Stop Using the Island Strum… Here's what you can play instead

Let's learn a new strumming pattern AND a few songs!
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[@susanjarman9110]

I would ADORE a video on a variety of strumming patterns.. you're an amazing teacher

[@isabelita90]

Raise your hand if you were actually looking down when she told us to look up ✋✋✋✋✋✋

[@TheDido5]

🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🤩

[@carynmason3421]

Bernadette has 6th sense for when we are NOT looking up!😂

[@krirea6389]

😂 most definitely was looking down!

[@BlessYourHeart254]

🤚

[@stephaniekaloupek7817]

Lol!😂 yes!

[@jasneskis]

I don’t miss island strum. I need to learn other strums. Thank you.

[@ahickman360]

Omg- I didn't realize what a difference changing the strumming pattern makes!! I'm fairly new at the ukelele- been playing less than 1 year- and I was so excited when I learned the island strum, that I pretty much play it automatically on every song, lol!! But you are spot on- these other strumming patterns really make the songs. So much better fit. Thank you again Bernadette for reminding us to stay open minded to change. Great tutorial!!😍😍😍 And yes- anybody that's on the fence about joining Patreon- it is well worth it!! You get so much info and instruction and Bernadette is a wonderful teacher. Very patient and great at explaining everything. Plus a master on her instruments!!✨✨✨

[@muzikhed]

Very good tutorial. Liked you calm gentle approach and your contrasting examples help a lot. Thanks.

[@thereverendjoseph2023]

When I first started to learn the ukulele, the island strum was my go to strum and now months later it's in my muscle memory and I struggle to get out of it. Now I'm just listening to the song and trying to match the tempo without thinking of strumming patterns.

[@itme_jd]

This is exactly the strumming pattern i was looking for ❤

[@rwachtelful]

I love that you showed it with a few different songs! really helpful!

[@MikeBrown-dk7or]

I use the island strum often but now I'll start to use this alternate strum more often. A big thank you, Bernadette.

[@captsuburbia]

Thank you so much for covering the strumming pattern. The Island pattern is one of the things that makes the ukulele such a happy sounding instrument. It’s nice to get some other emotions out of it too.

[@swiftf0x]

Great strumming pattern. My biggest stumbling block (Other than B-flat) is Chucking.

[@Macy2011Cheer]

I love this strumming pattern!! So simple and you're so right how it does some songs more justice than the island strum.

[@kokkenodge6851]

Going to make my life so much easier! Thank you. My brain breaks with the island strum 😂

[@FlatlandMando]

I agree what you show here sounds better on this song...as you show it, the execution of the chord change at the right time is VERY important otherwise you risk getting lost. YOU are such an experienced teacher...you added "breathe" when going for another run through & I chuckled at home, not because you are funny but because when we adult learners are coping with a major new technique we can get stressed and we don't want to admit it. However if we get too stressed we will quit, saying it is too hard! Your suggestion to " breathe" is funny & important at the same time!😂❤

[@dramakat91]

You are such an amazing teacher!!! Thank you for helping me explore a creative outlet. It is such a source of joy and creativity for me. So grateful for the high quality lessons you provide ❤

[@glenparis]

So good! How do you know when I need to breathe and make my face un-mad? Uke skills are great, but your teaching skills are unbelievable. Recommend covering a twenty one pilots song.

[@eeffto]

Island strummer here 🙋🏽‍♀️ I'll incorporate this pattern. You're such a good teacher! -from a fellow teacher 🥰

[@fuzzhill]

I love the change proposed for these songs! I'm eager to try this.

[@greenmanatee6462]

Thanks, definitely need to remind my face ❣️

[@almagarcia9584]

Thank you Bernardette, it really makes a difference this new strumming pattern.

[@ShibblyWibbly]

I struggle SO much with Iland Strum and other patterns that it keeps me from trying new songs, going to try this, thank you so much!

[@lulabelldesigns]

I hope you have a tutorial for each of these songs, thanks I agree! ❤

[@e.castlerock8454]

Great video! I do need to change up my strumming. But what I really need is to be able to sing and strum simultaneously. It's just not happening no matter how many videos I watch. I just do play-alongs so the KZbinr does the singing for me.

