Ukulele Strumming for Absolute Beginners

[@BuddhaSunn]

The flick of the index finger was the most useful piece of advice for me. It’s where I was going wrong. Non of the other youtubers mention that

[@haileighweik5398]

me too

[@jeancampbell5752]

Yes and me

[@gabbysmeltzer2517]

Honestly best tutorial I've seen for beginners, it helped me alot!

[@UkuleleGo]

Gabby Smeltzer Thank you, I'm pleased you found it useful!

[@SmallLab129]

Yours is the only video that helped me strum. I'm not good but at least my fingers aren't getting caught up as much as before

[@UkuleleGo]

It just takes a little time, eventually they won't get caught up at all

[@prashantdarji353]

I've been searching for a video who can teach index finger strumming in a easy way, from days. Now, It's been looking good to go.. Thank you for stuff.

[@UkuleleGo]

Glad it's helping

[@kalaniaken]

this was such a big help! im on a new instrument journey and strumming is my biggest weakness! this put a whole new optimistic perspective on it. Thank you!!

[@irbtt]

thanks to you finally I've understood how to strum with my index down an up. I had seen a lot of tutorials before but I didn't succeed and I was only using my thumb down. I'm so happy and so grateful to you. love from Italy

[@UkuleleGo]

You're very welcome, I'm pleased it helped you

[@charmevd7170]

I've been searching for hours just to find a tutorial for strumming I came across o many different techniques but, I personally think this is the best tutorial yet! I just found it a little hard to strum up but I just need to practice more and then I think I know how to strum.

[@UkuleleGo]

Ah thank you, I'm pleased it's helped. Without doubt the best thing you can do is get a lot of practice in, the more time you put in the faster you'll get it.

[@victordonselaar6331]

Thank you! My daughter struggled to strum but she now learned it. She is so happy and is gonna practice until she completely masters it :)

[@UkuleleGo]

That's really good to hear, I'm really pleased for you both. Also thanks for the comment, nice to know that my videos are helping.

[@savannahmancuso2965]

watched 4 different videos on beginner strumming... each with a different technique, but this one works for me the best! thank you!!

[@UkuleleGo]

Great to hear and glad it helped

[@brentaltm]

Thanks so much for saying that about the up strum. I was getting really frustrating and psyching myself out because I wasn’t hitting every string and it didn’t sound as clean. You’re the first KZbinr I’ve seen mention this and it really helped!

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome, yeah definitely a lot of people think they're not doing it right when actually they are

[@michaelbielecki3228]

Mate, you are a gem. So well explained that my noises sounded almost the same by the end.

[@UkuleleGo]

First time I've ever been called a gem

[@YoAaronW]

I been struggling for a few months with strum, I watched so many tutorials and this video is the only one very helpful for me, Thanks brother!

[@CourtneyRioux]

I appreciate your speed! Perfect for the absolute beginner!

[@simpleplan7094]

best content out there for absolute beginners. thanks mate

[@UkuleleGo]

Ah thanks, that means a lot

[@heatherbowman5017]

Thank you this really helped me the way you explained it as flicking your finger was my breakthrough!

[@UkuleleGo]

Excellent, I'm pleased it helped

[@SpeccyMan]

I set myself quite the task in learning the ukulele because I am left-handed, but I've decided from the very beginning to learn to play right-handed. It's going surprisingly well but I was struggling a little with strumming. This guide has helped a lot so now it's just practice, practice and more practice.

[@UkuleleGo]

That is a challenge Nick. I'm right handed myself and there's no way I could play left handed now.

[@pahhaw4251]

Your pace of instruction is perfect for the beginner!! Thank you SO MUCH!

[@UkuleleGo]

I really appreciate that

[@RatchetFennecFox]

Been learning to play the Ukulele for nearly 4 months now and I've only just learned to strum with my fingers after exclusively using the thumb. This video really helped me a lot. Will have to get used to the "nail on string" sound though. 😊 Thank you!

