ukulele chords somewhere over the rainbow pdf

esther on June 20, 2024

Ukulele Chords for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

This song is a medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.” Learn how to play “Over The Rainbow / Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwoole with our ukulele tabs. This song tab is in the key of C Major with the chords⁚ C‚ G‚ Am‚ F‚ Em‚ E7‚ Dm7.

Introduction

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a timeless classic that has captured hearts worldwide. Its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a beloved song for generations. The ukulele‚ with its cheerful and mellow sound‚ is a perfect instrument for playing this iconic tune. Whether you’re a seasoned ukulele player or just starting out‚ learning to play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the ukulele can be a rewarding experience.

This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the ukulele. We will cover the chords used‚ chord diagrams‚ and a breakdown of the song’s sections. We will also offer some helpful tips and resources to enhance your learning journey.

Get ready to strum your ukulele and let your musical journey begin!

Chords Used

The ukulele chords used in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” are relatively simple and easy to learn‚ making it an excellent song for beginners. The main chords you’ll need to know are⁚

C⁚ Place your index finger on the second fret of the second string‚ and your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string.
G⁚ Place your index finger on the third fret of the third string‚ your middle finger on the second fret of the second string‚ and your ring finger on the third fret of the first string.
Am⁚ Place your index finger on the second fret of the second string‚ and your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string.
F⁚ Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string‚ your middle finger on the third fret of the third string‚ and your ring finger on the second fret of the first string.
Em⁚ Place your index finger on the second fret of the second string‚ and your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string.

These chords are commonly used in many other ukulele songs‚ so mastering them will open up a world of musical possibilities.

Ukulele Chord Diagrams

Visualizing the placement of your fingers on the ukulele strings is crucial for learning chords. Here are some chord diagrams for the chords used in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow‚” which will help you understand the finger positioning⁚

C⁚
G⁚
Am⁚
F⁚
Em⁚

These diagrams represent the ukulele strings from top to bottom (GCEA). The numbers indicate the fret where you should place your fingers‚ and an “x” represents a string that is not played.

Verse 1

The first verse of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a beautiful melody that sets the stage for the song’s emotional journey. Here are the chords and lyrics for the first verse⁚

C Em F C
Somewhere over the rainbow‚ way up high
F C G Am F
And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby. Ohhhh.

The verse begins with a simple progression of C‚ Em‚ F‚ and C chords‚ creating a gentle and wistful feel. The second line shifts to a more complex chord progression‚ with F‚ C‚ G‚ Am‚ and F‚ adding a touch of melancholy. The repetition of the last line‚ “And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby‚” emphasizes the longing for something beyond the ordinary.

Chorus

The chorus is the heart of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow‚” where the yearning for a better place reaches its peak. The chorus chords are simple and memorable‚ making it easy to sing along. Here’s how the chorus chords and lyrics play out⁚

C Em F C
Somewhere over the rainbow‚ way up high
F C G Am F
And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby. Ohhhh.

The chorus starts with the familiar C‚ Em‚ F‚ C progression‚ building anticipation for the powerful imagery of “Somewhere over the rainbow.” The second line introduces the F‚ C‚ G‚ Am‚ F chord progression‚ adding a touch of grandeur and hope. The repetition of “And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby” reinforces the longing for a place where dreams come true.

Verse 2

Verse 2 of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” expands on the themes of hope and longing‚ painting a more vivid picture of the dreamland being sought. The chords remain the same as in Verse 1‚ but the lyrics add depth and emotional resonance. Here’s how the chords and lyrics come together in Verse 2⁚

C Em F C
Somewhere over the rainbow‚ way up high.
F C G Am F
And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby.
C Em F C
Oh‚ somewhere over the rainbow‚ blue birds fly.
F C G Am F
And the dreams that you dream of‚ dreams really do come true. Oo;
C
Someday I’ll wish upon a star.
G Am F
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.

The lyrics shift from general dreams to a more specific desire to escape troubles. The line “blue birds fly” adds a sense of freedom and joy‚ while the recurring “dreams really do come true” reinforces the hopeful message of the song.

Bridge

The bridge of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” serves as a poignant transition between the verses and the chorus‚ adding a layer of complexity and introspection to the song’s overall message. It’s a moment of reflection‚ where the yearning for the dreamland intensifies‚ while simultaneously acknowledging the challenges of the present. The bridge typically utilizes a different chord progression‚ adding a fresh musical element to the song’s structure. Here’s a breakdown of the chords and lyrics commonly used in the bridge⁚

C Em F C
Somewhere over the rainbow‚ way up high.
F C G Am F
There’s a place that I heard of once in a lullaby______by.
C Em F C
Somewhere over the rainbow‚ blue birds fly.
F C G Am F
And the dreams that you dream of‚ dreams really do come true______oooooo.

The bridge repeats the phrase “Somewhere over the rainbow‚” but now it’s accompanied by a sense of longing and a yearning for the dreamland’s elusive beauty. The lyrics also emphasize the power of dreams‚ reaffirming their ability to transform reality and bring about a brighter future. The repetition of “dreams really do come true” reinforces the core message of hope and resilience.

Outro

The outro of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” provides a satisfying conclusion to the song‚ leaving a lasting impression on the listener. It often features a repetition of key phrases or melodies from the earlier sections‚ creating a sense of closure and reinforcing the song’s overall message. The outro also serves as an opportunity to showcase the ukulele’s versatility and the player’s skill in delivering a memorable ending.

Here’s a common approach to the outro⁚

C G F C
(Repeat)

This repetition of the “C G F C” chord progression‚ often played with a simple strumming pattern‚ creates a soothing and nostalgic feel‚ reflecting the song’s themes of longing and hope. The outro can be played with variations in the strumming pattern and dynamics‚ allowing for creative interpretation and personal expression.

Some players might choose to add a final flourish or a melodic embellishment to the outro‚ adding a touch of artistry and individuality to the performance. The outro ultimately serves as a reminder of the song’s enduring power and the enduring appeal of the ukulele.

Tips for Playing

Mastering “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the ukulele involves a blend of technique and musicality. Here are some tips to enhance your performance⁚

Practice the Chords⁚ Ensure you’re comfortable with the basic chords (C‚ G‚ Am‚ F‚ Em) before moving on to the song. Use chord diagrams and practice switching smoothly between them.

Strumming Pattern⁚ A simple strumming pattern like “down-up-down-up” works well for this song. Experiment with different rhythms and accents to add variety and create a dynamic performance.

Fingerpicking⁚ For a more intricate sound‚ explore fingerpicking techniques. Experiment with different patterns and accents to create a unique texture.

Listen to Recordings⁚ Study recordings of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow‚” particularly the Israel Kamakawiwoole version. Pay attention to the phrasing‚ dynamics‚ and overall interpretation;

Embrace the Emotion⁚ This song evokes a sense of hope and longing. Let your emotions guide your playing‚ and convey the sentiment through your performance.

Practice Regularly⁚ Consistency is key. Dedicate time each day to practicing the chords‚ strumming patterns‚ and fingerpicking techniques. The more you practice‚ the more confident and skilled you’ll become;

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Resources for Learning

The internet offers a wealth of resources to help you learn “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the ukulele. From online tutorials to downloadable PDF chord charts‚ you’ll find everything you need to get started. Here are some valuable resources to explore⁚

YouTube Tutorials⁚ Search YouTube for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow ukulele tutorial” and you’ll find a plethora of videos covering different aspects of the song‚ including chord diagrams‚ strumming patterns‚ and fingerpicking techniques. Many tutorials are specifically designed for beginners‚ making them ideal for those starting their ukulele journey.

Ukulele Websites⁚ Websites dedicated to ukulele instruction often feature free downloadable chord charts and tabs for popular songs‚ including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” These websites also offer valuable tips‚ lessons‚ and resources for improving your ukulele skills.

Ukulele Apps⁚ Several mobile apps are specifically designed for ukulele players. These apps provide chord diagrams‚ strumming patterns‚ and interactive lessons‚ making it easy to learn and practice your favorite songs.

Ukulele Books⁚ Numerous ukulele books offer a comprehensive guide to playing the instrument‚ covering basic chords‚ strumming patterns‚ and popular songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” These books are an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced players.

Remember‚ the best resource is the one that best suits your learning style and preferences. Experiment with different resources until you find the ones that work best for you.

Category: PDF