Fingerpicking
Techniques
A technique where individual strings are plucked one at a time with the fingertips.
Fingerpicking (also called fingerstyle) involves plucking individual strings with your thumb and fingers rather than strumming across all strings. This creates a more delicate, melodic sound and lets you play bass lines, melodies, and harmonies simultaneously.
The most common fingerpicking assignment on ukulele is: thumb plays the G and C strings (4th and 3rd), index finger plays the E string (2nd), and middle finger plays the A string (1st). This is sometimes notated as p-i-m (pulgar-indice-medio from classical guitar tradition).
Start with simple patterns like plucking strings in order (4-3-2-1 or "rolling") before trying more complex patterns. Travis picking, a popular folk and country technique, alternates bass notes with melody notes for a full, rhythmic sound.
Keep your picking-hand wrist slightly arched and let your fingers move from the knuckle joints. Anchor your hand lightly by resting your pinky on the ukulele body below the soundhole.
Related Terms
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