How to Strum the Ukulele - 4 Ways

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Katie! Thank you for this lesson. People always ask me about strumming and now I can refer them to this video. You look GORGEOUS too, by the way! 😍😍

[@OneMusicSchool]

Oh thank you!!!! That's so sweet of you to refer me to your subscribers! You are sweet, and thank you for being you!

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

It’s a really great lesson! Your pace is perfect, the information is well presented, and the topic is timeless 😊

[@Greg-vd5om]

Your both the best!

[@OneMusicSchool]

Thanks for the feedback. Sometimes I wonder if a video would be too simple, but I forget that a lot of people assume that others already know the basics.

[@juanpabloleiva8114]

👏👏👏

[@mr.non-existent8137]

When I started playing the ukulele, I was using my thumb but as time passed by I tried using my index finger and I actually found it easier to use. To me videos like these are really nice cause it encourages me to try new things. Thanks for the video Katie :)

[@OneMusicSchool]

Yes, I think there's nothing wrong with using the thumb, but most of my students find it really hard to start strumming faster or using different strumming patterns when they advance. I'm glad that you're not intimidated to try new things, so it's encouraging that you find my channel useful :).

[@sadieross5250]

Ookalelaaa

[@OneMusicSchool]

YEAH!!!!!!!

[@LisaGallegos]

Yasssssss

[@JonStephens1968]

☆YASS☆

[@OneMusicSchool]

Don't forget to watch the entire video for bloopers!

[@UkuleleClub]

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

[@jenniferoatey8593]

So much talent! To skip using the pick go to 1:58

[@OneMusicSchool]

Thanks for watching, and I’m glad that it helped 😀.

[@florancezhang2298]

I use my thumb for all my strumming, and I've always been a little afraid that it's not the 'correct' way to strum, but I guess I've just learned to go with it. Thanks for the video!

[@OneMusicSchool]

You just have to find what works for you :), and I'm glad that strumming with your thumb works well for you. Thanks for watching and have a great day!

[@xrainbowwastex7867]

OH MY GOD Thanks SO MUCH for this video! I use method 3 and I was told years ago that was a bad habit and that if I couldn't break it, I could never play the instrument by a TEACHER. So I quit, but lately I've been really wanting to learn, so I bit the bullet and bought a new uke. It comes tomorrow, and I'm so ready to learn. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@rjp63vip789]

I'm going to try the flamingo style like you. I'm a beginner and I've been using my thumb but I find I love fingerpicking more than strumming I think this is because I've played keyboards for many many years and I'm use to using all my fingers. So I think the flamingo style strumming will be the one for me. I'll keep you posted!

[@zerowastecalifornia]

Had to watch this twice because you're so pretty I was distracted the first time!!

[@OneMusicSchool]

Awwww!!!! You’re super sweet! Thank you so much for the compliment and for watching 😀.

[@lilu549]

I bite my nails because of anxiety so I don’t really have long nails...

[@OneMusicSchool]

Hmmmmm, perhaps you could try banjo picks :).

[@lilu549]

It wouldn’t hurt to try. :]

[@user45548]

I have the shortest so it hurts so bad 😫

[@cragonoskritirea2982]

When you bite it too far so it hurts

[@leahw7277]

I use ukulele picks! I got three felt ones off of Amazon and I love them!

[@caleculating]

Awesome!! I really need this cos I’m still kinda struggling with strumming! Thank you:)

[@OneMusicSchool]

I hope this helps! Which one was your favorite?

[@caleculating]

One Music School Love the rooster! But i only strum with my index finger tho.... i was wondering whether that was bad?

[@OneMusicSchool]

That's not bad at all. Some people like the feeling of having two fingers reinforce their strumming, and others do just fine with one finger :).

[@caleculating]

One Music School oh thank you so much! I was wondering whether I was strumming wrongly.... I’ll be sure to try out the other strumming ways here and figure out what’s my fav💓

[@acebayore5813]

If i strumm with my thumb the sounds are more sharper and if i use my pointer finger the sounds are more warm

[@OneMusicSchool]

Hmmm, that’s interesting. Maybe it has to do with the size and length of your nail.

[@galactickim]

Thank you. Never took a lesson and instinctively used the thumb nail, finger nail combo that you prefer. Then I got worried I was doing it wrong so searched and found your video. Thank you for a very clear video! very helpful.

