By Peter Edvinsson
Have you ever played a melody on your ukulele? With the help of tablature notation it is easy to learn melodies. It is time for you to learn tabs!
Tablature notation shows how to put your fingers on your ukulele in order to play melodies or chords. Here is an example of a ukulele tab staff:
----------------
----------------
----------------
----------------
These four lines represent the four strings on your ukulele. The top line indicates the first string which is the bottom string when you play and the string with the highest pitch.
On these lines you will find numbers telling you which frets to press down in order to play the melody. Here is an example:
---1-0-----
-3---------
-----------
-----------
The number 3 on the second line tells you to press down the third fret on the second string and play the note, with your right hand thumb for example. Numbers 1 and 0 on the first string tells you to play the first fret on the first string and then the open first string, that is, without pressing down a fret.
Now it is time for you to play the melody to A Bicycle Made For Two. I will present the lyrics of the refrain one line at a time. Then I will show you how to play the corresponding melodic phrase with ukulele tabs.
Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do
-3-0-----------------
-----1-----0-1---1---
-------0-2-----2---0-
---------------------
I'm half crazy all for the love of you
---3-0-----------0---
-3-----1---0-1-3---3-
---------2-----------
---------------------
It won't be a stylish marriage
-0-1-0---3-0-----
-------3-----3-1-
-----------------
-----------------
I can't afford a carriage
---0-----------
-3---1---1-----
-------2---2-0-
---------------
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
-----0-------0---
---1---3---1---3-
-0-------0-------
-----------------
Of a bicycle built for two
-0-1-3-0---------
---------1-3---1-
-------------0---
-----------------
Try to play the notes on the first fret with your left hand index finger, the notes on the second fret with your middle finger and the notes on the third fret with your ring finger. When you get used to it you will feel the benefits of it. Believe me!
Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. He invites you to download your free sheet music and ukulele tabs at http://www.capotastomusic.com