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5 Effective Strumming Patterns for Beginners

by Brett McQueen

In this lesson, I show you five strumming patterns you can use to play thousands of different songs on ukulele (I’m not exaggerating!). These are my “go to” strumming patterns. I use them all the time and have used them in a lot of video performances on the site (e.g. You’ve Got a Friend In Me, I’ve Been Working On the Railroad). These patterns are versatile, simple and work for most songs.

Note: A few of these strumming patterns are taught in the Ukulele Strumming Tricks video lesson course. For sake of brevity, in this lesson, I won’t go into as much detail explaining these patterns as I would in my course. If you are looking for a progressive easy-to-follow, step-by-step practice plan towards becoming a better strummer with deeper explanations, I highly recommend my Ukulele Strumming Tricks course.

Foundations of Strumming

The first thing to realize about strumming is that it’s not about how fancy or complicated you make a strumming pattern. Since strumming is a form of rhythm, in order to be effective, it must be consistent and steady. A steady, consistent strumming rhythm is always more pleasing to listen to than a really complicated strumming pattern played out of time.

The following strumming patterns, as demonstrated in the video, are played in 4/4 time signature. This means each pattern is played to a steady, consistent count of four: 1, 2, 3, 4, repeat. You can use these patterns for any song counted in four. As you practice each of these strumming patterns, count out loud, and even use a metronome to keep your strumming as rocksteady as possible.

Strumming Pattern #1

Before learning any other strumming pattern, learn this one. This pattern is very simple, as it is only down strums, but it is highly effective. For example, in my performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, I use all down strums for the last half of the song.

As you practice this, set your metronome, count out loud, and focus on lining up your down strums with each beat. Try to make your strums as even in tone and in volume.

Strumming Pattern #2

When you have the previous pattern mastered, add in up strums between each down strum to make the pattern more interesting. You would count these up strums in between the main beats by counting the word “and” like: 1 and, 2 and, 3 and, 4 and, repeat.

In addition, practice changing between chords on the first beat of the strumming pattern. For example, you might switch between a C, Am, and F chord. Take your practice further by coming up with your own chord progressions too.

Strumming Pattern #3

This strumming pattern combines the first two patterns. For this pattern, insert an up strum on the “and” of beats 2 and 4.

Strumming Pattern #4

You can get creative by rearranging the order of your down strums and up strums within the count of four. This pattern is like pattern #3, but in this pattern, you insert an up strum on the “and” of beats 1 and 3.

Strumming Pattern #5

This strumming pattern is sometimes referred to as the calypso strum. This pattern is the most complicated out of all of the patterns. This is because the down strum on beat 3 is removed and you only play an up strum on the “and” of the third beat. You’ll want to be sure to watch the video to get a sense for how this pattern sounds and feels. Once you get it down, you’ll find that it’s an easy pattern to apply to a lot of different songs.

Practicing Strumming Patterns

I recommend practicing these strumming patterns while playing just a C chord. Strumming is all about practicing a pattern to the point where it comes second nature and you don’t have to think about it too much. Don’t forget to practice these strumming patterns at a slow and fast tempo.

After practicing each pattern for awhile, practice changing between chords. Check out my lesson “Knowing When to Change Chords While Strumming a Song” for some practice examples.

When you’re ready, try applying these strumming patterns to a few different songs:

  • I’ve Been Working On the Railroad
  • Jingle Bells
  • You’ve Got a Friend In Me

How’s the strumming going for you? What questions do you have? I’d love to hear from you.

Post your comment below.

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  • How to play 3 extremely versatile strumming patterns
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    41 Comments

    1. Bob

      What Strumming pattern do you suggest using for the Beatles “Let it Be”

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Bob, I’d recommend starting with just down strums as you strum the chords for ‘Let it Be’. Then, as you get more comfortable, add in up strums to create a little bit of variety. Whenever I’m learning a new song, I always like to start basic with my strumming to make sure I have sense of the chords and how the melody is sung over the chords. Then, once I’m ready, I add to it to make it a little more interesting.