[@vidoexperience8112]

I just love how you explain things! Thank you for helping my ukulele journey :)

[@prasoonchandran2158]

JUST STARTED LEARNING UKULELE TODAY!! This is very useful . Thanks !!!

[@-soul-7056]

And how is it going two years later? I am just begging and my fat finger walkways get stuck between the strings or above or down /: do you have any tips?

[@user45548]

Who else just went straight to the comments when she said ookehleleh for the first time 😂

[@OneMusicSchool]

Funny 😁. I’m glad it made you smile. Merry Christmas.

[@alexsnoda3290]

I did

[@JonStephens1968]

Meh 😎

[@paqua13yearsago6]

I did not, but it is funny xD

[@patrickmahon3476]

here!

[@Elise10000]

Very helpful. Look forward to watching more of your videos. Have been “noodling” around on my ukulele :) for about a year, needed to go back to basics and figure out how to strum. My using index pad for up strum often did not sound clear, especially when faster, like the variety of options you demonstrate, thx! Also I need to use my elbow more.

[@OneMusicSchool]

So glad that this helped 😀. Thanks for watching. If you’re looking for a place to start, I have a series called 16 Days of Strumming. I’ll link the playlist below and I hope it helps.

[@OneMusicSchool]

16Days of Strumming- kzbin.info/aero/PLP-joYz6Bd09yxSKwh4iKCSPJk8CWq3kK

[@madisonmackenzie5447]

I keep hitting the actual instrument while strumming or my fingers get caught :(

[@OneMusicSchool]

Hi and thanks for watching. Try strumming not over the soundhole but where the neck and the body of the uke meet. There’s less string tension there. I hope that helps.

[@Veeador]

K9

[@jackiichocolate3172]

Thanks Miss Katie ,this is a must👀👀👀 must 👀👀👀must watch tutorial so that I can improve my strumming.You are amazing!

[@OneMusicSchool]

I'm so happy that this was useful to you. Let me know which one was the most helpful to you. 1,2,3, or 4.

[@jackiichocolate3172]

1 and 3.Hope u can teach us how to play flamenco music.Looking forward!

[@OneMusicSchool]

That would be really cool. There's a channel called Ukulele Like the Pros and he's a really talented teacher.

[@kealiiballao]

She is the only one who pronounces ukulele correctly

[@lybmae]

there's no correct way. yes, the hawaiian way was the first pronunciation but it doesn't mean it's the correct way. get your facts straight before commenting

[@bikarma892]

@@lybmae Guess you never been to Hawaii. Maybe we can get your facts straight!

[@prosefessional2387]

@@bikarma892 sounds prescriptivist but ok

[@danit5146]

Ive been looking for a good instructional tutorial. Thank you so very much.

[@vajavajush]

i did it just with my thumb before and now i really enjoy the first method you showed

[@ayano22691]

i know its not traditional, but watching this makes me want to learn to strum with a pick. (i'm a beginner and my fingers keep getting caught in the strings)

[@digomanda]

Hi Katie! I'm one month in with the uke and loving it, but finding that when I learn one new thing, the older things i thought I knew fairly well seem a little challenging again! I am wondering if another strumming option is to use the thumb for the DOWN strum, and the pointer finger for the UP strum. This is the way I felt most natural in the beginning, but I am willing to transition to a more "efficient" strum motion. Thank you so much. God bless you.

[@Greg-vd5om]

Great tips, Katie!.....Happy Tuesday!

[@OneMusicSchool]

Happy Tuesday to you as well, and thanks for watching! I'm glad that it helped.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Greg Reynolds 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️

[@KoroiItami]

I finally started strumming with my fingers instead of using a pick bc it sound way better, not as muted somehow and method 1 works perfect for me :)

[@adrived]

This is such a helpful video, your explanation of things clearly helped me develop a nice strumming method. I am your 370 like!

[@OneMusicSchool]

I love you!

[@ravenheuertz9903]

Thank you so much! I felt so stuck and this video helped

[@xxrossaaxx2043]

This was really helpful for me!! Thank you keep up the good work!😃 Plus.. I am your 100th like!

[@OneMusicSchool]

I'm thrilled that this helped you, and thanks for leaving an encouraging comment! It really means a lot.

