DAY 5 - HOW TO STRUM WITH THE INDEX FINGER - 30 DAY UKE CHALLENGE

Welcome to day 5 of the 30 Day Uke challenge. Remember... don't worry about making everything perfect, just try to understand everything as much as possible and keep moving through the challenge. You can always come back and rewatch a video a few days later, once you have improved.
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[@sugoibean1192]

I already know how to strum but I’m just watching the video to support the queen of KZbin

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Bby Grande •666 years ago. That helps A LOT!! Thank you

[@ProTateFitness]

Simp

[@superwolf5618]

same

[@denisemeyer2903]

I'm loving the 30 Day challenge. I'm 61 and never played an instrument before. Its never too late, right? Wonderful instruction for the basics which is what I was looking for.

[@mariajukejax9649]

Same here. I'm no teen. I tried the guitar and it was always so stressful, the uke is so happy and cheeky, you just want to relax and improve.

[@freesparrow1929]

Just turned 41, and I said the same thing!

[@DariaMaslovaHappy]

I started in 32 ;) And found this challenge in 33! Happy me

[@inare4076]

Hi Denise, it is never too late.... my mother started at the age of 78 👌

[@sarahtonen4873]

me too! i'm 44.....i love this! i make music now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JustShernette]

Bernadette: Excuse my voice I'm not a singer, I'm a teacher.. Me: * A little nervous * Bernadette: * Sings * Me: *Hears her heavenly voice* WOW!

[@slc12312]

Right??? Not what I was expecting, I think I could listen to her sing all day!

[@roxianeengineer7882]

Beautiful voice!

[@11jokerchen11]

It took me SO long to figure out how to strum correctly with the index finger and where the right position is. This challenge really tackles all the difficulties I had in the very beginning, it's gonna be the best beginner resource out there!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Luisa thank you so much, Luisa! Some of this stuff I had never taught (some of it I had), but this challenge is really pushing me to learn how to teach and break things down.

[@phyllismorris94]

I am still having trouble with a good correct position up-strom after 5 months.

[@iminyomomsbed]

says she can't sing and then blows my mind with her voice, you hustled me Bernadette... straight up hustled me

[@tamannajoshi6432]

Miss Bernadette, I just bought a ukulele and found this awesome challenge!!! Thank you so much for this opportunity.

[@lemueldc0104]

You're in the right channel 😀

[@estossala1]

I liked how she said "I'm not a singer" and then she sounds great! Haha! Very humble of your part! :)

[@tommorrisey3999]

So, so, so smart if you to introduce singing at this early stage. It took me MONTHS to be able to sing while I played because I was learning strumming, picking and chords as an isolated activity, not associated with singing. Had I incorporated singing earlier in my ukulele journey I could have streamlined the process considerably.

[@UkuleleClub]

Many of our students follow your channel. Thank you for everything you do for the global ukulele community. Keep up the great work!

[@lostandbleeding1992]

Gosh, this is the first time I play while singing, and it feels fantastic!

[@TroySwezey]

She has such a sweet singing voice. I hope she one day does what so many of us, including myself, need to do and just let go of the ego and own her skill set.

[@vbazh]

I love the format of your videos, these are the only tutorials on KZbin that I found so far that break down each step so nicely!

[@mindfulcommune]

My 8 year old and I just started this challenge. We are total newbies and are enjoying this so much! Thank you for being so clear in your teaching. You are providing a great service!

[@TheStickyB10]

Omg, my playing sounds so much better after cutting down my nails. I was beginning to get discouraged. Thank you so much!

[@meola53]

I love this course! I am 74 years old, and have had my ukulele for a few years now. I have played around with it occasionally, but was never committed. You teach in a slow and patient manner which makes learning a joy! I have been practicing every day, and am connecting more to my instrument than ever before. Thanks so much!

[@mboxpriyakrish]

Hello

[@nildakhalessi1139]

You are awesome, Bernadette!

[@jaravez]

Finally getting first step to strum. Thanks for helping me get one foot in front of the other. Enjoying this journey.

[@Aliisawonderfulman]

Thank God I found your channel to start learning with my newly bought ukulele! You are a great teacher! ;)

[@bigjoesvideos752]

She’s the best.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Big Joe's Videos thank you so much, Big Joe! ☺️

[@beaandmaddy6623]

Thank you, I am old and new to this and you were very clear. Trying g to keep my sanity during covid!!!!!!

