Ukulele Blues Fingerpicking

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This lesson teaches a basic fingerpicking pattern that can be used to play the 12-bar blues progression on ukulele.

The two common ways to fingerpick on ukulele are using the thumb, index, and middle fingers or using the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

The fingerpicking pattern being taught uses the thumb and index finger in an alternating pattern of thumb, middle, thumb, index over 4 beats.

Ukulele Blues Fingerpicking Lesson for Beginners: Pattern #1 https://ukuleletricks.

com/ukulele-blues-fingerpicking-lesson-pattern-1/

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by Brett McQueen

This is the second post (and video lesson) of a three part ukulele fingerpicking blues lesson series. Fo
first lesson, I introduced the structure of the 12-bar blues. Get that lesson here. Once you’re ready,
3.

Now that we’ve learned the 12-bar blues on ukulele, it’s time to learn a couple fingerpicking patterns th
can use with this form. These fingerpicking patterns are great if you are a beginner to fingerpicking, bu
are just as useful if you want to get some new ideas.

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This is a video for this lesson showing you how to play the fingerpicking pattern in the 12-bar blues for
described below.

There are two common ways to fingerpick on the ukulele.

The first way uses your thumb, index, and middle finger. Your thumb plucks either of the top two stri
your index finger plucks the second to bottom string, and your middle finger plucks the bottom string.

The second way uses your thumb, index, middle, and ring finger. Your thumb plucks the top string,
index finger plucks the second to top string, your middle finger plucks the second to bottom string, and
ring finger plucks the bottom string.

One technique is not necessarily better than the other. For example, I like to use the first way when I a
doing patterns that have an alternating bass feel to them. For other patterns, I like to use the second w
because each finger is assigned to a string. My thought is that I can do a lot more if I’m using four of m
fingers versus three. I recommend practicing both ways.

For this lesson, we’ll be learning a fingerpicking pattern that uses the first way.

For this picking pattern, we are going to be playing to a count of four. The chord we will be playing ove

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On the second beat, we are going to use our thumb again and pluck the top G string. On the “&” of the
second beat, we are going to use our index finger to pluck the E string.

That’s our pattern. We repeat the pattern all the way through the third and fourth beats.

Blues Fingerpicking Pattern #1: A7 chord

- T M T I T M T I
a |-------0---------------0----------
e |---------------0---------------0--
c |---1---------------1--------------
g |-----------0---------------0------
- 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

We can play this pattern over any chord. Let’s practice it over a D7 chord.

Blues Fingerpicking Pattern #1: D7 chord

- T M T I T M T I
a |-------3---------------3----------
e |---------------2---------------2--
c |---2---------------2--------------
g |-----------2---------------2------
- 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

For our 12-bar blues progression, we also need to be able to play this pattern over an E7 chord

Blues Fingerpicking Pattern #1: E7 chord

- T M T I T M T I
a |-------2---------------2----------
e |---------------0---------------0--

3 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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We can take this fingerpicking pattern and these chords and play the 12-bar blues progression. In the
example of me playing in the video, I use this variation of the 12-bar blues:

If you watched the video lesson above, you’ll notice that I add a blues lick on the second to last measu
the 12-bar phrase. It’s really easy to play.

On the first beat of the measure, I do a down strum on an A7 chord. On the second beat, I start into th
count the lick in triplets through the second, third, and fourth beat.

For the second beat, with my thumb, I pluck the 2nd fret on the C string but quickly slide up to the 4th
On the “trip” of two, I pluck the 4th fret of the bottom A string with my middle finger, and on the “let” o
beat, I pluck the 4th fret of the C string with my thumb again.

I repeat this pattern for the third and fourth beats by walking down the frets. Be sure to watch the video
lesson above to see and hear how I play this lick.

