How To Play Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you on how to play "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole on the guitar. This iconic song is perfect for beginners and intermediate players alike, offering a beautiful melody and simple chord progressions.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To get started, ensure you have the following:

• A guitar (acoustic or electric)
• A guitar tuner (to tune your instrument)
• A capo (optional but recommended for easier chord playing)
• A chord chart or access to the chords for the song

Practical Advice

• Tune your guitar to standard tuning (E A D G B e) before starting.
• If you’re using a capo, place it on the 2nd fret for the version that matches the original recording.

Step 2: Learn the Chords

The song primarily uses the following chords:

• C
• Em
• F
• G
• Am

Chord Diagrams

• C Major:

E|-0-
B|-1-
G|-0-
D|-2-
A|-3-
E|---

• Em:

E|-0-
B|-0-
G|-0-
D|-2-
A|-2-
E|-0-

• F Major:

E|-1-
B|-1-
G|-2-
D|-3-
A|-3-
E|-1-

• G Major:

E|-3-
B|-3-
G|-0-
D|-0-
A|-2-
E|-3-

• Am:

E|-0-
B|-1-
G|-2-
D|-2-
A|-0-
E|---

Practical Advice

• Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly before playing the song.

Step 3: Understand the Song Structure

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" consists of verses and a chorus. Familiarize yourself with the following structure:

1. Verse 1
2. Chorus
3. Verse 2
4. Chorus

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure you maintain a steady rhythm throughout the song. Use a metronome if necessary.

Step 4: Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern can greatly affect the feel of the song. A simple pattern to start with is:

• Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up

Practice Tips

• Start slowly to get comfortable with the pattern, then gradually increase your speed.

Step 5: Putting It All Together

Combine the chords, strumming pattern, and song structure. Begin by playing the first verse and chorus repeatedly until you feel confident.

Real-World Application

• This song is a great addition to any beginner's repertoire and can be performed at gatherings or simply for your own enjoyment.

Conclusion

You’ve now learned how to play "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Focus on mastering the chords, strumming patterns, and the overall structure of the song. Practicing regularly will help you improve your skills and confidence. Enjoy playing and sharing this beautiful piece!