[@UkuleleGo]

Any progress is good, just keep going

[@marcwibble7949]

I'd learnt 4 chords but strummimh, err sometimes known as strumming, looked so awkward to start, your video was a great help, thanks a lot

[@UkuleleGo]

4 chords will get you a lot of songs, thanks for the comment

[@meanna6495]

Thank you for your clear explanation of the strumming basics ! Strumming with my thumb goes rather well though, but the index finger 's still giving me troubles. The sound of the nail on the strings is so sharp I find; I prefer a more mellow tone .

[@UkuleleGo]

MeAnna Actually I seem to remember feeling that way about the sound of fingernails on the strings. Over time I've got more accustomed to it though.

[@redpaul101]

One thing that took me a long time to appreciate is that when it says to strum with the top of the nail, it means exactly that: the top (the pink bit), not the tip! :)

[@Reneekelley68]

Thanks you’re the best instructor I’ve found on KZbin

[@UkuleleGo]

That's very nice of you to say, thank you

[@xray0199]

TYSM!! I've been trying to find a tutorial on how to strum for a week, this tutorial was helpful.

[@UkuleleGo]

I'm glad it helped

[@chriso3865]

you made strumming upwards incredibly easy, thank you very much for this video.

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you, really appreciate you leaving a comment

[@Ahmed-io1eg]

super helpful thankyou so much

[@UkuleleGo]

You are very welcome

[@ukredman]

Been struggling with strumming and this was the best vid I have found that has helped me! Thanks

[@UkuleleGo]

Peter F Really pleased it helped

[@mariontl6764]

Got a uke for Christmas and total beginner. This was very helpful info and a great demo. Thank you so much.

[@UkuleleGo]

You're very welcome

[@cleophusj]

Just got a ukulele 2 days ago and your strumming video is perfect!

[@UkuleleGo]

I'm glad it helped, enjoy learning!

[@Anovick5]

Fourth video I've watched on this, definitely the most helpful. This also helped me get how to do palm muting.

[@UkuleleGo]

I'm pleased it's helped you

[@Julia-qf4ch]

thank you thank you thank you!!! after ages of struggling with strumming i finally got it!!

[@UkuleleGo]

Julia Zaręba Really pleased that it's helping Julia!

[@yuhyeet9084]

Omg! This is a better tutorial than any I’ve seen! Tysm!!!!!

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks for the very high praise!

[@r4ncorr126]

thanks man, i'm trying to learn ukulele by watching videos and yours helped a lot :)

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you, I really appreciate you leaving a comment. Stick with it, it's just a bit of time and commitment

[@shirrelles5418]

Thank you. Very clear and straightforward

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome

[@BrigittevTien]

Found this older video and it really helped, you explain this so clearly. The ‘flicking’ did the trick. Now I just need to practice it, a lot 😉 Thanks!!

[@UkuleleGo]

It may be older but I'm still here, I'm glad it worked

[@jamesfeury4754]

This was SUPER helpful. Thank you so much. I've had my uke for a little under a day and I've been struggling to figure out strumming. It kept sounding muddy and my fingers kept getting caught. This was was an excellent tutorial!

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you James

[@magosianogowska5523]

thank you so much for the flick of the finger tip☺️ i can strum now!

[@UkuleleGo]

My pleasure, now go forth and play songs

[@donnie6441]

Thannk you!! I’m just starting to play and this was the most helpful video I’ve found 🙏🏻

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you find the video useful

[@Prospitfox]

Oh my god this has helped me more than any other video I’ve seen thank you

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks for the comment, you're very welcome

[@MissNismaKhan8]

This was fantastic thanks alot. Other dont focus on strumming and thats difficult for begginers.

[@UkuleleGo]

Really pleased that it helped you

[@victoriah2436]

this is the only tutorial that has taught me to strum!!! thank you so so so much! :))))

[@UkuleleGo]

tori f I'll take comments like that all day long

[@gauravkhandelwal7170]

Thank you. It was really helpful !!

