If you’re a fan of indie folk music, you might be familiar with “The Moon Song” by Karen O. This song gained popularity after being featured in the movie “Her” in 2013. What you might not know is that this song can be played on the ukulele, making it a great choice for beginner players. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of playing “The Moon Song” on the ukulele.
Choosing the Right Ukulele
Before we dive into playing, it’s important to choose the right ukulele. There are four sizes of ukuleles: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Soprano is the smallest and most common size, while baritone is the largest. For beginners, soprano or concert sizes are recommended. These sizes are more affordable and easier to play. Tenor and baritone ukes are usually preferred by more experienced players.
Tuning Your Ukulele
Before playing any song, you need to make sure your ukulele is in tune. The standard tuning for a ukulele is G-C-E-A. You can use an electronic tuner or a tuning app to make sure your ukulele is in tune. Make sure to tune your ukulele before every practice session or performance.
Chords Used in “The Moon Song”
“The Moon Song” uses four chords: C, G, Am, and F. These chords are commonly used in many songs and are easy to play on the ukulele. Here’s how to play each chord:
- C chord: Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string
- G chord: Place your middle finger on the second fret of the C string and your index finger on the second fret of the A string
- Am chord: Place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string
- F chord: Place your index finger on the first fret of the E string and your middle finger on the second fret of the G string
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “The Moon Song” is Down-Up-Down-Up. This means you strum down with your right hand on the first beat, then up on the second beat, and so on. Practice this strumming pattern slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed.
Playing “The Moon Song”
Now that you know the chords and strumming pattern, you’re ready to play “The Moon Song” on the ukulele. Here are the chord progressions for the verses and chorus:
Verse:
C – G – Am – F
Chorus:
C – G – Am – F
Make sure to sing along with the lyrics as you play. Take it slow at first and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the song.
Tips for Practicing
As with any instrument, practice is key to improving your ukulele skills. Here are some tips for practicing “The Moon Song” and other songs:
- Practice regularly, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes a day
- Start slow and gradually increase your speed
- Record yourself playing to track your progress
- Practice with a metronome to improve your timing
- Experiment with different strumming patterns and chord progressions
Conclusion
Playing “The Moon Song” on the ukulele is a great way to get started with this fun and versatile instrument. By choosing the right ukulele, tuning it properly, and learning the chords and strumming pattern, you can quickly learn to play this beautiful song. With regular practice and dedication, you can become a skilled ukulele player in no time.