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Basic Single Note Drills for Ukulele

“One day of practice is like one day of clean living. It doesn’t do you any good.”

Abe Lemmons

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Developing Your Finger Strength and Independence

It is critical that you develop the finger strength and independence needed to explore your full musical potential and enjoyment. By developing a great left hand, for right hand players, you will be able to explore more challenging musical situations.

To develop this great left hand technique there is a series of graduated drills or finger gymnastics/exercises that will allow you to play at higher and higher levels while increasing your comfort zone of usable technique.

The complete lesson is in the downloadable PDF file…

Things to Watch for...

Keep your fingertips pointing to the strings

Regardless of which finger is playing at the time - each finger should remain pointing to the fingerboard and pointing to the strings at all times. In playing these single notes exercises the fingertips play the notes.

Don't move fingers more than needed

Fingers only have to come off the string just enough to not interfere with the note sounding.

Play right behind the fret

For single notes play right behind the fret. This is the position that requires the least amount of physical effort to play a note. Any further from the fret requires a little more effort.

View or download the PDF file for the complete lesson.

Some lessons are part of the Study with Curt! and Curt Sheller Publications Site Membership premium lesson series.

Basic Single Note Drills for Ukulele

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Finger Drill Model

This is the model for all the finger drills.

These can, and should be preformed all along the fingerboard. Se the video tab for an example of the two note single string drills.


  • Explore each combination ascending and descending
  • Variations would include starting on string one and descending first them ascending
  • Vary the rhythm
  • Each combination should be in tempo, accurate, and using a minimum amount of effort and motion.

ALL 12 Possible single Note, Two Finger Combinations

  • 1 2
  • 1 3
  • 1 4
  • 2 3
  • 2 4
  • 3 4
  • 2 1
  • 3 1
  • 4 1
  • 3 2
  • 4 2
  • 4 3

ALL 24 Possible single Note, Three Finger Combinations

  • 1 2 3
  • 1 2 4
  • 1 3 2
  • 1 3 4
  • 1 4 2
  • 1 4 3
  • 2 3 1
  • 2 3 4
  • 2 4 1
  • 2 4 3
  • 3 4 1
  • 3 4 2
  • 2 1 3
  • 2 1 4
  • 3 1 2
  • 3 1 4
  • 4 1 2
  • 4 1 3
  • 3 2 1
  • 3 2 4
  • 4 2 1
  • 4 2 3
  • 4 3 1
  • 4 3 2

ALL 24 Possible single Note, Four Finger Combinations

  • 1 2 3 4
  • 1 2 4 3
  • 1 3 4 1
  • 1 3 2 4
  • 1 4 2 3
  • 1 4 3 2
  • 2 3 4 1
  • 2 3 1 4
  • 2 4 1 3
  • 2 4 3 1
  • 3 4 1 2
  • 3 4 2 1
  • 2 1 3 4
  • 2 1 4 3
  • 3 1 2 4
  • 3 1 4 2
  • 4 1 2 3
  • 4 1 3 2
  • 3 2 4 1
  • 3 2 1 4
  • 4 2 1 3
  • 4 2 3 1
  • 4 3 1 2
  • 4 3 2 1

Two Note Single String Examples

Four Note Single String Example

Related Lessons

36 Lesson(s)

Lesson content icons:    PDF Download   Related Lessons Files   Video   Audio

Advanced Single Note Fingering Drills for Ukulele

Developing finger strength and independence with a series of graduated single string exercises.

UL15b: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: March 18, 2013, 5:08 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Basic Single Note Drills for Ukulele

Basic one, two, three and four note single string drills for ukulele for developing finger strength and independence. It's critical a player develop the finger strength and independence to explore their full musical potential. By developing a great finger

UL15: Published: January 2, 2005, 12:00 pm | Updated: April 14, 2013, 3:35 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Chord Switching - Double Stops

Switching chords is all about finger independence and working together. These can be developed using the double stop fingering drills presented in this lesson.

