Today I Reveal The Secret Formula That’s Helped Over 10,000 Ukulele Players Play The Music They Want On Ukulele
Just like yesterday…
I remember sitting in the living room that summer afternoon with my dad, instruments in hand.
He had just shown me the first four chords needed to play Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver.
“So,” I asked him sheepishly, “How do I strum this thing?”
“Just feel it,” he confidently replied.
Ok…
Just feel it.
Easy enough I thought.
So that’s what I did. I proceeded to “just feel it” and whew… let me tell you what:
I sounded like a car engine that just couldn’t get started.
For every chord change I would have to stop altogether because my fingers hurt so bad.
As I strummed my fingers would get caught between the strings and any strumming I did muster was stiff and robotic.
My dad was loudly singing about the great joys of “country roads” – I think he thought if he sang the song louder it would help me keep up – all the while I was sputtering about struggling to just “stay on the road” so to speak, until finally, I set my instrument down in frustration and said,
“I just don’t get it.”
Me, my dad, and grandfather jamming out in a less frustrating moment
in my younger years 🙂
You see, my dad was the kind of guy who would blast the stereo as loud as he could and just start playing the song that was on the radio.
It seemed like music just naturally flowed out of him.
But, why was it so hard for me?
Why didn’t I have a musical ear?
Isn’t there a musical gene we’re supposed to inherit?!
(Surprise. There’s not.)
And, why did it seem like everyone could feel the music around me, but I couldn’t?
Despite those questions, I knew one thing for certain:
I needed to take learning music seriously.
From then on, I made the choice I would do whatever it takes to play the music I love.
Hey, I’m Brett McQueen, a life-long ukulele player, author of Ukulele Exercises For Dummies and creator of the best-selling Ukulele Tricks course Strumming Tricks, which has helped over 10,000 students from all around the world become proficient ukulele players.
Shortly after failing to play Take Me Home, Country Roads I went all-in on music.
Because I lived in a small town and didn’t have access to fancy private tutors, I downloaded as many videos I could find on the internet (this was pre-YouTube mind you!).
I started shadowing with the youth band at church.
I scoured internet forums for tips and tricks.
I was obsessed.
And eventually, by the end of high school, I was accepted into a music program at university.
Slowly but surely, over the course of a decade, I started accumulating the skills and knowledge needed to learn the songs I wanted to play.
But it wasn’t until a music internship where I was really put to the test.
In 2009, I interned with a music team for a large church in the metropolitan Detroit area. With multiple locations, a team of over 100 volunteer musicians, and audiences of over 15,000 people, it was an exciting place with a lot of pressure.
I might get a call on Thursday that I needed to fill in for a musician or vocalist who couldn’t make it for the Saturday and Sunday services.
This meant I had to start learning multiple songs I’d never heard before just a couple of days before I was to perform those songs in front of thousands of people.
Gulp.
This was exciting but I had to figure out a formula fast just in order to keep up and perform at my best.
Here I am (green shirt) leading a crowd back in 2009
This experience got me thinking back to the first time I was learning how to strum Take Me Home, Country Roads with my dad.
Here I was ten years later and I was making music fast… with confidence and on all different kinds of instruments, including the ukulele (I had the honor of playing a part in introducing the ukulele to the music team there), guitar, and piano…
But I couldn’t help to wonder…
Was there a faster and easier way I could have taken that day in the living room to start playing a song I had never played before?
And I discovered there was.
There was a specific, repeatable system I used over and over again to learn brand new songs, and I started to see how there was a common set of skills and techniques I would pull from my “toolbox” over and over again to learn songs week in and week out.
And I realized, yes, if someone gave me this system and taught me the specific skills and techniques when I first started, my learning would have been turbocharged.
Instead it took me over 10 years…
But what if you don’t have 10 years?
What if you want to start making music… today.
I knew there were people just like yourself who don’t have any time to waste and want to learn to make music fast, which is why after I graduated, I made it my primary mission in life to help people like you learn to make music as fast as possible.
And now you can…
I’ve put it all together into the easiest-to-follow, step-by-step system…
It’s called Strumming Tricks.