[@UkuleleGo]

Gaurav Khandelwal No problem Gaurav

[@avrillees7694]

Great help, just got ukulele, never played an instrument before, was using thumb for down stroke. Finger much better. Thanks💞

[@UkuleleGo]

It's a good option to be able to use both, glad this helped

[@lisasmith5166]

Thanks the best hands down for beginners

[@UkuleleGo]

Thanks Lisa

[@chaker96]

The best strumming tutorial I've ever seen. Thanks man you helped me alot

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you, now tell me this isn't the only strumming tutorial you've ever seen

[@chaker96]

@@UkuleleGo Hahaha it isn't :)

[@robd7703]

Your the best! Thank you for your teaching.

[@UkuleleGo]

You're very welcome Rob

[@nadyaencarnacion]

I appreciate you so much! Just started my absolute first lesson with you after tuning my first ukelele correctly! Lol

[@UkuleleGo]

Nadya Encarnacion Hope you have fun Nadya

[@nadyaencarnacion]

Thanks so much 🙏🏽

[@texasranchu8605]

Great video! This helped me a lot!

[@ABSCrunchFit28]

So glad I found your site! Love it! I just recently purchased a Uke in Hawaii and am loving it thus far. Looking forward to getting some great tutorials on here! Cheers!

[@UkuleleGo]

Carole Anne Elliott Thanks Carole, wow a uke from Hawaii - that's a great start. One day I'll get there myself.

[@RomPontifex]

Very clear and concise, excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@MGiordano]

This was great, thank you for uploading this!

[@dreadservicegetcrowned]

Yes it helped very much Thank You 😊😊

[@UkuleleGo]

Excellent, I'm glad

[@wanderingshiiip]

This is the best tutorial aaaaaaaa thanks for this

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you 👍

[@inbalinginbalzamir5168]

You are simply great !!!!

[@UkuleleGo]

Not sure I deserve it but I'll take the compliment

[@shubhamsaxena5114]

Just perfect. Thank you.

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome, thanks for watching

[@geedub8895]

Excellent vid !! instantly helped... Thank you

[@UkuleleGo]

I'm glad it worked for you

[@margaretforsey7763]

This was so helpful! Thank you! 💕

[@UkuleleGo]

Not a problem

[@benjamincordes207]

Great instruction thanks man!

[@UkuleleGo]

Benjamin Cordes No problem, thanks for commenting

[@alienveluz3021]

I’m struggling with the down strum, with my index. I think it’s because my fingers are so short, or I just need more practice. Thank you for that clear video though.

[@alienveluz3021]

It’s very uneven, and I’m always missing the A. Do you have any tips?

[@UkuleleGo]

It will almost certainly be just a case of needing more practice. An uneven sound is very common among beginners. I would suggest taking it very slowly and listening to your strums. When you play a strum that sounds better than the others, try and analyse what happened to make that occur. The act of strumming is new to you and your body will adapt, it just needs time and dedication. Hope that helps.

[@alienveluz3021]

Ukulele Go thank you for your advice!

[@UkuleleGo]

@@alienveluz3021 No problem

[@harvestmoon6135]

Ukulele Go I need a bit of help because I can’t do strumming with just my index it just never works but I feel better using all fingers. But it still sounds and even whenever I use all fingers.

[@whatlauralikes.]

I struggle a lot to strum with my index! I need to practice more and more, your video will be super helpful ! :)

[@UkuleleGo]

whatlauralikes. ☽ It can feel really unnatural to begin with, is there any specific part of strumming with your index finger that causes problems? Up strums for instance can cause a few people problems

[@whatlauralikes.]

Yes, the up strums are tricky for me. My hands just doesn't seem to want to strum the strings as I go up, it just strums the air a couple milimeters away from the strings ! But I'm already getting better as I practice hours everyday so hopefully I'll be able to strum with my index by the end of the week !

[@UkuleleGo]

whatlauralikes. ☽ Don't worry too much about the sound as you catch the strings, you want to avoid getting your fingers being caught up but don't be too scared to catch the strings. if you're practicing that much, it won't take long at all. Just stick with it, don't give up!

[@whatlauralikes.]

Thank you for your tips and for being super active on your channel ! :D Won't give up !!

[@UkuleleZen]

Very good tips & well paced! Subbed 🎶🤙

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you, although I'm slightly scared now as you are an excellent player.

