A Guide to Ukulele Strums

A Guide to Ukulele Strums

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A Guide to Ukulele Strums Introduction
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.
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Rock Heavy Strum
The Rock Heavy Strum has application in Rock, Hard Rock, and Pop.
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Rock Light
The Rock Light Strum has applications in Light Rock, Pop, and Country.
A Rock Light Strum is typically a four beat pattern where each beat is sub divided into two and counted 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +. It is strummed with an alternating down and up pattern. With the downbeat typically always a down stroke.
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12/8 Strum
The 12/8 Strum has application in Blues, Broadway, and 50’s Ballads.
The 12/8 Strum in a Level III rhythm with the beat sub divided into three and counted 1 2 3 for each beat.
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Shuffle Strum
The Shuffle Strum has applicaitons in Blues, Jazz, and Country.
This count is identical to the count of 12/8. The difference lies in the stroke pattern. This strum will produce a loose, light feel.
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Double Time Strum
The Double Time Strum has application in R&B, Funk, and Disco.
The Double Time Strum is a Level IV strum where the beat is sub divided into four and counted 1 2 3 4 for each beat. Strum down on the 1 and 3 an uo on the 2 and 4.
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Gallop Strum
The Gallop Strum has application in Metal, Country, and Tex Mex.
The Gallop Strum is a Level IV strum where the beat is sub divided into four and counted 1 2 3 4 for each beat. Strum down on the 1 and down on the 3 and up on the 4.
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Ska Strum
The Ska Strum has applications in Ska, Reggae, and Cut Time.