Learn to play "Koke'e" by Dennis Kamakahi
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Download the TABS for "Koke'e":
Hey UUers!
You asked for it, so you got it! This month's Uke Lesson teaches you how to play "Koke'e" by 3 time Grammy award winner, Dennis Kamakahi. During his life, Mr. Kamakahi was credited with writing over 500 songs! This song hits close to home for us, as it's literally about our home island of Kauai and specifically the state park of Koke'e. Located high in the mountains on the Northwestern side of the island, Koke'e is home to numerous species of native vegetation and wildlife. The lyrics of the song highlight other nearby and well-know locations, including Waimea Canyon and Kalalau Valley.
As a testament to Mr. Kamakahi's songwriting talent, this song relies on only 3 simple chords. However, they're arranged in a somewhat elaborate and interesting way. Aldrine breaks down the chord progressions and walks you through a straight forward strumming pattern. He also shows you a beautiful yet simple picking pattern done by Pure Heart in their version of the song.
This is one of our favorite songs to play during Aloha Friday Jam, our weekly virtual ukulele club streamed on YouTube every Friday at 1 PM (HST). Learn this charming tune, and come jam along with us LIVE while we celebrate the stunning beauty of Kauai!
Aloha,
-UU Staff
Techniques Used in Lesson:
Weird question, but, I’m a little off so there ya go.
Aldrine, what is your tee shirt in the playalong? Black with a woman holding her finger to her lips…..can never see the whole thing in the video.
Anyway, I want one!
Aloha from Santa Cruz
Hi, I am logged in but I don’t see any tabs or other content to download. Is it posted yet? Thanks
Hey Silverwhisper,
If you look below the Play-Along video, you should see a green button that says “DOWNLOAD THE PICKING TAB (PDF)”. If you click on that you should be brought to the tabs for download. Hope this helps!
Aloha,
-Kira (UU Staff)
Hi, I see the play-along for this song, but not any lesson. Is a lesson somewhere else?
Thanks
Hey Allynm, the lesson video is above the Play-Along Video at the very top of the page. It should be right above the title that says: Uke Lesson 125 – Koke’e (Dennis Kamakahi / Pure Heart)
Hope this helps!
Aloha,
-Kira (UU Staff)
Nice! Thanks for doing a lesson for this one. I’m looking forward to learning the picking.