How to Fingerpick the Ukulele - Meetupfiles.meetup.com/13096972/Fingerpicking How to.pdf · How to...
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How to Fingerpick the Ukulele Add color to your playing with some tasty finger rolls BY ALEC POLETSKY UkuleleMag.com
Transcript of How to Fingerpick the Ukulele - Meetupfiles.meetup.com/13096972/Fingerpicking How to.pdf · How to...
How to Fingerpick the UkuleleAdd color to your playing with some tasty finger rolls
BY ALEC POLETSKY
UkuleleMag.com
T he last decade has seen ukulele play-ers rise to heights previously reserved
for rock stars. This ukulele renaissance has created a wave of beginners eager to play like the modern masters. But after learning some basic chords and strum-ming patterns many ask: what does one study next?
The answer: fingerpicking (often called finger rolls).
This technique builds dexterity and independence in your fingers. It also gives you the strong foundation needed to play more complex songs. Here are some point-ers on two basic rolls that cover four strings:
Hand PositionFlatten your hand with your thumb (t) in a “hitchhike” position using the side of your thumb to pick the G (4th) and C (3rd) strings (Fig. 1).
Your index (i) and middle (m) fingers should be curled in as if pulling a bow-string. The index finger assigned to the E (2nd) string and middle finger to the A (1st) string (Fig. 2).
This flattened hand approach will help keep your thumb and fingers from running into each other. It also allows you to use a minimal amount of movement.
Now Try ItThe first example (Ex. 1) will require you to alternate your thumb between the G and C strings. The same picking pattern will be applied for each measure.
T h e s e c o n d e x a m p l e ( E x . 2 ) is a little more advanced and requires the use of a “pinch” technique. Simultane-ously pluck the G (4th) string with your thumb and the A (1st) string with your middle finger. Again, repeat the same pick-ing pattern for each measure.
Take your time with each of these fin-ger rolls, soon you will be able to play them fast and with confidence. Try them on songs you already know and new tunes as well.
Have fun. And remember, happiness is playing ukulele.
Alec Poletsky is an educator and a member of
the Kings of Ukulele.
Fig. 2Fig. 1
UkuleleMag.com
HOW TO FINGERPICK THE UKULELE
TAB
2
00
01
00
0
A
2
00
01
00
0
2
20
22
20
2
D
4
42
44
42
4
E
Finger Picking Ex. 1Alec "Cheef" Poletsky
Score
i m i i m i i m i i m i i m i i m i i m i i m i
t t t t t t t t
TAB
3
0
00
30
0
30
C
3
0
00
30
0
30
2
0
00
20
0
20
C maj7
2
0
00
20
0
20
0
10
0
10
0
10
C 7
0
10
0
10
0
10
01
0
00
2
01
F
01
0
00
2
01
Finger Picking Ex. 2Alec "Cheef" Poletsky
Example 2
Example 1
