Step by Step: How to Play ‘Hallelujah’ for Beginners
The perfect song to play on the ukulele!
Welcome to Ukuleles Unanimous, your go-to place for all things ukulele! Today, we’re going to play one of the most iconic songs ever written - Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. Whether you’ve been playing for a while or you’re new to the ukulele, we’re here to guide you through the process of playing this beautiful, soulful tune. Let’s get strumming!
Why ‘Hallelujah’ on Ukulele?
First things first - why Hallelujah? This song has resonated with people across generations, with its haunting melody and deeply poetic lyrics. It's a classic that sounds amazing on any instrument, but when played on the ukulele, it takes on an added warmth and simplicity. The ukulele’s light, airy tones blend perfectly with the emotional depth of Cohen’s lyrics.
Plus, let’s be honest - it’s a song that’s sure to impress your friends at your next ukulele jam session or open mic night. It’s one of those tunes that everyone recognizes and loves to sing along with, making it the perfect piece to add to your repertoire.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have your ukulele tuned and ready to go. We recommend tuning it to standard GCEA (the most common tuning for ukuleles). You can use a digital tuner, or you can tune it by ear using an online tuner.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
• Ukulele (of course)
• A comfy seat (maybe a cup of tea or coffee nearby)
• A few basic chords (we’ll show you which ones)
• The lyrics to ‘Hallelujah’ (we’ve got you covered!)
The Chords You’ll Need
Okay, let’s get into the fun stuff! Hallelujah on ukulele uses a relatively simple set of chords. You’ll be playing the same chords over and over throughout the song, so once you get the hang of them, you’ll be all set.
Here are the chords you’ll need to know:
Practise playing these chords and you’ll be ready to strum!
That’s it! Five easy chords, right? Let’s practise the strumming pattern and get you playing.
Strumming Pattern
When playing Hallelujah, the strumming pattern is pretty simple. It’s in 6/8 time - but don’t panic! It’s just Down, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up.
• Down: Strum the strings with your thumb (or finger) moving downward.
• Up: Strum the strings with your thumb (or finger) moving upward.
This is the classic ukulele strumming pattern that gives you that sweet, flowing sound.
Try this pattern slowly at first, until it feels comfortable.
Playing Through the Song
Happy with the chords and the strumming pattern? Ok, you are ready for a proper play through!
We’re going to start with the first verse and chorus. Good luck 🎶
Here’s how it looks with the lyrics:
Intro [C] [Am] [C] [Am]
Verse 1
Well I've [C]heard there was a [Am]secret chord,
That [C]David played and it [Am]pleased the Lord,
But [F]you don't really [G]care for music, [C]do ya? [G]
It [C]goes like this, the [F]4th, the [G]5th,
the [Am]minor fall and the [F]major lift,
The [G]baffled king com- [E7]posing halle- [Am]lujah,
Chorus
Halle- [F]lujah, halle- [Am]lujah,
Halle- [F]lujah, halle [C]lu---[G]---[C]jah
The Full Song!
Here is the original by Leonard Cohen. We suggest that you follow our full set of lyrics and chords while strumming along to the video soundtrack. Have fun!
Top Tips for Playing Hallelujah
1. Feel the song: Hallelujah is more about the emotion than hitting every note perfectly. Focus on the feeling of the song and let that guide your strumming and singing.
2. Use dynamics: Don’t be afraid to get a little softer or louder as you go. The beauty of the song is in its gentle rise and fall, so vary your strumming volume to create a more dynamic performance.
3. Play with rhythm: The ukulele shines in the strumming department, so feel free to experiment with slight changes to the rhythm to make the song feel more like your own.
And Finally …
There you have it! You’re all set to play Hallelujah on the ukulele. With just a few basic chords and a simple strumming pattern, you can play one of the most beautiful and timeless songs ever written. Remember to have fun with it, experiment with your own style, and most importantly - enjoy the process of making music.
Thanks for stopping by Ukuleles Unanimous - keep strumming and keep spreading those good vibes! If you’re looking for more ukulele tutorials, don’t forget to check out our other posts and popular videos. Stay tuned for more musical fun and let us know how you get on in the comments box below.
Happy Strumming 😊
