Ukulele Tricks Online Ukulele Lessons
  • Lessons
    • How to Play Ukulele
    • Free Lessons
    • Books
  • Courses
  • Songs
  • Tools
    • Online Ukulele Tuner
    • Ukulele Chord Library
    • Baritone Chord Library
  • Blog
  • More
    • About
    • Ukulele Buying Guide
    • Contact
  • Log In
  • Log In
  • Sign Up

Ukulele Blues Fingerpicking Lesson for Beginners: Pattern #1

by Brett McQueen

This is the second post (and video lesson) of a three part ukulele fingerpicking blues lesson series. For the first lesson, I introduced the structure of the 12-bar blues. Get that lesson here. Once you’re ready, go to part 3.

Now that we’ve learned the 12-bar blues on ukulele, it’s time to learn a couple fingerpicking patterns that we can use with this form. These fingerpicking patterns are great if you are a beginner to fingerpicking, but they are just as useful if you want to get some new ideas.

Video Lesson: Blues Fingerpicking Pattern #1

This is a video for this lesson showing you how to play the fingerpicking pattern in the 12-bar blues form as described below.

Ukulele Fingerpicking Technique

There are two common ways to fingerpick on the ukulele.

The first way uses your thumb, index, and middle finger. Your thumb plucks either of the top two strings, your index finger plucks the second to bottom string, and your middle finger plucks the bottom string.

The second way uses your thumb, index, middle, and ring finger. Your thumb plucks the top string, your index finger plucks the second to top string, your middle finger plucks the second to bottom string, and your ring finger plucks the bottom string.

One technique is not necessarily better than the other. For example, I like to use the first way when I am doing patterns that have an alternating bass feel to them. For other patterns, I like to use the second way because each finger is assigned to a string. My thought is that I can do a lot more if I’m using four of my fingers versus three. I recommend practicing both ways.

For this lesson, we’ll be learning a fingerpicking pattern that uses the first way.

Ukulele Blues Fingerpicking Pattern #1

For this picking pattern, we are going to be playing to a count of four. The chord we will be playing over is an A7 chord (click to see the fingering).

On the first beat, we are going to use our thumb to pluck the C string on the 1st fret. On the “&” of the first beat, we are going to use our middle finger to pluck the bottom A string.

On the second beat, we are going to use our thumb again and pluck the top G string. On the “&” of the second beat, we are going to use our index finger to pluck the E string.

That’s our pattern. We repeat the pattern all the way through the third and fourth beats.

Blues Fingerpicking Pattern #1: A7 chord

-     T   M   T   I   T   M   T   I
a |-------0---------------0----------
e |---------------0---------------0--
c |---1---------------1--------------
g |-----------0---------------0------
-     1   &   2   &   3   &   4   &

We can play this pattern over any chord. Let’s practice it over a D7 chord.

Blues Fingerpicking Pattern #1: D7 chord

-     T   M   T   I   T   M   T   I
a |-------3---------------3----------
e |---------------2---------------2--
c |---2---------------2--------------
g |-----------2---------------2------
-     1   &   2   &   3   &   4   &

For our 12-bar blues progression, we also need to be able to play this pattern over an E7 chord.

Blues Fingerpicking Pattern #1: E7 chord

-     T   M   T   I   T   M   T   I
a |-------2---------------2----------
e |---------------0---------------0--
c |---2---------------2--------------
g |-----------1---------------1------
-     1   &   2   &   3   &   4   &

Be sure to watch the video lesson above to hear how this fingerpicking pattern is played.

Let’s Fingerpick the 12-Bar Blues

We can take this fingerpicking pattern and these chords and play the 12-bar blues progression. In the example of me playing in the video, I use this variation of the 12-bar blues:

Blues Lick & Turn Around

If you watched the video lesson above, you’ll notice that I add a blues lick on the second to last measure of the 12-bar phrase. It’s really easy to play.

On the first beat of the measure, I do a down strum on an A7 chord. On the second beat, I start into the lick. I count the lick in triplets through the second, third, and fourth beat.

For the second beat, with my thumb, I pluck the 2nd fret on the C string but quickly slide up to the 4th fret. On the “trip” of two, I pluck the 4th fret of the bottom A string with my middle finger, and on the “let” of the beat, I pluck the 4th fret of the C string with my thumb again.

