June 2026 Challenge Response – Jonathan Amos – Two Chords

[Jonathan Amos]

The ukelele makes a nice change, hardly ever played it before but only had to learn two chords on only four strings. Inspired by two well-known riffs (can you spot them?) but it took on a life of its own.

Getting the split screen and merging two videos and one audio track was the hardest thing. I resent having to spend so much time on the video rather than the guitar but got there in the end.

Jonathan Amos, Matsuyama, Japan

[JoeD1]

Nice job with the ukulele Jonathan. And the lead too.

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[Dieter]

A wonderful arrangement, both harmonically and rhythmically. I really like the ukulele.

Dieter

[Ruediger V]

Just brilliant very cool – love it 🙂

[Denise]

Sounds fantastic! I love what you did here with the uke rhythm and harmonized lead.
The two instruments go together so well.
Very inspiring.

More Blues!

[Ben C]

Very jolly sounding. Nicely done!

[Alan L]

The uke is a refreshing addition. Love the groove and catchy riffs. Well done!

[James B]

That’s a happy tune you put together, Jonathan. The ukulele was a great addition.

James

[John H]

Jon
That sounds so sweet… talk about an endorphin rush. I really think is/could be part of something special. Played smoothly and rhythmically. And, the Uk adds such a nice touch. Impressive!

John

[Michael L]

You really got my toes tapping Jonathan. Great summertime vibe and uke fits in great… really makes the piece. Love it!

[JoLa]

How fun this must have been to play, love the ukulele in the rhythm (such a happy sound)! Thinking of the two well known riffs you were inspired by, maybe “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”? Riptide? The sound of uke goes so well with the guitar, especially when you play them so well!

🎸JoLa

[sunjamr]

Way to go Jonathan – that was 100% creative toe tapping stuff. But then, ukuleles are good at creating toe tapping rhythms. I reckon all guitar players should own at least one uke. Now days I only use baritone ukes, because their strings are exactly like the top four strings of a guitar, so no learning curve is needed.

Sunjamr Steve

[AndréM]

Jon that was a fun challenge.
I didn’t spot the song.
Both guitar and ukelele mix fine.
I bought a uke but haven’t get to it yet.

AndréM

AndréM

[Mark T]

I immediately thought of Ronnie Lane’s “Ooh La La” (Small Faces, Faces, Slim Chance), when listening to this, Jonathan – and if you have to channel anything, then you can’t do much better than that 👏! Great playing and lovely submission. – Mark 👍🎶😎

[Martin W]

That’s a great mix of the two instruments
Catchy rhythm from the uke with some fun little fills in the lead .
The tune does sound familiar but I can’t quite put my finger on it .
I agree editing the video etc is the worst bit for me .

Martin

[Michael Krailo]

Well this one has a great intro that grabs you in. The lead melody is top notch stuff. Just knocked it out of the park good.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[Manfred M]

Like Jola, I was thinking of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” but I’m not sure. What I am sure about is that you have a great groove here, and you play with so much joy, Jonathan.
The work you put into the video editing paid off, too. It looks and sounds great!

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be on July 25, 2026

For more information click here

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Mike W]

That certainly got the toe tapping, Jonathan. It’s a tribute to your music that it instantly brings the summer to mind – such a happy sound. I couldn’t think of the pieces you referred to, but it reminded me very much of a fairly old AM lesson that had a similar vibe, but obviously with more chords. Actually I think it would not occur to many people that this was based on only two chords.

[Tremelow]

Dang, Jonathan, you (and Sunjamr Steve) make it really hard for me not to order a Uke right away. It’s in the cards, however, I am pretty sure. Your piece is so infectious, a happy tune I could listen to for much longer. I didn’t recognize a specific song that might have inspired you, sorry.

[Bill]

Easy and breezy! The Uke is such a fun instrument with its own unique character. Great composition!

[Author]

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