Published:
2013-04-06
Updated:
2020-04-10
Learning Ukulele with Curt
Quarter Note Strum
Chords and music are organized into bars or measures with the most common number of beats per bar or measure being four. One of the most basic strumming patterns and the foundation for ALL future strumming is the "Quarter Note Strum". As the name implies this strumming pattern is one quarter note per beat.
Author(s): Curt Sheller Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Code: UL126-LI4
Main Category: Strums Main Instrument: Ukulele
Categories: Chords, Rhythm, Strums
2026-08-23
RelatedLessonAssets
Show Series Lessons
Series Home
Number of Pages: 4
If you're a registered site member and have the correct permissions you can view ALL the pages of this PDF at a larger size using the LearningUkulele.com Online PDF Viewer (button below).
Download PDFThis Download IS part of your Gold Site Access and a FREE download. Thanks for supporting the site. — Curt
Each PDF file is a professionally prepared, formatted, high resolution file that prints out great. You'll need a PDF Reader or application capable of viewing PDF files to view the PDF.
NOTE: Download the current PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.
Chords and music are organized into bars or measures with the most common number of beats per bar or measure being four. One of the most basic strumming patterns and the foundation for ALL future strumming is the "Quarter Note Strum". As the name implies this strumming pattern is one quarter note per beat.
As the name implies this strumming pattern is one quarter note per beat. For songs in common "4/4" time where there are four beats per measure or bar. This is one down stroke per beat.
Level I Modular Phonetic Quarter Note Rhythmic Syllable with its count.
Instrument Specific Considerations
Music
The is the Rhythmic (Rhythm) part that can be applied to ANY instrument.
More Quarter Note Strum
content below, continue exploring...
More Quarter Note Strum
Ukulele
Checkout the video demonstration of the quarter note strum using a ukulele.
Guitar
For the guitar the only difference might be using a pick vs your thumb or fingers. A pick sounds great on the guitar with the typically metal strings. For ukulele a plastic pick sounds a little to bright and you tend to hear the clicking of the pick against the strings. Pick control on a ukulele takes a lot of work to sound OK.
Piano
Here is a C Major chord to fool with. It can be plaed in either hand and played melodically as single notes or harmonically to simulate a strum.
Bass Guitar
The Bass Guitar or UBass typically plays single notes. For the Quarter Note pattern simply the bass line as four single quarter notes.
Here are a few examples using outlining a C Major chord in open position using the Root, Third, and Fifth of the chord.
End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!
Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.
A Guide to Ukulele Strums
Learn a variety of strums and rhythmic patterns in wide range of musical styles. One of the first skills a ukulele player learns is the art and craft of strumming, playing rhythm. This refers to an accompaniment technique suitable for the singer, singer - songwriter or someone who plays a support role for another instrument.
Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The Foundation and Workbook 1
Modular Phonetic Rhythm represents a significant advance in the teaching and application of rhythm. Eliminating many inefficient aspects of rhythm education, Modular Phonetic Rhythm streamlines the traditional educational approach, resulting in a reflexive reaction to rhythm.