THE MOST POPULAR UKULELE STRUM | ISLAND/CALYPSO STRUM TUTORIAL

Today we will learn and practice playing the island strum (also known as the calypso strum). This is a standard strum that every ukulele player should know. Warning: some ukulele players learn this strum and never move on from it. Make sure you learn other strumming patterns too.
Here’s a video with 4 other strumming patterns:

ALSO: when this video reaches 1,000 likes, I will create a tutorial just like this one but with the chuck :)

UKULELE USED:
I'm playing the Nova ukulele made by Enya Music. Retail Price ~$89
This ukulele is available in other colors (white, black, orange, blue). I like this ukulele because it is partially carbon fiber and partially plastic. This means that I don't have to worry about the environment affecting the ukulele. I have this ukulele hanging up next to my desk and I play it daily :)

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This is a playlist link to the first challenge. This one is for absolute beginners. You can review the challenge if you need to and/or you can share this link with someone to help get them into our ukulele family ;) This challenge also has a free printable resource and the hashtag we used throughout social media is #30DayUkeChallenge

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The 30 Day Uke Course is a challenge for intermediate ukulele players. Make sure you have mastered E chord (or are ready to master it) for this challenge.

MUSIC CREDITS
Fuego, by Cole Brandt

[rickysomborn]

Anyone else try and harmonize the D DU UDU part of the video ....no, just me? OK 😁😁😁

[apala]

Gone through a lot of Uke instructors on youtube, Bernadette is easily the most helpful. SO thankful she's on the platform!

[confusedwhynot]

I so appreciate how you broke down the island strum. It wasn't until I came across your channel that I could even have the confidence that I could learn it. I'm in my 60's an I'm trying to pick up a musical instrument that I could afford. I have always loved music and have had a desire to learned several instruments. I have only ever had lesson on piano when in college for one semester. I spared my wrist and couldn't play with both hands effectively for 6 weeks. We could never afford lessons when I was a kid. I have encouraged my children to learn an instrument since they were young. My daughter finely picked up the violin when she was in sixth grade. She hasn't had any formal lessons except at school in a group. We live in a small community with teachers, but their lessons are always full. We have a friend who minored in music in college and has spent time working with all of us. She doesn't charge us which is a blessing. We don't have regular lessons, but we have a good time and enjoy her friendship.

[shelley]

Bernadette, I want you to know I so appreciate what you do and I watch and practice every one of your videos. You have given me such an enjoyment for the ukulele. I can not thank you enough! From South Wales in the uk.

[chadinthe]

This was easily the best (and easiest) uke teaching video I’ve seen on here so far

[i.am.shaneclark]

This is the BEST tutorial on the island strum. Thank you! It has really helped.

[Chirrae]

This was such a coincidence since you posted this when i was looking for tutorials on the calypso pattern and so far to be honest yours was alot easier to comprehend. Thank you!!!

[stevecrawford]

This takes time to learn the strumming. I learned from your other video to keep your strumming arm moving even when you are not strumming. I learn from piano, that you master new techniques one step at a time until you master it. Best regards. 😀🥳

[lukejavor]

First time I've ever felt the music inside thanks to this practice!

[estebanp]

Bernee: Thanks for the walk thru. It really helped me the the "timing". Nice CHUCK preview!

[TenThumbsProductions]

I call this strum "Old faithful" because it works with everything, jazz, hip-hip, metal, whatever you want.

[stchannel]

I enjoyed this video. I started learning the ukulele and want to learn this island strum..Thank you. I luv way u teach things so simply without over explaining.

[chrisykemp]

The best teacher by far that I have found on you tube.Thank you

[pgcrow]

Brilliant! Thank you Bernadette for breaking this down so well.

[robertgates]

This is perfect for where Im at on my really long learning curve...Im going to spend a few days on this video...Strumming is sort of easy by itself...until I have to change cords and sing at the same time then it all falls apart instantly. thanks again Bernadette!!!

[sorhain]

I could not even understand what everyone else has been doing until I watched your video! Thank you so much!!! I'm really bad at rhythm, but this has given me a place to start practicing!

[TheSirenandThePirate]

Day 3 with my uke and I’m all smiles playing and watching this!! Thank you!

[jpodris]

This was very helpful. Thank you! My daughter and I love seeing and hearing your cats in the video! 😻

[jvblhc]

Thank you for this tutorials. I've had a ukulele for about five years or so and can play reasonably well but your videos should help me a great deal.

[candecarro]

Thank you, Bernadette, that was great practice! I had just done your "Chuck" exercise and enjoyed that, too. Awesome.