In the days leading to Martin Luther King Jr Day on 20th January 2025, I hear “We Shall Overcome” in my head. We can strum or fingerpick the ukulele to accompany this famous song. The long melodic notes at the end of phrases and sentences give the opportunity to embellish with arpeggiation.
From a lead sheet, experienced ukulele players play the chords such that the melody notes fall on the highest sounding note in each chord. That’s why it’s advantageous to choose a key such that the melody notes reside on the top strings of the ukulele.
Chord melody arrangements, also known as instrumental solo, are useful as introductions, interludes, or outros.
The regular and steady beats of this hymn-like song offer the possibility of using a repetitive pattern such as that suggested above for high G ukulele.
It sounds even better on a low G ukulele.
Practice suggestions
Use your right thumb and middle fingers to alternate with the index finger in the chord melody arrangement above for high G ukulele.
Be sure to slide to the fifth position at the end of the second system while the open strings of the A minor chord provides the opportunity to move your left hand.
More information
Get access to the sheet music, notification of new work, and table of contents of this Daily Music Writing Project.
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