Ukulele as a Percussive Instrument
In this article
- Use muted strums for rhythmic accents.
- Gently tap the body of your Lanikai for organic percussion.
- Combine percussive hits with open chords for dynamic grooves.
Muted strums create sharp, rhythmic accents that mimic snare hits. This technique adds drive and energy to acoustic arrangements without introducing external percussion instruments.
Tapping the body of your Lanikai in varied locations produces an organic percussive “wood tone” that blends seamlessly with strumming. Experiment with different tapping zones to discover tonal variations that best complement your groove.
Combining percussive hits with open chords creates dynamic textures that keep listeners engaged. Your Lanikai’s responsive build makes these transitions smooth, allowing you to craft rhythms that feel both melodic and percussive.
Rock Clouser
Strings Brand Manager, KHS America
Rock Clouser is the Strings Brand Manager for Lanikai Ukuleles, bringing over 35 years of comprehensive string instrument design expertise. At KHS America, he also oversees Kohala Ukuleles and H. Jimenez Latin String Instruments.
