Hitting the bottom string when you come back up

[malachi]

When strumming down and then hitting the bottom string as you come back up. It don’t sound good, like I can hear the scraping when I do it for some reason? I don’t know if it’s the way my thumbnail is built or what.

[Andrew]

Can you share a video? I’ll be better able to help if I can see/hear what’s happening.

[malachi]

The video is an attachment

[Andrew]

Looks like it exceeds the upload limit, which is very small, as it is for photos only. Can you upload to YouTube and share a link?

[malachi]

Hey sorry idk know how to do links but anyways look up on YouTube Andrew rock class 101 help. My channels name is ender mites.

[malachi]

If you can’t find it, I’ll learn how to do links.

[Andrew]

It def sounds like an issue with the uke. What model/brand is it?

[Andrew]

If it feels difficult to press down up there, you may want to consider getting it setup. They will adjust the action (string height), making it easier to play and should help create a better sustain of the notes in that position.

[malachi]

It’s Mahalo MH2vna

[Andrew]

Okay, so the above will hold true based off that price point. Unfortunately, I’m unfamiliar with them and can’t comment on their brand/quality.

If you do upgrade in the future, consider Islander ukuleles. Affordable and great quality 🙂

[malachi]

It’s not hard to push down the strings on the fret board

[Andrew]

Even so, it produces a “tinny” tone – I think that may be more of what you are unhappy with.

[Andrew]

Swing by your local music store and compare against other ukes. That will highlight the difference.

[miztaken]

Hi Malachi,
I have a Mahalo tenor uke, now on loan to a friend (hopefully until it dies! the uke, NOT the friend).
When looking around when my uke began seriously warping at the bridge, I found out that the Mahalo are a fine uke for beginner level only, they don’t seem to be good enough for what we want to achieve with Andrew’s classes. They are not bad instruments, just: not good either.
Try getting it set up, but I think that may just be a waste of $$$.
I would recommend buying another, (sell yours to a beginner), or waiting for Christmas, or just winning the Kanilea!

[becky7777]

I’m a beginner so take my advice with a grain of salt.

I have very short nails. On my strum upstroke a bit of the left tip of my finger hits the strings at the same time as my nail. It softens the scraping noise, but keeps the pick-like click sound. I have no idea if I’m doing things wrong but wanted to toss it out there just incase. My volume is pretty similar in both directions though because it’s not a pure nail on string sound.

If i’m giving bad advice someone please correct me! I don’t know if there is a correct way to strum.

BTW- I think i’m stealing your strap idea. I was wondering how I might attach one without making a hole. So thanks for that and good luck.

[Author]

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