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- 1 2 trip - let 3 trip - let 4 trip - let

The best thing to do is to start off practicing this fingerpicking pattern over only one chord. If you’ve ne
fingerpicked before, it will take some practice to get your fingers used to the motion of fingerpicking. G
at first, and try to keep your timing as consistent and steady as possible.

As I mentioned in the video, you might want to plant the pinky of your fingerpicking hand on the top of
ukulele to stabilize your hand. Remember to be as relaxed as possible.

Once you get used to the pattern, try adding a chord change. Then, once you’re comfortable with that,
ready to play the 12-bar blues!

How’s the fingerpicking going for you? Do you have any questions? What tips do you have for
who are learning how to fingerpick?

Discover how to make music on the ukulele even if you've never played an instrument in your life with
free Learn To Play Ukulele Today video lesson course. Learn:

How to properly tune, hold, and strum your ukulele


The most essential "must-know" ukulele chords
How to play 3 extremely versatile strumming patterns

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shari
Thank you for this lesson
you are a wonderful teacher. I bought your series of lessons book etc but it is your on-line lessons that rea
ROCK!
Reply

Brett
Thanks for the compliments! Glad you are enjoying the lessons
Reply

Peter
Brett, this rocked. I can now play 12-bar blues on guitar and ukulele and I’m excited to try them together a
how they sound! The turnaround is sweet!
Reply

Brett
Sweet! I’m glad you liked it.
Reply

6 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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Travis
Just discovered these tutorials this morning and have so far wasted my entire day! Thanks so much, Bret
back!
Reply

Brett
It makes me happy to know that Ukulele Tricks has been a time-waster for you. No better way to
your time than playing ukulele
Reply

David Guzek
Brett,
First, I have enjoyed your site and the blues lessons, it makes a beginner sound good. I have 2 questions
the #1 picking pattern and lick, can I use this pattern in any key or does the pattern/lick need to be modifie
Second, I plan to enroll in your online lessons, for a NON singer who will focus on finger picking, will it stil
helpful? Thanks.
Reply

Brett
Hey David,

#1: You will need to modify this lick for different keys. For example, if you decided to play this in
of C rather than A… that is three half steps up. This means you would have to modify the lick so
are playing it three frets up from where it is being played now. For more on understanding scale
the theory behind them, see this post.

#2: The course will be helpful in the sense that you will become stronger with your rhythm and t
This will inevitably help the rhythm of your fingerpicking, but you should know that the course is
focused on strumming and there are no lessons on fingerpicking. The course is great though be
teach a lot of different songs, so once you learn how to play those with strumming, you could ta
those and modify them for fingerpicking. Just some things to think about…

Let me know if you have any other questions!


Reply

David Guzek
Brett, Thanks for your reply, it was very helpful.

7 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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courses, save yourself time and money and purchase it if you want to learn to play the ukulele.
Reply

Brett
Thanks for your kind words, Thomas! I’m glad to hear Ukulele Tricks has been helpful to you.
Reply

Kelsey
Brett,
Thank you so much for this. I’ve been wanting to learn the uke for years and finally broke down and boug
yesterday and this was the first tutorial that I came across. It’s easy to follow and makes me feel like I act
learned something. Thank you for taking the time to make it and keep posting =]
Reply

Brett
Kelsey, thanks so much for your comment. This is great to hear! There are a lot of other lessons
videos on the website too, so be sure to click around. Welcome and enjoy
Reply

J William Wellborn
Do you have a work sheet for these lessons? It is a pain to copy and paste. Thanks. This is really fun!
Reply

Brett
Hey J, unfortunately, right now, I’m unable to provide worksheets for these free lessons. It’s a gr
idea, so maybe in the future. I do however offer hundreds of page of worksheets with my paid u
lesson course Ukulele Strumming Tricks.
Reply

Fred
I think you are the BEST online Ukulele Teacher. I just love how you take the time to make it clear to som
describing it in more detail, relevant way.
Reply

Brett
Fred, that’s mighty nice of you to say. Thank you. I’m really glad that these videos are helpful to
Reply

8 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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Judith, I appreciate your comment. It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you’ve found these lessons helpfu
Reply

Pete
Been learning the ukulele for a short time now mainly strumming.
Thanks for the Blues finger picking lessons. Going to try them right now.

