Last Christmas Ukulele Chords And Lyrics Guide

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by strumming a few chords on our favorite instrument, the ukulele? In this article, we'll delve into the world of Christmas music and explore one of the most beloved holiday tunes: "Last Christmas" by Wham!. We'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to playing "Last Christmas" on the ukulele, including chords, lyrics, and tips to help you master this modern classic.

Why Play "Last Christmas" on the Ukulele?

"Last Christmas" is a timeless holiday anthem that has been a staple of Christmas playlists for decades. Its catchy melody, paired with George Michael's soulful vocals, makes it a joy to listen to and play. The song's simplicity and repetitive structure also make it an excellent choice for ukulele players of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, playing "Last Christmas" on the ukulele is sure to bring some festive cheer to your holiday season.

Chord Progression and Lyrics

To play "Last Christmas" on the ukulele, you'll need to know the following chords:

• C Major (C)
• G Major (G)
• Am (A minor)
• F Major (F)
• Em (E minor)

Here's the chord progression for the verse and chorus:

Verse: C - G - Am - F C - G - F - C

Chorus: G - Am - F - C G - F - C

Now, let's move on to the lyrics:

Verse 1: Last Christmas, I gave you my heart But the very next day, you gave it away This year, to save me from tears I'll give it to someone special

Chorus: Once bitten and twice shy I keep my distance But you still catch my eye Tell me, baby, do you recognize me? Well, it's been a year It doesn't surprise me (Holiday cheer)

Strumming Pattern and Tips

To achieve the signature Wham! sound, focus on a steady down-up strumming pattern. Emphasize the downbeats, and use a gentle, bouncy motion for the upbeats. You can also experiment with adding some fingerpicking patterns to enhance the song's emotional depth.

When playing the verse, focus on the C and G chords, using a smooth, arpeggiated pattern to create a sense of movement. In the chorus, emphasize the G and Am chords, using a stronger downbeat to drive the rhythm.

Verse and Chorus Breakdown

Let's break down the verse and chorus into smaller sections to help you master the chord progression and lyrics:

Verse 1: C - G - Am - F (Last Christmas, I gave you my heart) C - G - F - C (But the very next day, you gave it away)

Chorus: G - Am - F - C (Once bitten and twice shy) G - F - C (I keep my distance)

Bridge and Outro

The bridge and outro sections of "Last Christmas" are relatively simple, using a repetitive chord progression to create a sense of tension and release.

Bridge: Em - G - D - A (Tell me, baby, do you recognize me?) Em - G - D - A (Well, it's been a year)

Outro: C - G - Am - F (It doesn't surprise me) C - G - F - C (Holiday cheer)

Practical Tips for Playing "Last Christmas" on the Ukulele

Here are some practical tips to help you improve your ukulele playing and master "Last Christmas":

• Practice the chord progression slowly, focusing on smooth transitions between chords.
• Experiment with different strumming patterns to find the one that works best for you.
• Pay attention to your finger placement and use a gentle, relaxed touch to avoid muting the strings.
• Use a metronome to help you maintain a steady tempo and improve your timing.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive guide, you're ready to start playing "Last Christmas" on the ukulele. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, have fun! Share your favorite holiday tunes with friends and family, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.

We hope this article has inspired you to pick up your ukulele and get into the holiday spirit. Happy playing, and Merry Christmas!