Traditional ukulele music has a strong rhythmic drive and intensity. This is achieved by a technique referred to as "chunking". The chunking method is a rhythmic technique similar to drumming. Ukulele players usually play without a drummer, and the chunk sound re-creates the effect of a snare drum. It is always on the downbeat. The chunk sound is achieved by striking and muting the strings at the same time. Chunking is not difficult. The trick is to play rhythmically in time.
Instructions
1. Lay all four fingers of the left hand across the strings.
2. Strike down on the strings with the right hand and mute the strings with the palm of the right hand. Do this in a single motion. Use the heel of the palm around the thumb rather than the whole palm.
3. Learn two basic strumming patterns with the chunk method, The first pattern is: (1) Strum down on the strings; (2) Strum up on the strings; (3) Strum down and chunk the strings; (4) Strum down on the strings; (5) Strum up on the strings. The second pattern is the same, except for the last two steps. Strum up-up rather then down-up after chunking the strings.
4. Practice the chunk method and rhythm patterns with chords on the ukulele. Play various chords such as C, G and D. Experiment with other rhythm patterns.
5. Incorporate the chunk method in your song repertoire.
Tags: strings Strum, chunk method, down strings, Strum down, chunk sound, down strings Strum, patterns with