Pete
Reply

Brett
My pleasure! Let me know how it goes for you.
Reply

Lesley
Been learning the blues chord progression and the finger-picking this afternoon – superb lessons, thank y
not a complete beginner, but this stuff is new to me and is simply fantastic! The blues lick – wonderful! Th
you!
Reply

Brett
Lesley, I’m glad you’re enjoying the lessons!
Reply

Geoff
Dear Brett,

I have only just found your site, WOW, it’s as if the door has been opened. I have struggled with finger pic
the last 12 months and thought it just was not for me.

I now know I’ll crack it.

Thanks
Reply

Brett
This is great to hear! Thanks for your comment, Geoff, and best of luck to you!

9 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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charm and efficienty….jus happy whit your realy good lesson of blus in ukelele! NOw it’s 3:15 a.m. here a
not make ”loud sound whit my uke, but tomorrow your lesson will be the first!!! sea!!! kss!
Flora
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hey Flora, welcome to Ukulele Tricks! It sounds like you are having a great time learning the uk
It’s a fun and joyful instrument. Enjoy!
Reply

Sue Jay
Susieq
Thanks a lot Brett for your great lessons. Easily the best value in town. One question. When I play my sop
Lanakai I get a buzzing sound on some strings. Can you tell me how I can stop this happening.
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hey Sue, this could be a couple things. One, it could be the way you are fretting the strings. Wh
press down on the strings, make sure you’re finger is right behind and as close to the fret as po
When you notice a buzzing string, try to isolate what note that is coming from and see if you can
your finger or adjust how hard your pressing to make the buzz go away. If that doesn’t work, it c
just be the action on the ukulele. The action refers to how high or low the strings are off the fretb
they are quite low to the fretboard, it could be that a string is getting hung up on a fret and caus
buzzing sound. The only way to remedy this would be to take your ukulele in to a luthier to get i
Reply

Eray
I just got my first ukulele a week before. I’m already really into this song. Very informative tutorial. Thank y
Brett
Reply

Brett McQueen
Sweet! Glad you like it.
Reply

Julia
i’m first

10 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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Julia
but i have one question for you
when i taking a D7 chord in index finger at second flat
ukulele sounds like some bad
i can’t press all the strings well
how i can be well
i’m a korean
so i couln’t english well. plz understand me
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hi Julia, the D7 chord is a hard chord to play because it requires a lot of strength with
index finger. It’ll take some time for your fingers to build up strength to be able to play
chord. It’s important to make sure that the ball of your thumb is pressing right into the
the ukulele when you play a D7. This will allow you to get the needed pressure to
successfully play the chord.
Reply

Steven Strauss
The 2-0-2-0 D7 chord is the first one Hawaiian kids learn, and they alternate
with the 0-2-0-2 G6 chord. Then they add the 0-0-0-0 C6 chord and they are
the races. The barred D7 is important, but until the strength is built up the on
two open strings is a great alternative.
Reply

Brett McQueen
Great tip! Thanks for sharing, Steven.

EdingaHex
Hello Steven – you here? thanks for your explanation!

ukemabs
hi, i just gotten myself a ukulele the other day and wanted to learn how to play it. I dont really know how to
learn plucking via the above. How do i know which fret to use and how do i know what chord am i playing
confuse here. I understand strumming the chords, but plucking, i am not sure.
Reply

11 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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John Connolly
Brett, I managed the finger picking and the lick, but it is hard to do the lick as fast as you do! Is it just prac
get the speed?or is it a certain way you position your fingers?
Thanks Brett I just love this kind of play.
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hey John, I’m glad you’re enjoying the fingerpicking! The speed comes with time and practice. I
can play it cleanly at a slow speed, you’ll be able to play at a fast speed. Continue to practice at
speed and gradually increase the speed.

