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Mastering Ukulele Strumming & Rhythm
You know your first chords. Now learn to strum them with steady rhythm and real feel. Nine step-by-step video lessons with John, at your own pace.
- 9 video lessons
- About 90 minutes
- Self-paced
- Lifetime access
- Taught by John
New to the ukulele? Start with our free mini-course first.
Learn to strum with John
Mastering Ukulele Strumming & Rhythm is a self-paced online course for beginners who already know their first chords. John takes you from keeping steady time to swing, syncopation, percussive strumming and dynamics, and helps you loosen up a stiff or uneven strum.
Every pattern is shown at normal speed and then slowed right down, so you can see exactly what his strumming hand is doing. No rushing, no jargon. Progress, not perfection.
JohnUkulele teacher, My First Ukulele
Made for the stage after your first chords
- You know C, F and G7 and can strum down and up, but songs still don’t quite sound right.
- You lose the beat when the chords change, or speed up without meaning to.
- Your strumming arm feels tight, or every song ends up with the same pattern.
- You’d like proper technique from a real teacher, explained clearly and never rushed.
New to the ukulele?
If you’re still learning your first chords, start with our free Ukulele Basics mini-course. It covers everything this course builds on, and you’ll be ready for strumming and rhythm in no time.
Start the free courseNine lessons in three modules
Each module builds on the one before. Here’s what you’ll learn in every lesson.
Understanding the Basics of Timing & Rhythm
Rhythm, tempo, beat and BPM explained simply, then easy strum patterns played along with a metronome.
Keeping a Consistent Pulse as a Song Alters Tempo
Keep a steady beat without rushing or dragging, even as the tempo speeds up and slows down.
Recognizing and Transitioning Between Rhythmic Feels
Hear and play straight, shuffle and swing, then test your ear with a quick quiz.
Learning Syncopated Strumming Patterns
Put the emphasis between the beats by strumming on the “&”, while changing between C, F and G.
Exploring Percussive Strumming Techniques
Add muted hits, ghost strokes and chuck strums for a drum-like groove.
Strumming with Dynamics for Expressive Playing
Play softly and loudly on purpose: a gentle fingerpicked verse, then a full, strummed chorus.
Addressing Stiff and Uneven Strumming
Let the movement come from a relaxed arm, elbow and wrist so every strum feels smooth.
Developing Solid, Maintained Time
Lock into the groove with bass and snare, hi-hat and accent exercises, and start playing “in the pocket”.
Practical Exercise for Fluid Transitions & Rhythm Stability
Bring it all together in a full song playthrough, keeping your rhythm steady through every chord change.
Everything you need to practice well
Step-by-step videos
About 90 minutes in all, in three modules. Watch on any device.
Normal and slower demos
Every pattern at normal speed, then slowed down so you can follow along.
Printable course guide
The patterns, counting and exercises from every lesson, to keep beside you.
Lifetime access
Pay once and come back to any lesson whenever you need a refresher.
Questions you might have
Do I need to finish the free mini-course first?
Not if you already know C, F and G7 and can strum down and up in time. This course starts from there. If those still feel new, the free Ukulele Basics mini-course is the best place to begin.
How long do I have access to the course?
For life. You pay once, and the course stays in your account for as long as you’d like it, including any updates we make.
How long does the course take?
The nine lessons add up to about 90 minutes of video. Most people spread them over a few weeks, practicing about 15 minutes a day. There’s no deadline.
I’ve never been good with rhythm. Can I still do this?
Yes. Rhythm is a skill you learn, not something you’re born with. Every pattern is counted out loud and shown at a slower speed first, so you can build it up gradually.
What do I need?
Your ukulele (any soprano, concert or tenor works) and a free metronome app on your phone.
Is this a one-off payment or a subscription?
A one-off payment of $49 USD. There’s no subscription and nothing to cancel.
Give your strumming the rhythm it’s been missing
Nine lessons, one patient teacher, and as long as you need. Questions first? Get in touch and a real person will help.
Mastering Ukulele Strumming & Rhythm
One payment · lifetime access · 9 lessons with John