[@ukestudio3002]

Adele song? I thought it was a Bob Dylan song. Good lesson. Thanks

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Hi! That detail is in the bottom left corner of the video while we are learning that song 😉 Thank you for the compliment! Glad you enjoyed the lesson ❤️

[@lisacompton3661]

Great tutorial and very helpful advice on strumming. You always give me confidence. Thank you.

[@kerrijessep7637]

Mind blown! This works! Thank you!

[@emilgercke2132]

Very nice, you always seem to intuit when to explain something just when I'm about to get lost. i love the reasoning behind the different strum pattern.

[@agneskiesling2905]

This is a great class!! ❤

[@pinakamagalingako]

Thanks. Something new to learn.

[@connieratti.ADBestyoucanbe]

Loved it made strumming so much easier and not intimidating. Thank you. You started me in your basic lesson and made it so much fun. Thanks for the confidence building along the way.

[@maureenmorris4217]

Thank you for sharing this ukulele training and for bringing it in such an encouraging cheerful way (you made me laugh "remind your face that you're not mad")

[@carollucci]

As always, thanks for an excellent tutorial. I do have a hard time getting the island strum out of my head, and this sounds so nice with this song, so I’ll be practicing this today!

[@EmEdDia]

This strumming pattern sounds much more appropriate for Radiohead! It will take a lot of practice before it sounds natural 😅 Thank you for another great lesson!

[@marisalevy8325]

This strum pattern sounds fab w these ballads! Great lesson, B! 🫶🏽

[@katiukulele]

Thank you! I've been trying to find new strum patterns to play with and examples of their use!

[@iyekmusic]

Thank you teacher Bernadette you're really such a great teacher of all time ❤️

[@leslielindeman8908]

Thank you. It’s so easy to just use the Island Strum, but other options are often more appropriate.

[@MT-red4212]

I needed this your explanation is very good I need to practice this I love the Island strum but this really expands my ear so mahalo you 🌺🌺🌺I appreciate you gave so many examples songs to learn

[@MentalLapse]

Beautiful strum pattern. I'm definitely going to work on it but it's kicking my butt even at 50% speed. My problem is I'm instantly lost. What I mean is for me to learn this song using the island strum, I over emphasize the 1st down on the key chord change word (When, Rain, In etc) and I can instantly follow your singing and off I go. This new pattern I think you are emphasizing the 3rd down and I instantly lose the count and can never catch up. For me and maybe others, for a new strum pattern, play one run-through by over-emphasizing the 1st down strum of each chord so we can get a feel for the chord start, rhythm, tempo and count :)

[@userinvalid7886]

Glad I found this channel! I got some chords down but I’m still struggling with strumming, I just stick to the one strum I know. 😅

[@gingeoram]

Good lesson on an important topic. Perfect teaching style.

[@janem2149]

Thank you for this, just what I needed!

[@redbossfan]

Super helpful, thank you. I have used this strum before, but when in doubt I tend to default to island strum, so this is a great reminder that I have other options.

[@sally0404]

This is a game changer..thank you so much!

[@rwilliams6928]

Great lesson, thank you. ❤

[@lunahawks]

Thank you!! I’ve been wondering about this ❤

[@luanerossouw7999]

Thank you, just what I needed

[@Fthrmn]

Perfect timing on this video!

[@askbatguy]

love this strum its so niceeeeee

[@ytmuzeek]

Nicely done

[@stephansiemers4107]

Like your videos. Playing guitar 🎸 and have learn ukulele fir three months your take it easy thanks

[@cecemc2103]

I completely agree with your choice of strumming pattern for the songs you demonstrated in this video. We really do want to choose the right strumming pattern for each song according to the mood/ emotion that the song was meant to convey... otherwise it will seem "off". Thank you! ;-)

[@robertgates3258]

New strumming patterns are so hard for me, but this one is really beautiful and doesnt seem too terribly difficult. Im gunna practice this one until I can add it to my limited skill set. THANKS MS BERNIE!

[@raevinson5423]

I've been wanting to learn some less upbeat songs and this is perfect! Thank you!

