Fingerpicking on Ukulele – A Simple Pattern You Can Use on Hundreds of Songs

Fingerpicking on Ukulele – A Simple Pattern You Can Use on Hundreds of Songs

Fingerpicking takes the ukulele to a whole new level. Instead of strumming all the strings at once, you can pick out beautiful patterns that combine melody and harmony. And the good news? You don’t need to be advanced to start — here’s a simple pattern you can learn in just a couple of minutes.

The Pattern

(see video)

We’ll use your thumb and first finger:

• Thumb plays the G and C strings

• Index plays the E string and A strings.

  
  

A simple 4-beat picking pattern looks like this:Thumb – Index – Thumb – Index x2

You'll pick the strings in this order: C string, E String, G string, A string

1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and

It’s easy to remember and works on almost any chord.

Apply It to “Stand By Me”

Try this with the chords for Stand By Me. Instead of strumming, use the picking pattern — you’ll immediately hear how it creates a flowing, relaxed sound that’s perfect for the song.

Why It Works

This pattern is steady, easy to play, and versatile. Once you’re comfortable, you can adapt it to hundreds of songs, from ballads to folk classics.

✨ Try it today and you’ll unlock a whole new way of playing.

🎓 Ready to go further? Join my free taster course and start exploring fingerpicking in more depth:👉 https://mattsteadukulele.com/sample