The first time I heard “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, I was instantly captivated by its uplifting melody and positive message. It seemed to embody the joy of a sunny day and the feeling of hope. Years later, I discovered the ukulele, and I knew it was the perfect instrument to bring this sunny classic to life. The ukulele’s light and playful sound perfectly complemented the song’s cheerful vibe. And what better way to share that joy than to learn how to play it in a fingerstyle arrangement?
Image: www.sheetmusicplus.com
Fingerstyle ukulele playing allows you to create intricate melodies and harmonies using your fingers instead of a pick. It’s a visually appealing and rewarding technique that can add depth and texture to your music. Learning to play “Here Comes the Sun” in this style can be a great way to enhance your ukulele skills and discover new ways to express this timeless Beatles classic.
Understanding Fingerstyle Technique
Choosing The Right Guitar
The ukulele is a versatile instrument with four main types: the soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. These types vary in size and pitch, with the soprano being the smallest and highest pitched and the baritone being the largest and lowest pitched. For “Here Comes the Sun,” a concert ukulele is a good choice as its size provides a balanced tone and is easier for beginners to play.
Choosing the Tuning
“Here Comes the Sun” is typically played in standard ukulele tuning, which is GCEA from lowest to highest. This tuning is common and is ideal for playing a wide range of songs and melodies.
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Essential Fingerstyle Techniques
The trick with fingerstyle is learning to play chords and melodies simultaneously. The most common fingerpicking pattern is to use your thumb to strum a bass line and your fingers to play the melody. There are multiple fingerpicking patterns you can use, but the most common is to use your index finger (P), middle finger (M), and ring finger (A) to pluck the strings individually.
When playing “Here Comes the Sun” fingerstyle, the chords are generally played with your thumb and index finger. The thumb plays the bass note in the chord, while the index finger plays one or two of the other notes. This technique allows for a smooth and flowing sound, creating a beautiful texture characteristic of fingerstyle playing.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any musical instrument, practice is essential for mastering fingerstyle. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as your skills develop. Break down the song into smaller sections and practice each part separately.
Here Comes the Sun Fingerstyle Arrangement
Playing “Here Comes the Sun” fingerstyle is not overly complicated, but does require some effort and dedication. Online resources like YouTube tutorials can help you learn a fingerstyle arrangement. Many tutorials break down the song into sections and explain fingerpicking patterns and chord progressions clearly.
A standard arrangement would begin by learning the chords. “Here Comes The Sun” uses a simple cycle of four chords: G, D, Em, and C. Once you can play these chords comfortably, you can learn the melody. The melody is played on the top three strings and follows the original song’s melody line.
You can find various online resources with sheet music and tablature for “Here Comes the Sun” fingerstyle. Tablature (often referred to as “tabs”) provides a visual representation of the notes on the ukulele’s fretboard. This can be a valuable tool for learning the song, especially for beginners.
Tips and Expert Advice
When learning any new song, it’s helpful to practice with slow, deliberate movements. Focus on achieving a clean, accurate sound before gradually increasing the tempo. This approach helps avoid developing bad habits and promotes technical proficiency.
Listening to recordings of the song can help you understand the rhythm and phrasing. Pay attention to the dynamics and subtle variations in tempo, volume, and tone that contribute to the song’s overall feel.
FAQs
Q: What ukulele size is best for “Here Comes the Sun?”
A: A concert ukulele is a good choice for “Here Comes the Sun” as it balances a good tone with easier playing for beginners.
Q: Do I need special fingerpicks for fingerstyle?
A: You don’t need fingerpicks, but they can be helpful. If you have long, thin nails, you won’t need them. But, if your nails are short or your fingers are thick, using fingerpicks can help you achieve a clear and articulate sound. They can also help protect your fingernails.
Q: How long does it take to learn “Here Comes the Sun” fingerstyle?
A: The time it takes depends on your previous experience and time commitment. If you are a complete beginner, it can take several weeks or even months of consistent practice. If you have some ukulele experience, you might learn it more quickly.
Here Comes The Sun Fingerstyle Ukulele
Conclusion
Learning to play “Here Comes the Sun” fingerstyle on the ukulele is a rewarding experience. It’s a great way to improve your ukulele skills and share the joy of a timeless classic. Whether you’re a seasoned ukulele player or just starting, practicing and learning new techniques can significantly enhance your musical journey.
Let me know in the comments if you’re ready to strum your way to sunny skies!
