Etude 20 by Giuliani for Classical Ukulele

In this video Jeff Peterson performs his low-G arrangement of Etude 20 by Giuliani for classical ukulele.

Performance Notes

This lively piece by Mauro Giuliani is set in 6/8 time, featuring flowing eighth notes at a brisk Allegro tempo. Aim to gradually work your way up to a tempo of 190 bpm, with each eighth note counted.

The piece includes grace notes, which are executed as quick pull-offs right on the beat. These grace notes typically fall on either the 1st or 4th beat of each measure and are notated with smaller font notes that have a line through the stem. The arched line between notes indicates the pull-off technique. To perform this, play the higher note first, then quickly release it to sound the lower note without striking it again with the right hand. Move the finger down into the palm for a strong pull-off. With practice, you can minimize the motion while still achieving full volume.

In the right hand, alternate between the index and middle fingers, incorporating the thumb when needed to play across the strings. This will help maintain the fluidity and speed required for this piece.

Classical Music for Ukulele Volume 2

Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2

Mauro Giuliani’s Etude No.20 comes from our book Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2. The book has around 50 pieces of classical masterpieces carefully arranged for low-G ukulele in a progressive order. Starting with simple famous melodies like Bach’s Minuet in C, you progress step-by-step all the way through to classical favorites such as Fauré’s Pavane and Leyenda by Issac Albéniz.

Pick up your copy of Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2 here.