Strumming the ukulele is all about keeping that nice and steady rhythm.
However, when it comes to speeding things up, sometimes it can be hard to go faster without getting sloppier.
How do you keep it smooth and steady even at a faster tempo?
Listen to this performance of Buffalo Gals–a song played at a fast tempo using the Thumb and Strum technique you’re about to learn.
One way to speed up your strumming without losing the rhythm is to use the Thumb and Strum technique that maximizes strumming efficiency with multiple fingers and smaller strumming movements.
Watch this video to learn the Thumb and Strum technique!
As you watch the video, please refer to the Thumb and Strum notation:
Note: The “t” indicates when to strum with the thumb.
On the first beat, pluck the top g-string with your thumb. On the “and” of the first beat, strum up with the flesh-side of your index finger. On the second beat, strum down across all four strings with the nail-side of your middle and ring fingers. On the “and” of the second beat, strum up with the flesh-side of your index finger. On beats 3 and 4, repeat.
I recommend using the exact fingers to strum as described above. This allows for an increased freedom of movement with your strumming hand which results in a faster, more lively tempo.
One of the reasons for using multiple fingers to strum in this way is because it allows you to strum faster because you minimize the total movement of your strumming hand and confine the movement to a smaller space.
Go slow at first to get the movement of the strumming hand and fingers down.
What you often find, especially with a strumming pattern like this one, is that playing fast on the ukulele is more of a feeling. To develop the feeling of playing fast, it’s important to keep it slow and loose at first. Gradually build speed.
Join Club Ukulele and Learn to Play Buffalo Gals
This lesson is Lesson 6 from the Fast Uptempo Strumming Techniques course found in the new Club Ukulele.
Club Ukulele is a collection of step-by-step, easy-to-follow courses designed for you to improve your ukulele playing. With over 100 videos and several courses you have everything you need to experience the joy of making music.
To get the full lesson, including the sheet music and video lesson teaching you to play Buffalo Gals, join Club Ukulele today.
Join Club Ukulele today and get the full lesson.
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