Tips for Playing Ukulele Fingerstyle Solos and Chord Melody Songs

During the pandemic lockdown, I had the opportunity to learn how to play the ukulele fingerstyle solos, chord melody songs, and fingerpicking patterns. As a bonus, I also learned how to play the tin whistle, so you'll find easy tin whistle songs here as well.

One of my favorite songs to play on the ukulele is 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen. The song has a unique 6/8 time signature that can be challenging to master. When playing this song, I try to emphasize the melody notes by using different fingerpicking patterns. For example, for the first line, 'I heard there was a secret chord,' I emphasize the 1st string for the C chord and the 4th string for the Am chord.

To get a better feel for the rhythm of the song, try playing it in a reverse arpeggio pattern, which is a variation of the basic arpeggio style. Pinch the strings together with your thumb and ring finger on the 2nd and 3rd strings to create a smooth flow.

If you're new to fingerpicking, I recommend checking out YouTube for ukulele fingerpicking lessons. Many of these tutorials suggest playing chords in an arpeggio style, which can be a great way to get started. However, don't be afraid to experiment with different patterns and styles to find what works best for you.

As with any song, it's essential to choose a key that is comfortable for singing or works well with other instruments. I've also included a few fingerpicking patterns in tab format below, along with some tips on how to get the most out of your playing.

Fingerpicking Pattern for 'Hallelujah'

Here's a sample fingerpicking pattern for 'Hallelujah':

* Pinch strings together with thumb and ring finger (2nd and 3rd strings)

You can find more fingerpicking patterns in my PDF below. Remember, the key to mastering this song is to practice regularly and have fun!

Downloadable Fingerpicking Patterns

If you'd like to try out some other fingerpicking patterns, I've included a few examples in my downloadable PDF below.

I hope you enjoy playing 'Hallelujah' on your ukulele!

Hallelujah ukulele fingerpicking tab