For my fingers, the goal is always to be as loose and relaxed as possible. Any tension will slow
down. Sometimes the temptation when you’re trying to play fast is to tense up to “try” really hard
have to be as relaxed as possible and that only comes with playing it slow and building up spee
get there!
Reply

Slimlinni
I love you ppl that are showing uss so many great things we can do with the uke. Keep it going!
Reply

Brett McQueen
The people in the ukulele community are the best!
Reply

Jude
Wow! You are great

I love the eye contact

Peace

&

Love
Reply

12 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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Reply

jim banks
I,m 78 years old just got a uke. is it worth trying to play with the memory problems that I have, maybe I’ve
a mistake trying something new so late?
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hey Jim, it’s never too late to learn how to play the ukulele. I have some students in my video le
course who are in the 90s who are learning. If you struggle with memory problems, the ukulele
good instrument to exercise your memory. I’ve heard from others who struggle with memory, an
time and practice, they are able to see improvements. You do have to be willing to be patient wi
yourself. It’s definitely not unrealistic. I think you should give it a try! Keep me posted on how it’s
for you.
Reply

Keithmj
Hey Brett. I learned to do this but GACE, GACE. and you use CEGA CEGA does it make a difference or i
just a different variation of picking? And where can I get some information on the different forms? Thanks
Reply

Keithmj
I meant you use CAGE, CAGE..Sorry
Reply

Peter
many thanks for you very clear demo.
Reply

Madhava
Awesome Brett. I am learning so much. Thankyou
Reply

Stock Kwan
Hi Brett,
I am from Hong Kong and just bought Ukulele yesterday. I am still learning the 11-must-know cords (and
^^) from your videos.

13 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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Reply

Rose
hi,
I’ve been playing the ukulele for about a year now and decided to buy a new, better quality instrument. I le
a soprano ukulele and have moved to a concert size. My problem now is that I am finding bar chords sign
harder to play and I have to really press down hard on the strings close to the ‘nut’ to get a clear sound. W
use the old soprano it’s easy, but on my new one I am really struggling with chords like Bm and D7 etc. D
know why this is happening or have any suggestions on how to fix it? Thanks heaps.
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hi Rose, this is pretty normal as you switch between different size ukuleles. I’ve noticed that as
between my smaller concert ukulele to my tenor. Chords on my concert are a lot easier to fret a
barre than on my tenor. Eventually, your hands and fingers will build up the strength so you don
this difference as much.
Reply

Thomas Slatten
I am looking at the finger picking. I have a tenor with a low G string. what would you suggest I do? I have
a couple of other inquirlies but have not heard from you. P lease at least advise that you are receiving my
messages.
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hi Thomas, these patterns can definitely be used for low G ukuleles too, although the overall pa
will sound a little different to how my ukulele sounds in the video.
Reply

M.I. Jim Jacob


Hi Brett,
I learn you e-book ukulele trick and and watch your practice lessons online during my spare times only af
working hours. I found it interesting, slowly but sure I am progressing. Thanks for your guidance lessons.
Reply

Brett McQueen
Slowly and surely sounds about right! So glad to hear you are enjoying the lessons. Keep at it, a

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had any education in music theory so all it’s language and concepts are like Swarheelee to me. At 60 this
things tough from a basic principles point of view. I have ordered a music theory for idiots book so hope to
few pennies to drop after reading that.

In spite of this I do have a good ear for music so I can master the simple stuff. I find your way of explainin
helpful

Paula
Reply

Izzie
Hey Brett, I’m looking forward to playing the Blues on the uke, but tell me, is your uke a concert or a tenor
Reply

Brett McQueen
It’s a tenor. You can read it about it here:

http://www.ukuleletricks.com/all-about-my-tenor-ukulele/
Reply

John
Brett,
I’ve tried all the other on line videos with no success, yours is the only one where I feel I have actually lea
something.
Thanks John
Reply

Brett McQueen
Cheers, John.
Reply

Jac
Hi Brett,
Your videos are great, and I think you are one of the best teachers around!
I have one question about your uke blues finger picking, which reveals just what a beginner I am I think.

