This post started out as one of my Riffs for Ukulele posts but it ended up evolving into an intros post.
I did think that acoustic guitar would transfer better to the uke than the electric riffs. Nope! They tend to be much more complex. So I’ve taken a few liberties with these arrangements and some of them are still very tricky.
The same riff rules apply:
– These aren’t necessarily in the same key as the original.
– If you want the rest of the song you’re shit out of luck.
Mumford and Sons – Roll Away Your Stone
Nick Drake – Fly
This version is for smaller ukes. If your uke goes as high as the 13th fret you can play the descending notes all on the C-string. That does make it a bit easier and gives it a more consistent tone.
It’s played campanella style and picked with thumb and two fingers.
Jose Gonzalez – Heartbeats
This is the one I had most trouble getting down and is the most changed from the original. Again it’s played thumb and two fingers picking style.
Tracy Chapman – Fast Car
Finally, a straight forward one. Here I’m doing strumming and picking the g-string with my thumb. And picking the A-string with my index finger.
Black Crowes – She Talks to Angels
The picking for this one is all over the place. I just use whichever finger comes to hand at any point.
This is a great set of riffs for some great songs, thanks very much woodshed, a couple of my favourite songs.