It’s already helped over 10,000 students learn ukulele and I know it will help you too.
I wish I had this system when I was first starting out.
To this day, this is the system I use to learn the songs I love and want to play fast and it’s one you can start implementing today… even if you’re just starting to play the ukulele or have never made music before in your life.
If I were to do it all over, this is the exact roadmap I would follow to save time learning and make the music I want to make in the shortest amount of time possible.
Introducing “Strumming Tricks”: Discover the System to Learn and Master Strumming, Rhythm and Chord Changes On Ukulele, Improving Your Skills While Making Actual Music
Okay. You might be thinking…
“That’s pretty neat, Brett, but I’m starting out a lot later in life than you did.”
“I failed at playing an instrument before so I probably just don’t have the talent.”
“I just don’t have a musical background.”
Most of my students have shared these exact words with me.
I know it’s hard to take that step and finally decide to learn music, but the good news is that the ukulele is the best instrument to learn as your first instrument and you’re in the right place.
My passion is to share the joy of music with as many people as possible and to show you that you too can experience the joy of making the music you love even if you’re just starting out.
If you’ve always wanted to check off “learning music” as a bucket list item…
If you’ve always wanted to be able to play music with family, friends, kids, or grandkids…
If you’ve always wanted to feel the satisfaction of playing your instrument and having it sound like beautiful, recognizable music…
Then you’re at the right place to begin your journey.
“Since age 6, I’ve tried to learn to play a musical instrument without success (first the piano, at age 16 the guitar, at age 30 the keyboard, at age 55 the banjo uke). At age 62, I bought a uke and began Brett’s course. 1 1/2 years later, I’ve fulfilled my lifelong dream – I can play hundreds of songs!”
– Dr. Linda S.
Strumming Tricks Gives You the “Secret Sauce” to Help You Learn Ukulele Fast
Learning to play ukulele fast begins with a strategy I call the 15-Minute Play-To-Learn Method.
As the name implies, it only takes 15 minutes to get started…
This means even if you’re busy you can start taking the steps today to learn ukulele because I show you exactly how to practice, what to practice, and when to practice, each time you pick up your ukulele.
The 15-Minute Play-To-Learn Method integrates the three most important ingredients needed to play actual music on your ukulele: Knowledge, Technique, and Application.
Different methods of learning ukulele often emphasize one ingredient over the other where Strumming Tricks is the ONLY system that develops ALL at the SAME time in a progressive, easy-to-follow, step-by-step manner.
For instance, at your local ukulele club, there might be a strong focus on Application or playing a lot of songs, which is awesome, but if you’re like any of my students, you can find yourself knowing the chords to a lot of songs but hitting a wall when it comes to your strumming Technique, kind of like how my dad showed me the chords to strum Take Me Home, Country Roads but I had no technique whatsoever to execute the strumming – and just forget about even trying to sing along while I played!
Or, you found a video on YouTube that showed you a cool trick or Technique, but how do you apply that trick to playing actual music (Application)?
If you were like me and studied music in college, then there was a large focus on Knowledge and Technique (super important) but less of an emphasis on applying that to playing music that I actually wanted to play.
As you can see, the 15-Minute Play-To-Learn Method is the best way to learn ukulele fast because it combines all three ingredients.
And when you do that, you’re able to:
“I love it! It progresses nicely from basics to more sophisticated options, and I like and can relate to most of the songs. The best thing about it is Brett’s relaxed style of teaching and the supremely helpful videos that clearly demonstrate each technique. Plus, it’s fun to play along with him once I’ve learned a new song.”
– Darlene M.
Remember: the only place you can get your hands on this kind of system is inside…
Strumming Tricks: The Only Ukulele Learning System Designed To Get You the Results You Want
With 92 videos broken into small step-by-step, easy-to-follow segments across 30 lessons, I made Strumming Tricks to be a “one-stop shop” online course where I include everything you’d ever need to make music on ukulele starting today… even if you’re a complete beginner.
