Songs For Beginners: ‘Jingle Bells’ Fingerstyle Arrangement
BY MUSTAFA KAMALIDDIN
This beginner ukulele fingerstyle arrangement of “Jingle Bells” features common G, C, D, and A major chords with few twists. There are melodic passages combined with harmony, and some strumming as well. There’s also a tricky position shift you’ll need to master to get the fingering right for this arrangement. Look out for the trill, which uses a hammer on and pull off to create an ornamentation in one spot of the melody.
Check out more from our Fingerstyle Songs For Beginners series here
Expect a straightforward 1 to 2 weeks effort to nail this one—maybe a bit longer if you’re just starting out with fingerstyle ukulele.
[Note: in the video, it is mentioned that it is important not to play any note on the fourth string on the last chord. The notation does show the fourth string being played, however, and if played this way the chord will still be in harmony and sound good. Your choice!]
Advertisement
Mustafa Kamaliddin is a ukulele and guitar teacher specializing in fingerstyle playing. You can see more of his videos in his Ukulele Fingerstyle Basics Course and on his YouTube channel.
The Ukulele Owner’s Manual is the book that belongs in every ukulele player’s instrument case. Each chapter was written by the experts and performers at Ukulele Magazine, with topics ranging from commonsense instrument care to fixing rattles and buzzes to a pictorial history of the instrument. Book owners can also download how-to videos with step-by-step guidance on common set-up and maintenance topics.
Ukulele Basics – Learning and Practicing is a great resource for players just starting out, as well as those looking to build a more solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Get your copy today at store.ukulelemag.com.
