Junior Rasmussen
The sweet, gentle sounds of the ukulele are a perfect match for a wedding. From the traditional to the contemporary, there are plenty of songs to choose from that will delight your guests and make the happy couple's day even more special. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there are songs to suit all skill levels. So, grab your uke and get ready to strum and sing along to some wedding classics!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Chords | 4 or more |
| Song Options | All I Want Is You by U2, All of Me by John Legend, Something by The Beatles, Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis, I'm Yours by Jason Mraz, For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder, Let's Stay Together by Al Green, Better Together by Jack Johnson, Hawaiian Wedding Song, Amazing Love by Hillsong, My Girl, Let Her Go by Passenger, The Wedding Song (There Is Love) |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Advanced |
| Tips | Practice singing and playing separately, then put them together |
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What You'll Learn
Chords and chord changes
Chords are the foundation of any ukulele song and mastering chord changes is essential for a smooth and seamless performance. Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate the chord changes in wedding songs on the ukulele:
For beginners, it is advisable to start with basic 1- and 2-finger chords. These include the C, C7, Am, and A7 chords, which are commonly used in many ukulele songs. The F and A chords, which use 2 fingers, often follow these chords. As you progress, you can add more complex chords like the 3-finger G, G7, and D chords, which are considered essential by most ukulele players. The Em chord is also encouraged to be learned early on, as it is frequently used and provides a rich sound.
To enhance your chord vocabulary, you can explore chords like D6, D7, Em7, Em6, A7, Dmaj7, D#m, Bm, E7, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Bb7, Eb6, Eb7, Fm, C#, and F7. These chords offer a diverse range of sounds and can be found in many wedding songs. For example, "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder features numerous chord changes, offering a sophisticated song structure. Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" is another classic that undergoes several chord changes, making it a worthwhile challenge for your ukulele repertoire.
One popular wedding song, "All of Me" by John Legend, is a simple yet dramatic ballad. It is a great choice for a ukulele performance and only requires a few chords to master. Another classic, "Can't Help Falling in Love," has been covered by various artists and is a beautiful choice for a wedding. It is known to be playable on the ukulele, as is "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, which is a popular choice for weddings.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can attempt "Something" by The Beatles, as George Harrison was a fan of the ukulele, and there are some lovely ukulele covers available. "Better Together" by Jack Johnson is another excellent choice, with its upbeat message of a couple being better together than apart, and its one-two beat makes it easily replicable on the ukulele. For a more traditional approach, you can try the "Hawaiian Wedding Song" (originally "Ke Kali Nei Au"), which has a beginner fingerstyle arrangement that utilizes rubato (free flow of rhythm and tempo).
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Fingerpicking
Beginner-Friendly Fingerpicking Songs:
- "My Girl": This song features familiar chords and simple fingerpicking, making it one of the easiest arrangements to learn.
- "You're The Inspiration": An 80s romantic classic often heard in commercials, TV shows, and films. It may require some creativity with the arrangement, but it's a fun one to learn.
- "Let Her Go" by Passenger: Start slowly and learn a few notes at a time. Gradually add more notes as you get comfortable.
- "Hawaiian Wedding Song": This beginner fingerstyle arrangement uses rubato, allowing for a free flow of rhythm and tempo without sounding off-beat.
- "Aloha 'Oe": A beginner ukulele fingerstyle arrangement taught by Mustafa Kamaliddin, a ukulele and guitar teacher specializing in fingerstyle playing.
Chords and Techniques:
When it comes to fingerpicking, it's essential to get comfortable with various chords and techniques. Here are some tips:
- Start with Basic Chords: Beginners often start with 1- and 2-finger chords like C, C7, Am, and A7. Gradually move on to more complex chords like F, A, G, and D.
- Practice Chord Progressions: Many wedding songs on the ukulele feature chord progressions that repeat throughout the song. Practice changing between chords smoothly and in time with the rhythm.
- Use a Combination of Fingers and Thumb: In fingerpicking, your thumb typically plays the lower strings (C, E, A), while your fingers pluck the higher strings (G, C, E).
- Focus on Rhythm: Fingerpicking requires a good sense of rhythm. Practice keeping a steady beat and explore different strumming patterns.
Intermediate and Advanced Fingerpicking Songs:
Once you've mastered the basics, you can challenge yourself with more intricate fingerpicking songs:
- "Here Comes The Sun": This song features lots of fingerpicking and intricate details, making it a beautiful choice for a wedding.
- "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder: While it's a great dance song, it also has a sophisticated song structure with frequent chord changes. Take your time to study the chords before putting it all together.
- "La Vie En Rose": This classic song is a favourite among ukulele players and can be performed in either English or French.
- "Grow Old With Me" by John Lennon: An emotional and romantic melody that's perfect for a wedding.
- "All of Me" by John Legend: A simple yet dramatic ballad that tells a story of romance. Just be mindful of the falsetto notes when singing along.
Remember, with fingerpicking, it's important to develop your own style and interpretation of the songs. Practice regularly, and don't be afraid to add your personal touch to these beautiful wedding songs.
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Strumming
Start with the Basics: If you're a beginner, start with simple strumming patterns. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and alternate between down and up strums. Practice this basic pattern until you feel comfortable before moving on to more complex patterns.