The lick is great! However, you then impro for a bar or so at the end before re-starting. Any chance you ca

15 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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Brett McQueen
Hey Jac, I included the tab for this lick above. Check that out and let me know if you have any
questions.
Reply

Amy
Hey Brett. I was watching you play the sequence at the beginning and I noticed you’re barring the second
with your middle finger for D7 rather than the pointer finger like you suggested… Just curious, is it just pe
preference? I tried it that way and found it much easier than barring with the pointer finger, but is there an
reason you suggest barring with the pointer finger that could screw me up later if I don’t practice that way
Thanks, loving your tutorials!
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hi Amy, this is my personal preference. Honestly, I think it makes a lot more sense in the contex
different chord progressions to use your middle finger for barring the strings. I know this might b
for beginners, so I hestitate to recommend it off the bat, but if you are able to perform it that way
about it!
Reply

Barbara
I love your videos and website. Thanks a lot.
Reply

Lynda
You are a great teacher. Everything is clear and provided for success. I feel I’ve accomplished something
because now I can play this. Thanks so much. I think I’m signing up for your strumming video series.
Reply

Gem
LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!!
Thank you for your help! You’ve turned this very wet and dreary afternoon into a very happy one x
Reply

Gail
Mine sounds different, you must be tuned re-entrant this time. Is there a way to make it sound right with lo

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Rocket
Hi Brett, at the end of the lick you seem to strum the A7 followed by another chord to finish the tune – I ca
figure out what that final chord is. Is it a g7?

Thanks so much for your lessons, so easy to follow and fun to learn!
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hi Rocket, for the last couple beats, I switch to an E7 chord (the V chord) to “turn” it back aroun
beginning.
Reply

Barb
Can you use a low g here?
Reply

Brett McQueen
These patterns work great with low G tuned ukuleles as well.
Reply

sarah eydam
So haven’t yet got the finger picking coordination/speed for the turn around sooo I’ve improvised to create
own turn around with double stops. Better at those. Will for on the traditional turn around. This is fun.
Reply

Gabe
Brett, I enjoy your lessons. I am a rookie on this. I have difficulties in finger picking with the middle finger.
suggestions or is it just practice?
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hi Gabe, I wish I had a magic tip for you, but indeed, you’ll find improvement with practice. The
I’ve outlined above in this lesson is a great, simple pattern to practice. However, while you pract
take it slow. Focus on being relaxed and remember that it just takes a little bit of contact with yo
middle finger to pluck and sound the string.
Reply

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Brett McQueen
Hi Robert, indeed, I only have worksheets for the Ukulele Strumming Tricks course. I do not inc
downloadable worksheets for my free ukulele lessons.
Reply

Carolynne
Hi Brett, I’m another grateful beginner & am happily progressing by following your excellent lessons. I’ve
problem with the ‘lick’ which I cannot solve. When I pluck the E string whilst in A7, I get a dull ‘no note’ ev
trying all variations & turnings. Any solutions? Thank you for your wonderful tutorials..you’re very patient w
me!!!
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hi Carolynne, for the lick, I don’t play the lick on the E-string, so no need to pluck it. However, if
doesn’t ring out, it’s normally because another finger is muting the string accidentally, or you are
pressing on the string hard enough to allow it to ring out.
Reply

neil
Hi Brett

Thanks so much for making the basics look easy. i know I have a long way to go but thanks to your lesso
a little more confident now.
Reply

