How to strum a ukulele!

[@Harames]

Can you make an updated version of this with better visual quality and a close up of you hands during the strumming techniques?

[@TheHazelNutX]

I don't know if this is just me but i am having some trouble strumming upwards. i always find that my finger gets stuck on the 'a' string or when i go to strum down again my finger gets stuck on the ukulele itself. is it just down to practicing or is there something i can do to stop it?

[@clickbearr8407]

+hazzle bazzil Yep. Same here.

[@whitephoenixfire88]

Just practice. Your body takes time to build muscle memory. Keep going slow and steady and speed up once you've got it down. Try a few different strumming methods. Maybe another feels more natural. I learned Hawaiian method from someone who uses their index finger. My index finger was terrible sounding so I used my thumb. Different strokes for different folks. Be patient and good luck with your ukulele!

[@smhyuss3775]

+hazzle bazzil omg ikr samee

[@skelcliquetrash3252]

Same

[@KarinaGonzalez-ch6ju]

same i can't strum upwards it either misses chords or gets stuck in e

[@caitlynward4879]

hey to all the people struggling with the claw method. this is what worked for me. i discovered this right after i cut my nails because i thought it would help): rip my beautiful nails lol. OK but i was having a difficult time with the claw it didn't sound right and my nails were catching different strings and my thumb wasn't working to strum up. my solution was to not join my thumb and pointer finger together i relaxed and separated them. i still used the 4 fingers to strum down and the thumb to strum up but it was a lot better when the weren't touching. i hope this made sense and help you!

[@caitlynward4879]

and practicing this way i hope to eventually be able to join them

[@sofialangaard5172]

Caitlyn Ward thanks that works for me!

[@amelia-hs6sx]

Caitlyn Ward omg thank u so much

[@caitlynward4879]

youre welcome (;

[@adebambzinthehills]

OH MY GOODNESS, been scrolling through these comments seeing people with the same problem, then i find ur comment and it works thanks a lot :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[@Colaris99]

I still can't do it. Strumming down is okay but when I strum up I seem to dig into the strings. :s

[@Mudspot1]

try strumming up with the soft spot of your index, seems to work for me :P

[@jinicoll]

happens a lot to me also :(

[@Colaris99]

I'll try, thanks :)

[@YaseenRocca]

Colaris The way experienced individuals like The Ukulele Teacher strum makes strumming look effortless and so easy, especially when they strum so fast. And I think that after years of practice, and perhaps forgetting just *exactly* how it was in the very beginning for them, they themselves-at least many of them-start to take strumming for granted! In reality, strumming requires its own separate hours of practice; it can be tedious, noisy, and even make you feel incompetent, when you compare your moves to their gracefulness gliding over those strings up and down; but that's where almost all musicians have started. In short, don't think that strumming is easy; it can take a few days of at least 30 minutes of practice a day just to reach an acceptable performance and avoid digging into the strings most of the time...and again, that practice time is *just* for strumming. But with persistence, you can start doing what you see in this video.

[@YaseenRocca]

Colaris Also separate practice of the "upward" strums from the downward strums in the beginning; like do 5 consecutive downward strums, then 5 consecutive strums upwards; maintain for 3 days or so, then move to mixing them to achieve "slow" versions of the patterns you see in this video.

[@FitfullyVintage]

Perfect! I was getting so annoyed with my fingers catching, or not catching the strings 'the claw' sorts all that out instantly - thanks!

[@katiekulaga1466]

Just got my Uke yesterday, YOUR CHANNEL HAS HELPED MY SO MUCH

[@gabidabrowska0307]

katie kulaga I'm going to buy mine tomorrow😍

[@brutusbabes9512]

@@gabidabrowska0307 same, but yours was a year ago😂 how is your ukulele journey going?

[@ChipperWilliams]

majestically awkward I just got my Uke two weeks ago. I just came across The Uke Teacher. I’m on it! Good luck and God Bless to all.

[@kaiaros]

@@brutusbabes9512 yours was 2 years ago now, how's it going?

[@brutusbabes9512]

@@kaiaros omg thanks for asking 😭 I play a whole bunch of instruments now. Uke, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and keyboard!! This made me oddly happy that you check🥺

[@victoriaguerra546]

you're videos literally make sense! the other videos i found on KZbin were kind of hard to follow, but yours i actually know what to do and how to do it!