I repeat this pattern for the third and fourth beats by walking down the frets. Be sure to watch the video lesson above to see and hear how I play this lick.

-         T   M      T    T   M      T    T   M      T
a |---0-------4---------------3---------------2----------
e |---0--------------------------------------------------
c |---1---2/4--------4----3----------3----2----------2---
g |---0--------------------------------------------------
-     1   2   trip - let  3   trip - let  4   trip - let

It’s Your Turn to Give It a Try

The best thing to do is to start off practicing this fingerpicking pattern over only one chord. If you’ve never fingerpicked before, it will take some practice to get your fingers used to the motion of fingerpicking. Go slow at first, and try to keep your timing as consistent and steady as possible.

As I mentioned in the video, you might want to plant the pinky of your fingerpicking hand on the top of the ukulele to stabilize your hand. Remember to be as relaxed as possible.

Once you get used to the pattern, try adding a chord change. Then, once you’re comfortable with that, you’re ready to play the 12-bar blues!

How’s the fingerpicking going for you? Do you have any questions? What tips do you have for those who are learning how to fingerpick?

Not sure where to go next? Grab the free ukulele lesson book.

Your First Ukulele Lesson And Then Some Book

Join over 50,000 people and get our free ukulele lesson book Your First Ukulele Lesson and Then Some. Learn new tricks like:

  • How to properly tune, hold, and strum your ukulele
  • The most essential "must-know" ukulele chords
  • How to play 3 extremely versatile strumming patterns
  • How to play "I've Been Working On the Railroad"

To get a free copy of the digital lesson book delivered to your inbox, enter your email below:

    109 Comments

    1. shari

      Thank you for this lesson
      you are a wonderful teacher. I bought your series of lessons book etc but it is your on-line lessons that really ROCK!

      Reply
      • Brett

        Thanks for the compliments! Glad you are enjoying the lessons 🙂

        Reply
    2. Peter

      Brett, this rocked. I can now play 12-bar blues on guitar and ukulele and I’m excited to try them together and see how they sound! The turnaround is sweet!

      Reply
      • Brett

        Sweet! I’m glad you liked it.

        Reply
    3. Ross

      Love it, Brett!!!
      Very nice tutorial, indeed!!!

      Reply
    4. Travis

      Just discovered these tutorials this morning and have so far wasted my entire day! Thanks so much, Brett. I’ll be back!

      Reply
      • Brett

        It makes me happy to know that Ukulele Tricks has been a time-waster for you. No better way to waste your time than playing ukulele 🙂

        Reply
    5. David Guzek

      Brett,
      First, I have enjoyed your site and the blues lessons, it makes a beginner sound good. I have 2 questions. First, the #1 picking pattern and lick, can I use this pattern in any key or does the pattern/lick need to be modified?
      Second, I plan to enroll in your online lessons, for a NON singer who will focus on finger picking, will it still be helpful? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Brett

        Hey David,

        #1: You will need to modify this lick for different keys. For example, if you decided to play this in the key of C rather than A… that is three half steps up. This means you would have to modify the lick so you are playing it three frets up from where it is being played now. For more on understanding scales and the theory behind them, see this post.

        #2: The course will be helpful in the sense that you will become stronger with your rhythm and timing. This will inevitably help the rhythm of your fingerpicking, but you should know that the course is focused on strumming and there are no lessons on fingerpicking. The course is great though because I teach a lot of different songs, so once you learn how to play those with strumming, you could take those and modify them for fingerpicking. Just some things to think about…

        Let me know if you have any other questions!

        Reply
        • David Guzek

          Brett, Thanks for your reply, it was very helpful.

          Reply
    6. Thomas Thompson

      Definitely the best, easiest to follow, and most understandable instruction site that I have found. I’m not musically inclined, but can follow Brett’s instruction with ease. For those who have not purchased Brett’s online instruction courses, save yourself time and money and purchase it if you want to learn to play the ukulele.

