Area of Expertise : Islander

This area covers strums typical of Hawaiian and Calypsonian styles. To earn your AE Islander patch demonstrate four of the strums on this page (at least one from each section). At least one strum should be demonstrated in the context of a song. The other three patterns may be demonstrated with a chord progression of your choice. You may also demonstrate all four strums in the context of one song. Demonstrated strums should keep a consitent beat with no noticeable pauses between chords. Please refer to the strumming shorthand guide for any unfamiliar symbols.

Calypso

Π – Dr V – V Π V
Π – R V – V Π V
Π – Vr Θ – V Π V

Hawaiian

Π – Π V ΠVΠ V V
Π V ΠPV Π V ΠPV
Π V ΠPVr Π V ΠPVr
Π V Π Vr Π V Π Vr
Πp V ΠPVr Πp V ΠPVr

Singhi Breen

Island strokes collected by old-time ukulele giant May Singhi Breen; how authentic these strumming patterns are is anyone’s guess, but they’re fun.

Π V Π Π V Π Π V . . . “Beach Boy”
Π V ΠVΠV Π V Π V . . . “Hula Stroke”
ΠPVΠ P V Π V Π V . . . “Poi Stroke”
Π V Л Π P V Π V . . . “Luau Stroke”