You start making music right from the beginning because I believe the best way to learn is by playing actual music. Throughout the course, you learn to play twenty well-loved ukulele songs. By doing so, you learn exactly how to apply the Knowledge and Techniques I show you in this course, so you can take those to play your favorite songs.
Here’s what you’ll discover inside…
Part I: Getting Started
- Get set up and ready to go by learning how to string, tune, and how the ukulele with perfect playing posture
- Explore three strumming techniques and figure out which to use to achieve a clear, crisp strumming tone
- Discover how to play your very first chord
- Learn the most important strumming pattern of all time that works for every song and never fails
- Unlock how strumming patterns are counted to keep a steady, consistent rhythm
- Take the first chord and strumming pattern you learn to play a simple one-chord song
Part II: Strumming Foundations
- Uncover the three must-know ukulele chords and use those to play four different songs from classic folk to Hawaiian
- Figure out how to solve the problems of buzzing chords and a diving ukulele
- Learn the fundamentals of rhythm so you can create your very own strumming patterns that work for any song
- See how to prevent strumming fingers from getting stuck between the strings and how to make your fingers slide across the strings
- Discover the process for finding the right strumming pattern for a song when a lyric chord chart is all you have
- Practice strumming in different counts like four and three
- Learn how to strum and sing at the same time without losing the rhythm
- Look at what to do when you keep reverting back to the same old strumming pattern
- Explore the best way to memorize new ukulele chords
- Master switching chords without pausing or hesitating using the “Hover Technique”
- Learn how to play the famous calypso strum and how to make other syncopated patterns
Part III: Picking Up the Strumming Speed
- Learn how to strum faster without getting sloppier while learning lively, uptempo songs
- Uncover the secret to playing fast (hint: it’s not about trying harder)
- See how to create a rhythmic pulse with accents
- Discover how one small change to your strumming movement can help you go faster
- Leverage alternate chord positions to make faster chord changes
- Learn how to make frequent chord changes with a fast strumming rhythm
- Make your rhythm feel waltz-y with the “Thumb and Strum” technique
- Explore how to accent other beats to change the feeling of the rhythm
- See how to perform the “Touch and Strum” method to make your rhythm more lively and energetic
- Increase the speed of the “Thumb and Strum” to play a lightning fast rhythm
Part IV: Percussive Muting Techniques
- Make your strumming sound percussive with the “chunk” strum technique
- See how to implement the “chunk” strum into various strumming patterns
- Look at proper finger and hand placement for crisp and clear muted strums
- Learn the fretting hand muting technique
- Figure out how to know when to use the “chnk” strum technique vs. the fretting hand muting technique
- Discover how to make island-style reggae strumming pattern rhythms
- Learn the “skank” strum to give your reggae energy and feeling
- Use your knowledge of muted strumming techniques to play specific songs
Part V: Expressive Strumming
- Unlock the mystery of what makes a song performance sound emotive and expressive
- Learn three dynamics exercises to help find your strumming “center”
- Discover how to use dynamics and vary the strumming pattern throughout a song for an expressive performance
- Add feeling and groove to your strumming with shuffle and swing rhythms
- Use your knowledge of shuffle rhythms to play the 12-bar blues
- Figure out how to use accents in a song to create feeling and energy
- Uncover fast sixteenth note rhythms and how you can use them as fills to add energy to your strumming rhythm
- Discover how to apply sixteenth note rhythms to actual songs to make the performance energetic
- Learn how to perform the four-finger rolling strum with speed and fluidity
- Figure out where to add in strumming fills to songs
Standalone Lessons
- Learn how to confidently play barre chords
- See how to make sure barre chords always ring out
- Take on the challenges that come with practicing like how to practice and how to achieve your goals
- Discover how to start developing your musical ear with active listening
- Learn practical ways to take on a difficult song and make it more attainable to play by playing in ukulele-friendly keys
- Figure out how to transpose a song (to make it easier to play)
- Learn how to use a ukulele capo
“I loved [Strumming Tricks]! I was so happy to have been able to play some songs and because the chords taught were for beginners I was able to find songs I loved that had these chords and started playing them too.”
– Niki T.