      Reply
      • Brett

        Thanks for your kind words, Thomas! I’m glad to hear Ukulele Tricks has been helpful to you. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Kelsey

      Brett,
      Thank you so much for this. I’ve been wanting to learn the uke for years and finally broke down and bought on yesterday and this was the first tutorial that I came across. It’s easy to follow and makes me feel like I actually learned something. Thank you for taking the time to make it and keep posting =]

      Reply
      • Brett

        Kelsey, thanks so much for your comment. This is great to hear! There are a lot of other lessons and videos on the website too, so be sure to click around. Welcome and enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    8. J William Wellborn

      Do you have a work sheet for these lessons? It is a pain to copy and paste. Thanks. This is really fun!

      Reply
      • Brett

        Hey J, unfortunately, right now, I’m unable to provide worksheets for these free lessons. It’s a great idea, so maybe in the future. I do however offer hundreds of page of worksheets with my paid ukulele lesson course Ukulele Strumming Tricks.

        Reply
    9. Fred

      I think you are the BEST online Ukulele Teacher. I just love how you take the time to make it clear to someone by describing it in more detail, relevant way.

      Reply
      • Brett

        Fred, that’s mighty nice of you to say. Thank you. I’m really glad that these videos are helpful to you!

        Reply
    10. Judith

      thanks Brett for the strumming and finger picking lessons. I have made progress this afternoon and enjoyed the challenge supported by your excellent tuition

      Reply
      • Brett

        Judith, I appreciate your comment. It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you’ve found these lessons helpful. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Pete

      Been learning the ukulele for a short time now mainly strumming.
      Thanks for the Blues finger picking lessons. Going to try them right now.

      Pete

      Reply
      • Brett

        My pleasure! Let me know how it goes for you.

        Reply
    12. Lesley

      Been learning the blues chord progression and the finger-picking this afternoon – superb lessons, thank you! I’m not a complete beginner, but this stuff is new to me and is simply fantastic! The blues lick – wonderful! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Brett

        Lesley, I’m glad you’re enjoying the lessons! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Geoff

      Dear Brett,

      I have only just found your site, WOW, it’s as if the door has been opened. I have struggled with finger picking for the last 12 months and thought it just was not for me.

      I now know I’ll crack it.

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Brett

        This is great to hear! Thanks for your comment, Geoff, and best of luck to you!

        Reply
    14. Flora

      Hi Brett, I’m a Brazilian girl who has just discovered Ukelelê….in fact I’m a violinist and recently have found an exemplar of uke, without expacting…..I fell in love with the instrument since then….his size and simplicity whit charm and efficienty….jus happy whit your realy good lesson of blus in ukelele! NOw it’s 3:15 a.m. here and I’ll not make ”loud sound whit my uke, but tomorrow your lesson will be the first!!! sea!!! kss!
      Flora

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Flora, welcome to Ukulele Tricks! It sounds like you are having a great time learning the ukulele. It’s a fun and joyful instrument. Enjoy!

        Reply
    15. Sue Jay

      Susieq
      Thanks a lot Brett for your great lessons. Easily the best value in town. One question. When I play my soprano Lanakai I get a buzzing sound on some strings. Can you tell me how I can stop this happening.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Sue, this could be a couple things. One, it could be the way you are fretting the strings. When you press down on the strings, make sure you’re finger is right behind and as close to the fret as possible. When you notice a buzzing string, try to isolate what note that is coming from and see if you can move your finger or adjust how hard your pressing to make the buzz go away. If that doesn’t work, it could just be the action on the ukulele. The action refers to how high or low the strings are off the fretboard. If they are quite low to the fretboard, it could be that a string is getting hung up on a fret and causing a buzzing sound. The only way to remedy this would be to take your ukulele in to a luthier to get it set up.

        Reply
    16. Eray

      I just got my first ukulele a week before. I’m already really into this song. Very informative tutorial. Thank you Brett 🙂

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Sweet! Glad you like it. 🙂

        Reply
    17. Julia

      i’m first
      i bought ukul a month ago but just play you are my sunshine.
      your tutorial is very useful
      thx very much

      Reply
      • Julia

        but i have one question for you
        when i taking a D7 chord in index finger at second flat
        ukulele sounds like some bad
        i can’t press all the strings well
        how i can be well 🙁
        i’m a korean
        so i couln’t english well. plz understand me

        Reply
        • Brett McQueen

          Hi Julia, the D7 chord is a hard chord to play because it requires a lot of strength with your index finger. It’ll take some time for your fingers to build up strength to be able to play the chord. It’s important to make sure that the ball of your thumb is pressing right into the neck of the ukulele when you play a D7. This will allow you to get the needed pressure to successfully play the chord.