[@thisishousedance]

I love your videos. I love how you explain things. So thorough.

[@billygreen1557]

Thank you! I am 51 years old and learning to play. I want to add it to my performance as Santa Claus. Just what I needed! ♥️♥️♥️

[@denisesheehan9189]

Again, I am so grateful for your clear, scaffolded lessons! Thank you.

[@kimturner1963]

So simple, but it still feels nice to play my first song and sing along. Thank you.

[@alexisleona]

For us apartment dwellers, this may be a good time to teach the mute chord.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Alexis Leona 😂😂😂 I love that! Yes, there is a left hand mute lesson

[@sudhanyagandhi]

You are such a good teacher that I finally found after so much searching. 😊

[@jennychen8048]

Love this so much! Haha same I have been playing the violin for 6 years now and I always have to keep my left hand's fingernails short and I tend to grow out my right hand's fingernails. Thank God I did for ukulele strumming!

[@deemydjembe6912]

I am participating in the 30 Day Uke challenge. These lessons are extraordinary! It's like having a teacher come to your home. I have learned a lot in a short period of time. My mind is like a sponge, soaking up the water of your knowledge. What a great intro to playing the Uke! Thank you!

[@Mr.SmashKab]

You are an amazing teacher. I've been playing drums for 18 years and just picked up the Uke a few weeks ago and I'm loving it. Thank you for being awesome, This 30 lesson challenge is turning out to be exactly what I needed :)

[@DariaMaslovaHappy]

That is the hardest trick! I can hear the sound of my index finger nail when I am strumming and this sound is terrible. When i was strumming with my thumb - sound was clear and perfect. So practicing....

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

I think you'll get used to it. As your strum gains speed, you'll notice that click sound less

[@myfriendsnoopy]

Yeah I'm just not getting this. It also feels really unnatural and hurts my hands and wrists. I've been strumming down with my thumb and up with my index finger

[@happyfingersyv]

Wow! Burnadette!!! Had my uke for less than 1 week and now I can actually strum and sing at the same time, for the first time, in my life! 🤭 Thank you so much for posting this challenge! It has helped me immensely! Happy tears 😭😭😭😭

[@TwitchnRawPork]

I have been keeping up so far. Thank you so much for these videos. Your teaching style is amazingly comprehensive. Yours is the first tutorial that I found that I truly felt I was learning properly.

[@camilleramos5170]

My fingernails are always short. I'll try to keep the other one longer. I'm so dedicated on this. My brothers and nephew can play guitar while singing and once I tried to play guitar but I think it's too big for my hands so I decided that I'll play ukelele instead. Also it's hard to play while singing so I think you're right that I should start with children songs. Thank you Ms. B. Love love love 😍❤

[@elissaclark596]

hi i'm having the same problem with strumming & singing. i've recently been just strumming on mute whilst watching TV and it has helped me. but ultimately listen to Ms. B (she's 409 times better than me ahah)! 🙂

[@camilleramos5170]

❤

[@roul4842]

I have the same problem. I keep my nails on both hands too short to strum easily.

[@arc1105]

Thank you Ms.B. This helps. When I play with a pick, my hand is in the natural position you show. Without a pick I'd play straight down and wonder why it became uncomfortable. Strum with the side of my finger nail, duh!! Sometimes I'm as thick as a brick. This tutorial floats my boat as I merrily, merrily, sing press strum, all at the same time. I like your voice. I can see/hear you singing Joni Mitchell songs. Anyway, hope you are having a great day. 🙋

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

ARC 110 “Sometimes I’m as thick as a brick” 😂😂😂 ahahahaa!!! Love that!!

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

No one can explain it better than Ms. B. I recently learned how to add text in videos and how to sync them up in Adobe Premiere Pro. I really understand how much effort it takes to put lyrics/chords/stumming patterns in your videos. Really apprectiate and admire the effort and hard work :O

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Kevin wow!!! You’re video editing now?! Now you see why I am ALWAYS working 😂 👩🏻‍💻👩🏻‍💻👩🏻‍💻👩🏻‍💻👩🏻‍💻

[@lcbolin]

I inherited my father’s baritone ukulele. He had it for as long as I can remember. Now it’s my turn. So glad to have found you and this series.

