Matt, I totally agree. It was very difficult to convince my students to wait on the strumming patterns, but I did it because I wanted them to get rhythm as you say but also rhythmic chord changes before we did anything else. They beg for strumming patterns. I assured them that if they only made one down strong in a four beat bar but it was rhythmical that would be prettier than anything that wasn’t rhythmical... Walking and running is a beautiful and simple way to guide people into interesting strumming. Thank you for doing this!
Great lesson Matt ! Thanks for sharing. I am feeling frustrated in my ukulele group because a couple of our members highly stress strumming patterns and their necessity. I tend to feel the rhythm and strum accordingly, while hearing the song in my head. We all play in rhythm, so my point is that the timing and rhythm, rather than a particular strum pattern, is what counts. One member said that if we do not know strum patterns then we are beginners, (even though we are not total beginners). Another member believes we must all be playing the same strumming pattern throughout every song, if we ever put on a concert. I feel that it gets very boring listening to the same pattern all the way through a song, and variety is the spice we need. Keeping the same timing is important, not playing the same strum pattern. Don't know if I can continue playing in our group if the emphasis on learning and using particular strumming patterns keeps up. Some feel similar to me, and some don't.
I feel the same way. I think if everyone plays the same thing you lose the potential of sounding fantastic as a group. I love it in groups when they mix it up - some strumming one pattern, others playing the back beat, some playing arpeggios or fingerpicking, some soloing. It makes everything sound way more lush and interesting. 😊
This is wonderful Matt! I've spent many hours practicing strum patterns and putting them all on the metronome. I was becoming a very frustrated student and no longer enjoyed my lessons or playing my ukulele. Your style of teaching is very refreshing to see! Keep up the awesome work! Thanks!
Thanks so much Maggie. There’s nothing worse then becoming more and more frustrated. I just want everyone to love every minute of playing our fab instrument.
Hi Matt, I have just found your beginner lessons and although I have been playing for about nine months and I have joined a ukulele club; I decided to start from scratch and I must admit I really enjoying the course so much so I recently bought you a coffee; this is something I have never done before but I think you are a brilliant teacher, nice and slow and methodical, as well as keeping it interesting which suits an aging guy like myself. Well done Matt Thank you
I completely agree. When I first started playing, I took an online class promising to teach an amazing number of strumming patterns. A little bit into it I realized that I was never going to play a song and say "Hmmm. Strumming pattern # 27 would go GREAT with this son!!" Nope. Exactly as you said, it's synching with the beat and rhythm, which invites a range of responses from your fingers, not just one solid wall of any particular strumming patterns.
😎👍, as a beginner the most encouraging thing is creating something that actually sounds like music. Beats/rhythms are king. Sure you’ll get onto some stuff where an up or down might make a difference but the rhythm will see you through most of the time. Good, positive lesson 😊👍
free! Free! At. Last. FREE from the myth that it is necessary must to learn dozens strum patterns. Frustrating. It was not fun for me. I gave up... AND now, I can begin again to love my ukulele. Thanks be for inspiring me. Cheers!
I am at the frustrated stage, due to a couple of fellow members of our uke group stressing the importance of learning and using certain strum patterns for every song. I go by the feel of the song and hear it in my head, and play accordingly. I keep time with everyone, which is key. I can not sing while worrying about whether I am doing an up or down strum. Takes ALL the enjoyment out of it. I find it boring listening to a group that plays the island strum for instance, throughout the whole song, with no variation. Music should be fun, with a bit of variation. We all have our own style, and as long as we play in rhythm with good timing, the strumming pattern is irrelevant and unnecessary in my opinion.
This is a great lesson. I’ve played many instruments before ukulele and love the advice on just finding the rhythm of a song or passage and going with it.
Wonderful beginners lesson. Unstated, but thematic here, is that the singing is the primary instrument and the ukulele should accompany the voice to fit the song rather than the voice fits into the strum pattern.
Thanks so much David. Yeah, that’s a really nice way of putting it - when playing songs with vocals the uke should support the singing and not the other way around.
I seriously couldn’t have found this at a more appropriate time. I was beginning to feel like unless I could copycat everything perfectly, I was failing. And I have a hard time keeping time with rhythms that don’t make sense to my ears. Also, island strum may be the most popular strum but when you have 3 chord changes in one measure, how do you even do that??? It was getting so frustrating I was near to putting it down and forgetting to pick it back up. Thank you for this.
