Beethoven – Ode to Joy (Tab)

Ode to Joy (Tab)

I’ve already tabbed Ode to Joy twice: a dead easy strumming version and the UOGB’s group version. This third and final tab is a fuller solo version.

For this piece Beethoven nicked Nirvana’s loud-quiet-loud-quiet… trick. So I use strumming for the loud bits and picking for the quiet bits.

In the open section I strum down for the first note in the bar then flick up with my index finger for the rest. I’ve tabbed all four notes for those flicks but it’s not a big deal whether you hit the top two, three or all four strings. Bars 4 and 8 are slightly different with two down strums and a single picked note.

I switch to picking for the softer section in bars 9-12 before returning to bombastic strumming. Repeat that section and you’re done.

If you want more tabs like this you might like my Classical Ukulele ebook with ukulele-style arrangements of classical tunes.

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8 Comments

  1. Erica Chapin July 7th, 2017 6:19 am

    That is wonderful. I just got a ukulele. My goal is to play that. I know it will take a long time for me to learn (I have never played an instrument) but practice makes possible! Thanks for the encouragement

  2. Woodshed July 7th, 2017 9:03 am

    Erica: Thanks very much! And happy practicing!

  3. Scott Gifford July 7th, 2017 1:37 pm

    Beautiful! Makes me happy just to watch you play it and to hear it so faithfully executed. Muchas gracias for sharing this arrangement!

  4. Woodshed July 7th, 2017 1:48 pm

    Scott: Thanks so much!

  5. Sara July 7th, 2017 2:38 pm

    This is fantastic!

  6. Woodshed July 8th, 2017 9:51 am

    Sara: Thanks!

  7. Cheryl Romero July 9th, 2017 9:06 pm

    Thank you so much. Your arrangement is beautiful. So easy to follow. I have been learning from you for years and so appreciate your inspirations. mahalo nui loa

  8. Woodshed July 10th, 2017 10:51 am

    Cheryl: Thanks very much! Glad you’re enjoying it.

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