How to play the staccato notes on the ukulele?

hikaru · Feb 22, 2017

Aloha!

I'm confused about playing the staccato notes when doing fingerstyle.. A staccato note shows no difference in the tabs, but it's there in the corresponding sheet music.

In short, do I just pluck the string really fast or need to do some other fancy stuff that I'm not aware of?

Thanks!

Jim Hanks · Feb 22, 2017

Staccato just means you have to stop the string from vibrating. Depending on the context, you might do this with a left hand finger, right hand finger, right hand palm, whatever.

hikaru · Feb 22, 2017

Jim Hanks said:
Staccato just means you have to stop the string from vibrating. Depending on the context, you might do this with a left hand finger, right hand finger, right hand palm, whatever.

Thanks, Jim!

Is that the "palm muting" as in the video below?

I don't understand using the fingers, either the left or the right. Would you cause the ringing strings to buzz when touching it?

stevepetergal · Feb 22, 2017

Palm muting isn't really intended for staccato playing, although it does sort of accomplish a staccato. It's used primarily for the tonal effect. Playing staccato is generally done with the tips of the picking fingers of the picking hand. It requires lots of practice. LOTS.
I'm sure you can find classical guitar videos on youtube to help you with the basics.

ukatee · Feb 22, 2017

To shorten notes you can just release the fretting fingers slightly, without lifting them off the string altogether. I sometimes do it unintentionally! Obviously it is not so easy on an open string though try with a spare finger.

phil hague · Feb 22, 2017

The nearest I can get is to pick then immediately replace the picking finger on the string to cut the note short.

How to play the staccato notes on the ukulele?

hikaru

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Jim Hanks

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hikaru

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stevepetergal

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ukatee

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phil hague

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