How To Play What A Wonderful World On Ukulele
So, you wanna strum your way to happiness with What A Wonderful World on the ukulele? Excellent choice! Get ready to unleash your inner Louis Armstrong (minus the gravelly voice, unless that's your thing).
We're gonna break it down so easy, even your goldfish could probably learn it (okay, maybe not, but you get the idea).
The Chords You'll Need
Fear not, chord newbies! We're not talking about rocket science here. Just three simple chords will unlock this classic tune!
C Major (The Friendly Chord)
This one's super simple: Just place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. That's it! Imagine you're gently placing a tiny ladybug on a vine.
G7 (The Slightly Mischievous Chord)
Now for a tiny bit more adventure! Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
Think of it as a mini-mountain you're building with your fingers. Not Mount Everest, more like a small hill you'd happily picnic on.
F Major (The Calm and Collected Chord)
Okay, last one! Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Done!
This one feels nice and grounded, like a warm hug from your favorite blanket. You got this!
The Strumming Pattern (Keep It Simple, Silly!)
Now, let's talk rhythm. Don't overthink it! For this song, a simple "down, down, up, down, up" strum will work wonders.
Imagine you're gently brushing crumbs off a tablecloth. Easy, breezy, beautiful! You can also try down strums only, if that's more your speed!
Putting It All Together
Here's the basic chord progression for What A Wonderful World. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if you don't nail it right away.
It's like learning to ride a bike – wobbly at first, but soon you'll be cruising along, singing your heart out!
C - I see trees of green, red roses too
G7 - I see them bloom for me and you
F - And I think to myself what a wonderful world
C - Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world
See? It's not so scary! Loop this section over and over. Really get to know the feeling of changing between the chords. This is the foundation.
The most important thing is to have fun. Don't get bogged down in perfection. Embrace the imperfections – they're what make your playing unique!
Tips for Success
Want to become a ukulele superstar (or at least be able to impress your friends)? Here are a few extra tips:
- Start slow: There's no rush! Focus on getting the chord changes clean before speeding up.
- Practice regularly: Even 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
- Listen to the song: Pay attention to how Louis Armstrong phrases the melody and try to emulate his style.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different strumming patterns or add your own little flourishes.
- Most importantly, have fun! If you're not enjoying yourself, what's the point?
So grab your ukulele, take a deep breath, and get ready to share your rendition of this timeless classic with the world. Your fingers may fumble, and your voice might crack, but who cares?
You're making music, and that's a wonderful thing!
Now go forth and strum, you magnificent musical marvel!
