How to Play Cool Reggae Music for Beginners
Feel those island vibes!
Have you ever listened to Bob Marley and thought, ‘Wow, I want to play like that!’? Good news - reggae music is one of the coolest and most beginner-friendly styles to learn! Reggae's laid-back vibes and signature offbeat rhythm make it a joy to play on the ukulele.
So, let’s get started with the essentials of playing reggae music like a pro (or at least impressing your friends at your next jam session). Grab your uke, tune up, and let’s groove!
1. It's all About the Rhythm
Reggae has a distinctive rhythm that sets it apart from other styles of music. The key is the skank, or offbeat strumming pattern, which gives reggae its signature bounce.
• Strum on beats 2 and 4 (instead of the usual 1 and 3 in rock and pop music).
• Keep your strumming short and percussive - think of it as a chop rather than a full ringing chord.
• Try muting your uke strings slightly with your palm to get that classic reggae chicka-chick sound.
Try this basic reggae rhythm: Down (mute) - Up - Down (mute) - Up
2. Easy Reggae Chords for Beginners
Reggae music often uses simple chord progressions, making it beginner-friendly. Here are some popular reggae chords you can start with:
• C - F - G Try ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley
• G - D - Em - C Another reggae staple!
• C - Em - F - G Perfect for that island vibe
3. Learn the Reggae Strum
Your strumming hand is where the reggae magic happens. The trick is to relax and focus on light, snappy strums. Try this pattern:
• Downstrokes on beats 2 and 4
• Mute the strings immediately after strumming to create a percussive sound
• Use your wrist, not your arm, for smooth, controlled movement
Let’s have a closer look at the reggae strum in action!
4. What is the One Drop Beat?
For an extra cool sound, try the one drop beat! This is a distinctive drum pattern that's a key feature of reggae music. It's characterized by a heavy kick on beats two and four, with the beat on one being ‘dropped’.
If you have a friend on drums (or a drum loop), the one-drop beat is really helpful. The snare or kick drum lands on beat 3 instead of 2 and 4, creating reggae’s unmistakable pulse. If you're playing solo, try tapping your foot on beat 3 to mimic this feel.
5. Try out our Popular Reggae Play Along
Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to jam, try out your new skills and feel the rhythm. With only two chords to think about, your strumming hand is free to practise that reggae groove. Enjoy!
Top Tips for Reggae Music
• Use a clean, slightly muted tone for a smooth reggae sound
• Keep your strums light and bouncy - reggae is about feeling the groove, not overplaying
• Listen to reggae artists and play along to absorb the style naturally
• Have fun! Reggae is all about good vibes, so enjoy the music and let it flow
Ready to Strum?
In summary, playing reggae music is easier than you think. With just a few simple chords and a relaxed strumming style, you’ll be grooving in no time…. So, pick up your uke, find the rhythm, and get ready to strum!
Got a favorite reggae song you love playing? Let us know in the comments.
Happy Strumming 😊