          Reply
          • Steven Strauss

            The 2-0-2-0 D7 chord is the first one Hawaiian kids learn, and they alternate it
            with the 0-2-0-2 G6 chord. Then they add the 0-0-0-0 C6 chord and they are off to the races. The barred D7 is important, but until the strength is built up the one with two open strings is a great alternative.

            Reply
            • Brett McQueen

              Great tip! Thanks for sharing, Steven.

            • EdingaHex

              Hello Steven – you here? thanks for your explanation!

    18. ukemabs

      hi, i just gotten myself a ukulele the other day and wanted to learn how to play it. I dont really know how to know learn plucking via the above. How do i know which fret to use and how do i know what chord am i playing? Kinda confuse here. I understand strumming the chords, but plucking, i am not sure. 🙂

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey ukemabs, all this fingerpicking lesson is doing taking some chord shapes (A7, D7, and E7) and applying a plucking pattern to those chords across the strings. In reality, you could change up this pattern by rearranging the order in which you pluck the strings.

        Reply
    19. John Connolly

      Brett, I managed the finger picking and the lick, but it is hard to do the lick as fast as you do! Is it just practice to get the speed?or is it a certain way you position your fingers?
      Thanks Brett I just love this kind of play.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey John, I’m glad you’re enjoying the fingerpicking! The speed comes with time and practice. If you can play it cleanly at a slow speed, you’ll be able to play at a fast speed. Continue to practice at a slow speed and gradually increase the speed.

        For my fingers, the goal is always to be as loose and relaxed as possible. Any tension will slow you down. Sometimes the temptation when you’re trying to play fast is to tense up to “try” really hard. You have to be as relaxed as possible and that only comes with playing it slow and building up speed. You’ll get there!

        Reply
    20. Slimlinni

      I love you ppl that are showing uss so many great things we can do with the uke. Keep it going!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        The people in the ukulele community are the best!

        Reply
    21. Jude

      Wow! You are great

      I love the eye contact

      Peace

      &

      Love

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Thanks, Jude! Glad you enjoy.

        Reply
    22. M

      Really helpful 🙂 It brings me a lot of fan even on hangover. Thank you for what you’re doing !

      Reply
    23. jim banks

      I,m 78 years old just got a uke. is it worth trying to play with the memory problems that I have, maybe I’ve made a mistake trying something new so late?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Jim, it’s never too late to learn how to play the ukulele. I have some students in my video lesson course who are in the 90s who are learning. If you struggle with memory problems, the ukulele is a good instrument to exercise your memory. I’ve heard from others who struggle with memory, and with time and practice, they are able to see improvements. You do have to be willing to be patient with yourself. It’s definitely not unrealistic. I think you should give it a try! Keep me posted on how it’s going for you.

        Reply
    24. Keithmj

      Hey Brett. I learned to do this but GACE, GACE. and you use CEGA CEGA does it make a difference or is mine just a different variation of picking? And where can I get some information on the different forms? Thanks..Keith

      Reply
    25. Keithmj

      I meant you use CAGE, CAGE..Sorry

      Reply
    26. Peter

      many thanks for you very clear demo.

      Reply
    27. Madhava

      Awesome Brett. I am learning so much. Thankyou

      Reply
    28. Stock Kwan

      Hi Brett,
      I am from Hong Kong and just bought Ukulele yesterday. I am still learning the 11-must-know cords (and English ^^) from your videos.
      Thank you for the tutorials.
      Peace

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Welcome to Ukulele Tricks! Best of luck to you as you learn ukulele and english. 🙂

        Reply
    29. Rose

      hi,
      I’ve been playing the ukulele for about a year now and decided to buy a new, better quality instrument. I learnt on a soprano ukulele and have moved to a concert size. My problem now is that I am finding bar chords significantly harder to play and I have to really press down hard on the strings close to the ‘nut’ to get a clear sound. When I use the old soprano it’s easy, but on my new one I am really struggling with chords like Bm and D7 etc. Do you know why this is happening or have any suggestions on how to fix it? Thanks heaps.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Rose, this is pretty normal as you switch between different size ukuleles. I’ve noticed that as I switch between my smaller concert ukulele to my tenor. Chords on my concert are a lot easier to fret and barre than on my tenor. Eventually, your hands and fingers will build up the strength so you don’t notice this difference as much.