[@AiXueXi92xx]

You are not both an awesome teacher and singer. I love your teaching styles and your voice. Thanks you so much 🙏

[@julanneosler9663]

You make it so easy to follow and I am enjoying each video.

[@maylene4644]

Bernadette, it's always a dream of mine to play at least one musical instrument. I'm 46 and the demand of my profession & raising a family life got on the way. My son is now grown-up and I finally found time to do things that I love! Last week when I bought my first ukelele & stumble on ur videos here in You tube. I can say that I'm looooving the way u teach. Easy to follow and instructions are at good phasing & easy to understand. You do it with a nice smile too so I get inspired moving along. I'm learning a lot of things from you & kuddos to ur passion in teaching!!!

[@christinemarie007]

I am on lesson 6 of the Ukulele 30 day Challenge. I am really enjoying it. You are an amazing and very professional teacher. Thank you, you make so many poeple happy and excited 😊

[@FireinTheBowl]

How did it go?

[@sallyforth9323]

Thank you, Bernadette. I’m enjoying the 30 Day Challenge so much! You’re a wonderful teacher. You ARE a singer! Your voice is beautiful! 🙏🏼🎶

[@madsbelovedtv]

Omg I actually stopped strumming when she started singing😍 it was so good!

[@emilyd9665]

You are a good teacher for my daughter. She likes that you explain.

[@Sarakatiuska]

Hi! I am writing to say thank you for your hard work and for inspiring this youtube community! I already knew how to play a bit, but I felt like there was a base missing there, so I am starting from the beginning with this challenge and I am feeling already the great progress!! You are amazing! Thank you very much!

[@lynnk8887]

I started this a while back and then I let it go. So now, I am back at it again from the beginning; ending on lesson five for today. Cheers everyone!

[@rangerone2259]

I've had such big problem with strumming in the beginning when I started to learn how to play the uke. I wished I would have had this video then. Thanks Ms. B. May God bless you.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Ranger One yes, strumming is such a tricky thing to learn and so many tutorials move too fast for the typical beginner. I tried using them with my students and they just didn’t work. I hope this one is clear 💛

[@marcitomascak5017]

If only someone had told me to cut my nails sooner. I would have been a lot less frustrated. Not only that it's good for the posture as well as getting the chords to sound right!!!

[@JK-wq7op]

im learning so much with your lessons.Thank you for this 30 day challenge. I was stuck and needed more instruction to play better.!

[@SeanVplayer]

Good lesson, got us multi-tasking on strum and singing. Good preparation for future lessons. Thank you Ms. B.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

SeanVplayer thank you too, Sean!! :)

[@vananhho1556]

You are so amazing at explaining anything! Thank you for giving me the useful feedback today. But now I have a little problem I just started to notice. I have a soprano and I find that if I try to ‘seatbelt’ my ukulele I sometimes struggle with my balance in my right hand. I tend to rest my head stock between my thumb and pointer finger, especially when I do not push any strings on the fingerboard. By the way, I love that you play a little outro on your ukulele at the end!

[@Nazzeroid]

I'm really happy I'm learning ukulele from you, Bernadette, thank you, you seem like a stellar teacher and I feel honored that this is free for me to view even... I want to learn ukulele because I want to cover songs I like, and I want to make a video for me and my man's wedding... This is also just a childhood dream.,,,,, so thank you,,, even if I don't learn in 30 days exactly this is a very good resource and I hope in more or less a month or two I come out kicking :)

[@lespiotrowski3451]

I'm loving this! I'm a beginner and purchased my Ukelele a couple of days ago. I have learned so much and have practiced a couple of hours each day.

[@OT7_3558]

I bought ukulele recently and I'm watching your video. You are the best teacher. You are my hope💫✨💜Love you so much mam. Take care....😘 - Love from India 🇮🇳

[@Conde1995]

I think I’m in love.... with the uke and some got me hooked

[@StephanieDouglassMusic]

Great video, I always forget about Row Your Boat! That's a great one-chord song. I usually start with "My Paddle's Keen and Bright," using the a minor chord. I love what you said about letting it fall. I'm going to be so well prepared to teach my students in a few weeks. PS - I know of at least 3 teachers, and one teacher's daughter, who are working on the challenge! They are enjoying it!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Stephanie Douglass hey Stephanie! If you ever have any tips and tricks to pass on to me please do! I always learn the best hacks from other teachers! 💛💛

[@merelsmits8426]

Hi Bernadette, my daughter Amy just turned 6 and she got a ukelele for her birthday. She is doing your challenge as a weekly lesson. It will take 30 weeks instead of 30 days, but because of day 5 she just learned her first song (Row row row your boat) and she is super proud. She thinks of you as her real teacher and sometimes she talks at the screen. Thank you for your lovely lessons.

