Playing music is one of the most joyful experiences in life, and the ukulele is a perfect instrument for bringing joy to both the player and the audience. In this tutorial, we will learn how to play London Bridge on the ukulele, step by step.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the chords we need to play this classic tune. We’ll be using three chords: C major, G major, and F major. To play these chords, place your fingers on the indicated frets of your ukulele and strum all four strings.
- C major: Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.
- G major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the C string, middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and ring finger on the third fret of the E string.
- F major: Place your index finger on the first fret of both E and A strings, and middle finger on second fret of G string.
Once you have mastered these chords individually, it’s time to start playing London Bridge!
The song has a simple structure that follows this chord progression: C-G-F-C. The melody is also quite easy to follow with just a few notes.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1 – Memorize The Chord Progression:
The first step in playing London Bridge is to memorize its chord progression – C-G-F-C. Practice transitioning between these chords until you can do so smoothly without any hesitation.
Step 2 – Play The Chords:
Now that you know how to play each chord separately, it’s time to put them together! Strum each chord once in sequence – C-G-F-C – with a steady rhythm.
Step 3 – Add The Melody:
The melody of London Bridge is straightforward and easy to remember. Here are the notes you need to play:
- On the C chord: G-G-A-G-F-E
- On the G chord: G-G-A-G-F-E
- On the F chord: F-F-E-F-D-C
- On the C chord (repeat): G-G-A-G-F-E
Step 4 – Put It All Together:
Now that you know how to play both the chords and melody, it’s time to put them together! Play each chord once while simultaneously playing the corresponding melody notes. Strum each chord for four beats and hold each note for one beat.
Tips For Playing London Bridge on Ukulele:
- Practice transitioning between chords until you can do so smoothly.
- Start playing slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
- If you’re struggling with a particular section of the song, practice that section repeatedly until you get it right.
- Try experimenting with different strumming patterns to add variety to your performance.
Now that you know how to play London Bridge on ukulele, it’s time to grab your instrument and start practicing! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t give up if you don’t get it right away. With enough time and dedication, you’ll be able to play this classic tune like a pro in no time!