Somewhere Over The Rainbow Guitar Cover Israel IZ Kamakawiwoʻole 🎸|Tabs + Chords|
Table of Contents
Introduction
This tutorial will guide you through playing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole on guitar. You'll learn the essential chords and techniques to perform this beloved song, whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before diving into the song, ensure you have the following:
- A guitar (acoustic recommended)
- A capo (optional, for easier chord transitions)
- Picks
- A tuner to ensure your guitar is in tune
- The chord chart or tabs for the song (available here)
Practical Tips
- Use a tuner to check that your guitar is in standard tuning (E A D G B e).
- If you don’t have a capo, you can still play the song; just adjust the chords accordingly.
Step 2: Learn the Chords
Familiarize yourself with the chords used in the song. The primary chords are:
- C
- Em
- Am
- Dm
- G
Chord Chart
Here are the basic finger placements for each chord:
-
C:
- Index finger on 1st fret B string
- Middle finger on 2nd fret D string
- Ring finger on 3rd fret A string
-
Em:
- Middle finger on 2nd fret A string
- Ring finger on 2nd fret D string
-
Am:
- Index finger on 1st fret B string
- Middle finger on 2nd fret D string
- Ring finger on 2nd fret G string
-
Dm:
- Index finger on 1st fret high E string
- Middle finger on 2nd fret G string
- Ring finger on 3rd fret B string
-
G:
- Middle finger on 3rd fret low E string
- Index finger on 2nd fret A string
- Ring finger on 3rd fret B string
- Pinky on 3rd fret high E string
Common Pitfalls
- Make sure to press down on the strings firmly to avoid buzzing sounds.
- Practice transitioning between chords slowly before speeding up.
Step 3: Strumming Pattern
Develop a consistent strumming pattern to accompany the chords. A common pattern for this song is:
- Down, down-up, up, down-up
Practice Tips
- Start slow to ensure accuracy with the timing.
- Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Step 4: Putting It All Together
Now that you've practiced the chords and strumming pattern, it's time to play along with the song. Follow these steps:
- Start with the intro chords: C - Em - Am - C - G - C.
- Move to the verse, using the chord progression: C - Em - Am - Dm - C - G - C.
- Repeat the strumming pattern for each chord throughout the song.
- Listen to the original recording for timing and feel.
Real-World Application
Playing along with the recording helps you understand the song's structure and dynamics.
Conclusion
You now have the tools to play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on guitar. Remember to practice the chords, strumming pattern, and transitions until you feel comfortable. Don't hesitate to revisit the tutorial if you need further guidance, and enjoy playing this beautiful song!