The Sweeney Theme (Tab)

The Sweeney Theme (Tab)

I’m not sure if I should admit I’ve never seen an episode of The Sweeney. I know the show invented the ‘I don’t play by the rules’ cop show but it’s such a cliche now it’s hard to watch. Unless they just go hilariously over the top as Luther did.

Anyway, on to the theme tune. The original version is in the uke-friendly key of Em so I’ve been able to keep the same key for this version. The main feature of the tune is the chromatically descending notes on the C-string. You have to keep this sounding strong while you play the melody notes against it.

For most of the tune I’m using my fingernail as a pick (holding it between my thumb and middle finger more firmly than I do for strumming). I chose to do this so I could get plenty of attack but also have more control over the single notes than you get with straight forward strumming. I only bust out the fingerpicking for the melancholic ending.

Requested by Bosssarocker

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7 Comments

  1. Bossarocker June 15th, 2010 8:17 pm

    Fantastic playing – I love this tune anyway but you’ve turned it into something quite beautiful. And the tab thrown in too. You rock. Thanks a lot :)

  2. Joel June 16th, 2010 8:34 am

    wow this is great, do you happen to know the sons of anarchy theme song?

  3. Woodshed June 16th, 2010 9:54 am

    Bossa: Thanks. Glad you liked it.

  4. Kreemer June 17th, 2010 6:25 am

    nice, i enjoyed it
    I just wanted to thank you all for all the help you’ve given me on my new instruments of choice. ive been a guitar player for 12 years, funk bass player about 7 years. i bought a ukulele after my grandfather passed and he used to love it. youve helped me gain a lot of respect for honestly what i used to think was just a small guitar. ive been playing since feb ’10 and 99% of what i know came from here. thank you.
    i do have a request and i know you dont take them from non-reg posters but heres an idea for thought
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7mZkt4bPSI

  5. Coolow April 14th, 2011 7:47 pm

    What are the notes?

  6. Alistair C September 1st, 2014 8:47 am

    Only just seen this. It’s great! I can hear those immortal lines now “get yer trousers on, you’re knicked!”

  7. Woodshed September 1st, 2014 2:58 pm

    Alistair: Hahaha!

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