Use a Metronome: Practising with a metronome can help you develop a sense of timing and rhythm. Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more proficient. This will help you internalize the rhythm and make your strumming more consistent.
Vary Your Strumming Patterns: Explore different strumming patterns to add interest and variety to your playing. Try patterns that emphasize certain beats or experiment with syncopation to create a groovy feel. Mix and match down and up strums to find patterns that suit the mood of the wedding song you're playing.
Pay Attention to Chord Changes: Smooth chord changes are crucial for seamless strumming. Practice transitioning between chords smoothly and efficiently. Strum each chord clearly and deliberately, ensuring that all the notes are ringing out together.
Feel the Rhythm: Strumming is all about feeling the pulse of the music. Tap your foot or move your body to the beat to internalize the rhythm. This will help you stay in time and make your strumming more natural and fluid.
Practice with Wedding Songs: Choose wedding songs that you want to play and practice your strumming along with the melodies. Focus on maintaining a steady strumming pattern while changing chords smoothly. With songs like "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley or "All of Me" by John Legend, practice the specific strumming patterns that suit the mood and tempo of each song.
Remember, strumming is a skill that improves with practice. The more you play and experiment with different techniques, the better you'll become at adding expression and emotion to your wedding song performances on the ukulele.
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Song selection
Selecting the right songs for a wedding is crucial as it sets the mood and creates lasting memories. Here are some factors to consider when choosing wedding songs for the ukulele:
When choosing songs to play on the ukulele for a wedding, it is essential to consider the theme, mood, and tone of the event. The ukulele is a versatile instrument that can accommodate a wide range of musical styles, from gentle and romantic to upbeat and lively. The right songs will enhance the atmosphere and create a memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
The ukulele is well-suited for playing a variety of wedding songs, from classic love ballads to modern favourites. Some popular choices include "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, a laid-back and heartfelt song perfect for expressing love, and "You're The Inspiration," an 80s romantic classic that has appeared in many films and TV shows.
If you're looking for a simple yet effective song, consider "All I Want Is You" by U2. With only a few chords, this song allows for interpretation and focuses on the enduring power of love. For a more dramatic ballad, John Legend's "All Of Me" tells a story of head-over-heels romance and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For a touch of nostalgia, "Endless Love," the duet by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, is a timeless classic that can be arranged creatively for the ukulele. Another option is "Your Song" by Elton John, a sophisticated choice that evokes a mature and complex feeling of love.
The Beatles also have some great options for ukulele wedding songs. "I Will" and "Something" are beautiful love songs that have been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley, whose version of "I Will" peaked at #1 on the British charts in 1962.
Other notable mentions include "Grow Old With Me" by John Lennon, a romantic and emotional melody, and "Marry Me" by Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, and Jesse Frasure, a Country Music Award-winning song.
Finally, for a unique and fun twist, consider "La Vie En Rose" or "Can't Help Falling in Love" on the ukulele, as suggested by some bridesmaids on a wedding forum. These songs can add a touch of whimsy and happiness to the celebration.
Remember, the key to successful song selection is to choose songs that resonate with the couple and reflect the overall theme and mood of the wedding. With the ukulele's versatility and the right song choices, you can create a magical and memorable atmosphere for the special day.
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Practice and performance
Practice Strategies:
- Start Early: Give yourself ample time to learn and master the song. Depending on the complexity of the piece, set a realistic timeframe for practice. For a beginner's arrangement, like the "Hawaiian Wedding Song," allow for 2-6 weeks of practice.
- Break it Down: Focus on learning the song section by section. Start slowly, mastering a few notes or chords at a time, and gradually build upon them. This is especially important for songs with frequent chord changes, like "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder.
- Sing and Strum: Many wedding songs involve both singing and playing. Practice these elements separately, and then bring them together once you're comfortable with each component.
- Fingerpicking: Some songs, like "My Girl," feature simple fingerpicking patterns that are great for beginners. Practice these patterns to improve your finger dexterity and coordination.
- Chord Progression: Familiarize yourself with common chord progressions. For beginners, start with 1- and 2-finger chords like C, C7, Am, and A7. Gradually add more complex chords like G, G7, and D.
- Rhythm and Tempo: For songs like the "Hawaiian Wedding Song," focus on maintaining a free flow of rhythm and tempo (rubato) without losing the beat. Proper phrasing and chord resolutions are crucial to achieving this.
Performance Tips:
- Confidence: On the day of the performance, remember to stay confident. Take a few deep breaths before you begin to center yourself.
- Engage with the Audience: Make eye contact and smile at the couple, wedding party, or guests. Your performance will be more memorable if you connect with your audience.
- Enjoy the Moment: Remember to have fun! Your enthusiasm for the song and the celebration will shine through in your performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Some easy wedding songs to play on the ukulele include "Better Together" by Jack Johnson, "All of Me" by John Legend, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, and "Hawaiian Wedding Song".
Some intermediate wedding songs to play on the ukulele include "Let Her Go" by Passenger, "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder, "All I Want Is You" by U2, and "La Vie En Rose".
Some romantic wedding songs to play on the ukulele include "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain, "You're The Inspiration", "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis, and "Amazing Love" by Hillsong.