Rocky Dan tyler


Just got a nice Super Tenor Kanile’a uke with low G. Really nice. I have been frustrated by “Ukulele Aerob
just not enough step by step teaching. Tried you blues lick this morning. Nice! I like the way you teach. On
question: my ear tells me there should be one other chord either before or after the final A7, possible a
diminished or augmented chord? And I think you played something like this the last time through. Am I nu
Reply

Brett McQueen
Hi Rocky, are you thinking about the E7 chord? In the 12 bar blues, typically the V chord (in this
E7) will be played on the last measure to turn it around to the top, back to the I chord (in this ca
Reply

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Brett McQueen
Hi Judd, I find that quite often I end up using my middle finger to barre the D7 chord. I wouldn’t
worried about forming any bad habits by using your middle finger in this way.
Reply

Judd Fuller
Is it always that variation for D7?
Reply

Judd Fuller
Thank you by the way. Will make things a lot easier!
Reply

Judd Fuller
Hey Brett, could you define “lick?’ You say you count the licks in triplets. I can’t seem to get it. Thanks. Ju

I am now trying to keep the two patterns straight. I’m sure it will come. I am also getting a better sound ou
D7. I see on Utube there are many videos just on the barre.
Reply

Brett McQueen
Judd, a “lick” is a short musical phrase (collection of notes) that might be repeated in a song. So
people also use the word “riff” interchangeably for the word “lick” sometimes. In the case of the
blues, this is a “lick” that you can insert and use at the end of the 12 bar blues.

The arrangement of the rhythm of the notes in a lick can also be different. The lick I teach in this
just so happens to be counted in triplets: 1 trip – let, 2 trip – let, 3 trip – let, 4 trip – let.
Reply

Judd Fuller
Thanks for your explanation. This is all taking a lot of patience and practice for me. You have provided ev
I need to get it. I keep watching and re-watching the video, esp. re: lick and slowly getting it.
Reply

geakfreak
I can make the fingerpicking but i just can’t get that blues lick :S
Reply

19 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
Ukulele Blues Fingerpicking Lesson for Beginners: Pattern #1 https://ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-blues-fingerpicking-lesson-pattern-1/

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might choose to use a capo:

1. Practically, you might use a capo to raise the key of a song to better suit your vocal range.

2. Or, more artistically, to get a brighter and different tone from the ukulele.
Reply

Karen
Which of your books has the most info for blues type instruction. Karen
Reply

Brett McQueen
Karen, at this time, I don’t have any blues-specific lesson resources, however, I do cover the 12
blues and blues licks in Ukulele Exercises For Dummies, available on Amazon here: http://amzn
/11Ahjeq
Reply

Bonnie
I just found you pn utube. I love all of your teaching. I will be on your site a lot from now on. Thanks
Reply

Sara
Hi Brett,
Thanks so much for your lessons. You’re a great teacher! I just got my first Uke and now I’m playing the b
it like a pro (well…getting there). Thanks so much : )
Best,
Sara
Reply

Dovid
Hey Brett.
Love this progression for 12 bar. Have the riff with the pick/let bit but want the “turn around ” on the way b
so I can keep going. How do I do that. Can’t tell from your video.
Reply

Nai-Khee
Thanks Brett. You made ukulele self-learn possible with your simple and step by step teaching. I am learn

20 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
Ukulele Blues Fingerpicking Lesson for Beginners: Pattern #1 https://ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-blues-fingerpicking-lesson-pattern-1/

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and the forefinger – thus using the thumb for the G and C strings and the forefinger for the E and A string
seems easier to me but not in accordance with your lesson.
Reply

Brett McQueen
Don, for some patterns, this method works, but for more intricate fingerpicking patterns, just usi
thumb and forefinger really limits you. It can be challenging at first to make use of your middle a
fingers for picking, but with practice, it does get easier, and it’s totally worth it in the long run!
Reply

Nola
Thank you so much for this great lesson. I love playing the blues and would love to learn more.
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21 of 23 11/11/2018, 12:13 PM
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