The Chunk / Muted Strum
A quick mute mid-pattern turns a ringing chord into a percussive rhythmic hit. It's one of the signature sounds of island and pop ukulele strumming.
What is a "chunk"?
A chunk (sometimes called a muted strum or "chunka" strum) is a brief, percussive hit created by muting the strings right as you strum, instead of letting the chord ring out. Rather than hearing clear pitches, you hear a short, rhythmic "thump" — almost like a drum hit woven into the strum pattern.
You can create the mute with either hand:
- Fretting hand: relax your fretting fingers so they lightly touch the strings without pressing down, deadening the pitch.
- Strumming hand: lay the side of your palm across the strings right as you strum, cutting the sound short.
The X beats are chunks: a short, muted percussive hit instead of a ringing chord.
Common questions
What is a "chunk" in ukulele strumming?
A chunk is a brief, percussive muted strum where you dampen the strings right as you strum, producing a short rhythmic "thump" instead of a ringing chord.
How do you mute a ukulele strum?
You can mute with either hand: lightly relax your fretting-hand fingers against the strings, or lay the edge of your strumming hand across the strings right as you strum.
Why use a chunk in a strum pattern?
It adds a percussive, rhythmic accent that breaks up the sound of ringing chords, giving the pattern more groove and drive. It's especially common in island and pop ukulele styles.
Is the chunk the same as palm muting on guitar?
It's a similar idea — deadening the strings for a percussive effect — but on ukulele it's usually a quick, complete mute for a single rhythmic hit rather than a sustained muted tone.
Hear every technique before you try it
Melody Monkey demonstrates strumming techniques like the chunk with instant audio playback.
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