This class consists of the three strums I use the most: a swing strum, a shuffle strum, and a rumba strum. After demonstrating each strum, we will practice it together on tunes that are available as handouts. 

The Swing Strum I use is slightly different than once I have observed and is based on rhythm guitar players from the 1930s. The Shuffle strum imitates the rhythm played by 1940s and 50s rhythm and blues bands like Louis Jordan. The rumba strum is useful in playing 1950s and 60s pop tunes like Save the Last Dance for Me.

Workshop Details

Level
Advanced Beginner
Intermediate
Session Type
Workshop
Strumming
Right-hand Techniques

Skill Levels

  • Novice: A student who perhaps has never picked up a ukulele before.
  • Beginner: A student at this level is brand-new to the ukulele. He/she has perhaps learned one to three chords but stops in-between chord changes to move the fingers to the next location.
  • Advanced/Confident Beginner: A student at this level knows a handful of chords and can move from one chord to another without pausing. Student may have trouble with, say, the B-flat chord shape. Student has learned a strum or two and/or a finger pattern for picking.
  • Intermediate: A student can hold a steady rhythm and is competent with a variety of basic chords. Understands simple chord progressions, can sing and strum at the same time, and learns chords to simple tunes fairly quickly.
  • Advanced: A student at this level can hear I, IV, and V chords, has mastered some chord inversions, knows there is life above the fifth fret, and has been there with barre or 4-fingered closed chords. Plays lead and backup easily with others and keeps steady rhythm.