How to Fingerpick the Ukulele

Add color to your playing with some tasty finger rolls

BY ALEC POLETSKY

UkuleleMag.com
 HOW TO FINGERPICK THE UKULELE

T he last decade has seen ukulele play-

ers rise to heights previously reserved
for rock stars. This ukulele renaissance
Fig. 1
Fig. 2

has created a wave of beginners eager to

play like the modern masters. But after
learning some basic chords and strum-
ming patterns many ask: what does one
study next?
The answer: fingerpicking (often called
finger rolls).
This technique builds dexterity and
independence in your fingers. It also gives
you the strong foundation needed to play
more complex songs. Here are some point-
ers on two basic rolls that cover four Finger Picking Ex. 1
strings: Score
Alec "Cheef" Poletsky

Hand Position Example 1 A D E

Flatten your hand with your thumb (t) in a
hitchhike position using the side of your
thumb to pick the G (4th) and C (3rd)
strings (Fig. 1). i m i i m i i m i i m i i m i i m i i m i i m i
Your index (i) and middle (m) fingers T
0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2
A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4
should be curled in as if pulling a bow- B 1 1 2 4
2 2 2 4
string. The index finger assigned to the E
(2nd) string and middle finger to the
t t Finger
t Picking
t t Ex. 2t t t

A (1st) string (Fig. 2). Alec "Cheef" Poletsky

Example 2

This flattened hand approach will help

C C maj7
keep your thumb and fingers from running
into each other. It also allows you to use
a minimal amount of movement.

Now Try It T
A
3
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
0 0 0 0
The first example (Ex. 1) will require you B
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

to alternate your thumb between the G

C7 F

and C strings. The same picking pattern

will be applied for each measure.
The second example (Ex. 2)
is a little more advanced and requires the
use of a pinch technique. Simultane- 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
ously pluck the G (4th) string with your 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 1
0
0 1 1
0
0 1
0 0 0 0 2 2
thumb and the A (1st) string with your
middle finger. Again, repeat the same pick-
ing pattern for each measure.
Take your time with each of these fin-
ger rolls, soon you will be able to play
them fast and with confidence. Try them
on songs you already know and new tunes
as well.
Have fun. And remember, happiness is
playing ukulele.

Alec Poletsky is an educator and a member of

the Kings of Ukulele.

UkuleleMag.com