“Wish You Were Here” is a song by the British progressive rock band Pink Floyd. It was released as the title track of their ninth studio album, “Wish You Were Here,” in 1975. The song was written by Roger Waters and David Gilmour and is widely regarded as one of Pink Floyd’s greatest compositions.
Ukulele Tutorial Video
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern is relatively simple and follows a consistent pattern throughout the song. Here’s a suggested strumming pattern that you can use:
Down, down, up, up, down, up.
You can repeat this pattern for each chord change in the song.
It’s important to note that this is just a general guideline, and you can adapt the strumming pattern to fit your own playing style and interpretation of the song.
Additionally, keep in mind that the song features a prominent acoustic guitar intro played by David Gilmour.
The strumming pattern described above is more applicable to the verses and choruses of the song, while the intro section is more intricate and involves specific fingerpicking patterns.
Learning “Wish You Were Here” Chords on Ukulele: 30 Questions and Answers
- What are the basic chords needed to play “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele?
- The basic chords are C, D, Am, G, and Em.
- How do I play the C chord on the ukulele for this song?
- Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.
- What strumming pattern is commonly used for “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele?
- A common strumming pattern is Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up, but you can experiment with variations.
- Are there any variations in the strumming pattern throughout the song?
- The strumming pattern typically remains consistent throughout the song.
- Can I use a capo when playing “Wish You Were Here” 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 “Wish You Were Here”?
- The verse uses the chord progression C, D, Am, G.
- How do I play the D chord on the ukulele for this song?
- Place your index finger on the second fret of the G string and your middle finger on the second fret of the C string.
- What is the bridge chord progression in “Wish You Were Here”?
- The bridge uses the chord progression Am, G, C, D.
- Are there any barre chords in “Wish You Were Here,” 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 “Wish You Were Here”?
- The song is in the key of G major.
- Can I play “Wish You Were Here” 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.
- Is fingerpicking commonly used for this song, or is strumming the primary technique?
- Strumming is the primary technique for this song, but fingerpicking can be incorporated for variation.
- What is the tempo of “Wish You Were Here”?
- The song is played at a moderate tempo of around 60 BPM (beats per minute).
- How can I achieve the signature sound of “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele?
- Focus on clean chord transitions, gentle strumming, and emotional expression.
- What chord transitions should I focus on to play the song smoothly?
- Pay attention to the changes between C and D, as they occur frequently.
- Are there any chord variations or substitutions I can use to add flavor to my rendition?
- Experiment with different voicings of the chords and add hammer-ons and pull-offs for variation.
- How can I make my strumming sound more dynamic and expressive in this song?
- 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 challenging change and practice it slowly until it becomes smoother.
- Can I find ukulele tablature or chord sheets for “Wish You Were Here” online?
- Yes, you can find chord sheets and tabs for the song on various websites and apps dedicated to ukulele resources.
- What other Pink Floyd songs can I explore after learning “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele?
- You can try “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Comfortably Numb” for more Pink Floyd classics.
- How important is it to sing along while playing “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele?
- Singing along can enhance your performance but is not mandatory.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when playing “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele?
- Avoid muting the strings unintentionally with your fretting hand and maintain consistent strumming.
- Is it essential to memorize the lyrics while playing “Wish You Were Here”?
- Memorizing the lyrics can help you stay on track, but it’s not mandatory for playing the chords.
- Can I play “Wish You Were Here” 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 some effective practice strategies for mastering “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele?
- Break the song into sections, practice chord transitions, and use a metronome to work on timing.
- What is the significance of the Em chord in “Wish You Were Here”?
- Em adds emotional depth to the song. To play it, place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string.
- What is the mood or emotion I should aim to convey when playing “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele?
- Strive to capture the song’s introspective and contemplative atmosphere by emphasizing smooth chord transitions and dynamics.
- How can I add my personal touch to the song when playing it on the ukulele?
- Experiment with different strumming patterns, dynamics, and chord embellishments to make the song your own.
- What is the overall feel of “Wish You Were Here,” and how can I capture it in my playing?
- Aim for a gentle, reflective feel in your strumming and chord changes to match the song’s emotional depth.
- Can you recommend any famous ukulele covers or performances of “Wish You Were Here” for inspiration?
- While there may not be many ukulele-specific covers, watching acoustic guitar covers can provide valuable insights for ukulele players.
My Account of Learning “Wish You Were Here” on Uke.
Learning to play “Wish You Were Here” on the ukulele has been a delightful journey for me. The song’s iconic melody and emotional depth have always resonated with me, and I couldn’t wait to recreate that feeling on my ukulele. Here’s my first-person account of the learning process:
Getting Started: I began by searching for chord charts and tutorials online. The first thing I noticed was the simplicity of the chords: C, D, Am, G, and Em. These chords are relatively beginner-friendly, which was a relief for me since I’m still working on my chord transitions.