Great lesson I was struggling trying to learn chords and strumming patterns at the same time so I gave up with the patterns and just played what ever strum I thought went with the song I was interested in. My strumming patterns have been binned a while now and this lesson has helped me a lot cheers Matt 👍🎸 Ps what make is the ukulele your playing there it is class ?! Cheers John
Thanks John! That’s definitely the way to go. Nowadays when I’m not teaching I don’t even consciously think about strumming - I just automatically match something to a particular part of the song. You’re on the right road for sure. The uke is a Magic Fluke tenor. I really love them and have one at home. They’re indestructible but also have a lovely warm tone. :)
Thanks so much Matt. Fir the past few months I've practised and agonized over strumming. Is it a ddu udu etc?! I'm taking on board what you say. I'm going to relax, enjoy and focus more on rhythm and dynamics. By the way, I'm playing along with you on one if your Fleas! Magic. All best.
Thanks Lisa. Absolutely - relax and enjoy it and you’re uke playing will be all the better for it. Yay - I love Magic Fleas and Flukes - we have two at home on the wall ready to play at any moment. :)
I've taught over 600 student in guitar and ukulele. Learning strumming patterns is not bad for you in any way. Being musical and following your musical intuition is also important - but many beginners are not really ready to just play what they hear yet - they need structure and simplicity. Strumming is good in that case. Understanding strumming patterns is also important for skilled players. The understanding of rhythmic notation is a shortcut for many. Most importantly - everybody is different and have to be taught in different ways. That's why going to a experienced teacher will get you started the fastest.
That’s great for you and your students. This is what has worked for me and mine through years of experience and overwhelmingly the response has been positive. It’s ok to have differences of opinion. If you can get people enjoying making music and playing well that’s all that matters and I applaud you for it.
Ps. I agree about having an experienced teacher. I’ve taught thousands of students ukulele over the years and it has helped me develop this method. Unfortunately due to the pandemic I’ve had to re-think what lessons I can offer so, as with many other tutors, I’m glad to offer this online resource.
Walk, running, running, running ....isn't that just down, down up down up down up?( which makes more sense)....I agree that folk shouldn't get tied into strict strumming patterns...I always say, if it sounds right it is right..To say we don't need patterns then do a video on using patterns just using a different name(s) is strange....
Not at all. Walk running etc are rhythms. You needn’t worry about wether you’re on an up or a down. That’s when people start to tense up. The point is learning the feel of the rhythm it creates.
Ie if written as D DUDUDU beginners tend to tense up thinking about where they are in the pattern. It matters not one jot if any part of the rhythm is up or down.
@@mattsteadukulele ...strumming patterns are just rhythms that can be varied along with other dynamics to suit what's being sung...no need to stress over anything when playing the uke...the main thing is for the player to play what they feel and have fun. A difference comes when large numbers play together then it's better to have some structure in strumming without it becoming rigid or boring for the player or the audience....:)
@@EagleUkes that’s the point - people do stress it and I don’t want them to. In my 25 years I can’t tell you how many people I’ve known that have been thrown off track by obsessing on whether they’re on an up or a down etc. I want them to learn much more crucial things first. In groups I think it’s crucial that we have multiple rhythms going on, for example some hitting just the back beat. Just one is terrible to listen to. It’s all good though - I just want people to enjoy the instrument. Each teacher will have their own way and we’re all making an inanimate object sing, which is amazing enough in itself.
BRILLIANT! Thank you Matt!
Such a useful lesson, thank you! The "walk running" is a lot easier to apply than "down up down down up"!
I agree.
This is great
Matt, I totally agree. It was very difficult to convince my students to wait on the strumming patterns, but I did it because I wanted them to get rhythm as you say but also rhythmic chord changes before we did anything else. They beg for strumming patterns. I assured them that if they only made one down strong in a four beat bar but it was rhythmical that would be prettier than anything that wasn’t rhythmical... Walking and running is a beautiful and simple way to guide people into interesting strumming. Thank you for doing this!
Thanks Deborah. I’m with you all the way.
Great lesson Matt ! Thanks for sharing. I am feeling frustrated in my ukulele group because a couple of our members highly stress strumming patterns and their necessity. I tend to feel the rhythm and strum accordingly, while hearing the song in my head. We all play in rhythm, so my point is that the timing and rhythm, rather than a particular strum pattern, is what counts. One member said that if we do not know strum patterns then we are beginners, (even though we are not total beginners). Another member believes we must all be playing the same strumming pattern throughout every song, if we ever put on a concert. I feel that it gets very boring listening to the same pattern all the way through a song, and variety is the spice we need. Keeping the same timing is important, not playing the same strum pattern. Don't know if I can continue playing in our group if the emphasis on learning and using particular strumming patterns keeps up. Some feel similar to me, and some don't.