[@paigesmith5856]

Very happy to be part of #30dayUKEchallege. I have Multiple Sclerosis and bought a Makala concert uke several months ago. I thought it’d be good for finger/hand dexterity and memory retention. I just bought a Sawtooth pineapple uke on Amazon, so this may be the start of an addiction. 😉

[@Aquamarine175]

thank you i got the strumming in the first 4 minutes of the video u really helped me

[@mexichicana]

You have literally been the most helpful beginner videos ❤️ thank you so much, I’m here house sitting for my aunt and uncle and they have a ukulele here and I have always wanted to try and play. I’m hoping by the time they come back I can play twinkle twinkle little star 😭

[@aloalv4472]

Great tips Mrs. B! Hopefully I can improve my skills with your wonderful videos😄

[@KT-pv5dq]

You're lucky to have a cool name. It's fun to say it. 😎 👍🏼

[@golvic1436]

Guess I will have to wait till my nail grows out. I have been using my thumb, or sometimes a felt pick since I can't for the life of me figure out how to strum with my index finger. I will give it a shot in a week or so.

[@Nicky-vn2fv]

The tip about very short nails on left hand... gamechanger

[@karinarzz]

I did not start the 30 day challenge, but I am excited to print the materials and start :) Great job Bernie!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Karina Ruiz oh Kary, with the experience you have on guitar, you can definitely start from Day 3 and catch up 😊😊

[@hiba6844]

Got a ukulele as a gift from my hubby today, Saw your video for beginners,After 1 hr, now I can squeeze my C and play and sing ‘raw, raw,....’ LOVE FROM INDIA 🇮🇳

[@ronthedon161]

Thank you so much!! Been looking for an eternity, for a strumming style that works for me. My strumming sounds so much more clearer now. None of the clatter clatter I used to hear earlier with this style. you are god sent lady!! :-D

[@Greg-vd5om]

Day #5: "1st like".....Outstanding, Bernadette.......Your strumming has always been superb...I am happy that you are covering this in your vid...:)...."Strum, Stum, Strum your Uke, gently on each string....Keeping every thing in tune, hitting every string" (Row, Row, Row your boat song)....:).. I miss KitKat!....:)...LOL....:)

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Greg Reynolds thank you, Greg! People have commented on my strumming for quite some time now, so I decided to teach it. I didn’t think it was anything special 😂 Thank you so much!

[@angiethuy]

Thank you for all yu our lesson Bernadette! Will you cover more strumming patterns in later videos? Specifically the F&Easy commercial song? I got that song stuck in my head and would like to play it on my uke.

[@danazed90]

I bought an uke 5 years ago... learned a couple of songs but got frustrated because I did not know what to learn next. Hadn't played it in two years I think. Then I found this resource and I'm giving it another try!

[@susanmeinders7322]

Bernadette! These videos are awesome. I'm teaching ukulele to a bunch of middle schoolers next week and I'm using your terrific curriculum guide. Thanks!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

That’s so awesome! Give those kiddos my best ❤️

[@ahataderda9245]

thank you for the lesson, now I am in the train and I miss my uke. I'll try new skills tomorrow when I'll be home))

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Агата Дерда I love traveling on the train 💛💛💛 it is so peaceful and picturesque!

[@carmelcollins3865]

Thank you Bernadette , you are a really good teacher , thank you .

[@TheFeliciwhale]

You are an EXCELLENT teacher. Thank you!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Aww, thank you so so much!!

[@RGbolwari7405]

Best ever Teacher ❤️

[@nameblbsoh]

Thank you for these videos! I was so exited to learn the ukulele :)

[@risangdosena]

*Requirements:* Fretboard hand's nail should be short Strumming hand's nails should be longer (index and thumb)

[@ragamuffinukes2779]

Nails good & short.. Strumming at bottom of fretboard versus over the sound hole... some old guitar habits are hard to break... but forward we go! Off to Lesson 6...

[@sachinsankpal4774]

Simply loving the way you teach . Lots of Love & Respect from India.

