10. The right hand: Strumming
Now let's have a look at the right hand. To strum the kantele, you can use the index finger of your right hand. You can also use a plectrum, or put together the tips of thumb, index and middle finger (as you would hold a plectrum!) and play with your fingernails!
If you have never before played a string instrument, try to play "from outside in", i.e. from the longest to the shortest string. This is the traditional way and it makes sense to strum from the deepest to the highest string. We call that an up-stroke. If you have played guitar or ukulele or something like that, you may find it easier to strum "from inside out", i.e. from the shortest to the longest string. This is called a down-stroke.
Many songs have a 4/4 time signature (sometimes indicated by the letter "C" instead of "4/4"). That means there are four beats in each bar. You can play it just with down-strokes like this: