A great song to practice the roll with is Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai. If you watch the play along, you will notice how much Aldrine uses the roll in this song. Another song that the roll fits well in, is Stand By Me. In our Aloha Friday Jams, Aldrine usually suggests using rolls. You can check out this REPLAY where he mentions how to use the roll at around the 55:00 mark.
If you have any other questions, just let us know. We are always happy to help you out.
As with anything, if you feel comfortable doing it that way, feel free to incorporate it into your playing. However, the reason that the Roll is traditionally done in the pinky, ring, middle, pointer order is because it is almost always used as a replacement for a Down strum, so when you are done with the roll, your pointer finger is in exactly the right place to follow up with an Up strum, quickly and efficiently. Doing the roll in the reverse order (pointer, middle, ring, pinky) may feel a little easier and look a lot flashier, but at the end of your roll, your pointer finger is pretty far away from your strings, so following up with an Up strum will take a little more movement and repositioning of your right hand.
So, if you like the reverse order, feel free to use it – but it may be useful to learn the other way as well, as it will definitely come in handy especially when you’re doing faster strumming patterns. Hope that makes sense – let us know if you have any other questions, we’re always here for you!
I agree the roll is a challenge. It’s not natural for the pinky to lead, and sometimes I think I’ve got it, but upon closer examination I see my index is still leading. I’ve been practicing it without the uke just to get used to leading with the pinky.
Gee … I’ve practiced this. All the practice in the world hasn’t made a difference in how I sound. Is there something I can do that will make it so this isn’t a complete waste of time?
So far I find this “Roll” practice to be the most difficult… my fingers are so uncoordinated… Are there any tricks or practices to make my finger move smoothly?
Is there popular song that I can practice ROLLING ?
Jamaica farewell ?
Hey Yoyo,
A great song to practice the roll with is Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai. If you watch the play along, you will notice how much Aldrine uses the roll in this song. Another song that the roll fits well in, is Stand By Me. In our Aloha Friday Jams, Aldrine usually suggests using rolls. You can check out this REPLAY where he mentions how to use the roll at around the 55:00 mark.
If you have any other questions, just let us know. We are always happy to help you out.
-Kira (UU Staff)
your not alone maipon… i’ve more facility with the reverse oder … i don’t know if it okay ?
Hey maipon & ahcaramel!
As with anything, if you feel comfortable doing it that way, feel free to incorporate it into your playing. However, the reason that the Roll is traditionally done in the pinky, ring, middle, pointer order is because it is almost always used as a replacement for a Down strum, so when you are done with the roll, your pointer finger is in exactly the right place to follow up with an Up strum, quickly and efficiently. Doing the roll in the reverse order (pointer, middle, ring, pinky) may feel a little easier and look a lot flashier, but at the end of your roll, your pointer finger is pretty far away from your strings, so following up with an Up strum will take a little more movement and repositioning of your right hand.
So, if you like the reverse order, feel free to use it – but it may be useful to learn the other way as well, as it will definitely come in handy especially when you’re doing faster strumming patterns. Hope that makes sense – let us know if you have any other questions, we’re always here for you!
Aloha,
-Aaron (& the UU Staff)
Is it ‘wrong’ to do it in the reverse order, pointer middle ring pinky? It comes way more natural and it sounds good…
I agree the roll is a challenge. It’s not natural for the pinky to lead, and sometimes I think I’ve got it, but upon closer examination I see my index is still leading. I’ve been practicing it without the uke just to get used to leading with the pinky.
Just keep practicing, breathing and smiling Uke girl100, don’t give up!
Gee … I’ve practiced this. All the practice in the world hasn’t made a difference in how I sound. Is there something I can do that will make it so this isn’t a complete waste of time?
you are amazing for doing this. thank you so much !! your videos are so helpful and i can’t wait to get good on the ukelele.
So far I find this “Roll” practice to be the most difficult… my fingers are so uncoordinated… Are there any tricks or practices to make my finger move smoothly?