The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you’ve got your ukulele in hand. What better way to soak up the good vibes than by learning a classic like “Here Comes The Sun”? This Beatles tune is a beloved staple for ukulele players of all levels, and its simple, yet beautiful melody lends itself perfectly to fingerpicking. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of fingerpicking “Here Comes The Sun” on the ukulele, exploring its history, the fundamental techniques, and ways to add your own personal touch to this timeless classic.
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Fingerpicking, in essence, is the art of playing the ukulele with your fingers instead of a pick. It allows for a more nuanced and dynamic sound, opening doors to intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns. Mastering fingerpicking isn’t just about playing the chords; it’s about creating a tapestry of sound, blending individual notes and creating a richness that elevates your ukulele playing to a new level. Learning to fingerpick “Here Comes The Sun” not only unlocks the song’s full musical potential but also provides a gateway to explore a vast repertoire of fingerpicking styles.
The Roots of “Here Comes The Sun”
First released in 1969 on the iconic *Abbey Road* album, “Here Comes The Sun” was written by George Harrison, the quiet Beatle with a knack for crafting sun-drenched melodies. Inspired by a sunny day in England, Harrison famously penned the song during a period when he was feeling creatively stifled within the band’s songwriting dynamic. The song’s positive message and uplifting melody quickly resonated with audiences and cemented its status as one of the most enduring Beatles classics.
The Ukulele: A Versatile Instrument
The ukulele, a small, four-stringed instrument, has been a popular choice for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Its approachable nature and charming sound have attracted people from all walks of life. The ukulele’s humble origins trace back to the Hawaiian islands, where it found its way to the heart of the local culture. In the early 20th century, the instrument enjoyed immense popularity in the United States, thanks to the work of ukulele virtuoso Roy Smeck and the widespread use of the instrument in vaudeville shows.
Fingerpicking Basics: Your Fingers are Your Instruments
Before diving into the intricacies of “Here Comes The Sun”, let’s lay the groundwork by understanding the fundamentals of fingerpicking on the ukulele. The standard fingerpicking pattern uses your thumb, index, middle, and ring finger, often referred to as “T-I-M-R”. Each finger plays a specific role, creating a complex and beautiful interplay. Your thumb typically strums the bass notes, while the other fingers pluck individual melody notes.
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The T-I-M-R Technique
The T-I-M-R technique is a fundamental fingerpicking pattern taught to countless ukulele players. It builds a solid foundation for developing your fingerpicking skills. In this pattern:
- T (Thumb): Strums the bass notes, usually on the lower strings (strings 4 and 3).
- I (Index Finger): Plucks notes on the first string (the highest string).
- M (Middle Finger): Plucks notes on the second string.
- R (Ring Finger): Plucks notes on the third string.
This pattern forms the basis for many fingerpicking arrangements, and “Here Comes The Sun” is no exception. As you become more comfortable with the T-I-M-R technique, you can explore variations, incorporating additional finger combinations and other fingerpicking patterns.
Dissecting the “Here Comes The Sun” Melody
Now, let’s break down the fingerpicking arrangement of “Here Comes The Sun” on the ukulele. The song’s melody is relatively simple, but it’s the elegant fingerpicking that truly brings the song to life. Here’s a basic approach to the melody:
Verse 1:
- Start on the C chord.
- Use the T-I-M-R pattern to play the following notes: G (3rd string, 3rd fret), C (1st string, 1st fret), G (3rd string, 3rd fret), C (1st string, 1st fret).
- For the next measure, play G (3rd string, 3rd fret) and then repeat the pattern: C (1st string, 1st fret), G (3rd string, 3rd fret), C (1st string, 1st fret).
Chorus:
- Play the F chord and then the C chord.
- For the melody, use the T-I-M-R pattern to play: A (2nd string, 2nd fret), F (2nd string, 1st fret), C (1st string, 1st fret), G (3rd string, 3rd fret) and then repeat this pattern.
Verse 2:
- Follow the same pattern as in Verse 1.
Chorus:
- Follow the same pattern as in the first Chorus.
Adding Your Personal Touch: Beyond the Basics
By following the above fingerpicking pattern, you can master the core of “Here Comes The Sun”, but the true magic lies in adding your personal touch. Here are some ideas to enhance your playing:
Embellishments and Variations
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fingerpicking patterns and techniques to add your unique twist. For example, try introducing ornaments like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to add more complexity and depth to the melody.
Dynamic Range
Play with the volume and dynamics of your playing. Try using soft, gentle strums for the verses and more forceful, rhythmic plucking for the chorus. This dynamic contrast will bring out the song’s emotional impact.
Tempo and Rhythm
Playing with the tempo can transform the overall feel of the song. You can try playing slower, focusing on the lyrical quality of the melody, or experiment with slightly faster tempos to create a more energetic vibe.
Experimenting with Chords
You can explore different chord progressions that complement the original melody. Try adding other chords like G7 or Am to create more harmonic variety and depth to the arrangement.
Resources and Inspiration
There are numerous online resources and YouTube tutorials that can guide you through the process of fingerpicking “Here Comes The Sun” on the ukulele. These resources offer step-by-step instructions, visual representations of fingerpicking patterns, and demonstrations of different playing styles. You can also find inspiration in the work of skilled ukulele players who have shared their interpretations of the song.
Here Comes The Sun Fingerpicking Ukulele
Conclusion
Fingerpicking “Here Comes The Sun” is a rewarding journey that opens the doors to a new world of musical expression on the ukulele. From mastering the basic T-I-M-R technique to adding your own unique flourishes, this classic song provides an excellent platform to explore fingerpicking styles and unleash your creativity on your ukulele. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you dedicate yourself to this style, the more you’ll refine your skills and create a beautiful musical tapestry that resonates with joy and sunshine.