[@mibosol]

Really enjoying the challenge. A new community center opened up, offering a class for ukulele that begins in a couple of weeks. My uke arrived earlier this week and I happened to stumble on your channel, so I began the challenge. I like your style.

[@manred7901]

you are killing it you serious make nervous

[@kingas_stuff7305]

The videos 1-4 I understanded in one day. But the strumming and singing is realy challenging to me, mostly becouse I'm a nail biter and *I have very, very short nails* . I think that I will get itin a couple of days. Thank you for all this videos!!

[@geralynpalacol9295]

Thanks “Coach”!!! Great Strumming lesson✅. Thanks for stressing the importance of short nails on our fretting hands✅ Keeping the momentum going.......Don’t wanna miss a day🎁🎁🎁

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Geralyn Palacol hey!!! So happy to see you here day after day building those habits!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 and yep! Keep those nails short!

[@adelyntompkins6681]

Your a great singer!!

[@dragonmelon2427]

Following the 30 day challenge!

[@ahlanlim9308]

You are awesome. Love your videos. ❤

[@astridcariina]

for a pro it must be such an easy thing how to strum xD this video helped me soo much actually. because my fingr always got cought because i was playing directly over the whole. and i couldnt figured out how to do it right. thank you for this video :)

[@AdamariMedia]

The nail thing is kinda funny haha but I'm gonna do it to because I had been wondering if my nails were in the way!

[@MrDanache]

Great Videos. I haven’t quit but I hit a wall from moving to index finger from thumb. Finally! I had my other fingers pointed out instead of keeping a cupped strumming hand. Seems trivial but I was amazed at how your emphasis on proper foundation key. I keep going back to video one making sure I didn’t miss something. Nails cut lets go.

[@sylv.n]

THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS HELPED ME SOOOO MUCHH

[@SquabsMcGee]

Honestly these lessons have been really fun so far and It's really hard to put my ukelele down. I'm really struggling since my index nail is SUPER short right now so every now i get a big DING with my chord

[@gabs6440]

i would give you a heart instead of thumbs up if i could! after after 7 years of having my uke I'm finally really learning how to play it 😊 You're awesome! thanks from the bottom of my heart ❤ oh! and you do have a beautiful voice 😉

[@icecat4823]

you have da best ukekele tutorials big thanks~ :) I

[@Rob.Martin]

I wish you had done these 6 months ago. Still, I guess there is much to learn and iron out any bad habits I've picked up. Thanks for the great lessons.

[@steveharris2589]

Great lesson Bernadette Teacher!!!!!))) My strumming is a lot better now!!!))) So I will get my ukulele out this evening and Row that Boat!!!!))) Hope your packing boxes is coming along OK!!!!!)))🎈🎈🎈👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Steve Harris thank you, Steve!!! That’s great news!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 so happy to hear that! Packing is done and we are in our hotel room now waiting to fly out on a few days

[@steveharris2589]

Bernadette Teaches Music 😊😊😊

[@marty.l]

I'm lovin this course.

[@_Linda_K]

Thank you so much, it helps a lot.

[@selmah.f.4634]

Ooh I just noticed you hit 50,000! Congrats 😀

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Selma Hussami Finvold thank you, Selma!! Our community is growing 🤗🤗

[@cw1265]

Thanks for another great video Ms. B. I'm the one with the strumming finger stuck in the strings! Oops, I cut my strumming fingernails too short yesterday....but my strumming is coming along better, thanks to you! Have a great day!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

CW it’s okay! You can grow them out this month ;) Happy to hear your strumming is coming along! 😃

[@lilygg8018]

Wow Mrs. B! This is what I've been doing right along and sometimes with all four fingers, the Spanish flare! :o)

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Lily GG see! I knew you were good ;) you just add a little spanish olé to yours! 💃🏻

[@gerardobagos8941]

Trying so hard. Thank you so much. Lefty here❤

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Ahhh! You can do it 💛I had to learn lefty uke when I taught in the classroom. Definitely a challenge!

[@gerardobagos8941]

Thank you teacher B.

[@gerardobagos8941]

Teacher B. I will strum in reverse?thanks.

[@mariajukejax9649]

I'm a lefty too. I know how you feel. However we have the edge of seeing Bernadette teaching us in a mirror image.

[@gerardobagos8941]

@@mariajukejax9649 i hope we can☺😊