Strumming
Techniques
The technique of sweeping your fingers or a pick across the strings to produce sound.
Strumming is the most fundamental way to play the ukulele. It involves brushing your fingers (or a pick) across the strings in a rhythmic pattern. The most basic strum alternates between downstrokes (toward the floor) and upstrokes (toward the ceiling).
Most ukulele players strum with the index finger, using the nail on downstrokes and the fleshy pad on upstrokes. Some players use the thumb, multiple fingers, or a felt pick. The strumming hand should stay loose and relaxed — the motion comes from the wrist, not the arm.
Strumming patterns give songs their rhythmic feel. A simple "down, down-up, up-down-up" pattern (the "island strum") works for countless songs. As you progress, you can add muting, accents, and syncopation to create more complex grooves.
Practice strumming patterns without your fretting hand first. Just mute the strings and focus on getting the rhythm even and relaxed before adding chord changes.
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