Alternating Thumb Fingerpicking on Ukulele
Published: 01 Jan 2003 Updated: 01 Jan 2003 • Visits: 365 • Code: ULFP117
This is the common alternating thumb and two finger strumming style utilizing the thumb, index and middle fingers. Commonly called “Travis” picking in the guitar world. This series of lessons explores and adapts this style to ukulele. Travis Picking is a finger-style made famous by Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. This style is commonly played on steel string acoustic guitars. You'll find this series of lessons to be the most complete, comprenhesive and organized series of lessons offered anywhere - GUARANTEED.
Nail Tips
With fingerstyle and fingerpicking a big part of playing the ukulele, keeping your right hand fingernails in top shape can be tough at time. We can look to the classical guitar community that has had to deal with nail care for hunders of years for great information. Here are a few tips to protect your nails and keep out of trouble that I have picked up over the years.
- Keep nails short — DO NOT clip you nails on the plucking hand.
- Organize your pockets for potential nail damaging objects suck as keys.
- Learn to reach and use your fretting hand more. You're fretting hand is already pretty developed from playing.
- Door knobs are what get me the most and wearing bi-focal glasses are what get me the most.
- Wear gloves.
Bottom-line: As a musician you need to take care of your tools. And, your hands are the most important for getting your music out.
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20 Lessons in the “Alternating Thumb Fingerpicking on Ukulele” Series
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