Pop,Folk

Somewhere Over the Rainbow Chords

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole Beginner Key of C 4 Chords 2 min read

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Key

C Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

C · Em · Am · F

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ukulele version turned this classic into a tropical dream. Four chords and a gentle fingerpicking style create pure musical bliss.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On ukulele, the C chord is just one finger (3rd fret of the A string). This song is the perfect introduction to ukulele playing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need C, Em, Am, and F. These are among the easiest ukulele chords.

2

Get the island feel

The strumming should be gentle and swaying. Think of Hawaiian breeze and ocean waves. Keep your touch light.

3

Learn the intro

The intro arpeggiates the C chord with a signature melodic run. It sets the dreamy atmosphere for the whole song.

4

Sing with aloha

IZ sang this with pure love in his voice. Channel that warmth and let every note carry joy.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Way up high

C

And the dreams that you dream of

G Am F

Once in a lullaby

Verse 2

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Bluebirds fly

C

And the dreams that you dream of,

G Am F

Dreams really do come true

Chorus

C

Someday I’ll wish upon a star

G Am F

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me

C

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

G

High above the chimney top,

Am F

That’s where you’ll find me

Practice tip: If you are new to ukulele, this is the perfect first song. The chords are simple, the tempo is forgiving, and it sounds beautiful even when played imperfectly.

Ctap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · Em · Am · F

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ukulele version turned this classic into a tropical dream. Four chords and a gentle fingerpicking style create pure musical bliss.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On ukulele, the C chord is just one finger (3rd fret of the A string). This song is the perfect introduction to ukulele playing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need C, Em, Am, and F. These are among the easiest ukulele chords.

2

Get the island feel

The strumming should be gentle and swaying. Think of Hawaiian breeze and ocean waves. Keep your touch light.

3

Learn the intro

The intro arpeggiates the C chord with a signature melodic run. It sets the dreamy atmosphere for the whole song.

4

Sing with aloha

IZ sang this with pure love in his voice. Channel that warmth and let every note carry joy.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Way up high

C

And the dreams that you dream of

G Am F

Once in a lullaby

Verse 2

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Bluebirds fly

C

And the dreams that you dream of,

G Am F

Dreams really do come true

Chorus

C

Someday I’ll wish upon a star

G Am F

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me

C

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

G

High above the chimney top,

Am F

That’s where you’ll find me

Practice tip: If you are new to ukulele, this is the perfect first song. The chords are simple, the tempo is forgiving, and it sounds beautiful even when played imperfectly.

Ctap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · Em · Am · F

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ukulele version turned this classic into a tropical dream. Four chords and a gentle fingerpicking style create pure musical bliss.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On ukulele, the C chord is just one finger (3rd fret of the A string). This song is the perfect introduction to ukulele playing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need C, Em, Am, and F. These are among the easiest ukulele chords.

2

Get the island feel

The strumming should be gentle and swaying. Think of Hawaiian breeze and ocean waves. Keep your touch light.

3

Learn the intro

The intro arpeggiates the C chord with a signature melodic run. It sets the dreamy atmosphere for the whole song.

4

Sing with aloha

IZ sang this with pure love in his voice. Channel that warmth and let every note carry joy.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Way up high

C

And the dreams that you dream of

G Am F

Once in a lullaby

Verse 2

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Bluebirds fly

C

And the dreams that you dream of,

G Am F

Dreams really do come true

Chorus

C

Someday I’ll wish upon a star

G Am F

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me

C

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

G

High above the chimney top,

Am F

That’s where you’ll find me

Practice tip: If you are new to ukulele, this is the perfect first song. The chords are simple, the tempo is forgiving, and it sounds beautiful even when played imperfectly.

Ctap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · Em · Am · F

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ukulele version turned this classic into a tropical dream. Four chords and a gentle fingerpicking style create pure musical bliss.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On ukulele, the C chord is just one finger (3rd fret of the A string). This song is the perfect introduction to ukulele playing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need C, Em, Am, and F. These are among the easiest ukulele chords.

2

Get the island feel

The strumming should be gentle and swaying. Think of Hawaiian breeze and ocean waves. Keep your touch light.

3

Learn the intro

The intro arpeggiates the C chord with a signature melodic run. It sets the dreamy atmosphere for the whole song.

4

Sing with aloha

IZ sang this with pure love in his voice. Channel that warmth and let every note carry joy.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Way up high

C

And the dreams that you dream of

G Am F

Once in a lullaby

Verse 2

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Bluebirds fly

C

And the dreams that you dream of,

G Am F

Dreams really do come true

Chorus

C

Someday I’ll wish upon a star

G Am F

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me

C

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

G

High above the chimney top,

Am F

That’s where you’ll find me

Practice tip: If you are new to ukulele, this is the perfect first song. The chords are simple, the tempo is forgiving, and it sounds beautiful even when played imperfectly.

Ctap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · Em · Am · F

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ukulele version turned this classic into a tropical dream. Four chords and a gentle fingerpicking style create pure musical bliss.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On ukulele, the C chord is just one finger (3rd fret of the A string). This song is the perfect introduction to ukulele playing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need C, Em, Am, and F. These are among the easiest ukulele chords.

2

Get the island feel

The strumming should be gentle and swaying. Think of Hawaiian breeze and ocean waves. Keep your touch light.

3

Learn the intro

The intro arpeggiates the C chord with a signature melodic run. It sets the dreamy atmosphere for the whole song.

4

Sing with aloha

IZ sang this with pure love in his voice. Channel that warmth and let every note carry joy.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Way up high

C

And the dreams that you dream of

G Am F

Once in a lullaby

Verse 2

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Bluebirds fly

C

And the dreams that you dream of,

G Am F

Dreams really do come true

Chorus

C

Someday I’ll wish upon a star

G Am F

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me

C

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

G

High above the chimney top,

Am F

That’s where you’ll find me

Practice tip: If you are new to ukulele, this is the perfect first song. The chords are simple, the tempo is forgiving, and it sounds beautiful even when played imperfectly.

Ctap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · Em · Am · F

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ukulele version turned this classic into a tropical dream. Four chords and a gentle fingerpicking style create pure musical bliss.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑

1234

Tip: On ukulele, the C chord is just one finger (3rd fret of the A string). This song is the perfect introduction to ukulele playing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need C, Em, Am, and F. These are among the easiest ukulele chords.

2

Get the island feel

The strumming should be gentle and swaying. Think of Hawaiian breeze and ocean waves. Keep your touch light.

3

Learn the intro

The intro arpeggiates the C chord with a signature melodic run. It sets the dreamy atmosphere for the whole song.

4

Sing with aloha

IZ sang this with pure love in his voice. Channel that warmth and let every note carry joy.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Way up high

C

And the dreams that you dream of

G Am F

Once in a lullaby

Verse 2

C Em

Somewhere over the rainbow

Am F

Bluebirds fly

C

And the dreams that you dream of,

G Am F

Dreams really do come true

Chorus

C

Someday I’ll wish upon a star

G Am F

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me

C

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

G

High above the chimney top,

Am F

That’s where you’ll find me

Practice tip: If you are new to ukulele, this is the perfect first song. The chords are simple, the tempo is forgiving, and it sounds beautiful even when played imperfectly.