“By following your lessons I have been exposed to a variety of strumming methods that has helped increased my range of playable songs. Also, it has kept me motivated to play regularly by trying to get to next lesson.”
– Dave W.
Over 10,000 Students Have Learned Ukulele With Strumming Tricks
When I first opened the doors to Strumming Tricks, I knew this system had been a breakthrough for me, but I could have never imagined the impact it would have.
10 years, over 10,000 students later, this course is dialed in to help you learn ukulele in the shortest amount of time possible…
But don’t just take my word for it.
Here’s what my students have to say:
“I first learned to strum through this program. Within a year, and with no previous musical training, I was invited to play in a performing group, and now perform with a second group as well. I go busking by myself, with confidence. This program is, quite simply, excellent in all aspects.”
– Libby W.
“I have highly recommended Ukulele Strumming Tricks to several friends who have bought it. My recommendation was based on your steady, methodical, calm approach to teaching–and your accessibility. I think this is the best web-based instruction available.”
– John W.
“I have improved my playing and really enjoy the lessons. Brett does a great job of teaching. I like being able to revisit lessons. I like how Brett starts slowly then builds up speed. He is very encouraging. You can tell that he loves to play and teach the ukulele.”
– Margaret D.
As you can see, Strumming Tricks has helped many students learn to play ukulele and you can be the next one to achieve your lifelong goal of making music.
But first, I want you to know that my course isn’t the only thing you’ll get as soon as you sign up…
There’s More… When You Join Today I’m Including These Four Bonuses FREE
When you sign up today, you’ll get immediate access to the 3 hours and 58 minutes of ninety-two video lessons, but that’s not all…
You’ll also receive four awesome bonuses absolutely FREE.
FREE BONUS #1
Strumming Tricks Practice Plan Calendar
(Total Value $99) Yours Free!
With the 15-Minute Play-to-Learn Method as the foundation, the Strumming Tricks Practice Plan Calendar is the exact roadmap and guide I’d go over with you in a single private lesson. Instead of that, I lay out the entire roadmap so you always know what to practice next with two different tracks: Easy-Going and Dedicated.
FREE BONUS #2
183-Page Strumming Tricks Workbook
(Total Value $99) Yours Free!
Instead of just learning with videos, I’m including a 183-page workbook with notation, chord charts, sheet music, rhythm charts, exercises, pictures, diagrams, and additional tips and tricks. With the Strumming Tricks Workbook, it’s easy to follow along with each lesson.
FREE BONUS #3
Online Support From Your Teacher Brett
(Total Value $249) Yours Free!
I’m including my direct online support with this course. Just post your questions or comments on any lesson and I will be able to respond and help. This area is a wealth of knowledge and information that has accumulated over the years with additional tips and tricks from me and other students.
FREE BONUS #4
Country Bluegrass Strummin’ Online Video Lesson Course
(Total Value $49) Yours Free!
You’ll advance your understanding of rhythm and strumming technique with the Country Bluegrass Strummin’ course from Brett McQueen. With over an hour and 18 videos of additional lessons, you’ll go beyond Strumming Tricks and learn six additional songs in the upbeat country bluegrass style.
Let’s Recap Everything You’re Getting Today
Remember, as soon as you join today you’re getting instant access to everything I’ve mentioned today including:
That comes out to a total value of $2,056.
But you’re not going to pay anything close to that today.
“I am a big believer in your lessons. I have friends who have just learned on there own from a mish mash of YouTube people. They don’t have the fundamentals down and they get frustrated when they can’t do a song. They try to start with stuff that is too hard at first. Your lessons have saved me from all of that frustration.”
– Jeff J.
Here’s How Much Time, Money & Effort You Save Learning with Strumming Tricks
If we were to cover the same amount of material covered in Strumming Tricks in a series of private lessons, the cost would be kind of insane…
For example, one lesson per week for an entire year at my rate of $150 per lesson is $7,800.
Now there are a lot of teachers who would charge you just $30 per lesson, but still, that’s $1,560…
If you ask me, being able to make music is priceless.