        Reply
    30. Thomas Slatten

      I am looking at the finger picking. I have a tenor with a low G string. what would you suggest I do? I have sent in a couple of other inquirlies but have not heard from you. P lease at least advise that you are receiving my messages.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Thomas, these patterns can definitely be used for low G ukuleles too, although the overall pattern will sound a little different to how my ukulele sounds in the video.

        Reply
    31. M.I. Jim Jacob

      Hi Brett,
      I learn you e-book ukulele trick and and watch your practice lessons online during my spare times only after working hours. I found it interesting, slowly but sure I am progressing. Thanks for your guidance lessons.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Slowly and surely sounds about right! So glad to hear you are enjoying the lessons. Keep at it, and let me know if you have any questions.

        Reply
    32. Paula

      Hi Brett
      Thank you for this lesson. I have tried to follow other “lessons” online and get lost because I have Never Ever had any education in music theory so all it’s language and concepts are like Swarheelee to me. At 60 this makes things tough from a basic principles point of view. I have ordered a music theory for idiots book so hope to get a few pennies to drop after reading that.

      In spite of this I do have a good ear for music so I can master the simple stuff. I find your way of explaining really helpful

      Paula

      Reply
    33. Izzie

      Hey Brett, I’m looking forward to playing the Blues on the uke, but tell me, is your uke a concert or a tenor? xx

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        It’s a tenor. You can read it about it here:

        http://www.ukuleletricks.com/all-about-my-tenor-ukulele/

        Reply
    34. John

      Brett,
      I’ve tried all the other on line videos with no success, yours is the only one where I feel I have actually learn t something.
      Thanks John

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Cheers, John.

        Reply
    35. Jac

      Hi Brett,
      Your videos are great, and I think you are one of the best teachers around!
      I have one question about your uke blues finger picking, which reveals just what a beginner I am I think.

      The lick is great! However, you then impro for a bar or so at the end before re-starting. Any chance you can tell us what that is? I have watched repeatedly but you are too fast, my eyes too weak, and brain too slow.

      Cheers!

      Jac

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Jac, I included the tab for this lick above. Check that out and let me know if you have any questions.

        Reply
    36. Amy

      Hey Brett. I was watching you play the sequence at the beginning and I noticed you’re barring the second fret with your middle finger for D7 rather than the pointer finger like you suggested… Just curious, is it just personal preference? I tried it that way and found it much easier than barring with the pointer finger, but is there any reason you suggest barring with the pointer finger that could screw me up later if I don’t practice that way? Thanks, loving your tutorials!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Amy, this is my personal preference. Honestly, I think it makes a lot more sense in the context of different chord progressions to use your middle finger for barring the strings. I know this might be weird for beginners, so I hestitate to recommend it off the bat, but if you are able to perform it that way, I’m all about it! 🙂

        Reply
    37. Barbara

      I love your videos and website. Thanks a lot.

      Reply
    38. Lynda

      You are a great teacher. Everything is clear and provided for success. I feel I’ve accomplished something because now I can play this. Thanks so much. I think I’m signing up for your strumming video series.

      Reply
    39. Gem

      LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!!
      Thank you for your help! You’ve turned this very wet and dreary afternoon into a very happy one x

      Reply
    40. Gail

      Mine sounds different, you must be tuned re-entrant this time. Is there a way to make it sound right with low-G?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Gail, I’d just pick the pattern I demonstrated on your low G tuned ukulele. It will sound a little different but the pattern would still work over a chord progression very nicely.

        Reply
    41. Rocket

      Hi Brett, at the end of the lick you seem to strum the A7 followed by another chord to finish the tune – I can’t figure out what that final chord is. Is it a g7?