[@arc1105]

🙋☝🎶🏫 Thanks for this video Katie. Was wondering about the elbow motion and wrist action. I am doing it naturally, didn't know if it was efficient for long term playing. I do the rooster, yet the beak is open and the index finger is free. Good point about the guitar pick. I've been careful but I wondered if the plastic would wear down the strings. Needs me some felt. Really like #3. Hadn't thought of using all fingers to strum. Sounds great. Know what you mean about the thumb. Find it only works best for down strumming and when I need to be quiet. This was a nice trip along the path of strumming. 🙌 Hope you have a great day, always. 😀

[@OneMusicSchool]

I think you're on the right track. If you can strum comfortably and also accelerate your speed gradually by strumming the way that you are, I would say that you're doing well. Sometimes my students have . hard time strumming quickly because they are only using their wrists and not having the momentum come from the elbow, but others don't struggle. At the end of the day, you need to do what is working for you.

[@arc1105]

One Music School Right on, thanks for the encouragement. 😀 Happy day, Katie.

[@OneMusicSchool]

👍👍👍👍

[@luisortiz9022]

0:43 "LOOK AT THE FLICK OF THAT WRIST" lol I just thought it was funny Edit: OMG I FOUND ANOTHER ONE LOL 1:40

[@OneMusicSchool]

I’m glad it made it made you smile!

[@OneMusicSchool]

Thanks for watching, and have a great day. I hope to see you in the comments section again.

[@luisortiz9022]

You too! 😊

[@OneMusicSchool]

😀

[@sushikiwi]

oooh, I love your pronunciation of the word "ukulele".

[@nicoladisimone4131]

Great!!!! Thank you so so muctch... i really needed this 😄😄😄

[@OneMusicSchool]

That's awesome! I'm so happy that this was something that you wanted to see. I hope you have a great day!

[@annamachtaler8778]

Thank you sooo much! This has helped me with my strumming! I also hit the bell!!! 😀

[@OneMusicSchool]

YEAH!!! I'm so happy that I earned a spot on your notifications! Welcome to the family.

[@annamachtaler8778]

😁😁😁

[@OneMusicSchool]

💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@_notsweaty3779]

2:45 can u here the windows sound?

[@LisaGallegos]

I feel like it’s filing my nail down when I strum. Now I have no nail and it hurts. Any tips?

[@jellyraptor3556]

I would recommend getting nylon strings or try with a pick

[@johnwolf7073]

awesome video as always ! :) keep it up !

[@OneMusicSchool]

Thank you! I love seeing you in the comments. How are you today?

[@omnipotentwafflegod8061]

Thanks alot I like method 3 the best and have been looking for an effective and comfortable strumming technique before I get used to one that isnt as desirable

[@omegapavan]

Thank you, Madam Katie I appreciate is .

[@meaniesearsandthings8399]

Thank you for the help on lava. I am still practicing. I use a ukulele pick but I really want to strum with my fingers. I kinda think I can do the pointer finger and thumb. I will just have to keep practicing that to keep using the fingers correctly while strumming. But when I strum I don’t know if I’m not using the right part of my finger or what because to me it sounds very faint when I play. Then sometimes I catch and it’s loud.

[@callumtait4793]

I strum with my thumb for folk songs and quieter, more intimate songs, and I strum with a pick for showtunes and more jazzy , brassy songs. I don't really play Hawaiian music but when I do I use my thumb for that. It just depends on what type of sound I wanna make.

[@pamelajibaja8122]

I love your videos, love you so much keep going with excelent videos 😍❤

[@OneMusicSchool]

I'm so encouraged by your words. Thank you for being so sweet!

[@Cheystudios]

This helped immensely thank u

[@dalestehlik622]

Hi Dale from Nebraska question is it best to just use one kind of stum to start off. Enjoy your vidos

[@cherfancherfan6682]

#notificationsquad #earlysquad *I was waiting for this video* thank you so so so mush❤❤❤❤ first😀

[@OneMusicSchool]

I;m so happy that this was something that you wanted to see!!! Which way was your favorite or the most useful to you?

[@susank6267]

I love bloopers!!!

[@OneMusicSchool]

Great to see you in the comments again! I'm glad that they made you smile.

[@mimmidauria5405]

You're a life saver

[@ice4415]

im a beginner - my finger still gets caught in the strings even if i strum near the neck, any tips? :((

[@Cybr_Crow]

The same thing is happening to me. Whenever I try to strum my fingers get caught up in the strings

[@sagee4936]

Try strumming a little lighter near the neck of the uke

[@LucaDofus]

For a softer sound I sometimes avoid the nails: strum down with the thumb, strum up with the pointer finger.

