“Auld Lang Syne” is probably best known as the song played to celebrate the passing of a New Year all around the world, particularly in the Anglo-sphere (countries that speak English).
It was written by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns and set to the melody of a traditional folk song.
The literal translation of “Auld Lang Syne” is “Old Long Since”, but idiomatically it refers to “the good old days” or generally the memories of a nostalgic past.
But enough background information, let’s ring in the New Year by setting a resolution to learn the song on the ukulele.
“Auld Lang Syne” Key of G Major, Ukulele Chord & Tab Sheet
Here’s a ukulele chord and tab sheet for “Auld Lang Syne” in the key of G major.
It also includes lyrics and the standard sheet music notation for the melody.
The tabs are for GCEA ukulele tuning.
The chords used are D7, G, G7, C, D, B7, Em, and Am7.
In roman numeral notation these would be V7, I, I7, IV, V, III7, vi, and ii7.
Here’s the open position chord shapes for GCEA tuning.
D7 | G | G7 | C | D | B7 |
Em | Am7 |
And here are the same chords for the above sheet in baritone ukulele tuning (DGBE).
D7 | G | G7 | C | D | B7 |
Em | Am7 |
“Auld Lang Syne” Ukulele Video Tutorials
Simple Strumming Version, Key of G Major
This ones in the key of G major, same as the above sheet.
The chords used are G, D, and C (I, V, and IV in G major).
The main strumming pattern used in DD UU DU, or down, down, up, up, down, up.
The ukulele in the video is tuned to high G, GCEA tuning.
Simple Strumming Again, Key of D Major
The version of “Auld Lang Syne” in this video is in the key of D major.
The chords are D, A, and G (I, V, and IV in D major).
The main strumming pattern used is D D D DU, or down, down, down, down-up.
The ukulele is tuned to high G tuning.
Ukulele Fingerpicking Version, Key of F major
This version is a little more advanced, combining the melody with chords.
It will definitely take longer too learn than a simple strumming version, and it could be too difficult for new players, but
The chords used in the video are F, C7, Bb, and Dm (I, V7, IV, and vi in F major).
The chord shapes aren’t the typical open shapes because they have to be altered to fit with the melody line.
It appears to be a tenor ukulele in the video tuned to GCEA, high G tuning.
2-for-1 Video – Simple and More Complicated Strumming Versions, Key of F Major
This video shows two ways to play “Auld Lang Syne” on your uke in F major, a relatively simple strumming way, and a second version with more colorful chords added.
Both version are in the key of F major.
For the simpler version, the chords used are F, C, Bb, A7, and Dm. (I, V, IV, III7, and vi in F major)
For the more complicated version with more colorful chords added, the chords are F, C , Bb, A7, Dm, F7, Ddim, and C9. (I, V, IV, III7, vi, I7, vidim, and V9).
The strumming pattern used in both is D DU or down, down-up.
There are also some helpful pointers for playing with your family and friends at a New Year’s Eve party.
Ukulele Fingerstyle Version, Key of C Major
This version uses a repeated fingerpicking pattern.
The pattern is 3rd string, 2nd string, 1st + 4th string simultaneously, and finally 2nd string again. (3)(2)(1+4)(2).
The 1st string is the A string and the 4th is the G string in GCEA tuning.
The chords used are C, G, F, Am, and Abdim (I, V, IV, vi, and vibdim in C major).
The ukulele in the video appears to be concert sized and tuned in High G tuning.
Conclusion
Well that’s it for now, hopefully one (or more) of these ukulele versions of “Auld Lang Syne” was just what you were looking for, and you’re ready to strum in the New Year with all your nearest and dearest.
Happy Ukulele New Year!
