“Under the Bridge” is a popular song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was released as the second single from their fifth studio album, “Blood Sugar Sex Magik,” in 1992.
The song was written by the band members Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante, and Chad Smith.
Ukulele Tutorial Video
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers can be a bit varied, as it incorporates both strumming and picking elements. Here’s a simplified version of the strumming pattern that you can use as a starting point:
D D U U D U
This pattern represents downstrokes (D) and upstrokes (U) with your picking hand.
Official Music Video
Learning “Under the Bridge” Chords on Ukulele: 30 Questions and Answers
- What are the basic chords needed to play “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- The basic chords are E, B, C#m, G#m, A, and F#m.
- How do I play the E chord on the ukulele for this song?
- Place your index finger on the first fret of the G string and your middle finger on the second fret of the A string.
- What strumming pattern works well for “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- A common strumming pattern is Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up, but you can experiment with variations.
- Can I use a capo when playing “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- There’s no need for a capo when playing this song on the ukulele.
- What is the chord progression for the verse of “Under the Bridge”?
- The verse uses the chord progression E-B-C#m-G#m.
- How do I play the B chord on the ukulele for this song?
- Place your index finger on the first fret of the A string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the C string.
- What is the bridge chord progression in “Under the Bridge”?
- The bridge uses the chord progression A-F#m-G#m-E.
- Are there any barre chords in “Under the Bridge,” and how do I play them on the ukulele?
- There are no barre chords in this song, making it suitable for beginners.
- What is the key signature of “Under the Bridge”?
- The song is in the key of E major.
- What strumming hand technique should I use to capture the song’s feel?
- Strum lightly to create a soft, mellow tone and emphasize chord transitions.
- Can I find ukulele tablature or chord sheets for “Under the Bridge” online?
- Yes, you can find chord sheets and tabs for the song on various websites and apps dedicated to ukulele resources.
- What other Red Hot Chili Peppers songs can I explore after learning “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- You can try “Californication” and “Scar Tissue” for more RHCP hits.
- How important is it to sing along while playing “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- Singing along can enhance your performance but is not mandatory.
- What tempo should I aim for when playing “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- The song is played at a moderate tempo of around 86 BPM (beats per minute).
- What are some common challenges when playing “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- Chord transitions can be tricky, so practice them until they become smooth.
- Are there any chord variations or embellishments I can use to make my playing more interesting?
- Experiment with different chord inversions and hammer-ons/pull-offs for variation.
- How do I play the C#m chord on the ukulele for this song?
- Place your index finger on the first fret of the A string and your ring finger on the third fret of the G string.
- Can I play “Under the Bridge” on a soprano ukulele, or is a larger size preferred?
- You can play it on a soprano ukulele, but larger sizes may offer more resonance.
- What are some effective practice strategies for mastering “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- Break the song into sections, practice chord transitions, and use a metronome to work on timing.
- How can I add dynamics to my performance of “Under the Bridge”?
- Experiment with strumming dynamics, playing softly during verses and more pronounced during choruses.
- What should I do if I have trouble with a specific chord change in the song?
- Isolate the problematic change and practice it slowly until it becomes smoother.
- What is the significance of the G#m chord in “Under the Bridge”?
- G#m adds emotional depth to the song. To play it, place your index finger on the first fret of the A string and your middle finger on the second fret of the E string.
- Are there any key changes in the song?
- No, “Under the Bridge” remains in the key of E major throughout.
- How can I make my strumming sound more expressive in this song?
- Pay attention to the dynamics and strumming patterns used during different parts of the song to add expression.
- Is it essential to memorize the lyrics while playing “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- Memorizing the lyrics can help you stay on track, but it’s not mandatory for playing the chords.
- Can I play “Under the Bridge” on a low G or high G tuned ukulele?
- You can play it on either tuning, but the sound and finger spacing may vary slightly.
- What are the chord transitions like in the chorus of “Under the Bridge”?
- The chorus uses the chords A-F#m-G#m-E, creating a melodic progression.
- What is the significance of the F#m chord in “Under the Bridge”?
- F#m adds depth to the song’s progression. To play it, place your index finger on the first fret of the E string and your middle finger on the second fret of the G string.
