Getting together, paying our `ukuleles and hearing fellow ‘ukers’ singing and laughing brings us joy and nourishes the soul. But there are a few points of ‘Strum Etiquette’ to make sure that everyone has an enjoyable time.

1. TUNE! Arrive a few minutes early and tune your `ukulele. Even if it was in tune when you left home, it might have shifted in transit, so check it again! If you don’t have a digital tuner, get one! Tuning ‘by ear’ is fine if you’re by yourself. A room full of ‘tuned by ear’ ukes equals cacophony! (Check your tuning about half-way through the strum, too!)

2. Listen, Listen, Listen! Watch your volume! If you can’t hear the person beside you, you’re probably playing too strongly. Play as a part of the group, not a soloist! It’s all right to try a different strum style, or add little fills, but don’t try to overpower the rest.

3. The tempo is set by the person who counts in the song. Some ukers have more experience than others. If a song starts more slowly than you’re used to playing it, go with it, and don’t express displeasure with their choice. You can choose the tempo when it’s your turn.

4. Be sociable, but at the right time! Get to know the people you’re sitting with. Catch up with friends. Just don’t do it when someone is trying to call out their song choice, or – heavens forbid – while the song is being played!

5. Be kind, considerate, and encouraging to your fellow ukers!

6. And most of all, HAVE FUN!!!