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

Awesome, that's great to hear, thanks! 😃

[@zekeaviles3100]

I mostly prefer Hawaiian because it's easier and you get a smooth sound. Recently I've been trying to use a claw technique for better volume quality, but for the life of me, I can't get to work. My fingers always get stuck, which I have noticed to be a common problem among many beginners like me. Any tips?

[@GirlieGirlOMG]

I have the same problem

[@hiooo1978]

Zeke Aviles I can't do my thumbs because I can't go up

[@its_lapis_lazuli1277]

try strumming lighter not softer lighter, like your trying to feel a a dogs furr with out touching its skin, i also had that problem and i quited but i just started right now and adjusted my strumming it works a lot better

[@corentincozic2273]

You are the best ukulele teacher in the world !

[@QueenTrista]

I don't play or even posses any instruments but I woke up a few days ago with this huge desire to play ukulele. I know it is not as simple as it sounds but your videos are amazingly helpful. I will watch through all of them to see if I am a ukulele material in the first place. I love the sound of it. Wish me luck and thank you!

[@candygranger]

Good luck! :)

[@Jodyplanet]

You are the best ukulele teacher I've ever met. I've been playing it for a couple of years, learning online lessons from some local KZbinrs. They are good, but don't possess sharp explaining skills like you. I can play the intro of Let Her Go within 2 days! after watching your lesson, I never imagined I could do this. Thank you very much!

[@courtney2878]

As someone who purchased her first ukuele a few days ago, I appreciate these videos to no end. You're a great teacher :D

[@e.g8215]

i am so frustrated almost smash my ukulele at my computer anyone else feel the same way as i do?

[@MsMrReason]

yes

[@peperomiapizza]

I have to learn to play in 3 months for my leavers assembly and I'm only 12 so I screamed and woke up my family last night

[@zoestaub2154]

I've been screaming at the computer screen for 30 minutes and my family is a little worried

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

Yikes... I hope my video isn't going to he responsible for a domestic incident!

[@ty1errjoseph_tp855]

yEs.

[@Dra9on2]

I prefer method 2(thumb) or a pick. The claw is somehow downright impossible for me. My fingers get stuck between the strings :) I'm having tremendous amounts of fun while playing the uke. Thanks for teaching me :)

[@jessbates504]

For the claw, i suggest you let your fingers go loose (spread softly apart) and let your thumb nail do the up strum~

[@raiju510]

+gtfojess thank you so much

[@CaatsGoMoooo]

I've always used Hawaiian style & I've never had a problem with the sound being too soft haha.

[@JustNatax3]

+Lexie WuYiFan Tibbo same :)

[@selenazhang9100]

Truuuuu but I'm really bad at the ukulele

[@jaidyn967]

Me too!

[@gordonssongs8640]

I do think my life has changed, in fact. Thanks for the tips. I find myself now using a variation of the claw strum, wherein I do the upstroke with the pad of my index and middle fingers (which are fairly calloused from playing fingerstyle guitar) and sort of let my thumb have a rest (which it needs because, as I mentioned, I play fingerstyle guitar). I am grateful to those who share their knowledge with the rest of us. It has helped me learn so much.

[@andrewtralongo156]

With the claw technique, I had difficlty with the up strumming as my fingers were getting stuck within the strings. I found it useful to release the fingers apart, and slightly angled my thumb so that it was able to 'glide' in some sorts across the strings. Kinda like changing to the hawaian technique for the up-strum

[@majaseitz1658]

I just got a uke after stumbling across your videos recently. I needed something fun and relaxing and engaging to do after an intense year in my master's program. You make playing so much fun!!! Thank you!!!!

[@mtremblay505]

Been watching and learning from different videos all week. This is by far the best intro to strumming I’ve seen. Great teacher.

[@infinitejusticeone]

This is the BEST strumming lesson on the internet! I have them so many to no avail but his makes sense and I am now strumming nicely! Thank you so very much!

[@yaplouyi]

Hi The Ukulele Teacher Thank you for all this basic stuff on ukulele I just got my ukulele for my birthday a few days ago and it sound so not right but after watching this video or maybe the previous one my ukulele got the right tune! And I learnt how to play some notes. THANK YOU!

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

Awesome! Hope you had a great birthday :)

[@sophiev2196]

if you're having trouble with strumming, i found that covering the chords with all four fingers so that the strings don't have sound and trying to strum gives you a feel and good practice for strumming correctly! good luck!

