Strumming Techniques: Beyond the Island Strum

Course Description

For most of us, our ukulele journey begins by learning to strum a few chords. We dive into strumming patterns, such as the ever-popular “Island Strum” (D DU UDU), before progressing to “Chucking”; which is a percussive technique that creates a backbeat on beats 2 and 4. But then something happens, we hit a wall, we plateau.

This course will help you break through that wall by introducing you to four strumming techniques that will make your rhythm playing POP! These techniques not only add pizzazz to your right hand, but will change the tonal landscape, as you learn how to:

1) Accent beats to create a more dynamic feel to your playing.

2) Alter rhythms – say goodbye to only strumming quarter and eighth note rhythms.

Upon completing this course, you’ll walk away with the ability to spice up any simple strum pattern; creating a rhythmic sound that is unique to you!

* Note: 4 of the lessons are completely FREE with Basic Membership! Sign up for Basic Membership to sample this course and all of our other FREE Lessons!

Module 1	The Fundamentals of Rhythm & Form
In this module, you'll gain an understanding of the fundamentals required for executing the strum techniques.
Unit 1	Course Overview (FREE LESSON)
Unit 2	Proper Left Hand Form (FREE LESSON)
Unit 3	Proper Right Hand Form (FREE LESSON)
Unit 4	Understanding Rhythmic Notation (FREE LESSON)
Module 2	Strumming Technique #1: Claw Stroke
In this module, we'll break down the rhythm and learn the mechanics behind the first strumming technique.
Unit 1	Mechanics Breakdown: Claw Stroke
Unit 2	Exercise #1
Module 3	Strumming Technique #2: Triplet & Fan Strum
In this module, we'll break down the rhythm and learn the mechanics behind the second strumming technique.
Unit 1	Mechanics Breakdown: Triplet Strum
Unit 2	Exercise #1
Unit 3	Mechanics Breakdown: Fan Strum
Unit 4	Exercise #2
Module 4	Strumming Technique #3: Split Stroke
In this module, we'll break down the rhythm and learn the mechanics behind the third strumming technique.
Unit 1	Mechanics Breakdown: Split Stroke
Unit 2	Exercise #1
Unit 3	Exercise #2
Module 5	Strumming Technique #4: Pluck Strum
In this module, we'll break down the rhythm and learn the mechanics behind the fourth strumming technique.
Unit 1	Mechanics Breakdown: Pluck Strum
Unit 2	Exercise #1
Module 6	Putting It All Together
In this module, you'll combine the techniques you've learned to perform a challenging rhythmic tune. And last but not least, you'll learn how to apply the techniques into your day-to-day playing.
Unit 1	Capstone Performance Piece: "Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue"
Unit 2	Course Wrap Up: Applying What You've Learned