I feel the same way. I think if everyone plays the same thing you lose the potential of sounding fantastic as a group. I love it in groups when they mix it up - some strumming one pattern, others playing the back beat, some playing arpeggios or fingerpicking, some soloing. It makes everything sound way more lush and interesting. 😊
This is wonderful Matt! I've spent many hours practicing strum patterns and putting them all on the metronome. I was becoming a very frustrated student and no longer enjoyed my lessons or playing my ukulele. Your style of teaching is very refreshing to see! Keep up the awesome work! Thanks!
Thanks so much Maggie. There’s nothing worse then becoming more and more frustrated. I just want everyone to love every minute of playing our fab instrument.
Thank you much happier now..
Hi Matt, I have just found your beginner lessons and although I have been playing for about nine months and I have joined a ukulele club; I decided to start from scratch and I must admit I really enjoying the course so much so I recently bought you a coffee; this is something I have never done before but I think you are a brilliant teacher, nice and slow and methodical, as well as keeping it interesting which suits an aging guy like myself. Well done Matt Thank you
I completely agree. When I first started playing, I took an online class promising to teach an amazing number of strumming patterns. A little bit into it I realized that I was never going to play a song and say "Hmmm. Strumming pattern # 27 would go GREAT with this son!!" Nope. Exactly as you said, it's synching with the beat and rhythm, which invites a range of responses from your fingers, not just one solid wall of any particular strumming patterns.
Thanks Clare. Music to my ears! :)
Amen to that ! Wish all the players in the uke group I belong to felt the same.
This is terrific advice. I learnt playing guitar that letting your ear decide the strumming pattern was best and listening to original performances.
Thanks Tony, same here.
😎👍, as a beginner the most encouraging thing is creating something that actually sounds like music. Beats/rhythms are king. Sure you’ll get onto some stuff where an up or down might make a difference but the rhythm will see you through most of the time. Good, positive lesson 😊👍
free! Free! At. Last. FREE from the myth that it is necessary must to learn dozens strum patterns. Frustrating. It was not fun for me. I gave up... AND now, I can begin again to love my ukulele. Thanks be for inspiring me. Cheers!
Thanks Nita!! :) :)
I am at the frustrated stage, due to a couple of fellow members of our uke group stressing the importance of learning and using certain strum patterns for every song. I go by the feel of the song and hear it in my head, and play accordingly. I keep time with everyone, which is key. I can not sing while worrying about whether I am doing an up or down strum. Takes ALL the enjoyment out of it. I find it boring listening to a group that plays the island strum for instance, throughout the whole song, with no variation. Music should be fun, with a bit of variation. We all have our own style, and as long as we play in rhythm with good timing, the strumming pattern is irrelevant and unnecessary in my opinion.
This is an awesome lesson! It's like a light bulb just went on. Thank you.
Thanks Allen!! Really glad to help. Give me a shout if I can help with anything else or if there’s anything you’d like me to cover.
Same here Allen like someone woke me up out of a bad dream lol
Genius 😊 Thank you.
Thanks for creating this helpful video.
Absolutely awesome tips on strumming. Thank you
I love this. Thank you for validating my freestyling hahaha
Thanks :)
LOL and mine too :)
Outstanding teacher!
Thank you!!!😊
This is a great lesson. I’ve played many instruments before ukulele and love the advice on just finding the rhythm of a song or passage and going with it.
Thanks Cindy :)
What a relief !!! Been playing for a few years now; wish I had watched this when I started. Thanks Matt
Thanks Roger. Hope you’re keeping well up there. Did you get the snow?
No snow Matt, just brass monkeys !!
Great advice. Your lessons are brill. Thank you
Thanks Julie!
WOW! SO cool! That was a wonderful nugget to add to my uke playing!
Thanks Anna :)
Empowering is RIGHT!
Great Advice Matt. Thank You.
Thanks John
brilliant Matt really helps and thanks for my pineapple uke love it
Thanks Paul. It was a pleasure to meet you.
Thank you, Matt. Yes, that was enlightening.
Thanks Jonathan :)
Spot on Matt ;)
Wonderful beginners lesson. Unstated, but thematic here, is that the singing is the primary instrument and the ukulele should accompany the voice to fit the song rather than the voice fits into the strum pattern.
Thanks so much David. Yeah, that’s a really nice way of putting it - when playing songs with vocals the uke should support the singing and not the other way around.