[@alicjakonopka]

Excellent video ❤

[@lv2rdhonu783]

Very helpful 👍🏻

[@TR4zest]

You make me pick up my uke again. A a novice, I learned the fingering for the common chords relatively easily, but struggled with the strumming. My sound was so inconsistent and clumsy, frankly. Time to try again.. Thanks. Subscribed.

[@user-ob4yz7qp9y]

Спасибо,спасибо,спасибо!!!❤

[@loriwelch9015]

My daughter bought me a ukulele to help with my anxiety. I have never played. I can’t read music so I have no clue what to do but I am eager to learn. I happen to come across your channel. You are a great teacher! In one week I’ve learned four chords. I struggle with strumming- especially the island strum. Is that ok when first beginning to learn?? I’ve watched a few channels on how to strum, your channel is the best! Your channel has taught me chords- C, Am, F, and Gm. I’m working on switching chords. I feel so uncoordinated 😀

[@TheMisasvs]

Thank you so much for your videos. It's so helpful. I've learnt a lot. Could you make a video on how to strum faster, please?

[@TheJournalPress]

I have been just doing DDDD. I need to learn some other way to strum. This is great.

[@gallojavo307]

Muchas gracias!!

[@jenniferh.monaghan8741]

OMG, this talks to me. Ty

[@yolioms]

I’m trying to get away from the island strum but boy oh boy am I having a difficult time with that-I will though continue to try the DDD DU strumming pattern. Thank you so very much for this tutorial-it’s going into my Saved videos you make. Cheers🎧

[@agneskiesling2905]

The D D D D U .... really makes ir aound better...❤

[@davidworthington3648]

yes I get that......I use the island strum a lot , and this gives me another useful option to try out....I guess its a case of trying both/all patterns to see which suits best....but not knowing DDD DU I wasnt going to find that out on my own. I also like the gentle laid back approach you have in your delivery. I am off to seek your baritone lessons, as that is what I am learning ATM......thank you

[@davidfuller577]

I Like This, thanks 🎉

[@christabelcher293]

I m really gonna work on this strum, cause I NEED to switch up my island strum, but I feel like I'm learning to sing and strum all over again!😂

[@rreiss60]

Thanks!

[@paulzambito8173]

I enjoyed your video

[@jasneskis]

I’ve never heard these songs before so I don’t know how they were suppose to sound. I like the strum pattern and am trying to learn it. You are moving fast. The worst thing is I can’t here your voice. That is what really helps me know what chord to play and what count I should be on.

[@paddymelia1669]

The "look up" must have got me a fair few times!! 🤣 You know your virtual students well Great video btw, I'm struggling to get the rhythm right with the DDD DU but I'll get there

[@_roshi]

thank you for this! would love the song names and artists for all the songs in the future ❤

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

Make You Feel My Love as performed by Adele Creep by Radiohead Karma Police by Radiohead 😃❤️

[@rselte]

This really makes allot of sense. Thank you. Also, do you have any videos with you playing any of these full songs? This is great for learning, though I'm sure lots of people, including myself, would really like to hear the songs play through. Longer versions could help internalize the patterns and be great to listen too.

[@andrewcattini1151]

Great video Bernadette. Very simple but it does sound way better on those songs then the island strum. I’m more a down up down up kind of guy (with the occasional beat skipped, depending on the song). That said the one thing that I never seem to improve is streaming and dynamics, trying to turn noise into music. left hand is way better than the left so any further videos of this nature would be great.

[@tessvlog]

It`s so funny, that this is a thing with the island strum. I started to learn Ukulele with your videos back when you was still in Okinawa. I learnded with youtube and books and always a lot of different strumming patterns where teached. I never had the feeling to have to stick to only one of them. I am fine if people just write the strumming pattern once (Like DDD DU) and than i try to follow that. Sometimes some need a moment of adjustment of course.

[@Brian89]

Could you do a tutorial on Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Arukou for beginners 😊?

