Right Here Waiting Ukulele Chords: Learn To Play!

by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the beautiful world of ukulele playing? Today, we're tackling a classic love song that's perfect for expressing your feelings: "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx. This timeless ballad sounds amazing on the ukulele, and with a few simple chords, you'll be serenading your loved ones in no time. So, grab your uke, and let's get started!

Understanding the Chords

Before we jump into the full song, let's break down the essential ukulele chords you'll need to master. Don't worry if you're a beginner; these chords are relatively easy to learn and play. We'll go through each one step-by-step, so you feel confident before putting them all together.

C Major (C)

The C Major chord is a fundamental chord that's used in countless songs. On the ukulele, it's incredibly simple to play. All you have to do is place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. That's it! Strum all four strings, and you've got a bright, cheerful C Major chord. This chord will give the song a sense of stability and resolution, making those heartfelt lyrics really resonate. Practice transitioning to and from this chord with the others in the song to make your playing smoother.

G Major (G)

The G Major chord is another staple in ukulele playing. To form this chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the C string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the E string. Strum all four strings, and you'll hear the full, rich sound of the G Major chord. This chord adds a sense of warmth and depth to the song, providing a harmonic foundation that complements the melody beautifully. Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly behind the frets to get a clear, buzz-free sound.

A Minor (Am)

The A Minor chord brings a touch of melancholy and emotion to the song. To play it, place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. That's all there is to it! Strum all four strings, and you'll produce the sweet, sad sound of A Minor. This chord creates a beautiful contrast with the major chords in the song, highlighting the longing and vulnerability expressed in the lyrics. Experiment with different strumming patterns to bring out the emotion in this chord.

F Major (F)

The F Major chord can be a little trickier for beginners, but with practice, you'll get it down. Place your index finger on the first fret of the E string and your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. Strum all four strings, and you'll have the full sound of the F Major chord. This chord adds a richness and complexity to the song, creating harmonic interest and keeping the listener engaged. Focus on getting a clean sound from each string, and don't be afraid to adjust your finger placement until it sounds just right.

"Right Here Waiting" Ukulele Chords

Now that you're familiar with the chords, let's put them together and play "Right Here Waiting" on your ukulele. Here's a simplified chord version of the song that's perfect for beginners:

(Verse 1) [C]Oceans apart, day after [G]day And I [Am]slowly go insane I [F]hear your voice on the [C]line But it [G]doesn't stop the [C]pain

(Chorus) I'm [F]right here waiting for [C]you [G]Every night and day I'm [Am]right here waiting for [F]you

(Verse 2) [C]Wherever you go, whatever you [G]do I will [Am]be right here waiting for [F]you [C]Whatever it takes or how my heart [G]breaks I will [C]be right here waiting for you

(Chorus) I'm [F]right here waiting for [C]you [G]Every night and day I'm [Am]right here waiting for [F]you

Strumming Pattern

For this song, a simple strumming pattern works perfectly. You can use a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. This pattern will give the song a gentle, flowing rhythm that complements the heartfelt lyrics. Focus on keeping your strumming hand relaxed and consistent. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you. Try adding a little emphasis on certain beats to bring out the emotion in the song.

Tips for Beginners

Learning a new song can be challenging, but with a little practice and patience, you'll be playing "Right Here Waiting" like a pro in no time. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

  • Practice Regularly: The key to mastering any instrument is consistent practice. Set aside some time each day to practice your ukulele chords and strumming patterns. Even 15-20 minutes of daily practice can make a big difference.
  • Start Slow: Don't try to play the song at full speed right away. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern. Use a metronome to help you keep a steady beat.
  • Use Online Resources: There are tons of online resources available to help you learn ukulele. YouTube is a great place to find tutorials and lessons. You can also find chord diagrams and sheet music online.
  • Listen to the Original Song: Listening to the original song will help you get a feel for the rhythm and melody. Pay attention to how the different sections of the song flow together.
  • Be Patient: Learning ukulele takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound perfect right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there.

Adding Your Own Touch

Once you're comfortable playing the basic chords and strumming pattern, feel free to add your own personal touch to the song. Here are a few ideas:

  • Fingerpicking: Instead of strumming, try fingerpicking the chords. This can add a delicate, intricate texture to the song.
  • Chord Variations: Experiment with different voicings of the chords. You can find chord diagrams online that show you different ways to play the same chord.
  • Adding a Solo: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a ukulele solo to the song. You can use the melody of the song as a starting point and then improvise your own variations.
  • Changing the Key: If the original key of the song doesn't suit your voice, try transposing it to a different key. You can use a capo to easily change the key of the ukulele.

Conclusion

"Right Here Waiting" is a beautiful and timeless song that sounds amazing on the ukulele. With a few simple chords and a little practice, you'll be able to play this song and impress your friends and family. So, grab your uke, start practicing, and most importantly, have fun! Remember, the goal is to express yourself and enjoy the process of making music. Happy strumming, and keep spreading the love with your ukulele!