Ukulele strumming patterns

Read the Sequence

• ↓ is a downstroke and ↑ is an upstroke.
• ✕ is a muted strum. You play and stop the strings with the same hand, or loosen the fingers of the other hand.
• R is three quick strokes in a single beat. Down with the index, down with the thumb, and up with the index.

Start with the Island Strum

Count eight subdivisions in 4/4 and follow D – rest – D – U – rest – U – D – U. During the rests, your hand keeps moving, it just doesn't touch the strings.

First, play the rhythm with muted strings. Then apply it to C, Am, F, and G.

Go slowly until changing chords doesn't stop your hand. On the upstroke, your index finger just brushes the top strings.

Add the Chuck and the Roll

In the Ukulele Chuck pattern, replace some strokes with ✕. The contact and the mute happen together, so the chord doesn't keep ringing.

The three-note roll takes up one beat. Listen to it slowly and then integrate it into the pattern.

If the movement becomes tense, go back to simple strokes and shorten your wrist's range of motion.

Patterns with Source

Each pattern comes from a ukulele lesson and is grouped by style. The tempo is for starting practice.

You can increase it when you can play it cleanly.

The progressions use C, G, Am, F, Dm, Em, A, D, and E. The chuck you hear is a chord cut short, just as you would do with your hand.