The warm rays of the sun peek through your window, bringing with them a sense of tranquility and optimism. You’ve been humming a melody in your head all morning—the familiar, uplifting chords of “Here Comes the Sun.” Suddenly, a thought strikes you: “What if I could actually play this iconic Beatles tune? On the ukulele?” You might think it’s a dream too good to be true, but with just a little effort, that dream can become a reality. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of “Here Comes the Sun” for ukulele players, exploring the chords, strumming patterns, and even some tips and tricks to help you confidently bring this classic to life.
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The ukulele, with its charming sound and easy playability, has become a popular instrument for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Its compact size and accessible nature make it a perfect companion for learning and enjoying a variety of music, including iconic hits like “Here Comes the Sun.” This article will serve as your roadmap to mastering this beloved song on the ukulele, guiding you through the basics and helping you discover the joy of bringing a timeless piece to life with your instrument.
The Magic of “Here Comes the Sun”
Why is “Here Comes the Sun” such a beloved song? Its appeal lies in its simple yet powerful composition, written by George Harrison. The song’s melody is truly infectious and evokes feelings of joy, hope, and optimism. The lyrics paint a picture of a world bathed in sunlight, a welcome change from the darkness of the past. This blend of musical and lyrical brilliance is what makes “Here Comes the Sun” a timeless classic, a song that transcends generations and continues to resonate with listeners all over the world.
Unveiling the Chords: The Foundation of “Here Comes the Sun”
At its core, “Here Comes the Sun” is a remarkably simple song to play on the ukulele. This simplicity, however, doesn’t diminish its beauty or impact. In fact, it’s precisely this straightforwardness that makes it so approachable and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. The entire song relies on just three major chords: C, G, and Am.
C Major (C)
The C major chord is the foundation upon which the entire song rests. This chord is formed by placing your fingers on the second fret of the second string (A), the first fret of the fourth string (D), and leaving the first and third strings (G and E) open. This creates a bright and cheerful sound that sets the stage for the song’s overall vibe.
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G Major (G)
Next up is the G major chord, which adds a sense of warmth and fullness to the song. This chord is formed by placing your fingers on the third fret of the second string (A), the second fret of the third string (C), and leaving the first string (G) open. Play this chord alongside the C major chord, and you’ll notice how the two complement each other beautifully.
A Minor (Am)
Finally, we have the A minor chord, providing a hint of melancholy that adds depth and contrast to the song. This chord is formed by placing your fingers on the second fret of the fourth string (D) and the first fret of the third string (C), leaving the first and second strings (G and A) open. The A minor chord serves as a counterpoint to the C and G major chords, creating a harmonious balance that ensures the song doesn’t become too saccharine.
Strumming Patterns: The Rhythm That Brings It to Life
Playing the chords is just the first step towards mastering “Here Comes the Sun” on the ukulele. Understanding the strumming patterns is what breathes life into the song, transforming it from a static arrangement to a dynamic and engaging musical experience. The song features a basic, repetitive strumming pattern that is easy to learn and provides a satisfying rhythm for your fingers.
Down-Up-Down-Up
The most common strumming pattern for “Here Comes the Sun” is a classic down-up-down-up sequence. Here’s how it works:
- Down: Start by strumming down across all four strings of the ukulele.
- Up: Move your strumming hand up, hitting all four strings again.
- Down: Repeat the down-strum.
- Up: Finish the sequence with another up-strum.
This pattern is consistent throughout the song, except for the brief transitions between sections where you might introduce a new strum or two.
Putting It All Together: Mastering the Song
Now that you’ve mastered the fundamental chords and strumming pattern, it’s time to bring it all together and play “Here Comes the Sun” from start to finish. Let’s break down the song’s structure and explore the key techniques to ensure a smooth and enjoyable performance.
Verse Structure
The verses of “Here Comes the Sun” follow a simple chord progression of C, G, and Am. You repeat this pattern for each line of the verse, strumming the chords in time with the rhythm of the song.
Chorus Structure
The chorus follows a similar pattern to the verses but introduces a slight variation in the strumming pattern. The chorus also uses the same three chords but emphasizes the C major chord on the final beat of each line, creating a powerful and memorable effect.
Bridge Structure
The bridge provides a brief break from the main chord progression, introducing a new element to the song. For the bridge, you’ll need to use a different set of chords, but these are also quite simple and easy to learn. The bridge section brings a sense of transition and anticipation, leading back to the final verse and chorus.
Transitions
The transitions between different sections of the song, such as between verses and the chorus, often involve making slight adjustments to the strumming pattern to create a sense of flow and movement. This can be as simple as adding an extra strum, changing the direction of your strumming hand, or introducing a subtle rhythmic variation.
Tips and Tricks for Enhanced Performance
Playing “Here Comes the Sun” well is not just about getting the chords and strumming right; it’s about adding your own personal touch and making the song truly your own. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you elevate your performance:
Dynamic Variety
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the dynamics of your playing. Play the verses with a softer touch and let the chorus shine with a more powerful strumming style. Use your fingers to create a subtle volume variation within each strum, adding a sense of nuance and expression.
Timing and Rhythm
Pay close attention to the timing and rhythm of the song. The ukulele’s bright sound and its ability to carry rhythm make it an ideal instrument for this purpose. Practice keeping a steady tempo with your strumming and make sure your fingers are hitting the strings at the right time.
Finger Picking
While strumming is the most common technique for “Here Comes the Sun,” you can also explore using fingerpicking to add a different texture to the melody. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns, experimenting with different combinations of downstrokes and upstrokes. This can add a sense of complexity and elegance to your performance.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any musical endeavor, practice is key to mastering “Here Comes the Sun” on the ukulele. Set aside some time each day to play through the song, focusing on specific areas that need improvement. The more you practice, the more confident and fluid you’ll become.
Enjoy the Process
Above all, remember to enjoy the process! Learning to play “Here Comes the Sun” on the ukulele should be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your progress, and just have fun making music.
Here Comes The Sun Ukulele Tab
Conclusion
Learning to play “Here Comes the Sun” on the ukulele opens a world of musical possibilities and offers a gateway to the joy of making music. It’s a song that is both approachable and rewarding, allowing you to create your own interpretation of a timeless masterpiece. With a little practice and these tips, you can harness the sunny spirit of this song and play it with confidence and passion. So, pick up your ukulele, let the sunlight in, and let the joy of making music flow through you!
