So happy I have found your video. I struggle with thumb pressure on the back of the neck and all online videos say that way. I am now trying the first method and will keep practicing. Thank you.
I use method #1 as my default method; I switch to method #3 for bar chords as use suggest. These methods came to me naturally (without instruction) - I played guitar for a long time before moving to ukulele. Most instructional videos suggest using method #3 exclusively, but I find it to be clumsy for non-bar chords. The problem with using two methods (as I do), is that it takes time to switch to bar chords - making quick chord change difficult.
I have to say…the 3rd way, is my preference. It allows for greater finger and arm mobility and allows faster movement between chords. Having the neck in the crook between thumb and pointer fingers really restricts wrist and finger movement. Nice overview of all 3.
I'm going to give it a shot, but man, I'm just having trouble with the soprano ukulele. The concert I can hold onto ok, there's enough substance there that I can pretty well secure it with my right forearm so the neck is not going to fall when I'm changing between certain chords. For a while I was using a half-strap ("leash") that I made based on a design that's available to buy, and it did help a lot. I just would like to try to figure it out without that. I use method 3 for the most part, that's the way I learned was "correct," for both guitar and ukulele, but I do see a lot of players wrapping the thumb around as you are showing, rather than keeping it in the back of the neck. Switching between certain chords and that d*mned E-flat, etc., it's just a little vexing at times.
I think I subconciously use a combination of these methods depending on the cord I am playing. What is the best method to hold the ukulele for fingerpicking up the neck?
Interesting. This was a very good video. I personally only use the 3rd method when holding the Uke. I am only a beginner but I started first with the guitar and every online guitar teacher from the 5 I was following only wanted new players to use the 3rd method to hold the neck of the guitar as do the 3 main ukulele teachers I currently follow online. I am not sure I understand your point regarding the negatives using the 3rd method. If I understand you correctly, you were saying that the hand position used would make holding up the neck of the ukulele more difficult. I don't understand that as I was taught both for guitar and ukulele never to hold the neck of the instrument with the fretting hand as it needs to be unencumbered so it can fly up and down the fingerboard as needed. I was taught that the weight of the ukulele or guitar should be supported by either a strap or by having it balanced properly on the lap and gripped by the forearm of the strumming/picking arm.
Why doesn't everyone just use a strap? It eliminates all the problems of actually having to support the instrument while shifting between the necessary hand shapes.
I am struggling with #1 because my palm mutes the A string. Maybe cause I have small fingers and can't place my palm edge up past the nut while still reaching the notes?
I'm having difficulties in switching the thumb position while playing. I'm more comfortable with the first position, as I mostly play C,Am,F,G, but when the song has Em, it's way better the 3rd. The thing I struggle is switching thumb position as I keep playing, my uke falls off😅 any tips?
TBH (This is an old video I know) But I actually am comfortable with last method(if you consider talorating the feeling of your thumb being crushed comfortable)
So happy I have found your video. I struggle with thumb pressure on the back of the neck and all online videos say that way. I am now trying the first method and will keep practicing. Thank you.
I searched all the RUclips video on this topic. Yours was the simplest to do, and easiest to understand. Job well done! Much appreciated.
Excellent...method 1 is best for me. This was so helpful
I use method #1 as my default method; I switch to method #3 for bar chords as use suggest. These methods came to me naturally (without instruction) - I played guitar for a long time before moving to ukulele. Most instructional videos suggest using method #3 exclusively, but I find it to be clumsy for non-bar chords. The problem with using two methods (as I do), is that it takes time to switch to bar chords - making quick chord change difficult.
I have to say…the 3rd way, is my preference. It allows for greater finger and arm mobility and allows faster movement between chords. Having the neck in the crook between thumb and pointer fingers really restricts wrist and finger movement. Nice overview of all 3.
Agh this was so helpful thank you! Straight and to the point. Thank you! 🙏🏻💖
The best guide I came across.. this makes so much more sense now.
thank you i was looking for this 🙏🙏🙏
Really appreciate the tips man. The first method was new to me but it feels pretty good. Mt ukelele kept slipping and my hand was hurting before.
Great tutorial! You answered my question! Thank you! 🙏
Thank you! You helped a lot. I guess I’ll have to find my own style that uses all of these methods because of barre chords.
thank you so much for this
This video is very helpful, thank you.
I'm going to give it a shot, but man, I'm just having trouble with the soprano ukulele. The concert I can hold onto ok, there's enough substance there that I can pretty well secure it with my right forearm so the neck is not going to fall when I'm changing between certain chords. For a while I was using a half-strap ("leash") that I made based on a design that's available to buy, and it did help a lot. I just would like to try to figure it out without that. I use method 3 for the most part, that's the way I learned was "correct," for both guitar and ukulele, but I do see a lot of players wrapping the thumb around as you are showing, rather than keeping it in the back of the neck. Switching between certain chords and that d*mned E-flat, etc., it's just a little vexing at times.
I think I subconciously use a combination of these methods depending on the cord I am playing. What is the best method to hold the ukulele for fingerpicking up the neck?
Interesting. This was a very good video. I personally only use the 3rd method when holding the Uke. I am only a beginner but I started first with the guitar and every online guitar teacher from the 5 I was following only wanted new players to use the 3rd method to hold the neck of the guitar as do the 3 main ukulele teachers I currently follow online. I am not sure I understand your point regarding the negatives using the 3rd method. If I understand you correctly, you were saying that the hand position used would make holding up the neck of the ukulele more difficult. I don't understand that as I was taught both for guitar and ukulele never to hold the neck of the instrument with the fretting hand as it needs to be unencumbered so it can fly up and down the fingerboard as needed. I was taught that the weight of the ukulele or guitar should be supported by either a strap or by having it balanced properly on the lap and gripped by the forearm of the strumming/picking arm.
Why doesn't everyone just use a strap? It eliminates all the problems of actually having to support the instrument while shifting between the necessary hand shapes.
I am struggling with #1 because my palm mutes the A string. Maybe cause I have small fingers and can't place my palm edge up past the nut while still reaching the notes?
I'm having difficulties in switching the thumb position while playing. I'm more comfortable with the first position, as I mostly play C,Am,F,G, but when the song has Em, it's way better the 3rd. The thing I struggle is switching thumb position as I keep playing, my uke falls off😅 any tips?
@Sara-mx3on - Try using a strap. It's easier for me to switch chords with a strap holding up the neck as I have a weak thumb and hand strength.
TBH
(This is an old video I know)
But I actually am comfortable with last method(if you consider talorating the feeling of your thumb being crushed comfortable)
My fingers hurt when I'm holding the chords