UL29: Published: January 15, 2013, 10:26 am | Updated: April 14, 2013, 3:41 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Fingerstyle on Ukulele - Single and Multi String Exploration

Exploring fingerstyle on ukulele. This lesson covers the common terms used for identifing the fingers used. And, presents a series of single and multi string exercises for exploring and developing the techniques needed for this style.

UL112a: Published: October 17, 2011, 11:16 pm | Updated: April 14, 2013, 3:37 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Four Finger-Four Note Basic Single String Gymnastics for Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This four finger-four note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape.

UL08d: Published: March 22, 2011, 11:12 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

One Finger-One Note Basic Single String Gymnastics for Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This one finger-one note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape.

UL08a: Published: January 24, 2013, 1:31 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Open String, Two Finger Single Strings Gymnastics

Using the original two finger-two notes single strings gymnastics, incorporate an open string. This develops the ability to get the finger on and off notes rapidly - getting out of the way when needed.

UL08-012: Published: March 10, 2013, 5:42 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Open String, Two Finger Single Strings Gymnastics

Using the original two finger-two notes single strings gymnastics, incorporate an open string. This develops the ability to get the finger on and off notes rapidly - getting out of the way when needed.

UL08-01: Published: March 10, 2013, 5:42 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Proper Fretting Hand Placement

Efficiency is the key to technique. This lessons shows the proper finger and thumb placement for the fretting hand.

UL08: Published: January 24, 2013, 1:25 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-2-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-2-1-2-3.

UL08r12123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-3-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-3-1-2-3.

UL08r13123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-1-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-1-1-2-3.

UL08r21123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-3-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-3-1-2-3.

UL08r23123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-4-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-4-1-2-3.

UL08r24123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-1-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-1-1-2-3.

UL08r31123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-2-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-2-1-2-3.

UL08r32123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-4-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-4-1-2-3.

UL08r34123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:55 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-1-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-1-1-2-3.

UL08r41123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-2-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-2-1-2-3.

UL08r42123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Five Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-3-1-2-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-3-1-2-3.

UL08r43123: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:56 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-2.

UL08r1212: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:43 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-3-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-3-1-2.

UL08r1312: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:49 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 1-4-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 1-4-1-2.

UL08r1412: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:50 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-1-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-1-1-2.

UL08r2112: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-3-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-3-1-2.

UL08r2312: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 2-4-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 2-4-1-2.

UL08r2412: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-1-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-1-1-2.

UL08r3112: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-2-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-2-1-2

UL08r3212: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 3-4-1-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 3-4-1-3.

UL08r3413: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-1-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-1-1-2.

UL08r4112: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-2-1-2

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-2-1-2.

UL08r4212: Published: February 26, 2013, 3:51 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note - Four Note, Single String Gymnastics Starting with Fingers 4-3-1-3

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This lessons starts with the finger combination 4-3-1-3.

UL08r4313: Published: February 26, 2013, 6:06 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:53 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Repeating Note Single String Gymnastics

Building on the single note 1, 2, 3, and 4 finger basic gymnastics. Now with repeating note or two. This series of lessons although the examples are shown for ukulele are appropriate for any fretted string instrument like guitar, banjo or mandolin.

UL08r: Published: February 26, 2013, 10:46 am | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Three Finger-Three Note Basic Single String Gymnastics for Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This three finger-three note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape.

UL08c: Published: January 24, 2013, 1:36 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Two Finger-Two Note Basic Single String Gymnastics for Ukulele

To play the ukulele effectively, your fingers need physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. This two finger-two note drill is designed to get your fretting hand in shape.

UL08b: Published: January 24, 2013, 1:33 pm | Updated: April 22, 2013, 3:52 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Ukulele String Combinations

All possible ukulele string combinations. These are used to developing your ukulele technique.

UL26: Published: March 22, 2012, 10:19 am | Updated: April 14, 2013, 3:37 pm | Author: Curt Sheller

Related Books

All book sizes are 8.5" x 11" unless noted and music stand friendly, "lay flat" coil binding.