[@orasal-kubaisi5909]

Mate this is really great tutorial! Thank you for these great tips

[@UkuleleGo]

Oras Al-Kubaisi My pleasure

[@catherinemadonna1919]

Do you provide zoom lessons? Your tutorials are so detailed and helpful.

[@UkuleleGo]

I've done it a few times in the past

[@galni]

This one really worked for me

[@UkuleleGo]

That's great to hear

[@crayonscolortheworld1073]

Thank you! When I strum, the strings always hit the skin at side of my fingernail and it hurts. Now I know what I should do. Time to correct what I'm practicing!

[@UkuleleGo]

Let me know if it works out for you

[@chriserony]

I had no idea I was suppose to play with my index finger. I've just used my thumb. Been playing chord songs for a year and couldn't figure out why I couldn't chunk. Had to go back to basics

[@UkuleleGo]

They're both pretty useful, the index finger tends to be a bit more versatile for more complex strumming though

[@BirdWhisperer46]

Very helpful. I see many others agree, so it must be true.

[@UkuleleGo]

Some agree, 26 people clearly don't though. It's important to have critics I find. Thanks for being on the thumbs up side

[@BirdWhisperer46]

@@UkuleleGo I practice with my hands twice a day for a half hour each time now. I am reading different learning sites most of the day, being retired. I am just at the point I can use my pointer for strumming, without it hurting. I knew it would toughen up, but it's taken a long time. One hurdle behind me. :o)

[@UkuleleGo]

@@BirdWhisperer46 it's all progress, as long as it's working for you that's all that matters

[@BirdWhisperer46]

It's those little leaps that are the fun part. You actually see the progress that way.

[@UkuleleGo]

@@BirdWhisperer46 yeah I agree

[@bewellstayfit-tipsfromther2122]

I just bought a ukulele! This is by far the best channel for a beginner with no musical experience I’ve found. Though, I need to see if you have videos that go very slowly in teach the chords. Do you have a tablature book you’d recommend. I need paper!

[@UkuleleGo]

I do have a pretty comprehensive website that should help over at ukulelego.com

[@22bdunlevy]

I purchased a kid pineapple C ukulele from amazon or e bay!

[@ar-jv5fc]

wow thank you so much

[@UkuleleGo]

You're very welcome

[@WVgrl59]

Wonderful video❤

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you

[@HomelessCoaching]

This was very helpful, thank you for this! I am struggling with one thing though - how should your fingers be positioned and catch the strings for up strums?

[@UkuleleGo]

It should be the back of your finger that catches the strings on the way up, it's almost the exact opposite of the down strum

[@lilioud991]

Best instruction

[@UkuleleGo]

You just made my Sunday

[@yavidanvioleta]

Amazing; you made it superceasy❤

[@Anastasia-ot6si]

You have a very nice voice and i love your accent :)

[@UkuleleGo]

39 years and no-one has ever said that before!

[@Anastasia-ot6si]

@@UkuleleGo well now you know!

[@LainIwakuraOG]

Thanks :) Best tutorial :D

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you, I appreciate your comment!

[@danifuenzalidad]

this is awesome! I just start with the ukelele a few weeks ago and I find your videos quite helpful :)

[@danifuenzalidad]

btw do you have a ukelele basic chords vid? just wondering since I found one of your vids (about the E chord) quite good and I've been seeing many different ways of doing the same chord (and sometimes its confusing) thanks!

[@UkuleleGo]

Dani Fuenzalida Glad you like it. I haven't done a basic chords video yet but it is something I will look at making in the future. Thanks for the idea!

[@danifuenzalidad]

Cool! looking forward!

[@johanna6637]

can you post a video to your stand by me pdf sheet? especially the slapping :-) thanks

[@UkuleleGo]

Hey Johanna, yeah I can do that!

[@judycoffey5445]

Youre the best.

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you Judy

[@edt.5118]

This answered so many questions and fixed my lack of confidence with strumming. Just one question about the upstrokes: do we strum up using just the flesh of the index finger? I have been trying to make the up stroke sound the exact same as the down stroke.

