MODULE 10
"THE CAGE FINGER PICKING PATTERN"
🎵 Fingerpicking Basics: The C–A–G–E Pattern
Fingerpicking is a fantastic technique that can give your ukulele playing a more expressive and professional sound — and it’s a lot of fun too!
In this module, you’ll learn one of the most basic and widely used fingerpicking patterns: the C–A–G–E pattern. Named after the strings you pluck — C, A, G, and E — this pattern involves plucking each string in that order, then repeating it to create a flowing, melodic rhythm.
It’s simple to learn, sounds great, and forms a strong foundation for more advanced fingerpicking techniques down the line.
Fingerpicking is a fantastic technique that can give your ukulele playing a more expressive and professional sound — and it’s a lot of fun too!
In this module, you’ll learn one of the most basic and widely used fingerpicking patterns: the C–A–G–E pattern. Named after the strings you pluck — C, A, G, and E — this pattern involves plucking each string in that order, then repeating it to create a flowing, melodic rhythm.
It’s simple to learn, sounds great, and forms a strong foundation for more advanced fingerpicking techniques down the line.
THE C-A-G-E FINGER PICKING PATTERN
🎼 How to Read the Pattern
The letters above the TAB indicate the strings to pluck: C, A, G, E — and then repeated once more to complete the bar
There are 8 plucks in total, making this an eighth-note pattern. Count along as: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
🖐️ Which Fingers to Use
The blue letters below the TAB show which fingers should pluck each string. It's important to follow this fingering for better accuracy, control, and muscle memory:
🔁 Practising this consistently will help you develop a smooth and natural fingerpicking style
The letters above the TAB indicate the strings to pluck: C, A, G, E — and then repeated once more to complete the bar
There are 8 plucks in total, making this an eighth-note pattern. Count along as: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
🖐️ Which Fingers to Use
The blue letters below the TAB show which fingers should pluck each string. It's important to follow this fingering for better accuracy, control, and muscle memory:
- C string – Pluck with your Thumb (T)
- A string – Pluck with your Middle finger (M)
- G string – Pluck with your Thumb (T)
- E string – Pluck with your Index finger (I)
🔁 Practising this consistently will help you develop a smooth and natural fingerpicking style
Watch the video below to see how it is done.
ADDING CHORD SHAPES
Once you get the hang of playing this finger picking pattern, try adding some chords in to hear how they sound. Practice independently with the following chord shapes:
EXERCISE: Each audio file starts off at 40 BPM with a count in bar of 4 beats followed by two bars of the 8th note cage pattern played with the illustrated chords.
EXERCISE: Each audio file starts off at 40 BPM with a count in bar of 4 beats followed by two bars of the 8th note cage pattern played with the illustrated chords.
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At level 2 you will discover how to play this picking pattern shuffled or in swing style to fit in with the 12 bar blues, which you can use in hundreds of songs, including many rock n roll numbers!
CONGRATULATIONS - YOU DID it!!
🎸 Ready to Take Your Ukulele Skills to the Next Level? 🎶
Congratulations — you’ve now completed all the essential training in Level 1, and you're well on your way to becoming a confident ukulele player!
In Level 2, we’ll dive into the exciting world of picking patterns, learning how to play them with a shuffle or swing feel — perfect for fitting into the classic 12-bar blues. This versatile skill opens the door to hundreds of songs, especially in the rock 'n' roll genre!
👉 Click the button below to view a quick summary of your progress and discover how you can continue your musical journey with Level 2.
We’d also love your feedback! Before moving forward, please take a moment to complete a short questionnaire. Your input helps us improve our courses — and as a thank you, we’ll send you a 20% discount code for your next online course purchase.
Let’s keep the momentum going — see you in Level 2!
Congratulations — you’ve now completed all the essential training in Level 1, and you're well on your way to becoming a confident ukulele player!
In Level 2, we’ll dive into the exciting world of picking patterns, learning how to play them with a shuffle or swing feel — perfect for fitting into the classic 12-bar blues. This versatile skill opens the door to hundreds of songs, especially in the rock 'n' roll genre!
👉 Click the button below to view a quick summary of your progress and discover how you can continue your musical journey with Level 2.
We’d also love your feedback! Before moving forward, please take a moment to complete a short questionnaire. Your input helps us improve our courses — and as a thank you, we’ll send you a 20% discount code for your next online course purchase.
Let’s keep the momentum going — see you in Level 2!