play jazz music – jazz standards – musical improvisation

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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. Learning to finger pick the ukulele, however, is a lot of fun and will give you really wonderful music. This makes learning to finger pick well worth the effort. Here are some tips to make your progress go much 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. Allow your pinkie and the ring finger to rest lightly on the surface of the ukulele to balance your hand and give support to the rest of the fingers.

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

3. Finger picking can make any chord sequence fun, and especially melodious if you sometimes alternate the middle and index fingers.

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. Some people learn to finger pick with just the finger but this does not work 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. When you get used to playing music scores the reading, and thereby the playing will get much faster.

7. Practice, practice and even more practice. That is what will make you learn finger picking quickly. 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. Try it slowly at first, increasing in tempo as you get used to it.

9. Consider taking private Ukulele finger picking lessons from a qualified teacher. This will give you a great deal more confidence.

10. Learn from other players. Get to know more advanced players and ask them to teach you their technique.

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.