Get ready to jingle all the way into the festive season with your trusty ukulele! ‘Last Christmas,’ the iconic holiday hit by Wham!, is a timeless tune filled with catchy melodies and sentimental lyrics that never fail to put us in a merry mood. If you’re eager to strum along and spread some yuletide cheer, you're in luck!

In this article, we'll break down the easy chords that will have you playing ‘Last Christmas’ effortlessly on your ukulele in no time. So grab your instrument and get ready to sleigh this Christmas classic!

Benefits of Learning to Play 'Last Christmas' on the Ukulele

Fun and Festive Song

"Last Christmas" is a fun and festive song that is perfect for playing on the ukulele. Its catchy melody and cheerful lyrics make it a favorite during the holiday season. The upbeat tempo and lively strumming patterns create a joyful atmosphere, spreading holiday cheer wherever it's played. Whether you're performing at a Christmas party or simply strumming along at home, learning to play "Last Christmas" on the ukulele will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces.

So grab your ukulele and get ready to spread some holiday spirit with this beloved song.

Impress Your Friends and Family

Learning to play "Last Christmas" on the ukulele can be a great way to impress your loved ones during the holiday season. Imagine gathering around a cozy fire, strumming the ukulele, and singing this festive tune. Your friends and family will be impressed by your musical skills and the warm holiday atmosphere you create. Whether you're playing at a family gathering, a holiday party, or just casually jamming with friends, everyone will be delighted by your rendition of this beloved song. So grab your ukulele and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with your impressive performance of "Last Christmas."

Improve Your Ukulele Skills

Improving your ukulele skills is integral to playing "Last Christmas" with ease. Familiarize yourself with basic chords like C Major, G Major, F Major, and A Minor. Practice transitioning between chords smoothly and efficiently to maintain a steady rhythm. Experiment with different strumming patterns, such as down strums, up strums, and combinations, to add variety and dynamics to your playing. Focus on building muscle memory by practicing regularly and gradually increasing the tempo.

Additionally, try learning other songs with similar chord progressions to reinforce your skills. By consistently practicing and challenging yourself, your ukulele skills will improve, making playing "Last Christmas" a breeze.

Getting Started with the Ukulele

Choosing the Right Ukulele

Choosing the right ukulele for playing "Last Christmas" is important to achieve the desired sound. Consider factors like size, wood type, and price range to find a suitable instrument. Smaller ukuleles, like soprano or concert, are great for beginners due to their compact shape and ease of playing. Different wood types, such as mahogany or spruce, produce distinct tones, so choose based on your preference.

It's also crucial to consider your budget and find an ukulele that fits within your pricerange. Experimenting with various options can help you find the ukulele that suits your playing style and enhances your rendition of "Last Christmas."

Tuning Your Ukulele

• Start by using a digital tuner or a tuning app to ensure accurate pitch.
• The standard tuning for a ukulele is G-C-E-A.
• To tune the G string, match it with the corresponding note on the tuner.
• Move on to the C string, adjusting it until it matches the tuner.
• Next, tune the E string and finally the A string.
• Check the tuning of each string multiple times to ensure accuracy.
• Proper tuning is crucial for playing 'Last Christmas' on the ukulele and creating a harmonious sound.

Learning the Chords for 'Last Christmas' on the Ukulele

Basic Chords for Beginners

Start by learning the fundamental chords needed to play "Last Christmas" on the ukulele. These chords are widely used in many songs and will provide a solid foundation for your playing. The four chords you'll need are C Major, G Major, F Major, and A Minor. Familiarize yourself with the finger placement for each chord and practice transitioning between them smoothly.

For example, C Major involves placing your ring finger on the third fret of the first string, G Major requires placing your middle finger on the second fret of the third string, F Major involves barring the first two strings on the first fret with your index finger, and A Minor requires placing your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string. By mastering these basic chords, you'll be ready to strum along to "Last Christmas" on your ukulele.

a. C Major

The C Major chord is an important chord to learn when playing "Last Christmas" on the ukulele. It consists of placing your ring finger on the third fret of the bottom string. This chord adds a bright and cheerful sound to the song's melody. Practice transitioning smoothly between C Major and other chords, such as G Major and A Minor, to create a harmonious blend.

By mastering the C Major chord, you will be able to play the chorus and verses of "Last Christmas" with ease and capture the essence of the song's festive spirit.

b. G Major

To play "Last Christmas" on the ukulele, mastering the G Major chord is essential. This open chord is commonly used and provides a vibrant sound that captures the song's spirit. To form the G Major chord, place your second finger on the second fret of the C string and your third finger on the third fret of the E string. Remember to strum only the top four strings. Practice transitioning between G Major and other chords to enhance your playing.

This chord will feature prominently in the song's verse and chorus sections, adding a melodic element to your performance.

c. F Major

The F Major chord is an important chord to learn when playing "Last Christmas" on the ukulele. It adds richness and depth to the song's sound. To play F Major, place your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the third string. Strumming all four strings will produce a beautiful F Major chord. Practice transitioning smoothly between F Major and other chords to master the song.

d. A Minor

One important chord to learn when playing "Last Christmas" on the ukulele is the A Minor chord. This chord adds depth and emotion to the song. To play A Minor, place your ring finger on the third fret of the bottom string. This simple chord change enhances the overall sound and allows you to play the melody with a captivating touch. Practice transitioning smoothly between A Minor and other chords to create a seamless flow in your rendition of "Last Christmas.