[@UkuleleGo]

Ultimately the best thing you can do with upstrokes is not worry about them, let them sound like they sound. In my opinion them sounding different to a down strum is a good thing, you want a little variety in there but again, don't worry about it, they'll naturally improve no matter what you're doing.

[@edt.5118]

I now see (hear) how the different upstroke sound is part of the sound of a strummed ukulele. I'm now getting more volume and much better tone. Thank you.

[@kristindowner9897]

Thanks!

[@florentinosanchez3969]

Nice video

[@UkuleleGo]

Thank you

[@thelifeuchoose]

❤️👍🏽Thank u!!!!!

[@UkuleleGo]

You're very welcome, thanks for leaving a comment

[@sharon9587]

Thanks so much for the video! I am not sure if I am getting the right sound out of my strum with my index finger though, because it sounds a little too "tappy/clackity" when my nail hits the chord. Up until now I have been strumming with only my thumb because it gives a nice warmer, softer tone. I want to switch over to index strumming though, so do you have any advice for getting that softer sound? Thank you!

[@UkuleleGo]

Honestly, it won't be the answer that you're after but it will just come with time. Don't worry about the sound too much, over time it will refine.

[@22bdunlevy]

I'm still trying to learn. Finger trouble, I was right!

[@hravv]

thank you so much :)

[@UkuleleGo]

You're welcome!

[@straykae]

Man and here I thought I couldn’t up strum bc I couldn’t hit all the strings

[@UkuleleGo]

Hit one, hit three it really doesn't matter so much

[@phyllismorris94]

It is those up-strums that are difficult for me. Feels unnatural. I have to remind myself that the Ukulele doesn't feel it is strumming the wrong way. That I am not hurting the Uke

[@UkuleleGo]

When you start, don't worry what they sound like. Any kind of strum on them will do, over time you'll get more comfortable and it will stop feeling so unnatural.

[@Beristic]

My tuners are on the backside of the head is that okay

[@UkuleleGo]

They're probably friction tuners, just a different kind.

[@Beristic]

Okay thanks

[@andyboyd126]

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

[@UkuleleGo]

Typically the larger ukuleles will have bigger nut widths but not by a huge amount. Maybe 2-3mm between a soprano and tenor as a very rough guide. Different manufacturers will vary though.

[@andyboyd126]

@@UkuleleGo cheers

[@UkuleleGo]

@@andyboyd126 no problem

[@AdamIsBackAgain]

My index finger is turning red is that normal

[@UkuleleGo]

I'd give it a break for a bit

[@EduardoVeloso-p8d]

Ang tagal NM direct to the point

[@garethwatkins6347]

I thought it was just me missing strings on the upstrum - woohoo

[@UkuleleGo]

Happens to the best of us (not that I'm the best)

[@juangabriel5287]

Uke size?

[@UkuleleGo]

Juan Gabriel On this video I'm using a soprano, is that what you meant?

[@juangabriel5287]

Ukulele Go yes sir thank you...

[@UkuleleGo]

Juan Gabriel you're welcome

[@keithgardner5818]

Interesting, but then you don't have nails on either hand, and there are times that I want to be able to do finger picking and there's no way to do that kind of strum technique (bi-directionally) with fingernails, and just using the fleshy part of the fingertips. Maybe I have to give up on keeping some nail length on the right hand, but... I don't know! Aaaaaa!

[@UkuleleGo]

I do have nails, they're not very long though

[@ofingalembrozy4097]

my finger still gets caught in the cords :')

[@UkuleleGo]

That will just be time, you can help get there a bit faster though by strumming really slowly upwards, make sure it's not getting caught and then slowly increase the speed.

[@iamnoone78647]

My index bled

[@UkuleleGo]

Little tip for next time, stop before that happens

[@rainbxwcandy9440]

i can only strum with my thumb

[@UkuleleGo]

That will work to begin with

[@rainbxwcandy9440]

AHHH YOU REPLIEDIUWHDCONHSOJOISUHJCWJNWOSICJ hi

[@maexe1778]

that was so helpful! thanks a lot

[@UkuleleGo]

maexe you're welcome