Being able to kick back after a long day and unwind playing your favorite songs…
Being home for the holidays and being able to pick up a ukulele and play along with family…
Being able to experience the joy of making music…
There’s nothing like it.
So, learning this material in private lessons would definitely be worth it, but if you ask me, when you’re first starting out, you benefit GREATLY from the ability to rewatch the instruction, have a microscope on your teacher’s hands and fingers, and go at your own pace.
And that’s exactly what you get with Strumming Tricks at a fraction of the cost.
“THANK YOU for creating this! I travel a lot so an ‘in person’ teacher wouldn’t be possible. This course is just like having a personal instructor at your disposal whenever your time suits.”
– Twila K.
Because everything is set up to be easily followed along with at your own pace (this means you can re-watch the videos as many times as you’d like), you save a lot of money and are able to learn at your convenience.
And for those inevitable questions that come up as you’re learning, don’t forget I’m including FREE bonus access to a supportive discussion area, allowing you to ask your toughest questions and receive encouragement from me.
All this allows you to see real progress as a ukulele player.
So here’s my offer since I can tell you’re serious about learning ukulele.
If you act today, you’ll get everything you see here, including all the bonuses, for just ONE payment of $147 $97.
Just imagine.
You could be playing your first songs on ukulele in less than 7 days from now.
And don’t worry.
You don’t have to decide now.
I’ll make it a no-brainer…
I’ll give you a full 60 days to try it out — risk free.
An UNBEATABLE Guarantee: Try Strumming Tricks For a Full 60 Days, 100% Risk-Free
I promise you if you follow along with each lesson and put in the practice you will become a better ukulele player with Strumming Tricks. So much so that I back the course with a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee.
This means, if for whatever reason you try Strumming Tricks and don’t LOVE it, I want you to email me and I will give you all your money back.
This guarantee lasts 60 days which means you can try the WHOLE course and then decide if it’s right for you. Join the program and try it for yourself. It’s as simple as that. You have nothing to lose.
Here’s How To Start Your First Lesson In The Next 5 Minutes
Upon signing up, you register your very own Ukulele Tricks member account. This special member account grants you complete access to the entire Strumming Tricks online course and all I’ve promised above in a private, members-only area of Ukulele Tricks.
Go at your own pace and access the course anywhere and anytime from your computer or mobile device. All you need is an internet connection.
Note: For your benefit, the Strumming Tricks course never expires and there are absolutely no renewal fees attached to this course.
Once you’re a member, you’re always a member… for life!
If you have even the slightest feeling I made this course EXACTLY FOR YOU…
1. Click the “Get Instant Access” button below.
2. If the page loads successfully, your spot is still open today.
3. Fill out the secure order form and you’ll gain instant access to my course and everything else I’ve promised.
I’ve done everything I can to show you how quickly and easily this course can have you playing ukulele.
Now it’s time for you to decide.
Click the “Get Instant Access” button below to see if your spot is still available.
If the page loads, congrats — seats are still available and you made it in.
See you on the other side.
I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Brett McQueen
Founder, Ukulele Tricks
P.S. – The results that over 10,000 students have had speak for themselves.
The ukulele learning system I unpack in Strumming Tricks could get you making music for the first time in your life.
This is the exact roadmap I wish I had when I was first learning and once you unlock the formula a whole new world of music will open up for you.
They don’t teach you this ukulele method in any school… and I’ve never seen a music app or program out there talk about anything close to this.
The only place you can discover this formula is inside Strumming Tricks.
I’ve received countless testimonials from students that my teaching methods have been game-changers for aspiring ukulele players.
“I would recommend this class to others who are learning uke. Chords are easier to learn than strumming and I learned when starting to play that the right hand (strumming) is actually more important than the left hand. There are not a lot of resources to help learn strumming and this one is pretty complete!”
– Phil M.
“I became a proficient player and play in two advanced ukulele groups and play at events we are invited as a group such as senior centers and benefit events.”
– Rod P.
If you truly want to play ukulele with ease and confidence then click the “Get Instant Access” button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Who is this course for?”
