scottlaurie7123]

Damn Birds.

[@vladvladut428]

I cry

[@HappyHeathen-JD]

"...Alright? So you go have fun with this" 😱 LMAO!! 😂😂 SOoo *NOT* having fun with this diabolical chord!! 😂 Maybe in a couple years? 😭

[@avec2ailes941]

Bb is now my friend ... but my "horrible chord" right now, it's it ! : 3 (A string) - 3 (E string) - 4 (C string) - 2 (G string) ... (I don't even know what his name is, but I would like to know who I'm fighting with !! 😶 😄) ... Thank you for the little reggae moment Stu, and for having us offer this vid in this so magical... and beautiful place !!🌼

[@1happywombat]

It's an Am7 (or C6) . Try barring index all the way across the 2nd fret, smoosh your 2nd finger on the A and E strings and use your 3rd finger on the C string.

[@avec2ailes941]

Thank you for responding, it's super nice! Indeed I bar with my index the second fret, but my middle finger is not able to bar A and E then ... I have to fend otherwise to find a solution using all my fingers! I watched your videos and wondered if this group still exists ? (the one with the ukulele) Have a nice day 1happywombat!

[@UkuleleZen]

Great answer Happy Wombat - thanks for jumping in. That chord is also one of those "beast chords" I'll cover someday!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Estelle! I'll cover that chord someday :-). Glad you enjoyed this lesson! Soul Shakedown party :-)

[@meneermichael]

Hey Stu! Thank you for the tutorial! I'm interested in how to play the E chord. Right now I just use the alternative E Chord: 2444. I want to play it with 2041. I hope you can help me figure it out.

[@1happywombat]

Generally the fret numbers are quoted chin to floor, so those shapes are 4442 and 1402. I never use the latter, way too hard to grab in a hurry! But you could try 4447 - barre all the way across 4th fret and add pinky or ring on A7 - Stu may have other suggestions!

[@UkuleleZen]

Great idea - I'll be covering the E major chord soon!! Be well, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@UkuleleZen]

Yes, again - great stuff Happywombat! I'll be making an E major video w musical examples soon :-)

[@whysprs]

I don't bar it but use it quite often.. Took a while to get used to it.. My issue is trying to get out of bad habbits.. Muscle memory takes over and the bad hang it seems to come back for me

[@UkuleleZen]

I hear you - however, consider this: train your muscles slowly and you will have muscle memory of a way that is easier to play. Re- wiring old habits can be tricky - believe me, I've been there! Happy playing, Stu. more vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@whysprs]

@@UkuleleZen thank you.. I try and push my self with harder and harder chords ..

[@errolmontespizarro9956]

What is the best banjolele for around $300? Thanks for your generosity.

[@UkuleleZen]

The firefly made by the Fluke company is a good one. You can search out e-bay too - sometimes you can find a REALLY good deal. Keep in mind they are often heavy. The firefly is lightweight and nearly immune to humidity fluctuations!

[@errolmontespizarro9956]

@@UkuleleZen Thanks a lot....Please, when you get the time, do a video about the banjolele.

[@lv2rdhonu783]

👍🏻👍🏻🎶🎶

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks for watching! Plz subscribe for more video lessons like this one 😊🤙🎶

[@lanesmith3471]

Was just having Trouble wit this chord hope this helps

[@UkuleleZen]

Glad I could help Lane. Be well & happy playing, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@sharonmoore249]

Ukulele Zen *

[@grimreaper-qh2zn]

I stopped trying to learn the Guitar because of F. Bb is having the same effect with the Ukulele. If I bar I cannot reach the G string with my fingers. Your tip of leaving the A open and muting is the only way I can play it. Unfortunately it doesn't help with other bar chords. To hold a bar at fret one I have found to be impossible. I can just about achieve it with tremendous (and painful) pressure. I can only hold that long enough to play once, plus I cannot add any other fingers onto the frets. Arthritis means I cannot flex the knuckle. Option...only play songs without bars or that I can cheat on (like your mute A).

[@UkuleleZen]

You can re-finger this chord...I would try to just lay your fingers over the strings & train them to feel the chord as a light touch...watch this video again & see if you get more details from a 2nd viewing :-) Wishing you well, Stu

[@wylancslass]

I hate this chord. It is my nemesis! I can't flatten that knuckle. My finger won't bend ... yet. Thank you for the encouragement of keeping at it.

[@UkuleleZen]

Keep at it - it IS tough, but I believe in you Wendy! Be well & happy playing, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@wylancslass]

@@UkuleleZen Bless you Stu! You are a sweet heart.

[@garygotori5022]

E major! Another difficult chord

[@UkuleleZen]

Great idea Gary - I'll be covering the E major chord soon!! Be well, Stu - More vids every week at Ukulele Zen :)

[@garygotori5022]

Keep up the good work Stu

[@edaokelly5456]

Does any other chord sound like a flat that is simple to play

[@edaokelly5456]

I meant any chord sound like Bflat that is simple to play

[@glenysgraham1733]

Hi Stu, long time no talk lol. When I first started to play around 3 years ago I was playing a concert Kala, Bb I found hard but normally found a way to make it sound half decent. Then later I bought a Pono concert (about a week after I met you in Penny Lane Florida, I did your workshop and concert, I'm an English lady) Bb was no longer an issue, not that the neck is that much different but the profile is very slightly smaller. I bought my first tenor a Flight Victoria, yes its much bigger but now Bb is a pain for me now. The difference with a D chord is great lots of room now to get a really good sound where before with the concerts it was something I always had to "think" about if you know what I mean to get a clean sound. So what I'm trying to say is the size of the neck makes a heck of a difference. I do hope I haven't made a mistake on buying a tenor.

[@UkuleleZen]

Hello Glenys, I miss Penny Lane & the community there! Your hands will get used to the tenor over time...feel free to go back & forth between whatever size is best for you...drop by drop the bucket gets filed - each day it gets easier to play! ;-) All the best, Stu

[@heidibradbury8359]

My third finger still mutes the third string!! Any tips?

[@UkuleleZen]

Sometimes you just have to engage the knuckle a little more so it’s clearing of the string… All depends on which part of the fingertip you’re touching the fourth string as well 🤙🎶 … I’m sure your cord is cleaner than you may think

[@destiny8967]

I cant even do it once i either mute the 3rd or fourth string on accident even if i dont play the other two fingers still have one string muted i think my index finger is weird

[@UkuleleZen]

Hey Desi, you can try to bar all the strings & then add the two extra fingers at 2nd & 3rd frets....that may work better for you!

[@destiny8967]

@@UkuleleZen thanks! Ive been practicing a lot and im starting to get it!

[@leen708]

It's not working! Please help me it gets all muted!

[@grayguil]

I can't concentrate cos the birds are distracting me..🙉

[@UkuleleZen]

Filming on the road -- the studio is out of control 😉 Thanks for joining in...😊 🎶...Hope you'll subscribe for more vids from this channel: kzbin.info

[@marymahazce1125]

Why did you say big bad Bflat chord?

[@UkuleleZen]

It’s a joke really... nothing wrong with the chord itself, it’s just that many people find this chord and other bar chords intimidating 😉