Looking to learn the iconic melody of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on guitar? Look no further!
This timeless tune from the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz, has been covered by countless artists over the years, and now it’s your turn to master it.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the Somewhere Over the Rainbow guitar chords and strumming pattern you need to know to play this beloved song on guitar.
So grab your guitar and get ready to playing!
Somewhere Over The Rainbow Chords
In order to play the Somewhere Over the Rainbow guitar chords you will need a capo on the 5th fret.
The Somewhere Over the Rainbow chords are as follows:
- G
- D
- Em
- C
- Em7
- B7
G Chord
D Chord
Em Chord
C Chord
Em7 Chord
B7 Chord
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Chords and Lyrics
Here are the Somewhere Over the Rainbow Chords and Lyrics (capo on 6th fret):
Intro
[G] Ooo, [D] ooo, [C] ooo, [G] ooo
[C] Ooo, [B7] ooo, [Em] ooo, [C] ooo
Chorus
[G] Somewhere [D] over the rainbow,
[C] Way up [G] high
[C] There’s [G] a land that I heard of,
[D] Once in a [Em] lullaby [C]
Oh, [G] somewhere over [D] the rainbow
[C] Skies are [G] blue
[C] And the [G] dreams that you dare to dream
[D] Really do come [Em] true [C]
Verse
[G] Someday I’ll wish upon a star
[D] Wake up where the clouds are far [Em] behind [C] me
Where [G] trouble melts like lemon drops
[D] High above the chimney tops
That’s [Em] where you’ll [C] find me
Chorus
Oh, [G] somewhere [D] over the rainbow
[C] Blue birds [G] fly
[C] Birds fly [G] over the rainbow
[D] Why then, oh why [Em] can’t I [C]
Verse
[G] Someday I’ll wish upon a star
[D] Wake up where the clouds are far [Em] behind [C] me
Where [G] trouble melts like lemon drops
[D] High above the chimney tops
That’s [Em] where you’ll [C] find me
Chorus
Ohh, [G] somewhere [D] over the rainbow
[C] Way up [G] high
[C] And the [G] dream that you dare to
[D] Why oh why can’t [Em] I [C]
Outro
[G] Oooo, [D] oooo, [C] oooo, [G] oooo
[C] Oooo, [B7] oooo, [Em] oooo, [C] oooh [G]
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern is also very simple:
Strumming Pattern:Â D-D-U-D-UÂ (repeated throughout)
So down, down, up, down, up.
D – Down Strum
U – Up Strum
Tips for playing Somewhere Over the Rainbow on Guitar
Learning how to play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” can be challenging, especially for beginners. Here are some tips to help make the process easier:
- Start Slowly: Begin by playing the chords slowly and making sure each note is clear. This will help you get comfortable with the finger positions.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you keep time and stay on beat. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable with the chords.
- Practice Chord Transitions: Practice moving between the chords smoothly and quickly. This will help you play the song more efficiently.
- Experiment with Strumming Patterns: Try out different strumming patterns to see which one sounds best to you. You can experiment with different patterns until you find one that fits the song.
- Pay Attention to Dynamics: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a song that requires a lot of dynamics. Pay attention to the volume and tone of your playing, and use your fingers to control the sound.
By following these tips, you can become more comfortable playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the guitar and make the song your own.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Covers & Variations
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” has been covered by numerous artists in a variety of styles. Here are a few notable variations:
- Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Perhaps the most famous version of the song, this cover by the Hawaiian musician features a slower tempo and a ukulele accompaniment.
- Eva Cassidy – Known for her soulful covers of classic songs, Eva Cassidy’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” showcases her powerful vocals and acoustic guitar playing.
- Ariana Grande – In 2019, Ariana Grande released a cover of the song as a tribute to her late ex-boyfriend Mac Miller. Her version features a stripped-down arrangement with piano and subtle electronic elements.
- Judy Collins – Folk singer Judy Collins recorded a version of the song for her 1990 album “Fires of Eden.” Her rendition features a more traditional folk style with acoustic guitar and lush orchestration.
Whether you prefer the classic version or one of the many covers, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” remains a timeless and beloved song that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
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