[@sophyO-r7r]

hey in 2 days i have learnt 3 chords and have found my own method of strumming and understand a bit about rythem. Thank you soooo much. This is great little instrument to get me back in to playing music. I am a violinist who can't play her violin due to disability, so thanks again. XXXX

[@stephaniecannon6565]

Just got a ukulele today.... so glad I have this channel to teach me!

[@YaliSafiya25]

I just got my first ukulele a couple days ago, and I've been having trouble with strumming, mainly strumming upwards. I had someone tell me you were supposed to only strum with your pointer finger or index finger, which was very uncomfortable for me, so I'm glad that I don't have to only do it like that. Thanks a lot!

[@GreeeenT]

I just got a ukulele for my birthday :) I've been subscribed to this channel for a long time and now I can finally play with you

[@GreeeenT]

NutellaFrenchToast it's so much fun !!! I'm still a newb but i'm getting there !

[@bekkaanneee]

this is really the first time that i understand how to actually strum and not just kinda bsing it. thanks so much muchacho~

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

+Bekkaanneee Nice one, glad to hear it!

[@Jasminacesminecraft]

I've been strumming with my thumb and I did a really fast song and my thumb is covered in blisters, now I can't play the ukulele until they've healed

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

+Jas Trash Ouch :(

[@cheeseisyummy676]

Me to

[@gwendohshidt]

This happened to me with guitar. Poke them with a needle gently until all the pus comes out and you're good to go.

[@gwendohshidt]

+AquaOutside Yep lol

[@Iandothing]

+Trent Plays Gamez that isnt pus that is white blood cells actually

[@gabbylorenz2800]

YOU ARE THE BEST TEACHER EVER.

[@ironphil62]

Thanks Legend for your simple DD U UDU lesson I've never played any musical instrument my whole life I'm 55 and a friend on Maui introduced me to the Ukulele so I've only been playing the Ukulele 3 weeks, it's hard but fun so I'm giving myself 12 months to learn the Ukulele then see how I go for there, thanks again teacher for the helpful hints.

[@vandini8185]

This is brilliant! 2017 I got my new ukulele and you've helped me out tons, in 6 minutes. I love this. And I love you, kind senpai. New student alert!

[@freyabliss4389]

Got my first ukulele yesterday and this is great! Much appreciation from Australia.

[@richieharris3209]

Ukulele Teacher you are certainly the best Ukulele Teacher. Haha. Thanks for making it all work.

[@dzielnajago]

i obviously just started playing my ukulele, and strumming is a nightmare, but your "life-changing" strum actually works for me, which is huge for such lame begginer, so - thank you so much! you're doing an amazing job!

[@shroinkenberg]

picked up my first ukulele today and haven't put it down I play drums, guitar and bass but this is the most enjoyable instrument I have played yet or I have that new instrument happiness if you know what I mean really appreciate your videos just earned a subscriber cheers from Canada !

[@flouce]

you just changed my life been trying to play the use for months and just understood how to

[@Undercovertheory]

MR UKULELE TEACHER--- I wish YOU the best. Thank you so much! You're brilliant

[@sharijustshari9725]

Got my first uke Sunday (a surprise gift!), and today is the first time I've had a chance to play it...I am having SO MUCH FUN! Thank you so much!! (Now my daughter is dying for one!)

[@mollymcdade6309]

i'm thinking about buying a ukulele and learning how to play i was scared that I wouldn't be able to pick it up quickly but you seem like a really great teacher so i think i'm going to. I'm so excited!

[@YaliSafiya25]

Also, I'm having a bit of trouble with the claw strumming method, it's not that my fingers are getting caught, it's just that when I strum that way I don't always get all the strings so it sounds kind of weird. I normally strum the Hawaiian style, because that's what i feel more comfortable doing, but I want at least be able to strum the claw method. Any tips?

[@kaitlinhannigan6294]

YaliSafiya that's my issue to!

[@bandaidjam]

I am so used to doing Hawaiian method but when I watch Dodie Clark or Jon Cozart they use claw method and do palm mutes. With Hawaiian method I can only do fingerboard mutes which I find kind of frustrating so I am trying to learn claw method so I feel ya buddy

[@shelbylegrand2273]

You have the absolute best tutorials of all time.

[@Herby2478]

half way through I had to stop and play the same tune for 10 mins because I now knew how to do it. AND IT WAS AWESOME! I CAN PLAY AN INSTRUMENT! YAY!

[@Laurz23x]

this is so hard oh my god I can't do any of it😂😂

[@josukulelechannel8736]

Lauren 로렌 V Don’t give up! I know you can do it! I believe in you!

