MODULE 4
STRUMMING PATTERN 3 & SONG 3 - "3 Little Birds"
I🎶 Module: New Chords & Syncopated Strumming
In this module, you'll expand your chord library and rhythm skills with:
✅ New chord shapes: A major, D7, and E7
✅ A syncopated strumming pattern that adds a dynamic, offbeat feel to your playing
This strumming style works beautifully in both country and reggae music — and you'll get to try it out in a ukulele favourite:
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley 🐦
This module is perfect for building smooth chord transitions, mastering offbeat rhythm, and boosting your confidence with new song styles!
In this module, you'll expand your chord library and rhythm skills with:
✅ New chord shapes: A major, D7, and E7
✅ A syncopated strumming pattern that adds a dynamic, offbeat feel to your playing
This strumming style works beautifully in both country and reggae music — and you'll get to try it out in a ukulele favourite:
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley 🐦
This module is perfect for building smooth chord transitions, mastering offbeat rhythm, and boosting your confidence with new song styles!
Chord Shapes
🎸 Chords to Explore in This Module
In this module, you'll focus on three essential chords that will be embedded into your next song:
✅ A major
✅ D7
✅ E7
Take a few minutes to get familiar with the shapes and finger positions — mastering these will set you up for smooth playing in the upcoming track!
In this module, you'll focus on three essential chords that will be embedded into your next song:
✅ A major
✅ D7
✅ E7
Take a few minutes to get familiar with the shapes and finger positions — mastering these will set you up for smooth playing in the upcoming track!
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Strumming Pattern
🎸 Strumming Pattern & Syncopation
The strumming pattern below works across genres:
The strumming pattern below works across genres:
- Moderate speed = great for reggae
- Faster tempo = suits country and folk
🎯 Exercise: Strumming Dynamics Practice
Watch the video below and practice the strumming technique slowly to start with. Focus on creating clear dynamics in each strum — especially emphasising beats 2 and 4.
Once it feels comfortable, gradually increase the speed while keeping that rhythmic bounce!
Watch the video below and practice the strumming technique slowly to start with. Focus on creating clear dynamics in each strum — especially emphasising beats 2 and 4.
Once it feels comfortable, gradually increase the speed while keeping that rhythmic bounce!
Song 3 - THREE LITTLE BIRDS
Let’s Break Down “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley (1977) 🐦🎶
Now we’re going to explore both parts of the iconic reggae tune “Three Little Birds”, written by Bob Marley in 1977.
It’s the perfect song for beginners, thanks to its simple, repetitive lyrics and easy chord structure.
Now we’re going to explore both parts of the iconic reggae tune “Three Little Birds”, written by Bob Marley in 1977.
It’s the perfect song for beginners, thanks to its simple, repetitive lyrics and easy chord structure.
📄 First Things First: Download the PDF
Before you start playing, click the button below to download the full PDF. It contains the complete song structure and arrangement, so you’ll know exactly what to play and when.
Having this guide in front of you will make learning smoother and more enjoyable — let’s set you up for success from the very beginning!
🎶 Ready? Let’s go!
Before you start playing, click the button below to download the full PDF. It contains the complete song structure and arrangement, so you’ll know exactly what to play and when.
Having this guide in front of you will make learning smoother and more enjoyable — let’s set you up for success from the very beginning!
🎶 Ready? Let’s go!
🎵 Part 1: Chorus Section
The song begins with the chorus, which sets the upbeat and reassuring tone.
The song begins with the chorus, which sets the upbeat and reassuring tone.
- This section contains just two chords: A major and D major
- It’s made up of 16 bars — a great opportunity to practice steady strumming and smooth chord changes
- The lyrics in each chorus repeat throughout the song, making it even easier to learn and enjoy
🎶 Part 2: Verse Section
In the verse sections, the chord progression introduces a third chord: E7 — which brings a bit more flavour and movement to the reggae rhythm.
You’ll now be working with:
🎵 Rhythm Tip:
Pay close attention to the final line of the verse — it features two bars of D major, but instead of steady strumming, you’ll only strum on beats 1 and 3. This gives it that signature laid-back reggae pulse.
🪘 Try lightly muting the other beats with your strumming hand for extra groove!
In the verse sections, the chord progression introduces a third chord: E7 — which brings a bit more flavour and movement to the reggae rhythm.
You’ll now be working with:
- A major
- D major
- E7
🎵 Rhythm Tip:
Pay close attention to the final line of the verse — it features two bars of D major, but instead of steady strumming, you’ll only strum on beats 1 and 3. This gives it that signature laid-back reggae pulse.
🪘 Try lightly muting the other beats with your strumming hand for extra groove!
🎸 Exercise: Play Along to the Full Track
📥 Download the song & structure PDF below — it includes the full chord progression and layout for both the chorus and verse sections.
🎶 Once you’ve reviewed the structure, try playing along to the full track, where both the chorus and verse sections are played twice. This is a great way to practise transitioning smoothly between parts and keeping a consistent rhythm.
Take your time, enjoy the groove, and let those three little chords carry you through the song!
📥 Download the song & structure PDF below — it includes the full chord progression and layout for both the chorus and verse sections.
🎶 Once you’ve reviewed the structure, try playing along to the full track, where both the chorus and verse sections are played twice. This is a great way to practise transitioning smoothly between parts and keeping a consistent rhythm.
Take your time, enjoy the groove, and let those three little chords carry you through the song!
📥 Download for Offline Practice
Click the button below to download the full song file — perfect for practising even when you're offline.
Having the track handy means you can rehearse anytime, anywhere, and keep improving your chord changes, timing, and confidence.
🎧 Happy strumming!
Click the button below to download the full song file — perfect for practising even when you're offline.
Having the track handy means you can rehearse anytime, anywhere, and keep improving your chord changes, timing, and confidence.
🎧 Happy strumming!
16 FRET STRETCH @ 70BPM
EXERCISE: Use your Finger Gym PDF from Module 2 to play along with this weeks speed at 70BPM.
🎉 Ready for the Next Challenge?
Feeling confident and ready to level up? Module 5 introduces a brand new song — this time with even more chords to expand your skills!
🎸 Click the button below to discover what’s waiting for you in the next module. Let’s keep the music going!In the next module you will explore a whole new way of playing the ukulele which involves reading tab.
Feeling confident and ready to level up? Module 5 introduces a brand new song — this time with even more chords to expand your skills!
🎸 Click the button below to discover what’s waiting for you in the next module. Let’s keep the music going!In the next module you will explore a whole new way of playing the ukulele which involves reading tab.