jim beloff

Add Some Drama to Your Songwriting with a Step-Up Key Change

Technically known as a “modulation,” a step-up key change can significantly raise the emotion and drama of a recording or performance. Here's how to use it in your songwriting.

Jim Beloff playing "Can't Help But Smile" on ukulele

Learn to Play “Can‘t Help But Smile,” Jim Beloff‘s Ukulele Festival Theme Song

When the Southern California Ukulele Festival asked Jim Beloff to write a theme song, he came up with "Can't Help But Smile." Here, he teaches you how to play it.

Jim Beloff Pinky Ukulele Magazine Basic Lesson Pinky Chords

Add Ease and Elegance to Basic Ukulele Chords With Your Pinky

Using your pinky on ukulele chords can open up your playing to using your fingers more efficiently to allow for easier chord transitions.

Jim Beloff's book Uketopia! Adventures in the Ukulele World

‘A Fresh Idea’: Jim Beloff Chronicles the Ukulele’s Third Wave in the 1990s

The action in this short excerpt from the new book "UKEtopia! Adventures in the Ukulele World" takes place in 1998, as the 3rd wave was still gaining momentum.

How to Play ‘Blues on a Ukulele’ by Jim Beloff & Herb Ohta

Born from the idea that people think of ukulele as a happy instrument incapable of channeling a sad song, Jim Beloff and Herb Ohta wrote "Blues on a Ukulele" in 2003.

New Albums from Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta Jr., and Jim Beloff

3 New Uke CDs Reviewed Jake Shimabukuro The Greatest Day [JS Records] Given how Jake’s groundbreaking, off-the-cuff recording of him playing George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in New York’s Central Park brought him wide acclaim; it’s surprising that…