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Ukelele and tuning: checked!    Let's learn some first chords and songs!

STRUMMING PATTERNS

Strumming chords is the backbone of learning to play ukulele. Strumming patterns involve different ways of playing up or down strokes on your ukulele. Some songs may call for you to play all of your chords using just heavier downward strokes in a steady rhythm. Others may require you to play ukulele chords in an alternating pattern, playing an upward stroke followed by a downward stroke. You might also stumble across a song that calls for an irregular strumming pattern, playing chords in a “down-down-up-down” pattern.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few strumming tips for beginner ukulele players just starting out:



  • Strum without a pick: The most common way to strum your ukulele is with either your thumb, your index finger, or a combination of the two -- like you’re holding an invisible pick. You can also strum using the pads and nails of all four of your fingers.

  • Strumming with a pick: If you do use a pick to strum your ukulele, it’s best to use a felt pick that won’t damage nylon ukulele strings. Holding your pick lightly and at an angle can help create a more fluid, less rigid sound when strumming chords.

  • Keep your wrist loose: It’s all in the wrist! While having a gentle grip on your pick can create a more pleasing tone when you strum a chord, keeping your wrist loose can also make chords sound better and less choppy. By keeping your wrist loose, you’ll be able to more easily transition between chords and minimize the risk of wrist pain after playing for a while.

    • Here are some ukulele strumming patterns to help you get started:

    Down – Up – Down – Up

    down-up-down-up

    This simple pattern is the most basic, and can be strummed to whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, or even eighth and 16th notes. Just consider that each type of note you strum to will either make it sound slower or faster. When you strum a whole note, you will count to four before you strum the next up whole note. If you’re using eighth notes, you will strum eight times in each measure.

    Down – Down – Up

    down-down-up

    This pattern allows you to rest on the last beat of a four-count measure. Or you can play it as a waltz-time kind of feel.

    Down – Down – Up – Up

    down-down-up-up

    This is another popular, easy pattern.


    For more strumming paterns and explainations visit musiprof

    HOW TO PLAY UKELELE CHORDS

    Chords are a combination of three or more notes that are played together to create a pleasing harmony. Chords are the foundation of playing songs on a ukulele or any other stringed instrument To start learning ukulele chords, beginners can look to chord charts to show them where to place their fingers on specific frets to make their strings sing. Ukulele chord charts offer players a visual representation of the four strings and their corresponding frets on your instrument.

    In addition to showing your strings (in order: G, C, E, A), ukulele chord charts often have symbols to show you just where to place your fingers in order to play a chord properly.

    There are so many different chords and variations. However, there are a few ukulele chords that are not only easy, but figure prominently in some of your favorite songs. Some of the most common and easy chords beginners can learn to play on ukulele include: C,D,E,F,G,A


    READY TO PLAY?

    You're finally ready to play your first song! There is a big range of songs you can play even if you are a beginner. There are plenty of tutorials and ukelele profesionals which can inspire you. Let's start with something easy.

    You can find more of uketeacher in his youtube channel.