[@DarkJupiter16]

How do I stop tripping over the cords with my fingers? I get the strum pattern but when I strum my fingers hit the string and stop

[@somberbrain1821]

same lmao

[@brooklynno6864]

Me too

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

Depends on budget, but I'd recommend getting a £30-40 soprano to start. That way, if you don't like it you haven't wasted too much money, and if you do you can upgrade.

[@Jocelyn4931]

I just bought my first uke and this was super helpful! Especially the visual aspect. Thank you!

[@heyitsgalina6797]

I finally got the method I've wanted to get, the claw method!! Practice, it's so worth the amount of time it takes to perfect it!!!!

[@mickeyxiong2559]

This is so helpful since I'm still a beginner :)

[@lesbroad2208]

hi guys, just started learning the uke, an anniversary present from my wife, looking forward to learning lots from here.

[@Videos_of_random_things]

I'm sure it's been said before...but you're an awesome teacher. Your easy going, fun approach has made me throw caution to the wind and go for it. I've learned heaps from your vid's. Thanks for your help. (Not to mention I don't feel anywhere near so self conscious about singing now).

[@Tjirnki10]

Your videos are literally LIFE CHANGING thank you so much!!

[@ellenfanning7288]

there's also a fourth way- my teacher told me to just use the pad of my index finger going up and the nail of my index finger going down, and if you're having trouble like getting stuck on the strings, relax your finger as of you're shaking off water!

[@zaraburgess5921]

I found this way the easiest thankyou! :)

[@brooklynno6864]

Thank you so much! It works!!!

[@SB-oj4th]

Love you man! My wonderful girlfriend got me my very first uke for my birthday back in January and you were the guy who taught me how to play! Thank you for your amazing lessons and keep going strong man! #Thankful4Uke

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

If you're comfortable strumming that way, then it's absolutely fine. Whatever feels right for you *is* right - have fun with it!

[@lanih8799]

thanks so much! just brought my first ukulele and this video helped so much!!! :):) keep doing what you're doing!

[@brackishangel3496]

you have helped so much I watxh the three courds vid you did and by the end of about 4 days I had 7 chords including F, C, and G. It's now easy to pick up new chords that arent on my beginner's guide that came with the uke, like Em and A#m

[@mayaorellana]

You completely helped me with my strumming since I am still a beginner! Thanks!

[@onlyheila2267]

I'll be getting my uke tomorrow , and your channel helped me so much , thank you!

[@DanaNourie]

Please add this strumming video along with your other how-to videos to the app. It’s nice to have them all in one place without KZbin ads😀

[@gracehaneline999]

Im so glad i can use a pick! I was uncertain whether or not you could on a ukulele.. My sister is getting me a uke for christmas, and im so excited to learn! Thank you for taking your time to make these videos :) i hope to meet you one day!

[@situationallyironic944]

+Grace Haneline make sure you use a felt pick! harder materials have a high chance of damaging your ukulele over time. good luck!

[@brunomalan756]

the best teacher ever! thanks for your leassons!! from brazil

[@MrEricgal]

Great lesson..... Loved this last strumming patter which was completely new to me. Thanks for all your efforts .

[@gabrielaroza9476]

My teacher, I'm loving our classes...

[@raymondtheukuleleboy6754]

I play with a felt pick. It's easier to do than the claw, and since it isn't plastic you can still control the volume. Plus it has a smoother, less twangy sound

[@miah3567]

Got my first ukulele today! You're a great teacher, thank you!

[@ClairHobbit]

Hi - thanks so much for this video. I went along to my first ukelele club last night - first time playing the uke and I was a bit lost in terms of strumming, but your video will help me practice for next time :D x

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

I love that feeling!

[@ReginaBirchley]

Best ukelele tutorial by far! I'm so much more confident strumming - thank you :)

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

Thanks - will do!

[@clomeli]

#thankful4uke these "old" videos were so useful when i began learning the ukulele 2 years ago!

[@HAWIIANTHUNDER1]

the visuals helped so much

[@Mxtthlg]

im struggling with actually strumming. i find it hard to strum the patterns in general

[@omamori8930]

|-/

[@user-gg3ow7st9i]

Cliiiique

[@AltPeachStudy]

+Ioan Rata Is this some sort of spam I've seen it on two diffrent uke channels already

[@oliviaginsbourg6541]

The first time i understand ukulele lesson God bless you.