      Thanks so much for your lessons, so easy to follow and fun to learn!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Rocket, for the last couple beats, I switch to an E7 chord (the V chord) to “turn” it back around to the beginning.

        Reply
    42. Barb

      Can you use a low g here?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        These patterns work great with low G tuned ukuleles as well.

        Reply
    43. sarah eydam

      So haven’t yet got the finger picking coordination/speed for the turn around sooo I’ve improvised to create my own turn around with double stops. Better at those. 🙂 Will for on the traditional turn around. This is fun.

      Reply
    44. Gabe

      Brett, I enjoy your lessons. I am a rookie on this. I have difficulties in finger picking with the middle finger. Any suggestions or is it just practice?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Gabe, I wish I had a magic tip for you, but indeed, you’ll find improvement with practice. The pattern I’ve outlined above in this lesson is a great, simple pattern to practice. However, while you practice, take it slow. Focus on being relaxed and remember that it just takes a little bit of contact with your middle finger to pluck and sound the string.

        Reply
    45. Robert Johnson

      Hi Brett, I’m really enjoying the lessons and worksheets.
      But I’m doing this free lesson and there isn’t a work sheet for it.
      Is there no worksheet for this at all?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Robert, indeed, I only have worksheets for the Ukulele Strumming Tricks course. I do not include downloadable worksheets for my free ukulele lessons.

        Reply
    46. Carolynne

      Hi Brett, I’m another grateful beginner & am happily progressing by following your excellent lessons. I’ve struck a problem with the ‘lick’ which I cannot solve. When I pluck the E string whilst in A7, I get a dull ‘no note’ even with trying all variations & turnings. Any solutions? Thank you for your wonderful tutorials..you’re very patient with me!!!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Carolynne, for the lick, I don’t play the lick on the E-string, so no need to pluck it. However, if a string doesn’t ring out, it’s normally because another finger is muting the string accidentally, or you are not pressing on the string hard enough to allow it to ring out.

        Reply
    47. neil

      Hi Brett

      Thanks so much for making the basics look easy. i know I have a long way to go but thanks to your lessons i feel a little more confident now.

      Reply
    48. Rocky Dan tyler

      Just got a nice Super Tenor Kanile’a uke with low G. Really nice. I have been frustrated by “Ukulele Aerobics.” just not enough step by step teaching. Tried you blues lick this morning. Nice! I like the way you teach. One question: my ear tells me there should be one other chord either before or after the final A7, possible a diminished or augmented chord? And I think you played something like this the last time through. Am I nuts?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Rocky, are you thinking about the E7 chord? In the 12 bar blues, typically the V chord (in this case, E7) will be played on the last measure to turn it around to the top, back to the I chord (in this case, A7).

        Reply
    49. Judd Fuller

      Brett, having trouble with fingering the D7 chord. My index finger just won’t lay across the strings flat enough to get a decent sound out of the C string. Would it be OK to use the middle finger instead? Or would it only create a bad habit?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Judd, I find that quite often I end up using my middle finger to barre the D7 chord. I wouldn’t be worried about forming any bad habits by using your middle finger in this way.

        Reply
        • Judd Fuller

          Is it always that variation for D7?

          Reply
          • Judd Fuller

            Thank you by the way. Will make things a lot easier!

            Reply
    50. Judd Fuller

      Hey Brett, could you define “lick?’ You say you count the licks in triplets. I can’t seem to get it. Thanks. Judd

      I am now trying to keep the two patterns straight. I’m sure it will come. I am also getting a better sound out of the D7. I see on Utube there are many videos just on the barre.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Judd, a “lick” is a short musical phrase (collection of notes) that might be repeated in a song. Some people also use the word “riff” interchangeably for the word “lick” sometimes. In the case of the 12 bar blues, this is a “lick” that you can insert and use at the end of the 12 bar blues.

        The arrangement of the rhythm of the notes in a lick can also be different. The lick I teach in this lesson just so happens to be counted in triplets: 1 trip – let, 2 trip – let, 3 trip – let, 4 trip – let.

        Reply
    51. Judd Fuller

      Thanks for your explanation. This is all taking a lot of patience and practice for me. You have provided everything I need to get it. I keep watching and re-watching the video, esp. re: lick and slowly getting it.