" As you become more comfortable with this chord, experiment with different strumming patterns to add your own unique style to the song.

Strumming Patterns

When learning to play "Last Christmas" on the ukulele, mastering different strumming patterns is key to capturing the song's rhythm and feel. Experiment with various strumming techniques to add your own personal touch to the performance. Start with simple down strums on the beat, then try incorporating up strums on the offbeat for a livelier sound. Mix it up by combining both down and up strums, emphasizing certain beats for added dynamics.

For example, on the chorus, try using a combination strumming pattern like down-up-down-up-down. Adjust the strumming pattern to match the song's energy and create a delightful rendition on the ukulele.

a. Down Strums

When playing "Last Christmas" on the ukulele, down strums are an important technique to master. They create a rhythmic foundation and give the song its signature sound. To perform a down strum, use your thumb or index finger to strum all four strings in a downward motion. Start by strumming evenly on each beat, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Experiment with different dynamics and accents to add variation to your playing.

Remember to keep your wrist loose and relaxed for a smooth strumming motion. Practice with other songs to improve your down strumming skills further.

b. Up Strums

To create an authentic and catchy rendition of "Last Christmas" on the ukulele, mastering the up strums is vital. Up strums add a dynamic and rhythmic element to the song, enhancing its overall feel. By strumming upwards, you can add emphasis and create a lively sound.

For example, strumming the strings gently with your fingers or using a ukulele pick can result in a crisp and bright tone. Practice incorporating up strums in different sections of the song to add variation and dynamics. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find the one that suits your style and delivers the desired effect.

c. Combination Strums

Combination strums add dynamic variety to your rendition of "Last Christmas" on the ukulele. By combining different strumming patterns, you create a captivating and engaging sound. One approach is to alternate between down strums and up strums within each measure.

For example, you can strum down on the first beat and up on the third beat. Another technique is to incorporate syncopation, emphasizing the off-beats for a rhythmic effect. Experiment with various combinations to find what suits the song best. By mastering combination strums, you'll bring a fresh and energetic feel to your ukulele performance of "Last Christmas."

Playing 'Last Christmas' on the Ukulele

Verse and Chorus

The verse and chorus are the main sections of "Last Christmas" on the ukulele. The verse sets the tone with its melodic progression, while the chorus brings in a catchy and memorable hook. To play the verse, strum the chords gently, emphasizing the lyrics. Transition smoothly into the chorus, where you can add a bit of flair to your strumming pattern to highlight the song's catchy chorus.

Pay attention to the song's structure and lyrics to ensure you're playing the right chords at the right time. Practice transitioning between the verse and chorus to master the flow of the song.

Bridge

The bridge section of "Last Christmas" on the ukulele provides a delightful change in the song's melody and rhythm. Here's how you can approach playing the bridge:

• Transition smoothly from the chorus to the bridge by focusing on the chord changes.
• Use a combination of strumming patterns to add variety and depth to the bridge.
• Experiment with fingerpicking or plucking individual notes to create a unique sound during this section.
• Pay attention to the timing and dynamics to capture the emotions conveyed in the bridge.
• Practice playing the bridge slowly at first, gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable.

Remember, the bridge serves as a captivating part of the song, offering a refreshing twist that enhances your overall ukulele performance.

Tips for Mastering the Song

Practice Regularly

Regular practice is the key to mastering "Last Christmas" on the ukulele. Consistent repetition of chord transitions and strumming patterns will help improve your muscle memory and overall performance. Aim to practice for short periods every day rather than long sessions once in a while. Set aside dedicated time in your schedule and make it a habit. Challenge yourself by gradually increasing the tempo or adding variations to the strumming.

Consider joining a ukulele group or finding an online community for support and motivation. By practicing regularly, you will build confidence and progress faster in playing this festive song.

Break the Song into Sections

To make learning "Last Christmas" on the ukulele more manageable, break the song into sections. Start by focusing on the verse, mastering the chord progression and strumming pattern. Once comfortable, move on to the chorus and then the bridge. Breaking the song into sections allows you to focus on specific parts, making it easier to learn and remember. Practice each section individually before combining them to play the entire song seamlessly. This approach helps build confidence and prevents feeling overwhelmed by the entire song at once. By breaking it down, you can tackle each section with precision and gradually piece it all together.

Listen to the Original Recording

Listening to the original recording of "Last Christmas" is a helpful step in learning to play the song on the ukulele. By listening carefully, you can familiarize yourself with the melody, rhythm, and overall feel of the song. Pay attention to the strumming patterns, chord progressions, and any embellishments or variations. This will assist you in accurately recreating the song on your ukulele.

Additionally, listening to various covers or interpretations of the song can provide inspiration and ideas for your own rendition. Use these recordings as references to capture the essence of the song and incorporate your own style into your ukulele playing.

Over to you

This article provides a simple tutorial on how to play the popular song "Last Christmas" on the ukulele using easy chords. It breaks down the chords and provides step-by-step instructions, making it accessible even for beginners. With this guide, anyone can learn to play this festive tune and spread holiday cheer with their ukulele skills.