Somewhere Over the Rainbow Ukulele: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve been looking for a beautiful, timeless song to learn on the ukulele, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a perfect choice. This iconic song, originally written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg for The Wizard of Oz and famously covered by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, is not only heartwarming and beautiful but also very accessible for ukulele players of all levels. With its easy chord progressions and soothing melody, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a fantastic song for beginners who want to get comfortable with basic ukulele chords while learning a classic tune.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on your ukulele—from the essential chords, strumming patterns, and tips for mastering the song to some advanced techniques to enhance your performance. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the tools to play this song confidently and beautifully, whether you’re performing it for others or simply enjoying it at home.
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Why “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is Perfect for Ukulele Players
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is an ideal choice for ukulele players, especially those just starting. It is known for its simple yet emotionally powerful chord progression and soothing melody that suits the ukulele’s bright sound. The song’s combination of simplicity and emotional depth makes it easy to learn while allowing you to express yourself through your music.
The ukulele, with its small size and gentle, resonant tone, amplifies the calming, optimistic feel of the song. The song uses four simple chords—C, Em, F, and G7—which are beginner-friendly and commonly used in many other songs. This means that once you’ve mastered these chords, you’ll have a solid foundation for playing countless other pieces.
Additionally, the repetitive chord progression in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” makes it easy to remember and play. The same chord sequence is used in both the verse and chorus, making it a great song for ukulele beginners to practice chord transitions without being overwhelmed by constant changes.
Chords You’ll Need to Play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
The great thing about this song is that it only requires a few basic chords that are easy to learn. Below is a breakdown of the chords used in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and how to play them on the ukulele.
C Major (C)
The C major chord is one of the easiest chords to play on the ukulele and is commonly used in many beginner songs. It’s the first chord you’ll use in this song.
- How to Play:
- Place your third finger on the third fret of the A string (the bottom string).
- Let the G, C, and E strings ring open.
- Place your third finger on the third fret of the A string (the bottom string).
The C major chord creates a bright, clean sound, adding a sense of warmth to the beginning of the song.
E Minor (Em)
The E minor chord has a deeper, more melancholic sound, and it helps create an emotional transition in the song.
- How to Play:
- Place your first finger on the second fret of the C string.
- Place your second finger on the third fret of the A string.
- Place your third finger on the fourth fret of the E string.
- Let the G string ring open.
- Place your first finger on the second fret of the C string.
The Em chord adds richness to the song, giving it a beautiful, full sound.
F Major (F)
The F major chord is another basic chord that’s easy to play and works well with C and Em to create a beautiful progression.
- How to Play:
- Place your first finger on the first fret of the E string.
- Place your second finger on the second fret of the G string.
- Let the C and A strings ring open.
- Place your first finger on the first fret of the E string.
The F major chord offers a sense of resolution as it leads into the G7 chord.
G7 (G7)
The G7 chord adds tension and depth, leading back to the C major chord. It’s slightly more challenging than the previous chords but still accessible for beginners.
- How to Play:
- Place your first finger on the first fret of the E string.
- Place your second finger on the second fret of the C string.
- Place your third finger on the second fret of the A string.
- Let the G string ring open.
- Place your first finger on the first fret of the E string.
The G7 chord adds a jazzy or bluesy feel to the song before resolving back to the C chord.
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Chord Progression for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
The chord progression for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is simple and repetitive, which makes it easy to learn and remember. Here’s the basic structure that you’ll follow throughout the song:
Verse and Chorus Chord Progression:
C → Em → F → C
C → Em → F → G7
The same progression is used in both the verse and chorus, which helps to create a cohesive feel throughout the song. By repeating the chord progression, you can focus on improving your rhythm and timing as you play.
Bridge Chord Progression:
The bridge follows the same chord progression as the rest of the song:
C → Em → F → C
C → Em → F → G7
Once you learn this progression, you’ll be able to play the entire song without worrying about changing chords too frequently.
Strumming Pattern for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
The strumming pattern for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is simple and gives the song its gentle, flowing feel. The most common strumming pattern is:
Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
Here’s a breakdown of how to play the strumming pattern:
- D (Downstroke): Strum downward on the strings.
- D (Downstroke): Another downward strum.
- U (Upstroke): Strum upward on the strings.
- U (Upstroke): Another upward strum.
- D (Downstroke): Strum downward again.
- U (Upstroke): Finish with an upward strum.
This pattern is easy to follow and matches the relaxed rhythm of the song. Start by practicing it slowly, and once you’re comfortable, increase your speed to match the tempo of the song.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Now that you know the chords and strumming pattern, here’s how you can play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” step by step:
Step 1: Learn the Chords
Begin by practicing the C, Em, F, and G7 chords. Make sure you can switch between them smoothly and that each string rings clearly when strummed.
Step 2: Practice Chord Transitions
The key to playing this song well is mastering the transitions between the chords. Practice switching from C to Em, then Em to F, and finally F to G7. Do this slowly at first, and increase your speed as you get more comfortable.
Step 3: Add the Strumming Pattern
Once you’re comfortable with the chord transitions, add the Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up strumming pattern. Practice it slowly at first to get the timing right, and gradually speed it up to match the tempo of the song.
Step 4: Play and Sing Along
When you feel confident with the chords and strumming, start singing along as you play. This will help you coordinate the chords with the lyrics and improve your timing.
READ THIS ALSO: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Ukulele Tuners
Tips for Playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
- Start Slow: Don’t rush through the song, especially when learning “Somewhere Over the Rainbow Ukulele.” Begin at a slower tempo to get the chord changes right and keep your strumming pattern consistent, then gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.
- Focus on Smooth Transitions: The song’s smooth flow depends on how well you transition between chords. Practice each transition until it feels effortless and natural.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you keep time and stay in rhythm. It’s especially helpful when you’re learning new songs and need to maintain consistent pacing.
- Experiment with Fingerpicking: If you’re comfortable with strumming, try experimenting with fingerpicking. This will add a softer, more intimate feel to the song and can make your version stand out.
- Enjoy the Process: The most important thing is to enjoy playing. Don’t get too caught up in perfection. Take your time with the song, and let the music flow naturally.
Ukulele Chord Chart for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Here’s a chord chart to help you with the finger placements for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”:
| Chord | G String (Top) | C String | E String | A String (Bottom) |
| C Major | Open (O) | Open (O) | Open (O) | 3rd fret (●) |
| E Minor | 2nd fret (●) | Open (O) | Open (O) | 3rd fret (●) |
| F Major | 2nd fret (●) | 1st fret (●) | Open (O) | 1st fret (●) |
| G7 | Open (O) | 2nd fret (●) | 1st fret (●) | 2nd fret (●) |
Conclusion
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a magical song that sounds beautiful on the ukulele, thanks to its simple yet emotionally powerful chord progression and gentle strumming. It’s an ideal piece for beginners who are looking to improve their chord transitions and strumming skills. By practicing the C, Em, F, and G7 chords and following the Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up strumming pattern, you’ll be playing this classic song in no time.
Remember to take your time with each chord and strumming pattern, and soon you’ll be playing this iconic song smoothly. Whether you’re playing for yourself or performing for others, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” will always be a crowd favorite. Enjoy the process and happy strumming!