[@kingdiazdaniel]

First! Ima order some of those picks 👍🏽

[@OneMusicSchool]

Great to see you today, and congratulations on winning the first comment!!!!!! Let me know which ones you buy.

[@kingdiazdaniel]

just ordered the Bolo picks from Amazon

[@OneMusicSchool]

Nice. You'll have to tell me what you think of them when you try them out.

[@destiny8967]

Can you strum down with you thumb and up with your index? For some reason is feels so natural to me but i havent seen anyone do it.

[@fatiha9279]

Hi! i want to ask, im playing my ukelele with my right hand, is that normal? because i barely sees people plays their ukelele with their right hand

[@andyboyd126]

Is there much difference with the nut width of a soprano, concert and tenor. I've smallish hands (no jokes please ☺️) regards AB

[@udaygarg2232]

Hiiii, first of all lovely video and second until recently i used my thumb for strumming for i read and heard people saying that its better to strum with index finger, can you tell which is better and why ? Also while using index my finger gets stuck in between and the whole mood is destroyed, i use your tips only, i strum where the neck meets the voice box but still its painful

[@OneMusicSchool]

Hi and thanks for your question. Each finger changes the sound that you produce when you strum or pick. I have found that just using your thumb may limit you when you want to chuck or produce a different sound when you play. It's not necessarily wrong; however, I have found that my students find themselves stuck when the want to try other strumming techniques. Below are a few videos that I think might help. I hope they do :). Strumming Tips - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXaUfGmHZ8eem5I Fingers Getting Caught - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWXWd4KPqt5pm7M

[@udaygarg2232]

@@OneMusicSchool thank you sooo much 🥰 also one more thing, is it necessary to have long nails for better strumming ???

[@OneMusicSchool]

No, you don’t need long nails. It may just need to get used to it, but just find a way that works for you 😀.

[@udaygarg2232]

@@OneMusicSchool tysm 😊

[@keyki5288]

Its very hard for me to chuck because i use my thumb to strum and I have tried every other way to strum but none of them seem to be working (i've even tried with my index and things like that for a full day) any ways that i could strum with my thumb and chuck at the same time?

[@internettetalk3709]

I have a concert uke so it sounds very strong, Is that ok?

[@lettuce8635]

Is it weird that I strum down with my thumb(using the pad) and strum up using the index finger(using the pad)?

[@amy86975]

SomeNerd Hk no that’s not weird at all. It’s a good way to strum actually

[@shylah3380]

What if i play with just my pointer finger, it works perfectly fine for me...

[@Mhaivlog]

I hope I can do this.

[@OneMusicSchool]

Uke can do this!

[@lovetobeunique]

That makes me feel better cause I strum with my thumb I tried the pointer finger & it was just to hard 😀 we need a Ukulele emoji

[@Ok-wb4du]

I use my thumb ty though I was wondering if I was doing it wrong

[@jilliandoesstuff]

I’m a beginner and I was using my thumb to strum and now I have a blister

[@OneMusicSchool]

Using the thumb is not my favorite, and many of my students have found themselves in the same spot you are by using their thumbs. Have you tried the other ways that I mentioned in the video? It may be awkward at first, but it may help you in the long run.

[@jilliandoesstuff]

Thanks! And yes I want to try the other techniques of strumming. I am also a lefty so I don’t know if that may be making it harder for me to strum

[@TheStarz2826]

I'm learning how to play and I cannot strum with my index finger for the life of me. So I have to strum with my thumb going down but have trouble strumming up with the thumb. GRRR

[@rod1148]

I have the same problem.

[@joseph2832]

Thanks! :)))))

[@isabely7466]

My problem is that when I strum (rooster style😎) that you can hear my nail loud. So as my nail hit the side there is this sound. Please help me. :(

[@OneMusicSchool]

Try strumming not over the hole but towards the part where the neck meets the body. Also, try strumming more gently. You ma be using too much pressure. I hope that helps.

[@isabely7466]

@@OneMusicSchool thanks for your help😊

[@ImCHN24]

This was good

[@OneMusicSchool]

I'm so glad that you liked it!!!

[@luharrell1]

I normally do number four or if it’s a softer song I’ll just use my thumb

[@OneMusicSchool]

I do too. I have to use my thumb when my daughter is sleeping.

[@HaHa-hr1vu]

dun trip while strumming :) has the disney songs ended?

[@OneMusicSchool]

No, just taking a break 😊.

[@nathanferguson5660]

really good, ima beginner

[@thuyduongnguyen8972]

Can i strum with middle finger and thumb???

