1)Understand the “Theory of Strumming” 2) Learn how to do 2 different triplets 3) How to take one common strum and make it into 3 different and unique, very useable strums… 4) To impress your neighbors and friends with how well you strum 5) To give you a practice method that will help you improve in ALL your strumming techniques...

Ukulele is pretty much an accompaniment instrument, something you use to sing along with. Sure, there are your Jake Shimaba-kura’s, Dominators, Matt Dalbergs, and so on, but overall, most people use the ukulele to help them sing better. That being said, my “Theory Of Strumming” is just this: 1)Plan your strumming around the song you are going to sing. In other words, be able to vary your strum to accent certain parts of your song. When you are doing the intro, have a different strumming pattern that will let people know what is coming. Once the words start, back out of your strumming a little so you don’t take away from the words being sung. Remember, the words are the most important part of the song. Don’t have such a fancy strum going on that it overshadows the words. 2) Try to have at least 3 variations of your strum worked out ahead of time. Vary your strum to include an Intro, Verse, and Chorus. This can make ALL the difference in the world in making your song stand out, as well as let people know you are not “just a strummer”. 3) If possible, learn some intro and some outro “riffs”. Nothing sounds better than a familiar intro to a song you are about to sing 4) Practise your strums until you can change between them without “stuttering”. This takes extra effort and time to do, but if you are wanting to improve your playing, it is well worth the effort. 5) Practise, Practise, Practise… (see # 4)

C Am F G7

“Touch” Strum

Calypso Strum

F A N

Number Seven Strum

D O W N

Brother Iz Strum

C G

G C

C G C

F C

Am

G

Am

Am

G

C G

C G C

G C

F C

F C

C G C

C Nibblin’ on sponge cake, watchin’ the sun bake G All of those tourists all covered with oil Strummin’ my four-string on my front porch swing C Smell those shrimp they’re beginnin’ to boil CHORUS: F G C Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville, F G7 C searching for my lost shaker of salt F G C G F Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame, but G C 1) I know it’s nobody’s fault. 2) Heck, it could be my fault 3) and I know it’s my own darned fault Verse 2 I don’t know the reason I stayed here all season Nothin’ to show but this brand new tat-too But it’s a real beauty, a Mexican cutie, how it got here I haven’t a clue. CHORUS Verse 3 I blew out my flip-flop, stepped on a pop-top Cut my heel, had to cruise on back home But there’s booze in the blender and soon it will render That frozen concoction that helps me hang on. CHORUS

5

5

3

4

1

2

3

4

3

4

3

4

3

4

1

2

3

4

3

4

3

4

5

5

5

5

3

4

1

2

0

0

Intro Tab:

8 8 8 7 5

If I can stress any one thing in learning how to do a successful triplet, it would be this: You HAVE to learn to play it S-L-O-W-L-Y, before you can play it fast. It has to become part of your “DNA” in your musical library. If you can’t play it correctly slowly, you will never play it correctly up to speed. AND… you must do it with the same exact timing so you can “sell” the Tripolet… I have recorded two short videos and posted them on my YouTube channel to help you conquer these strums. Go to YouTube.com and locate my YouTube channel: “UkuleleStu”. The video’s are named: “Tripolet Strum # 1” and Tripolet Strum # 2” Due to our limited time here in this workshop, you will need to study these and apply them on a regular basis. DON’T GIVE UP!!! It is well worth your time to conquer these techniques...

Stu is a full time Ukulele Instructor from the Sacramento area and has been play-ing and teaching music since the 70’s. He has a teaching studio at “The Strum Shop”, (home of Uke University ) and also sells and services ukulele’s, guitars and almost any acoustic related instrument at his shop in downtown Roseville, CA.

Stu spent 20+ years as a professional soundman and worked as the tour manager, production manager and soundman for “David Gates and Bread” when they reformed in the 90’s for a world wide tour. He lives in Rocklin, CA. with his wife of 35 years, has 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren, and can be reached by the following methods: Mailing address:

The Strum Shop 209 Vernon Street

Roseville, CA. 95678 (916) 78-STRUM Cell Phone: (916) 257-2800

Websites: www.TheStrumShop.com www.RiverCityUkes.com

www.UkesForSchools.com

www.StrumShopEvents.com www.PlayBetterUkulele.com

The Strum Shop also has a brand new online store! You can get there

by the following web address:

www.ukesforsale.com

209 Vernon Street Roseville, CA. 95678 (916)78-STRUM www.thestrumshop.com