Comments on: Ukulele Strumming for Dummies

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:34:06 +0000

Thank you. I’ll keep at it.

By: Woodshed

Woodshed — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:09:10 +0000

Andrew: Some people do use their thumb, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s really hard to get a steady rhythm using your thumb exclusively.

I’m not sure what could create the problem with the A string. I wouldn’t have thought the Kala and Aquila combination would cause any problems. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful on that.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:58:33 +0000

Wow, pete, you could at least express some gratitude for the great information you’ve acquired before you complain.

Anyway, Woodshed, thank you — this site is so sweet. I just started playing uke last month and have gained so much from your work. Re: strumming, I was inclined when I started, in ignorance, to use my thumb rather than my index finger, and I feel like I have seen at least one of the artists in the youtube vids you highlight doing this. Since reading this post I’ve tried using the finger, but it doesn’t work so well for me. Anyone else out there use the thumb, or is this a terrible idea?

A second beginner question if I may: Is it typical for the open A string (say in a 2220 D chord or 2010 F chord) to sound really bright & ‘ping’-y? It can sort of overwhelm the chord. Is this just because I have a cheap uke (Kala w/aquila stings)? I’ve noticed something similar with my mandolin as well, though, which is better quality though not amazing (low-end all-solid). Thanks for any help!

By: pukuklele pete

pukuklele pete — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:28:57 +0000

went to print this and I have to print 8 pages of info I don’t need

By: Woodshed

Woodshed — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:22:56 +0000

Anne: You’re welcome. Glad you found it useful.

Emily: I’m the worst person in the world to ask about strumming and singing at the same time. Or singing full stop.

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:07:56 +0000

Thanks, Al! I myself am struggling with strumming in 6/8 time while also trying to remember to sing.

Whoopee-ti-yi-oh!

By: Anne

Anne — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:53:01 +0000

This is great, thank you so much! Strumming seems always the most difficult part, this helps a lot a lot.

By: Woodshed

Woodshed — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:05:02 +0000

Lonna & Jack: Thanks guys.

Art: I did have that problem when I played guitar. I haven’t had it with the uke – but I’m guessing some people do.

Jeff: Just seen it. Hilarious. I’ll be mentioning tomorrow.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:43:57 +0000

Hi Al:

Sorry, I blanked out on putting this together for us. As always you come through. I will link to your article on my blog. We just had a mini performance by Tomas Kubinek. Take a look at my latest blog entry. J

By: Art

Art — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:40:13 +0000

Al,
Good review of the basic strum stuff. When I do a lot of strumming I have the problem of wearng down the side of my nail on forefinger. Is this a common problem with others?