[@peytoncali6398]

What if we did a music video together? Piano and ukulele that be so much fun!! I will of course get better at piano first (I'm bad)

[@OneMusicSchool]

🎵

[@MM-pj4bl]

I love how she said “your rooster” 😂

[@briaschalesky6628]

When I strum up, my fingers get caught in the string.... what am I doing wrong?

[@JonStephens1968]

Same idk why tho 😕

[@briaschalesky6628]

Jon Stephens I figured it out, strum with your middle finger down and your thumb up. It takes some practice but I think I got it

[@maryyangfo5970]

Can i strum it like a guitar

[@hokkienwithelish2694]

But why I'm comfortable with my index 😭 Is it wrong? Or is it okay?

[@OneMusicSchool]

Nope, not wrong at all. I use my index finger all the time for strumming.

[@arthurfelipe544]

I only use my index finger, is that wrong?

[@elianaceron5696]

When I use my finger nails to strum on my ukelele it adds weird sound and idk why ?

[@Red-nk3id]

I hate doing the index and thumb strumming my thumb always gets in the way while going up

[@OneMusicSchool]

I made a video that I think might help you about your fingers getting caught in the strings and what to do about it. I hope it helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWXWd4KPqt5pm7M

[@АннаГлотова-о3с]

I love one music school!

[@OneMusicSchool]

I love you!!!!!!!!!

[@limmeefoon9213]

❤❤❤

[@OneMusicSchool]

Thank you so much for watching :).

[@gianfr84]

Have a good day my princess :D

[@OneMusicSchool]

I hope you have a good day as well! Thanks for watching :).

[@shadiqshah]

So there is nothing wrong about using just our thumb?.

[@totallytay]

How many ukuleles do u have? ❤️ ur channel 😊

[@OneMusicSchool]

Oh boy... I’m scared to count 😂😂😂.

[@bryacinth]

I strum using just my thumb. It's what has always felt best for me. I can strum with my 🐓 but my default is just my thumb.

[@OneMusicSchool]

Keep doing it if it works for you :). Good to see you in the comments again.

[@ilovemonkeys7644]

Can someone tel me why mine sound so much lower then hers?

[@tv33_v1v2]

Possibly different tuning. Also she’s playing she C chord to make the notes go from lowest to highest :)

[@khalenamnathvong7622]

I have the same one

[@ghjosty1790]

Oohkeleleeeeeee

[@symb0lzyt577]

Ookalele. Lpve ur accent

[@MarrysKreativWerkstatt]

This is not an accent thing, it's actually the right Hawai'ian way to say it ^_^

[@GarrettEderer]

I've heard of a strum using multiple fingers right?

[@kx8776]

Second😂❤❤

[@OneMusicSchool]

WOHOOOOO!!! Thanks for being here. How are you today?

[@kx8776]

One Music School I'm fine🙈😊 thank you very much for asking🧡

[@OneMusicSchool]

That's great to hear!

[@juanpabloleiva8114]

👏👏👏✋✋✋

[@OneMusicSchool]

Thank you for watching :).

[@juanpabloleiva8114]

One Music School you welcome🙏🙏🙌🙌

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@juanpabloleiva8114]

Bernadette Teaches Music 🙏🙏😂😂

[@witheredhouseplant]

Ookalele

[@OneMusicSchool]

Yup! That's how you pronounce the word, but I really don't care how others pronounce it :).

[@drsprite4488]

Look at the flick of that wrist

[@peytoncali6398]

#notificationsquad :DD

[@OneMusicSchool]

YEAH!!!! How are you today?

[@peytoncali6398]

i'm actually wonderful!!!! how are you?

[@OneMusicSchool]

That's great to hear! I'm doing well, but I'm super tired :).

[@peytoncali6398]

One Music School yeah I am too my friends came from another state and we stayed up until midnight every night and I never really recovered

[@OneMusicSchool]

It sounds like fun :).

[@peytoncali6398]

I play piano and ukulele is very different

[@OneMusicSchool]

I know what you mean. I started playing piano at age 8, and I didn't start to learn a stringed instrument until I was 21.

[@leoninelizard1107]

FIRSTT!!!

[@OneMusicSchool]

YEAH!!! Thanks for being here. How are you today?

[@alexsnoda3290]

Ookaleele

[@drsprite4488]

I don’t have nails to strum

[@KC-cr9ew]

Ookulaylay