[@greenmanatee6462]

Yes, me too, requested it way back

[@frobozzdingle5602]

Thanks Bernie...Island strum was the first strum I learned...but I never used it for all songs...I agree it does not fit for a lot of songs...actually I don't do much strumming...more a chord melody person...but I find this ...ddd...du....another tool in the tool box...merci

[@liztinsley1993]

I love the island strum

[@joannadalmacio3241]

I love this. Can you make a full tutorial make you feel my love by Adele. Thanks so much!❤❤❤

[@mrmisfit635]

Hello Bernadette ✌🏼

[@lesley90]

Nice to have new strumming style. Thankyou Bernadette🙏. Would more theory be possible ? Ide like to know how to change the KEY of a song. You taught it in the 30 day UKE CHALLENGE but ide love a recap 😊

[@sherryb9770]

Awesome! A tutorial on this song would be great. I’ve learned many different strumming patterns but the one I struggle with is singing and strumming reggae to Don’t Worry Be Happy. I don’t have the groove in my body for reggae. 😂

[@sallyforth9323]

Hey Sherry, I hear you! Cynthia Lin is another really great teacher. She’ll help you master reggae. I follow both ladies. Good luck! 😎

[@sarasmothers1]

So True

[@juliasmaistrla4407]

What is the pattern called..its a very helpful video thankbyou. Island strum is addictive but good to think about what strum suits a piece.. thank you.

[@patriciawright4897]

Thank so much for your teaching style. it’s such a blessing to my style of learning and it so encouraging. I really appreciate you breaking down the strumming styles. I was looking to learn how to speed up my strumming with consistency. The best way I can describe what I’m looking for is Blue grass jam session. Not sure if that helps. Also wanted to know if you have tablature in your pdf or do you know of any uke song books that do? I want to be able to play lead. Thank you for your time.

[@MR-gb9yo]

Awesome video. My weakness is the strumming part. This type of videos help me tremendously. Thank you very much. In a different line, I bought this ukulele and it is beautiful, sounds amazing and strings are so soft that will not hurt my fingertips like others. I bought it from your shop and it was an amazing experience. I do recommend your shop. Thank you for making my dream come true. You did everything you could to send me this beautiful Ukulele to Puerto Rico. Everything was well packed, received few accesories and some goodies. I am so pleased with the process. I love my ukulele. Thank you for your dedication, passion and patience. Your are, if not the best, one of the best teachers on You Tube. ❤❤ Att. Mirtha from PR

[@user-we6eu6lu6r]

Hola Mirtha, fm TX, I'm PR too, and I've been learning fm Bernadette for 10 mos, now, she's awesome. Sigue tocando y cantando

[@FSport_78]

please teach me a tutorial on building a household with you

[@DukeofUke61]

Thanks! Would you chuck using this pattern?

[@ronniegovender6605]

Hi Bernadette. I can strum the island strum very well, but when I begin to sing. The coordination goes off. I've tried several times but I can't do it. Please advise.

[@crewnail1763]

Did Sun Star go out of business? Just bought one on Ebay, a beautiful spalted maple. Can't seem to find out much information about them.

[@bjuraga]

so it does sound better to me, but out of the entire video i am still actually missing the part where you teach us how to actually strum the pattern, i only got a short showcase...

[@kenmarland5627]

Creep now sounds totally different with the different strumming pattern.

[@DAVEITTERLY]

I can strum but I would type a strum pattern as for example D D D DU but dude it then repeats so maybe write D D D DU D D D DU . Know what I mean? Or even better maybe D D D D^D D D D^D D D D^ so I'm confused. You can hear music in your head to play

[@mktkcb]

Love the strumming practice, but is your ukulele in tune? I checked mine against my Peterson, my phone tuner, and another video of yours, and it's spot on, but in this video your ukulele sounds maybe a half step or less out of tune? It's funky 🤔.

[@nitatouch4644]

I can sing with the island strum but i can’t sing with this strumming pattern yet

[@aapezel]

Keep at it. Once you can play any strumming pattern without having to concentrate on it too much, you can devote the brain space to other things like singing.

[@pebblesstleonards]

It looks a great strum, thank you, and makes a huge difference to the song examples you sang... but the demo of the strum pattern was too fast - I couldn't identify what you were doing. I played 4 x downs and 1 x up but it didn't sound anything like yours. 😬

[@morgandyhr]

bernadette enya ukes

[@shirleylitton8878]

That sounds so much better!!

[@greymatters333]

literally every time she says look up im looking down lol