        Reply
    2. john fagas

      i tho’t the five lessons were terrific. Easy to undersand and a big help to an old time uke player. Looking at your strumming tricks! thanks John f

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Glad you enjoyed the lesson, John!

        Reply
        • Claire Duchar

          You’re great & love you lessons.
          Easy to understand. I’m just beginning & appreciate help at this time. Thx a bunch Claire

          Reply
        • KC Daniel Inventor

          I also liked your lesson on strumming. I’m a beginner with ukelele and I can say that this is a really big help. Thanks Brett!

          Reply
      • Malee

        big thanks Brett. Your strumming lessons inspire me!! I won’t give up.

        Reply
    3. Anonymous

      Perfect strumming pattern is Down-Down-Up-Up-Left-Right-Left-Right-B-A-Select-Start 🙂

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hahah, I love it!

        Reply
    4. Betty Larman

      I have been closely watching your fingers when strumming and can’t quite see whether you are using the thumb to both go down and up or down the with thumb and up with the index finger or down and up with the index finger.

      Reply
    5. David Harrison

      Hi Brett,
      A belated thanks for your free Ukulele Lesson Book , my son (6yrs) is slowly gaining more interest in playing. So much so that his older sister (12yrs) can now be heard learning to play his Ukulele.
      I am going to pass on your booklet to her and see what magic might unfold .
      Thanks again for all your efforts
      Dave

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Dave, you are very welcome. It’s amazing how contagious the ukulele is! So glad to hear the family is joining in on all the fun. Definitely feel free to pass my booklet along.

        Reply
    6. Renato

      Hi Bret,
      I just bought the Makala Dolphin Uke, do I need to change the strings to a carbon for e better sound?
      Many thanks,
      Renato

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        I’m afraid I don’t understand your question, Renato. If you are asking about changing from the default strings on your new uke, I recommend swapping out and putting some new fresh strings on like Aquila strings. Sometimes new ukuleles come with not so great sounding strings.

        Reply
    7. Ira

      How do we know what kind of strumming pattern we need for a song ?

      Reply
    8. John Connolly

      I need to learn the Reggae Strum to play “Red Red Wine.” I can clap it but not sure how to strum it.

      I would be so grateful if you could tell me , please.

      Thanks

      Reply
    9. Amy Q

      Did you know you sound exactly like Christian Slater? If I close my eyes, Christian Slater is teaching us Ukulele tricks.

      Reply
    10. Cristina

      Hi, I am a beginner and I love “honululu baby” song. Which strumming pattern would you suggest?
      Thanks a lot. Love your videos!!!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Cristina, I always recommend starting with simple down strums at first, and then, as you get more comfortable with the song’s chord progression and how the chords fit with the melody, try adding in up strums, much like the patterns I’ve outlined above.

        Reply
    11. Jack

      Hi – fantastic website, you’ve taught me a lot already!

      Something I keep having problems with though is my fingers getting caught in the strings on the ‘up’ strum. I can’t work out whether to use one or multiple fingers. My nails are short but somehow the ‘up’ strum is never even and I lose my rhythm when I try it. Can you suggest any techniques?

      Thanks for any help!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Jack, this a pretty common challenge for beginners, so I want to encourage you to keep working at it and practicing. You’ll be sure to notice improvement! At the same time, if you find your finger(s) getting stuck in between the strings on your up strums, chances are that you’re digging into the strings a little bit too much, or you’re not staying loose and relaxed enough. It might help to think that it just requires a little bit of contact from your fingers to strum the strings. Think about just grazing the top of strings. For now, focus on strumming lighter and more easy. Most of all, keep practicing at a slow tempo to get that strumming nice and even, and then from there, speed it up.

