Fingerstyle on `Ukulele - Single and Multi String Exploration

Single and multi-string exercises for exploring fingerstyle on `Ukulele.

Published: 17 Oct 2011 Updated: 17 Oct 2011Visits: 7Code: UL112a

Category: ChordsInstrument: Ukulele Subjects: Intermediate • Fingerpicking • Technique

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LESSONSeries : Exploring Fingerpicking Technique on Ukulele

Fingerstyle on `Ukulele - Single and Multi String Exploration


Exploring fingerstyle on ukulele. This lesson covers the common terms used for identifing the fingers used. And, presents a series of single and multi-string exercises for exploring and developing the techniques needed for this style.

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Common Names for Those Musical Digits

cartoon_hand_LH_with_numbers

Here are the common fingering notations I've encounter over the course of my studying ukulele and guitar.

Fingering for chords and single notes for the fretting hand are typically expressed using Arabic numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and T for Thumb.

cartoon_hand_LH_with_numbers

For the plucking hand, in fingerstyle, the Spanish, traditional classical names and what are commonly used, with English names shown below or you native language names:

  • Thumb ( t ), not really a finger but a digit. In classical guitar notation this is Pulgar, Pollex (p)
  • Index ( i ) finger. In classical guitar notation Indice, Index (i)
  • Middle ( m ) finger. In classical guitar notation Medio, Medius (m)
  • Ring ( r ) finger. In classical guitar notation Anular, Aanularius (a)
  • Pinky ( p ) finger. In classical guitar notation Mignolo (c, x or e)

Spanish: p i m a, English: t i m r

If you're studying traditional classical guitar repertoire and technique, the classical terms for the right hand are more common. For all else I recommend simply using the English terms or the terms in your native language and eliminate any translation.

Modern Classical Guitar , the repertoire and technique dates back to the mid nineteenth century ( 1800s ). And offers a wealth of information that can be adapted to the ukulele. Which is essentially a small classical guitar in it's construction and technique when played without picks.

timr_string_assignment_ukuleleWhen playing all four strings, each finger can handle their own string. On ukulele it's a simple finger to string assignment, your thumb handles string , your index finger handles string , your middle finger handles string and your ring finger handles string . A simple one finger to one string assignment. For guitar, there are fifteen possible four string/four finger combinations, not all are practical but should all be explored.

When playing any of the three, possible three string sets . You can use the thumb, index and middle fingers.

For the two string pairs any combination of t i m r is possible depending on the musical context.

The final decision as to what fingering combination to use will be a musical one. But it is definitely worth exploring all possible combinations.

The Fingerpicking Series explores these fingering possibilities.

cartoon_car So, one day I decided to finally get a handle on fingerstyle using my thumb and three fingers. I had developed my "travis" style fingerpicking, where you use your thumb, index and middle fingers. But not "legit" a.k.a. classical fingerstyle.

So, it was during a one hour drive home in a thunderstorm — more like a hurricane, that I practiced, t i m r on the open strings of my Fluke ukulele, which was lying on the passenger seat. No chords, only did t i m r for one hour plus. I focused on getting a clean sound, even volume and tone. Starting S L O W and only after many reps did I increase the tempo. I only did t i m r for the whole hour, no other combinations. I then practiced accenting one of the strings in the sequence. t i m r, t i m r, t i m r, t i m r

Multi String Combinations

UL112_thumb_multi

Two finger, multi string example starting on the thumb (t), C tuning with a high G string four.

Two Finger, Multi String Combinations

The two finger combinations can be done using any two fingers: t i, t m and t r. Al are possible for adjacent or non-adjacent strings.

There are only 12 possible two finger, multi string combinations. These are the same as the two finger, single string combinations. The difference here is to play the two strings together, harmonically.

When playing harmonically t i produces the same sound as i t.

There are six (6) multi-string combinations using two fingers when playing both notes together.

UL112_two_str_combos

Three Finger, Multi String Combinations

There where 24 possible three finger, single string combinations.

There are four (4) multi-string combinations using three fingers. Explore using different fingering combinations.

UL112_three_str_combos

The Only Four Finger, Multi String Combination

There where 24 possible four finger, single string combinations.

There is only one (1) four string-multi string combination and only one way of playing the four string if not using your pinky: t i m r UL112_four_str_combo

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This lesson covers the common terms used for identifying the fingers used. And, presents a series of single string exercises for exploring and developing the techniques needed for this style.

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Fingerpicking on `Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style

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A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

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