I seriously couldn’t have found this at a more appropriate time. I was beginning to feel like unless I could copycat everything perfectly, I was failing. And I have a hard time keeping time with rhythms that don’t make sense to my ears. Also, island strum may be the most popular strum but when you have 3 chord changes in one measure, how do you even do that??? It was getting so frustrating I was near to putting it down and forgetting to pick it back up. Thank you for this.
Thanks Kelly. Glad to help. Don’t ever give up. If you get stuck on something give me a shout.
Very good lesson! Could you please tell me what uke you are using in this one. It looks lovely and sounds great!
Thanks Joanna. This is a Magic Fluke tenor ukulele.
Loved it
Thanks Peter :)
Great lesson I was struggling trying to learn chords and strumming patterns at the same time so I gave up with the patterns and just played what ever strum I thought went with the song I was interested in. My strumming patterns have been binned a while now and this lesson has helped me a lot cheers Matt 👍🎸 Ps what make is the ukulele your playing there it is class ?! Cheers John
Thanks John! That’s definitely the way to go. Nowadays when I’m not teaching I don’t even consciously think about strumming - I just automatically match something to a particular part of the song. You’re on the right road for sure.
The uke is a Magic Fluke tenor. I really love them and have one at home. They’re indestructible but also have a lovely warm tone. :)
Thanks for replying Matt I'm going to look for one of them magic flutes beautiful sound out of it 👍🎸
Thanks so much Matt. Fir the past few months I've practised and agonized over strumming. Is it a ddu udu etc?! I'm taking on board what you say. I'm going to relax, enjoy and focus more on rhythm and dynamics. By the way, I'm playing along with you on one if your Fleas! Magic. All best.
Thanks Lisa. Absolutely - relax and enjoy it and you’re uke playing will be all the better for it. Yay - I love Magic Fleas and Flukes - we have two at home on the wall ready to play at any moment. :)
Thank you
You're welcome
Great Video! Thanks! I teach Uke and can't agree more with you on this! love the uke! What is it?
Thanks :) 🙏 The uke is a Magic Fluke hibiscus tenor. I love their ukes - got two at home.
I’ve always said “less is more” when it comes to strumming.
I've taught over 600 student in guitar and ukulele. Learning strumming patterns is not bad for you in any way. Being musical and following your musical intuition is also important - but many beginners are not really ready to just play what they hear yet - they need structure and simplicity. Strumming is good in that case. Understanding strumming patterns is also important for skilled players. The understanding of rhythmic notation is a shortcut for many. Most importantly - everybody is different and have to be taught in different ways. That's why going to a experienced teacher will get you started the fastest.
That’s great for you and your students. This is what has worked for me and mine through years of experience and overwhelmingly the response has been positive. It’s ok to have differences of opinion. If you can get people enjoying making music and playing well that’s all that matters and I applaud you for it.
Ps. I agree about having an experienced teacher. I’ve taught thousands of students ukulele over the years and it has helped me develop this method. Unfortunately due to the pandemic I’ve had to re-think what lessons I can offer so, as with many other tutors, I’m glad to offer this online resource.
Oops. Sorry for typos.
Walk, running, running, running ....isn't that just down, down up down up down up?( which makes more sense)....I agree that folk shouldn't get tied into strict strumming patterns...I always say, if it sounds right it is right..To say we don't need patterns then do a video on using patterns just using a different name(s) is strange....
Not at all. Walk running etc are rhythms. You needn’t worry about wether you’re on an up or a down. That’s when people start to tense up. The point is learning the feel of the rhythm it creates.
Ie if written as D DUDUDU beginners tend to tense up thinking about where they are in the pattern. It matters not one jot if any part of the rhythm is up or down.
@@mattsteadukulele ...strumming patterns are just rhythms that can be varied along with other dynamics to suit what's being sung...no need to stress over anything when playing the uke...the main thing is for the player to play what they feel and have fun. A difference comes when large numbers play together then it's better to have some structure in strumming without it becoming rigid or boring for the player or the audience....:)
@@EagleUkes that’s the point - people do stress it and I don’t want them to. In my 25 years I can’t tell you how many people I’ve known that have been thrown off track by obsessing on whether they’re on an up or a down etc. I want them to learn much more crucial things first. In groups I think it’s crucial that we have multiple rhythms going on, for example some hitting just the back beat. Just one is terrible to listen to.
It’s all good though - I just want people to enjoy the instrument. Each teacher will have their own way and we’re all making an inanimate object sing, which is amazing enough in itself.
“Down stroke”