Tips For Ukulele Picking Exercises

Even when speaking of a small instrument like the Ukulele, finger picking requires the use of more than just one finger and is more challenging than simply strumming, so it is a long learning process.

However, learning to finger pick on the ukulele is fun, and in the end you have wonderful sound. This makes learning to finger pick well worth the effort. The following tips may help to make the process go faster. Discuss with your Singapore Ukulele teacher on the below tips.

1. Use the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Make sure the middle finger is ready for the first string, and the index for the second and sometimes the third and the thumb plays the third and fourth strings, however, there are times when it plays the second string.

It depends on what the song requires. It is a good idea to allow the pinkie and ring finger to rest on the surface of the ukulele offering balance to the hand and the three fingers that are doing the picking on the ukulele.

2. Finger picking patterns can be played intermittently with strumming.

3. Any chord sequence is fun to use when finger picking, however, you really need to learn to alternate the middle and index finger for melody.

4. As you progress you will have to determine whether you want to play with fingernails or not. This also depends on how strong an individual's nails are.

5. There are some people who finger pick using only one finger, but this is not for everyone.

6. Learn to read music scores and not just tablatures. The more music theory you know the easier it will be to make your own personal arrangements, and you can start to alternate finger picking. As you practice playing music scores, expect your reading and playing to get much faster.

7. Practice, practice, and more practice is the answer to effective ukulele finger picking. This should make the brain get used to the finger coordination and start being creative and make beautiful music.

8. Begin easy by taking a basic chord, and try to pick it one string at a time. Place your fingers on the E chord and then pick the 5^th string then the 3^rd and the 4^th. Start slow and then progress to a faster rhythm.

9. Take special one on one Ukulele finger picking classes from an expert teacher. This will provide you considerably more confidence in your playing.

10. Learn styles and techniques from other players. Find other more advanced players and ask them for playing tips.

Now you know that there are many ways to learn to play the ukulele. The important thing is that you not become frustrated by the learning and keep on practicing. Remember in the end you will be able to play the ukulele as few other players can, and that will give you a unique gift. Persistence will get you a long way with the ukulele. And practice frequently in your Singapore ukulele lessons.