Sunday, 20 June 2010 11:30 Last Updated on Saturday, 10 July 2010 12:12
Ukulele Practice Tip #4: The Claw vs. The Muppet
If you’ve ever played a chord and wanted it to sound cleaner and clearer, this Ukulele Tip is for you. It’s all about “The Claw” versus “The Muppet.”
The Claw is what will get you that crisp, clean sound from the uke. It means your fingers are perpendicular to the fretboard, pushing firmly next to the frets. The strings are straight, not bent. Your thumb is comfortably positioned behind the neck of the ukulele, giving you the best possible leverage to keep your fingers planted.
When you strum a chord with the claw, you’ll hear each note ring out clearly. That’s the hallmark of the Claw!
Here’s what the Claw looks like:
If you find your thumb sneaking around the edge trying to wrap itself around the neck of the ukulele like a well-worn tire, that’s when you know you’re being visited by the Muppet. You’ll see your fingers start to curl over and bend closer to the fretboard, and when you strum the strings they sound dull and indistinct.
Avoid the Muppet! Here’s what the Muppet looks like:
So keep it crisp and clean: use the Claw!
Keep on playing your uke.