        Reply
    12. Lorena

      I really enjoyed learning the different strokes I live in New Zealand and the type of Ukelele im learning on is a Cook Island hand crafted Ukelele made from the coconut shell it hasa unique sound. Perhaps I would be better off getting a more main stream style too learn on what do you think.

      Reply
    13. tab-ukulele

      Merci beaucoup, j’aime beaucoup tes cours, ils sont simples et efficaces. Une bonne inspiration pour faire partager le ukulélé en France.

      ukutchuss

      Reply
    14. Pat

      I’m new to all this but having fun. I notice in your videos that you strum the strings on the neck piece as opposed to over the opening. Does it matter? Also, I seem to feel most comfortable using my index finger to strum. Again, does it matter. Thanks,

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Pat, thanks for your comment and great question! Where you strum across the strings is dependent upon the tone you wish to produce from the ukulele (how bright or how dark the sound is). As you strum closer to the bridge of the ukulele, the sound gets brighter. I find the warmest tone on my ukulele comes if I strum across the strings around the 12th to 14th fret of the ukulele.

        Reply
    15. jo burdeos

      im just stock here and wonder..the chords name of guitar and ukulele are deffrent?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Jo, the chord names on guitar and ukulele are the same chord in terms of pitch. The difference will be in the finger position.

        Reply
    16. Norma Quine

      Just wanted to tell you how much better you look
      Almost clean shaven.

      Reply
    17. Kenny D

      Hi Brett, I make guitars & Ukelele for a hobby & have played the guitar for some 40 years , but when I made a Ukelele for a change, I realized what a fun machine it was , I have followed your vidio’s and they are very helpfull to an old rocker like me, Very easy to follow. congratulations.

      Reply
    18. tony

      Hi Brett
      As a 63 year old trying to play my 1st musical instrument your vids are brilliant, the pleasure i get from now being able to make my uke sound sweet and not like a strangled cat is great, many many thanks

      Reply
    19. shelley clarino

      Brett, I loved the strumming patterns and am faithfully practicing them. I want to move to the next step. I can’t find the link where you sign up for your classes and are they all like the one here, simple, step by step? That’s just what I need.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Shelly, register for the Strumming Tricks course here: http://www.ukuleletricks.com/strumming-tricks/

        Reply
    20. Elvid Le

      Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Brett I just played and sang my first song ever! I have played Bass, I have played acoustic Guitar, I have played Electric Guitar, and I have sung in church before. BUT! I have never played an instrustment and sang before! Granted it was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. But this is Three days in…WOW! Thank you so much I am amazed at myself.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Great work, Elvid! It’s so much fun, isn’t it?

        Reply
    21. mike

      when do people clap when your strumming, the down or up beat?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        In Western music, most times people clap on the “off-beat” which would be beats 2 and 4 in 4/4 time signature where you’re counting: 1, 2, 3, 4.

        Reply
    22. Nicole Schmidt

      What would be an ideal strumming pattern for Halleluiah? And NOT your good finger plucking cover, but just normal strumming? I mean i know DDDD works, but is there an ideal strumming pattern?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        It’s your personal preference and how you wish to express yourself through the song. Take out the picking and I’m still a big fan of just down strums for this song.

        Reply
    23. Shirley Learner

      I was looking at your strumming course and you used the term ‘a diving ukulele’.
      Could you please explain that term to me.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Shirley! The “diving ukulele” problem typically refers to the challenge of stabilizing the ukulele where when you change chords the neck of the ukulele wants to “drop” or “dive” as you change chords, which can make you pause or hesitate between chord changes.

        Reply
    24. Shirley Learner

      Hi Brett,
      I have tuned my ukulele yet when I strum the A string sounds a bit off, almost has a twang to the string. What am I doing wrong. Shirley

      Reply

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      Brett McQueen
      Brett McQueen is the founder of Ukulele Tricks and author of the internationally-published book Ukulele Exercises For Dummies. He teaches thousands of people from around the world to play ukulele in a non-intimidating, easy-to-follow style. Read more.

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