- Can you recommend any famous ukulele covers or performances of “Under the Bridge” for inspiration?
- While there may not be many ukulele-specific covers, watching acoustic guitar covers can provide valuable insights for ukulele players.
- What is the overall feel or mood I should aim to convey when playing “Under the Bridge” on the ukulele?
- Strive to capture the song’s introspective and emotional atmosphere by emphasizing smooth chord transitions and dynamics.
Song Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the song “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers:
- Inspired by a personal experience: Anthony Kiedis, the lead vocalist of Red Hot Chili Peppers, wrote the lyrics to “Under the Bridge” based on his struggles with drug addiction and the feeling of alienation he experienced during that time. The bridge in the song refers to a specific location in Los Angeles where Kiedis would go to find solace.
- John Frusciante’s impact: Guitarist John Frusciante played a crucial role in the creation of “Under the Bridge.” He came up with the distinctive guitar riff that drives the song and helped shape its overall sound. Frusciante’s melodic and atmospheric guitar work is a defining characteristic of the track.
- Studio magic: The recording process for “Under the Bridge” included some unique production techniques. The bridge section of the song features a reversed guitar solo, which was achieved by recording the solo normally and then playing it backward during mixing.
- Chart success: “Under the Bridge” became one of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ biggest hits. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it their highest-charting single at the time. The song’s commercial success helped propel the band to mainstream popularity.
- Award recognition: The song earned critical acclaim and received several awards and nominations. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1993. Additionally, “Under the Bridge” was ranked number two on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Best Songs of the 1990s.”
- Enduring popularity: Over the years, “Under the Bridge” has remained a fan favorite and a staple in Red Hot Chili Peppers’ live performances. It continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing its lasting impact and emotional resonance.
Text Version of Chords
[Intro]
D F# D F#
D F# D
F#
[Verse 1]
E B C#m G#m A
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner
E B C#m A
Sometimes I feel like my only friend
E B C#m G#m A
Is the city I live in the city of an_gels
E B C#m A
Lonely as I am together we cry
[Verse 2]
Emaj7 E B C#m G#m A
I drive on her streets 'cause she's my compa_nion
E B C#m A
I walk through her hills 'cause she knows who I am
E B C#m G#m A
She sees my good deeds and she kisses me windy
E B C#m A Emaj7
I never worry now that is a lie
[Chorus]
F#m E B F#m
I don't ever want to feel like I did that day
E B F#m
Take me to the place I love take me all the way
E
I don't ever want to feel
B F#m E
Like I did that day take me to the place I love
B F#m E B C#m G#m A
Take me all the way yeah yeah yeah
[Verse 3]
E B C#m A E B C#m G#m A
It's hard to believe that there's nobody out
there
E B C#m A
It's hard to believe that I'm all alone
E B C#m G#m A
At least I have her love the city she loves me
E B C#m A Emaj7
Lonely as I am together we cry
[Chorus]
F#m E B F#m
I don't ever want to feel like I did that day
E B F#m
Take me to the place I love take me all the way
E
I don't ever want to feel
B F#m E
Like I did that day take me to the place I love
B F#m A Am G6 Fmaj7
Take me all the way yeah yeah yeah
[Interlude]
A Am G6 Fmaj7
Ooh no no no yeah yeah
A Am G6 Fmaj7
Love me I say yeah yeah
Fmaj7 E7 Gmaj7
[Bridge]
A Am G6 Fmaj7
Under the bridge downtown is were I drew some blood
A Am G6 Fmaj7
Under the bridge downtown I could not get enough
A Am G6 Fmaj7
Under the bridge downtown forgot about my love
A Am G6 Fmaj7 A
Under the bridge downtown I gave my life away
[Outro]
Am G6 Fmaj7
Yeah, yeah yeah
A Am G6 Fmaj7
Oh, no, no, no, no, yeah yeah
A Am G6 Fmaj7
Here I stay, yeah yeah
A Am
Here I stay
G6 Fmaj7 A Am G6 Fmaj7 A Am
G6 Fmaj7 A Am G6 Fmaj7 A Am
G6 Fmaj7 A
