Play Well with Others: Making the Most of Kani Ka Pila

The phrase “kani ka pila” has origins dating back 1940s Hawaii, and was most likely first used to describe early, informal jam sessions with ukulele
The phrase “kani ka pila” has origins dating back 1940s Hawaii, and was most likely first used to describe early, informal jam sessions with ukulele
An essential part of Gerald Ross’ success playing the ukulele is his encyclopedic knowledge of multiple genres of music, from swing to old-time, Latin to jazz.
Learn to play the click stroke on ukulele, a variation on clawhammer banjo-style playing that can be used to keep the beat while playing solo or with a group.
Twisted Wood's Switchback is an attractive ukulele with a cutaway, made from solid koa top and laminated back and sides made from koa, giving it a clear, warm sound.
Advertisement
After working in his California ukulele shop for almost 20 years, Little River Instruments' Dave Sigman recently relocated to one of his favorite spots in Hawaii.
The 35T-CE tenor features all solid acacia for the top, back, and sides, with a beautiful rosewood bridge, binding, and fingerboard. The 35T-CE also features a soft cutaway, L.R. Baggs Five.O pickup, abalone rosette, rosewood binding, and Cordoba’s signature elevated…
During its lifetime this vintage Martin ukulele had acquired a sound that I’d describe as phenomenal, unworldly, and just magical. But now it needed repairs.
Regal's Jungle Uke had a body that was completely covered in fake leopard fur fabric, making it one of the worst sounding—but coolest looking—ukuleles ever made.
Advertisement
This is the story of how 3 young players developed a symbiotic relationship & learned with 1920s vaudeville ukulele master and "Wizard of the Strings" Roy Smeck.
With a little practice and the help of this video lesson, you'll soon be entertaining family, friends, students, and loved ones with this upbeat folk song.