If you’re new to playing ukes and aspire to sound like a pro, perfecting your strumming method is the key. While strumming a ukulele may seem simple, it’s a journey that requires time and practice to master. But don’t worry; I’m here to guide you every step of the way!
In this guide, I’ll share some of my strumming secrets with you to help you get the hang of it. Even if it’s your first time holding the instrument, you’ll be an expert by the end of the post!
How to Strum a Ukulele: 7 Must-to-Know Tips!
Here are some simple yet effective tips that have helped me master my ukulele strumming technique over the years!
1. Position Your Uke Properly
The most important secret to perfect strumming is the position of the ukulele against your body. It dictates how well you control your strings and whether your hands and arms are sore after playing.
Suppose you’re using your right hand for strumming and your left hand for pressing down the strings. For better control and a more relaxed stance, you should leave a hand’s width between the ukulele’s neck and your left shoulder. This way, your string-pressing hand will be moving comfortably.
2. Use Your Thumb
Most beginners use their thumbs to strum their ukes, and in my opinion, that is the right way to go. It’s easier than using your index finger or the rest of your hand, and it gives you mellow tones that are delightful to hear. While using your index finger gives you more control over the chords, it also gives you bright melodies that aren’t as relaxed as you’d like them to be.
Ideally, you should start with your thumb and then gradually move into using the index finger as your skills grow. An extra tip to follow while strumming with your thumb is to mute the strings a bit with your right palm. Doing so will give you authentic Hawaiian melodies that are mellow yet a bit muted.
3. Pluck Your Thumb Down, Not Out
A common mistake beginner ukulele players make is plucking their thumbs outwards, not down the strings. If you do it, you’ll hear bright melodies just fine, but you won’t be able to distinguish the chords, and they’ll sound a bit muddy.
For controlled and mellow tones, you should pluck your thumb down from one chord and settle it on the one under it. For example, if you’re playing the G chord, your thumb should sit on the C chord after you strum. You can practice this move slowly at first and then try it with a higher speed till you perfect it.
4. Strum Where the Fretboard Meets the Body
Everyone has their sweet spot for strumming. Some prefer strumming right over the soundhole, and some like to stick to the neck. However, I prefer strumming in the small area where the fretboard meets the body.
It helps me keep my arm relaxed without bending my wrist or keeping it in an awkward position while playing. It also makes it easier to control my finger movements across the chord. You can try multiple positions till you reach your most comfortable one, but if you’re a beginner, I recommend sticking to this area till you master your technique.
5. Use Your Index Finger’s Nail
If you’ve had enough practice strumming with your thumb and want to start using your index finger, you need to learn how to position it. When strumming with your thumb, you use the inner part against the strings, not the nail. However, you’ll need to do the opposite if you use your index.
The right way is to put your thumb and index finger together and strum using the nail of your index finger. This way, your melodies will come out more controlled. Your thumb will help you apply the required force to the strum and keep your index finger stable as you move it around.
6. Only Use a Pick When Necessary
Picks are widely associated with strumming instruments, but in my opinion, you can do better without one when playing the uke. Using your fingers gives you better control and makes you feel more connected to the instrument. It also makes it easier to skip strings, which is pretty challenging to do with a pick.
Playing other instruments, like the guitar, for example, is different. A guitar’s strings are made from metal, which makes it painful to use your fingers for strumming. However, ukes have soft nylon strings that won’t inflict pain unless you use too much force while playing.
The only cases where you should use a pick for strumming your use is if you suffer from chronic pain in your wrist or fingers or if you have nice nails and don’t want them to chip or break.
7. Choose the Right Ukulele for You
My last tip for you is to choose the right ukulele for your skill level. It’s a common mistake among beginners to buy the wrong ukulele size. For instance, some get concert or tenor ukes when they haven’t mastered the soprano yet, among other mistakes that I see a lot.
To perfect your strumming, you need to make sure the uke is the right one for you first. The factors to consider are its type (soprano, tenor, concert), manufacturing material, and string material.
To Wrap Up
Strumming a ukulele while relaxing with your friends and family is a delightful experience, but to make sure your melodies come out controlled and mellow, there are a few tips you need to follow. My secrets are practicing with your thumb before using your index, plucking downward, not outward, and ditching the pick.
It’s also important to choose the right ukulele and position it properly against your body, and that’s all!