[@briananazario3554]

I'm doing it but its doesn't sound anything like yours

[@islou3337]

Same here

[@suungirl128]

He's also doing a cord. If you're not it'll sound differnt

[@omamori8930]

frerard much?

[@oldviridi6287]

Illeana Ayson i was about to say the same XD

[@hellotoffii8874]

same lol

[@nenasalazar9204]

thank you so much i been looking for a clear video on how to strum a ukulele and i finely found it here great videos keep it up :D

[@booksandquestions9135]

Dear Ukulele Teacher, I've been muddling along playing the uke for about a year, and never really figured out strumming. This video was fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so clearly and effectively. It is much appreciated. Sincerely, a fan.

[@Kenzii96]

dudeeeee you're awesome!! Best ukulele teacher out there! :D

[@ditistheresa]

Thank you! I just got a ukelele and your videos are the best!

[@ejkitty1014]

This helped so much! I never thought strumming would be so hard at first, but now it's super easy! 😄👍

[@paytonmatzke9721]

i want to thank you for all of your hard work and giving out free lessons. ive been playing since the ending of January, and ive got down a few cords pretty well. i dont have that much fee time either. ive got a kids uje from toys r us, so it sounds kinds bad. but hay its a uke. anyway, thank you so much. ive got a guitar as well, and i just started practicing tonight the uke helped. thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@teltomo5862]

Hi Uke teacher! I downloaded your app even if I still don't have a uke. You're awesome, sir!

[@samduckworth2977]

Thank you so much... your the reason I started playing the uke God bless you

[@izobelholt4009]

I wish I could do the claw but my thumb always gets caught on the strings when I strum up, can anyone give me tips please? :((

[@violacola]

Izobel Holt Cut your nails.

[@izobelholt4009]

Lucy Lyttle I don't have any I bite them😂😩

[@Allymai_]

Izobel Holt I have the same issue!

[@violacola]

Izobel Holt In that case do what I do. Tuck your thumb nail under the index fingernail and try to keep any nail from sticking out too much. I helps for me as I share this issue.

[@marissafaith7059]

Izobel Holt my fingers are always held the right way as he shows them, but they get caught on the strings then!!! I have no clue what to do either!

[@SeSeMittens]

Thank You! I sounds so much better now :) I really struggled with strumming but the claw is just perfect ^^

[@laurenmcg8826]

I am having SO much trouble strumming up! I am SO EXTREMELY frustrated! I can go down but not up! My fingers get caught in the strings... Help?

[@sickboy932]

Only hit the strings with the op of your thumb (nail) during the up stums. Angle your thumb away from the strings where it will glide over to the next string. It takes a bit of trial and error, but once you get it you'll remember. Keep at it and pratice alot to build your muscle memory, this is the key to string intruments.

[@laurenmcg8826]

sickboy932 Thanks!

[@simonsten8819]

Enjoyed the video....found it easier to follow and the strum pattern bar is a great help.....thanks

[@The1958Blue]

You are a very good teacher. Thanks for your help.

[@pylon2144]

thanks so much for this! i was always confused with what parts of your finger you use to strum with. i didnt eve know what a strum pattern is! (im new btw)

[@DixonSteele1on1]

Enjoyed your lesson quite much. Not full of blather and useless bullcrap. Just straight to the point yet extremely easy to follow for beginners such as I. Plus, the accompanying graphics to follow along at every measure sets you apart from the rest making you one of the very best teachers! Hope all your other lessons are the same way in building a good strong foundation. If so, keep up the good work and please provide more! ;-)

[@manicpixiedreamgirl7930]

This is the video I have been looking for. Thank you for making this!

[@ijbmusic589]

Comprei um Ukulele a pouco tempo e tenho visto os teus vídeos e tem ajudado bastante obrigado

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

Thank you!

[@TheUkuleleTeacher]

An Epiphone uke! It looks pretty sweet - how does it feel to play?

[@frizuo]

Whos watching in 2017?John is such a great teacher!

[@xlenaqz]

I got my ukelele yesterday and couldn't find a tutorial on how to put your fingers, only pattern tutorials xD 🤘🏻

[@awksangel]

You really are a fantastic teacher. Thanks!

[@prajusarkar8538]

wow .... !! the strumming just got simpler.. thanks for d tutorial...

[@jura3899]

Gotten so used to this pattern that it's the only one I can bloody do!

[@mariakberry124]

for the claw thingy try to make ur thumb touch ur second and third finger, like a pick and leave the other loose.

[@SoulFromMars]

I love you, teacher. I've learned so much !!!