HARD COPY

QS1UKES

Hard Copy Book
$14.95

Add to CartView Cart

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, Volume I, C Tuning

Six essential scales for C tuned ukuleles. Blues, Pentatonic, Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Ionian scales are covered in all keys with one octave scale fingerings starting on any finger.

The QuickStart series of scale fingering books are available in a variety of tunings for ukulele, guitar and bass guitar.

Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...

ISBN-13: 978-0-9714044-6-5 Published: September 2003 Pages 98

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PDF/eBook

QS1UKES

Printable PDF
$4.95

Add to CartView Cart

NOW - With quick download after payment.

HARD COPY

QS1UKES-G

Hard Copy Book
$14.95

Add to CartView Cart

QuickStartScale Fingerings for Tenor and Baritone Ukulele, Volume I, G Tuning

Six essential scales for G tuned ukuleles. Blues, Pentatonic, Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Ionian scales are covered in all keys with fingerings.

The QuickStart series of scale fingering books are available in a variety of tunings.

Tunings: G with low or high D - (DGBE or dGBE).

More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...

ISBN-13: 978-0-9714044-5-8 Published: March 2004 Pages 98

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PDF/eBook

QS1UKES-G

Printable PDF
$4.95

Add to CartView Cart

NOW - With quick download after payment.

HARD COPY

QSUAT-C

Hard Copy Book
$14.95

Add to CartView Cart

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads C Tuning

Major, minor, diminished and augmented arpeggios fingerings in all keys for C tuned ukuleles.

Available in C and G tunings.

Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...

ISBN-13: 978-1-60321-016-4 Published: November 2005 Pages 96

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PDF/eBook

QSUAT-C

Printable PDF
$4.95

Add to CartView Cart

NOW - With quick download after payment.

HARD COPY

QSUAT-G

Hard Copy Book
$14.95

Add to CartView Cart

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads G Tuning

Major, minor, diminished and augmented arpeggios fingerings in all keys for G tuned ukuleles.

Available in C and G tunings.

Tunings: G with low or high D - (DGBE or dGBE).

More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...

ISBN-13: 978-1-60321-017-1 Published: November 2005 Pages 96

toptop.png

PDF/eBook

QSUAT-G

Printable PDF
$4.95

Add to CartView Cart

NOW - With quick download after payment.

HARD COPY

6SUF

Hard Copy Book
$14.95

Add to CartView Cart

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the principles to navigating the ukulele* fingerboard.

Fingering is one of the most universal topics. Whether your style is Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz or Classical, these principles will improve your technique, your solos, even your sight reading.

Think of fingering as a series of pathways. When you learn to connect these pathways, there are benefits not only to technique but also to creativity. All fingering on the ukulele can be reduced to 6 principles of motion. Each principle has physical and musical characteristics that you can use to improve your playing.

* The fingering principles in the books are suitable for ANY ukulele tuning.

More info, samples, table of contents, audio, video and more...

ISBN-13: 978-1-60321-041-6 Published: March 2006 Pages 42

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6SUF

Printable PDF
$4.95

Add to CartView Cart

NOW - With quick download after payment.

You'll need a copy of Adobe®: Acrobat® reader (version 3.0 or higher) to view or print the PDF file. If you don't already have a copy, or if you have an older version, you can get the latest reader for free from Adobe.

Lessons, TABS and Songs are intended FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

Portions of copy regarding particular songs is from WidipediA, the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

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Content is always being added and updated. So check-in often. Thanks, Curt

Over 440 lessons, 54 songs and TABS, 240+ archtop luthiers, 180+ ukulele builders, festival information, ukulele links on the web. On the web since the early 90's and growing everyday.

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UL15_BASIC_SINGLE_NOTE_DRILLS_FOR_UKULELE.PHP | Updated: Friday, 30th March, 2012 @ 10:36pm

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