Master 'Here Comes The Sun' in 1 Month: Uke Should Know Challenge
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Learning 10 Essential Ukulele Songs
- Chords Needed for the Song
- Strumming Pattern
- Riff Number One
- Riff Number Two
- Playing the Song Line by Line
- Transition to a Different Part
- Playing the Chorus
- Conclusion
🎵 Learning 10 Essential Ukulele Songs 🎵
Are you ready to take on the challenge of learning 10 essential ukulele songs in just one month? In this final video of the challenge, we will be focusing on two awesome riffs that will take your ukulele playing to the next level. But before we dive into the riffs, let's first learn the chords that we need for this particular song.
Chords Needed for the Song
For this song, we will need to familiarize ourselves with the G, B flat, D, A7, and C chords. Don't worry if the B flat chord seems challenging at first. You can start by playing it on the fifth fret and gradually work your way down to the first fret for a more comfortable position.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for this song is a classic one and goes like this: "down, down, up, up, down, up." However, there will be moments in the song where we'll need to play single down strums. We'll cover those parts as we go along.
Riff Number One
Let's start with the first riff. Begin by holding a G chord and strumming it. Then, pick the individual strings as follows: A string, open E string, and the E string with the middle finger lifted. Finally, bring the middle finger back down and pick the A string again. This is the easier version of the riff, but if you're looking for a more advanced challenge, you can try adding a hammer-on technique.
Riff Number Two
Moving on to the second riff, this one is more challenging but definitely worth the effort. Start by holding the C chord position with your index and ring fingers on the C string, your middle finger on the third fret of the E string, and use your thumb, index, and middle fingers to pluck the C, E, and A strings respectively. Remember to gently push in on the strings without plucking them too hard. The sequence goes: 4, 3, 0 - lift the ring finger - 2, 3, 0 - lift the index finger - return the index finger - 3 (on the E string), lift the ring finger off, and open the A string.
Playing the Song Line by Line
Now that we've covered the chords and riffs, let's move on to playing the song line by line. In line one, we start with the G chord and strum it according to the strumming pattern. Then, we play Riff One. Next, we switch to the C chord and continue with the strumming pattern, followed by the A7 chord and back to the G chord. Take your time to practice and master this line before moving on.
The second line of the song repeats the pattern from the first line: G chord, Riff One, C chord, A7 chord, and back to the G chord. This pattern is also repeated for the second verse.
Transition to a Different Part
As we reach the chorus, we transition to a different part of the song. Here, we play the chords B flat and F in a specific strumming pattern: down, down, up, up. Repeat this pattern four times. Following that, we play B flat, F, F, and C in the same strumming pattern. Repeat this sequence twice. Finally, strum the C chord four times, emphasizing the word "hear."
Playing the Chorus
Let's put it all together! Start with line one of the song, followed by line two. Then, play the chorus part according to the strumming pattern and chord progression provided. Repeat this sequence three times, allowing the song to resolve on the G chord.
Congratulations! You've completed all the tutorials for the "You Should Know" challenge. Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment and reflect on how much you've improved as a musician. If you're up for another challenge, I encourage you to check out Gaby's chord melody arrangements for these songs. It's a beautiful way to explore the ukulele's capabilities further.
Thank you for joining me on this musical journey, and remember, the love and passion for music will always guide you. See you in the next challenge!
Pros:
- Provides a structured and achievable challenge for ukulele players
- Introduces essential chords and strumming patterns
- Covers two challenging riffs to improve finger dexterity
- Breaks down the song line by line for easy learning
- Offers the opportunity to explore chord melody arrangements
Cons:
- Some chords and techniques may be difficult for beginners
- Limited song selection for the challenge
Highlights:
- Learn 10 essential ukulele songs in just one month
- Master challenging riffs to enhance your ukulele playing skills
- Understand essential chords and strumming patterns
- Play the song line by line, focusing on different parts
- Transition smoothly between sections and chord progressions
- Explore chord melody arrangements for a more advanced challenge
FAQ
Q: Can I participate in the challenge as a beginner ukulele player?
A: While the challenge may be more suitable for intermediate players, beginners can still join and learn at their own pace.
Q: Are the tutorials suitable for other instruments besides the ukulele?
A: The tutorials are specifically tailored for ukulele players, but some concepts and techniques can be applied to other string instruments.
Q: Can I use different strumming patterns for the songs in the challenge?
A: While the suggested strumming pattern works well, feel free to experiment with different patterns to add your own personal touch to the songs.
Q: Where can I find the chord melody arrangements mentioned in the article?
A: The chord melody arrangements by Gaby can be found on her page, which will be linked in the article.
Q: How long does it take to complete the "You Should Know" challenge?
A: The challenge can be completed within one month, but the timeframe may vary depending on individual practice and progress.
Q: What if I struggle with certain chords or techniques in the challenge?
A: It's natural to face difficulties along the way. Take your time, practice regularly, and seek additional resources or tutorials to help overcome any challenges you encounter.
