Fingernails or Fingertips for Classical Ukulele?
The "right" Picking Technique for Classical Ukulele
Anyone who delves deeper into classical ukulele will sooner or later come across a frequently asked question:
Should you play with your fingernails or your fingertips?
The short answer is: Both are possible.
The slightly longer answer is much more interesting. That’s because both playing styles have their own unique character and influence the sound, feel, and expression of your music.
Playing with Fingertips
Many ukulele players naturally start out playing with their fingertips. This playing style feels familiar and produces a warm, soft sound.
Quiet or lyrical pieces in particular benefit from this gentle tone.
Advantages:
- warm and round sound
- comfortable playing feel
- no nail care required
- ideal for beginners
- Disadvantages
- slightly lower volume
- less brilliant highs
For many classical pieces, playing with your fingertips is an excellent choice—especially if you prefer a more intimate and vocal sound.
Playing with Fingernails
In classical guitar, playing with fingernails has been standard practice for many decades. Many classical ukulele players also choose this method.
The nails strike the string somewhat more directly, producing a clearer and more brilliant tone.
This often adds transparency to polyphonic music, making it easier to distinguish individual voices from one another.
Advantages
- clearer and more brilliant sound
- greater volume
- better separation of individual voices
- precise articulation in fast passages
Disadvantages
- regular nail care is necessary
- unfamiliar playing technique at first
- incorrect nail shape can cause unwanted noise
If you play with your nails, you should not let them grow too long. In most cases, one to two millimeters beyond the fingertip is more than enough.
My book First Classical Uke in 3 Steps is ideal for getting started with playing classical music on the ukulele.
Tenor Ukulele with Low G for Classical Ukulele?
Perfect for Classical Fingerstyle Ukulele
Want to play fingerstyle music on the ukulele? It works amazingly well! Especially if you choose a tenor ukulele with a low G string. Why? It’s simple: The low G string extends the range downward, giving you more tonal depth, warmth, and harmonic possibilities.
The tenor size itself provides extra space for your fingers, and with a high-quality instrument, you’ll get a full sound and long sustain. Not only do the notes sound clearer, but you also won’t have to constantly contort yourself to hit all the notes.
In short: With a tenor ukulele and Low G, you’re tuning your instrument for classical music. Rich in tone, versatile - and still easy to handle.
Can I play Bach on the Ukulele?
If you've ever wondered, "Can I play Bach on ukulele?", the short answer is:
Yes — absolutely.
Although Johann Sebastian Bach never wrote music specifically for the ukulele, many of his compositions can be beautifully adapted for the instrument. In fact, Bach's music is an excellent choice for players who want to explore the expressive and classical side of the ukulele.
Why Bach Works Surprisingly Well on Ukulele
The ukulele may be small, but it is capable of much more than simple chord strumming. With the right arrangement, it can perform independent melodies, bass lines, and even simple counterpoint.
Many of Bach's pieces are based on clear melodic lines rather than large piano chords, making them ideal candidates for fingerstyle ukulele.
Is Bach Too Difficult for Beginners?
Not necessarily.
While some of Bach's works are highly complex, many shorter dance movements from the Baroque period are surprisingly approachable.
A good arrangement can simplify fingerings while preserving the musical character of the original piece.
If you're comfortable reading tablature and have basic fingerstyle skills, you can begin learning Bach much earlier than many players expect.
If you'd like to start playing Bach today, explore the book Bach for Ukulele by Ekkehard Prepens, created specifically for fingerstyle players. Each arrangement is designed to be musical, enjoyable to play, and faithful to the spirit of the original compositions.
What tuning should I use for Classical Ukulele?
One of the most common questions among players who want to explore classical music on the ukulele is:
"What tuning should I use for classical ukulele?"
The answer depends on the music you want to play, but for most players there are two options:
- Standard High G tuning (gCEA)
- Low G tuning (GCEA)
Both tunings have their strengths, and many classical ukulele players use both for their repertoire.
Standard High G Tuning (gCEA)
High G tuning is the traditional tuning for the soprano, concert, and tenor ukulele. In this tuning, the fourth string is tuned one octave higher than you might expect, creating the characteristic bright and cheerful ukulele sound.
Advantages of High G
- Authentic traditional ukulele sound
- Bright, clear melodies
Many classical arrangements work beautifully in High G, especially pieces that don't require extended bass notes.
Low G Tuning (GCEA)
In Low G tuning, the fourth string is tuned one octave lower, extending the instrument's range and giving it a richer, more guitar-like voice.
For many players, this tuning unlocks new possibilities for classical repertoire.
Advantages of Low G
- Extended bass range
- Fuller and warmer sound
- More natural bass lines
- Better suited for polyphonic music
The book “First Classical Ukulele in 3 Steps” easily introduces you to two-voice playing of Classical Pieces.
Can I play Scarborough Fair on the Ukulele?
If you've ever fallen in love with the haunting melody of Scarborough Fair, you may have asked yourself:
"Can I play Scarborough Fair on the ukulele?"
The answer is a resounding yes.
This timeless English folk song is one of the most beautiful melodies ever written and translates wonderfully to the ukulele. Whether you're a beginner looking for a simple melody or an advanced player interested in fingerstyle arrangements, Scarborough Fair is an excellent piece to add to your repertoire.
Why Scarborough Fair Sounds So Beautiful on the Ukulele
The melody of Scarborough Fair is lyrical, expressive, and fits naturally within the ukulele's range.
Unlike pieces that rely on large chords or wide note spans, this traditional tune can be arranged in many different ways while preserving its distinctive character.
The ukulele's warm tone gives the melody an intimate and almost vocal quality, making it especially well suited for solo performance.
Is Scarborough Fair Suitable for Beginners?
Yes—depending on the arrangement.
A simple melody version is accessible to beginners who already know how to read tablature or play single-note melodies.
More advanced fingerstyle arrangements combine:
- Melody
- Harmony
- Bass notes
These versions create the impression of several voices being played at once and offer a rewarding challenge for intermediate and advanced players.
Here you can find an arrangenment for Scarborough Fair which is suitable for the advanced beginner.
Can I play Medieval Music on the Ukulele?
If you're fascinated by the mysterious sound of ancient melodies, you may have wondered:
"Can I play medieval music on the ukulele?"
The answer is yes—and the results can be surprisingly beautiful.
Although the ukulele was invented centuries after the Middle Ages, its warm, intimate tone makes it an excellent instrument for performing medieval melodies. With the right arrangements and playing style, the ukulele can capture the simple elegance and timeless character of this remarkable music.
Why Does Medieval Music Work So Well on the Ukulele?
Many medieval melodies have a relatively small range and were originally written for singers rather than keyboard instruments.This means they often fit comfortably within the ukulele's natural range.
The instrument's soft, clear sound also complements the intimate character of medieval music, creating performances that feel both expressive and authentic. Rather than trying to imitate a lute or harp, the ukulele brings its own unique voice to these centuries-old melodies.
Should I Use High G or Low G?
Both tunings have their advantages.
High G tuning produces the bright, traditional ukulele sound that suits many simple melodies.
Low G tuning extends the bass range and allows richer drone notes, which can enhance the atmosphere of medieval music.
Which Medieval Pieces Can I Play?
If you're looking for carefully crafted arrangements of medieval melodies for solo ukulele, start with pieces that preserve the original character while taking full advantage of the instrument's unique voice.
My book Uke goes Medieval contains 10 fascinating songs from the Middle Ages.
What are my favorite Classical Pieces for Ukelele?
One of the things I love most about the ukulele is its ability to bring classical music to life in a surprisingly natural way. While many people associate the instrument with strumming chords and popular songs, the ukulele is also a wonderful vehicle for beautiful melodies, expressive fingerstyle playing, and timeless classical repertoire.
Over the years, I have arranged and played many classical works, but a few pieces have remained personal favourites. They are rewarding to play, enjoyable to listen to, and showcase just how versatile the ukulele can be.
In my book Classical Favorites for Ukulele you will find some of my favourite classical pieces for ukulele.