In this video
Learn 'Sweet Caroline' by Neil Diamond on Ukulele. We'll use the chords A major, D major, and E7 plus a common strumming pattern with a swing feel, which will enable us to play this full song.
Here's how to play Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, a simple three chord song on Ukulele!
Here we'll use the chords A major, D major, and E7 plus a common strumming pattern with a swing feel, which will enable us to play this full song. The video includes a full song demo - so be sure to play along!
Before we start, take a look here at how we can tune the Ukulele! Here are the notes below:
String 4 - G
String 3 - C
String 2 - E
String 1 - A
Chords - Fretboard finger positions
Second finger - 2nd fret - String 4
First finger - 1st fret - String 3
All fingers for a D chord are on the 2nd fret
Second finger - String 4
Third finger - String 3
Fourth finger - String 2
First finger - 1st fret - String 4
Second finger - 2nd fret - String 3
Third finger - 2nd fret - String 1
Main melody
Below are the notes included in the intro melody. The order of these notes creates the melody as so:
Walking forward up the fretboard - 2nd fret -> 4th fret -> 5th fret
Then, repeated forward but returning back down the fretboard - 2nd fret -> 4th fret -> 5th fret 4th fret -> 2nd fret
Finally, playing back down from the - 5th fret -> 4th fret -> 2nd fret
Strumming tips
Using a pick or our first finger, the main strumming pattern for this song can be remembered as:
Down - Down - Up - Up - Down
The only difference this time, is the swing element. This feel and bounce we get from a swing rhythm is really common in Ukulele playing and contributes to the vibe that we expect to hear from the instrument.
Chord changing tips
Learning to change chords smoothly takes time. It is always a good idea to keep the chord making hand relaxed and loose to avoid having too much tension in the fingers.
Try hold the shape of the chord loosely over the strings and press the chord down with only the pressure that is needed to sound the chord out but also what feels comfortable for you.
Chord playing tips
Use our finger tips, with fingers curling over to help us fret our chords and sound out the individual notes
Place our fingers on the side of the fret closest to us
Strum slightly in front of the sound hole, towards the headstock for a softer and more comfortable playing style
Need more help than this video provides? Check out Andy's comprehensive online Ukulele Course here!
Course Outline
Chords, Rhythm and Scales for Ukulele