Chord Mastery: I focused on mastering each chord individually. Starting with the C chord, I practiced placing my ring finger on the third fret of the A string, ensuring it sounded clear and crisp. The D chord, with its index finger on the second fret of the G string and middle finger on the second fret of the C string, took a bit more practice but felt achievable with time.
Strumming Technique: Strumming was another important aspect of playing “Wish You Were Here.” I experimented with the strumming pattern Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up. Initially, I found it challenging to keep the strumming consistent throughout the song, but I kept practicing.
Chord Progressions: One of the key challenges was transitioning smoothly between chords, particularly between C and D. To address this, I broke the song into smaller sections, focusing on specific chord changes. For instance, I practiced transitioning from C to D repeatedly until it felt natural.
Adding Dynamics: I wanted to capture the song’s emotional depth, so I paid close attention to dynamics. I practiced strumming softly during the verses and adding more intensity during the choruses. This subtle change in strumming dynamics added a beautiful touch to my rendition.
Putting It All Together: As I became more comfortable with the chords, strumming, and transitions, I started playing the full song. The feeling of playing “Wish You Were Here” on my ukulele was incredibly rewarding. I found myself getting lost in the music and the emotions it conveyed.
Memorization and Singing Along: Though not mandatory, I decided to memorize the lyrics to the song. Singing along while playing the ukulele helped me connect more deeply with the music and convey the song’s message effectively.
Personal Touch: While I aimed to stay true to the original song, I also added my personal touch to the performance. I experimented with subtle variations in strumming patterns and chord voicings, making it uniquely mine.
Song Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Pink Floyd’s song “Wish You Were Here”:
- Tribute to Syd Barrett: The song serves as a tribute to Syd Barrett, the band’s former member and creative force during their early years. Barrett had experienced mental health issues and left the band in 1968. The song expresses longing and nostalgia for Barrett’s presence and acknowledges the impact his departure had on the band.
- Conceptual Album: “Wish You Were Here” is the title track of Pink Floyd’s ninth studio album, which bears the same name. The album as a whole explores themes of absence, disillusionment, and the music industry’s effects on artists. It serves as a companion to their earlier album, “The Dark Side of the Moon,” which dealt with similar themes.
- Collaborative Songwriting: The songwriting credits for “Wish You Were Here” are shared by Roger Waters and David Gilmour. This collaboration resulted in the blending of their distinctive writing styles and musical talents, contributing to the song’s emotional depth and musical excellence.
- Unconventional Structure: The structure of “Wish You Were Here” deviates from traditional songwriting norms. It lacks a traditional chorus and features multiple instrumental sections, including the iconic acoustic guitar intro and extended guitar solos. The song’s unconventional structure contributes to its atmospheric and introspective nature.
- Sound Effects: In the song’s opening moments, there are recorded sound effects of a radio being tuned, followed by an abrupt transition into the acoustic guitar intro. These sound effects were intended to create a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, as if the listener is tuning into a radio station and stumbling upon the song.
- Chart Success: Although “Wish You Were Here” wasn’t released as a single in the United Kingdom, it gained significant radio airplay and became a staple of Pink Floyd’s live performances. However, it was released as a single in the United States and reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Cultural Influence: “Wish You Were Here” has had a lasting impact and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. It is considered one of Pink Floyd’s most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a highlight of their discography. Its emotional lyrics and evocative guitar work have made it a classic in the realm of rock music.
Text Version of Chords
[Intro]
Em7 G Em7 G
Em7 A7sus4 Em7 A7sus4
G Em7 G Em7
G Em7 A7sus4 Em7
A7sus4
G
[Verse 1]
C D/F#
So, so you think you can tell
Am
Heaven from hell
G
Blue skies from pain
D/F#
Can you tell a green field
C
From a cold steel rail?
Am
A smile from a veil?
G
Do you think you can tell?
C
Did they get you to trade
D/F#
Your heroes for ghosts?
Am
Hot ashes for trees?
G
Hot air for a cool breeze?
D/F#
Cold comfort for change?
C
Did you exchange
Am
A walk on part in the war
G
For a lead role in a cage?
[Solo]
Em7 G Em7 G
Em7 A7sus4 Em7 A7sus4
G
[Verse 2]
C D/F#
How I wish, how I wish you were here
Am
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl
G
Year after year
D/F#
Running over the same old ground
C
What have we found
Am
The same old fears
G
Wish you were here
[Outro]
Em7 G Em7 G
Em7 A7sus4 Em7 A7sus4
G Em7 G Em7
G Em7 A7sus4 Em7
A7sus4 G Em7 G
Em7 G Em7 A7sus4
Em7 A7sus4 G