The national anthem of the Unites States is not easy to sing due to big interval leaps and huge vocal range (more than 1.5 octaves). In the key of C major, the melody spans from middle C to the second G above it. For non-vocalists, it may be easier to play on the piano, ukulele, or other instruments, than to sing it. I introduce different arrangements I made of “The Star Spangled Banner” for instrumental players.
The above lead sheet is suitable for either low G or high G ukulele. With high G ukulele, it’s more fun, as shown below, as you can play different strings for the notes of G and A.
To arrange chord melody for instrumental solo, choose the chord shapes that include the melodic notes.
The chords up the neck (higher frets) look frightening but they shouldn’t be if you make use of sliding movements or playing higher positions (move your fretting hand up the neck and position it there).
I found another chord melody arrangement on the website San Jose Ukulele Club (1-page PDF).
Transpose it to G and you’ll find that it’s easier to play on a low G ukulele. The key is easier for my alto voice, too.
My journey of arranging “The Star Spangled Banner” began with a flute and trombone duet, an odd combination. I arranged it as a gift for a couple in Newton, Massachusetts in the summer of 2014. Read about it HERE (and download the not so easy piano version). I say it’s “not so easy” because of the fingering, which I’ve labelled.
Much more is written about the text than the music. The story behind the national anthem is a piece of history. The music is based on a hymn by an English organist and composer.
My arrangement of The Star Spangled Banner is the fourth song in a new compilation of ukulele arrangements suitable to play in any of the many public holidays and patriotic occasions in the United States. Other songs include God Bless America, America (My Country Tis of Thee), and America the Beautiful.
Patriotic Holidays and Occasions
- Martin Luther King Jr Day
- President’s Day
- Patriot’s Day
- Loyalty Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Memorial Day
- Flag Day
- Independence Day
- Patriot Day
- POW/MIA Recognition Day
- Constitution Day
- Columbus Day
- Election Day
- Veterans Day
- Pearl Harbor Day
- Bill of Rights Day