      Reply
    52. geakfreak

      I can make the fingerpicking but i just can’t get that blues lick :S

      Reply
    53. mac andrews

      Brett: Do you ever use a ‘capo’ in making ukulele music and when would you?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Mac, I don’t generally use a capo in making ukulele music, but there are two main reasons you might choose to use a capo:

        1. Practically, you might use a capo to raise the key of a song to better suit your vocal range.

        2. Or, more artistically, to get a brighter and different tone from the ukulele.

        Reply
    54. Karen

      Which of your books has the most info for blues type instruction. Karen

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Karen, at this time, I don’t have any blues-specific lesson resources, however, I do cover the 12 bar blues and blues licks in Ukulele Exercises For Dummies, available on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/11Ahjeq

        Reply
    55. Bonnie

      I just found you pn utube. I love all of your teaching. I will be on your site a lot from now on. Thanks

      Reply
    56. Sara

      Hi Brett,
      Thanks so much for your lessons. You’re a great teacher! I just got my first Uke and now I’m playing the blues on it like a pro (well…getting there). Thanks so much : )
      Best,
      Sara

      Reply
    57. Dovid

      Hey Brett.
      Love this progression for 12 bar. Have the riff with the pick/let bit but want the “turn around ” on the way back up so I can keep going. How do I do that. Can’t tell from your video.

      Reply
    58. Nai-Khee

      Thanks Brett. You made ukulele self-learn possible with your simple and step by step teaching. I am learning so much from you.

      Reply
    59. Don

      Hi Brett
      New to the Uke and find your tutorials excellent. Never finger picked before. Is it in order to just use the thumb and the forefinger – thus using the thumb for the G and C strings and the forefinger for the E and A strings? This seems easier to me but not in accordance with your lesson.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Don, for some patterns, this method works, but for more intricate fingerpicking patterns, just using your thumb and forefinger really limits you. It can be challenging at first to make use of your middle and ring fingers for picking, but with practice, it does get easier, and it’s totally worth it in the long run!

        Reply
    60. Nola

      Thank you so much for this great lesson. I love playing the blues and would love to learn more.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Start Here

    Join over 50,000 people and get the free ukulele lesson book

    Your First Ukulele Lesson And Then Some

      100% privacy. We promise to keep your
      email safe. Learn more.

      Courses

      Strumming Tricks course

      Perfect for beginners. Become proficient in strumming, rhythm and chord changes on the ukulele, improving your skills while learning actual songs.

      Fingerpicking Tricks course

      For players beyond the basics. Take your fingerpicking skills to the next level on the ukulele, learning fingerpicking pieces in four distinct styles.

      View More Courses →

      Books

      Ukulele Exercises For Dummies by Brett McQueen

      Written by Brett McQueen, founder of UkuleleTricks.com.

      Learn More

      View More Books →

      Popular

      • “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Ukulele Chords & Lesson 278 comments
      • Ukulele Tuning: The Ultimate Guide For How to Tune Your Ukulele 170 comments
      • 5 Best Ukuleles to Buy for Beginners 432 comments
      • 11 Must-Know Ukulele Chords for Beginners 267 comments
      • 3 Easy Songs You Can Fingerpick on Ukulele Today 145 comments
      • Ukulele Sizes: Soprano, Concert, Tenor & Baritone 186 comments
      • “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train Ukulele Chords 84 comments
      • “Hallelujah” Leonard Cohen / Jeff Buckley Ukulele Chords 146 comments
      • Jingle Bells Ukulele Chords 35 comments
      • Ukulele Blues Fingerpicking Lesson for Beginners: Pattern #1 109 comments
      • How to Play the 12-Bar Blues On Ukulele 77 comments
      • You’ve Got a Friend In Me Ukulele Chords 124 comments
      • 16 Best Ukuleles to Buy This Christmas… Without Breaking the Bank 100 comments
      • 5 Effective Strumming Patterns for Beginners 41 comments
      • “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz Ukulele Chords 26 comments

      About

      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.

      Copyright © 2023 Ukulele Tricks – a McQueen Machine, LLC website.
      Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Links