One of the beauties of stringed instruments, including the ukulele, is that there are a myriad of different ways that they can be played to create a wide variety of tonal textures and stylistic aesthetics. From fingerpicking to strumming, from single-note lines to chord-melody, there are so many ways to utilize the ukulele in different musical contexts.

When first learning how to play the ukulele, strumming is typically one of the best techniques with which to start. Learning to finger a few basic open position and strum in musical time creates an important foundation from which one’s skills will naturally grow and expand.

In this online ukulele lesson, internationally-renowned ukulele player and ArtistWorks instructor, Craig Chee, introduces us to the basics of strumming on the ukulele and teaches a few critical exercises to get you comfortable strumming in musical time.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play the ukulele from a master musician like Craig Chee? Try some free online ukulele lessons now!

“Rather than focusing on a bunch of rhythmic or strumming patterns, I want all of my students to begin by learning to make the most of each motion that they’re making while strumming,” Craig explains. “That is the most important first step to developing a proper strumming technique.”

Learning how to properly strum in musical time can feel tedious and frustrating when you’re first beginning to play. Practicing to a metronome slowly and incrementally raising the tempo as you become increasingly comfortable is a great way to improve your strumming technique quickly.

To learn more about the basic strumming techniques and how to apply them in your own playing, dive into this online ukulele lesson from Craig Chee:

An Introduction to Basic Strumming with Craig Chee:

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Have you always wanted to learn how to play the ukulele? Through our comprehensive ukulele lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Craig and Sarah’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner ukulele to advanced performance techniques, improvisation methods, Hawaiian and popular music tunes, and beyond. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as ukulele players and musicians.

Sample some free sample lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

READ MORE:

Ukulele Lesson: An Introduction to Chord Melody with Sarah Maisel

Ukulele Lesson: Basic Picking Technique with Craig Chee

Ukulele Lesson: An Introduction to Movable Chord Shapes with Craig Chee