Answer: Strumming Tricks Tricks is for anyone who has never played a musical instrument before in their life or those that have been trying to learn how to play ukulele but aren’t seeing the results they want.
“How much prior knowledge is assumed?”
Answer: A prior musical background is not required (i.e. you don’t need to know how to read music or anything advanced like that to begin). Strumming Tricks is designed and organized purposefully, so anyone can jump right in and start learning, even if you’ve never played ukulele before in your life. The beginning of the course starts with the absolute basics progressing to more advanced concepts later in the course. With the slow, easy-to-follow pace, you can be sure I won’t leave you in the dust.
“How much do I need to practice?”
Answer: This course is designed so you can go at your own pace.
Some lessons might only take 15 minutes of practice to fully complete, while others might take a little longer. This is normal and everyone is different. The key is to plug away bit by bit. I recommend practicing at least 15 to 30 minutes per day to see the best results. Obviously, the more you put into this course, the more you get out of it, but keep in mind, to see real progress in your ukulele playing, you don’t need to practice hours upon hours each day. The key is to be consistent and to focus your practice on the right things, which I give you in Strumming Tricks. Practicing just 15 minutes a day will be much more effective than having a marathon 4-hour-long practice session on the weekend.
Don’t forget I’m including the Strumming Tricks Practice Plan Calendar FREE bonus that gives you a recommended roadmap to follow.
“Will this course work for me? Will I be able to see progress?”
Answer: One of the biggest challenges of playing ukulele is the fear we might fail or not stick with it.
As your teacher, I’m motivated to make sure you see progress.
In the last 10 years and with over 10,000 students, I’ve personally invested over a thousand hours to ensure this course is step-by-step and easy-to-follow. Everything you need to see progress in your playing is given to you in each lesson. All you have to do is put in the practice.
At the end of each lesson, you get specific, actionable practice objectives. This way, you know exactly what you need to be practicing to improve.
“What if I fall behind?”
Answer: I understand that life can bring about unexpected surprises that would take you away from practicing the ukulele consistently. For this reason, you get lifetime access to all the lessons in the Strumming Tricks course allowing you to review any previous lesson and catch up on your skills.
“How does an online course like Strumming Tricks work? Do you ship anything to me?”
Answer: If you’ve never been apart of an online course like Strumming Tricks, it’s really easy-to-use! Here’s how it works.
The entire contents of Strumming Tricks and all the bonuses are accessed in a private, simple-to-use online member area on UkuleleTricks.com.
Upon purchasing the course, you register your very own username and password giving you exclusive access to this member area. In the member area, all the lessons in Strumming Tricks are organized allowing you to stream the videos, download the lesson worksheet, and interact in each lesson’s private discussion area.
You’re able to conveniently access the online member area from your computer or mobiles devices anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection.
In this way, we do not ship you in the mail any physical contents, which means as soon as you register, you can start the lessons right away!
“How is Strumming Tricks different than other ukulele teachers/online courses/books on the market?”
Answer: Unlike other courses, where you get a bunch of random and unrelated lessons, Strumming Tricks is designed in a thoughtful, easy-to-follow way using the 15-Minute Play-To-Learn Method as the foundation. This is the ONLY course in the world that uses this method to get the results you want. Not only that though, I really empathize with beginning students who seek teachers who are actually invested in their progress as a student and aren’t just about showing off or bragging.
Before I taught ukulele, I was also a student. In all truth, I still consider myself as a student–always trying to improve and learn new things about the ukulele. I’m currently taking vocal lessons.
But, as I’m sure you’ve experienced, there is nothing more infuriating than to encounter teachers who are more concerned with showing off their skills and bragging than investing in your progress as a student.
In this way, in Strumming Tricks, I make every effort to commit to helping you see actual progress in your playing. This is why I’m throwing in the FREE bonus of my own personal support – there is a discussion area underneath each lesson, where I personally interact with you and helping you with any questions or hiccups along the way.
Join Strumming Tricks Now and Become a Better Ukulele Player In Minutes
To get started, click the “Get Instant Access” button below to register your Ukulele Tricks account and begin. You’re just minutes from taking your skills to the next level.