This way, the thumb plays both the G and C strings and can ‘pedal’ between the bass strings, with the index and middle finger on their own strings. Many players prefer to only use three fingers for the entirety of their picking (thumb, index, and middle). It makes sense, but it’s not always the best. This way each string on your uke is played by one finger. The ukulele has four strings, so it may at first logical to just allocate one string per finger (leaving out the pinky). Fingerpicking Styles One Finger Per String Note: the pinky (little finger) is rarely used in ukulele playing. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with them as they crop up a lot.

Note: If you’re wondering why the P initial is used for Thumb (instead of a T), or why the A is used for the ring finger, it’s because they’re abbreviations in Spanish. The PIMA system is used to show you which finger on your picking hand should be used for which note. In this article, you’re going to find the perfect guide to getting started with fingerpicking. We show you the main ukulele fingerpicking patterns one by one, and help you gradually build up the skill.īefore we start, you need to know about PIMA. However, all that trepidation is misplaced. You know, something only the Pros know how to do.

Just check out Jake Shimabukuro’s version of Bohemian Rhapsody if you need any convincing (scroll to the end of this post to watch it).Ī lot of people shy away from learning it, as it looks complicated. Well, you’re right, there is.Ī fingerpicked ukulele sounds divine – with its four strings and comfy, nylon strings, you might even say the uke was built to be fingerpicked! I certainly think so. You’ve been playing the ukulele for a while, you know all the basic beginner chords, you know a few strumming patterns, and you can reel off a song or two.īut you have an inkling there’s something missing.

Fingerpicking ukulele hallelujah