Fingerstyle Ukulele Tutorial: 'Too Good At Goodbyes'

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Fingerstyle Ukulele Tutorial: 'Too Good at Goodbyes'

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into a fingerstyle ukulele tutorial for Sam Smith's mega-hit, "Too Good at Goodbyes." This song is a fantastic choice for ukulele players of all levels because it offers a beautiful melody, a bit of a challenge with fingerpicking, and it sounds absolutely gorgeous on the ukulele. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or a more experienced player looking to refine your fingerstyle, this tutorial has something for you. We'll break down the chords, the fingerpicking pattern, and some tips and tricks to make your playing sound as smooth and emotional as the original. Let's get started, guys!

Chords and Basic Structure of 'Too Good at Goodbyes'

Alright, before we get our fingers dancing on the strings, let's talk about the chords you'll need. Don't worry, it's not a crazy amount, and once you get the hang of them, you'll be able to play the whole song. The main chords used in "Too Good at Goodbyes" are: G major, C major, Em (E minor), and D major. These chords are pretty common in ukulele music, so chances are you might already know them. But hey, a little refresher never hurt anyone, right?

  • G Major: 0232
  • C Major: 0003
  • E Minor: 0432
  • D Major: 2220

Those numbers represent the frets you press down on each string. Starting from the string closest to you (the G string), it's G, C, E, and A. For example, for G major, you press the second fret on the E string, the third fret on the A string, and the second fret on the E string again. Keep in mind that accurate chord changes are very important, and you should practice switching between these chords smoothly before tackling the fingerpicking pattern. You can find diagrams of these chords online if you need a visual guide. Just search for "ukulele chord diagrams" – you'll find tons of resources. The basic structure of the song mainly follows a pattern of G, C, Em, and D. You will notice that this chord progression repeats throughout the verses, pre-chorus, and chorus.

Before we start with fingerpicking, focus on changing between these chords. This is often the biggest hurdle to overcome when learning a new song. Practice switching between the chords slowly at first, ensuring that each chord rings out clearly and that your transitions are smooth. Try strumming each chord four times, then switching to the next chord. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Remember, consistency is key! Don't get discouraged if it takes some time; everyone learns at their own pace. Playing the song with fingerstyle may be hard initially, but keep practicing. Before you know it, you will get better at fingerstyle.

Fingerpicking Pattern: Bringing 'Too Good at Goodbyes' to Life

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the fingerpicking pattern! This is where you'll bring the song to life and make it sound like the beautiful ukulele cover you've always dreamed of playing. The fingerpicking pattern we'll use for "Too Good at Goodbyes" is a relatively simple, yet effective pattern that captures the song's emotional depth. The most important thing to grasp here is your finger placement on the strings. This will affect the tone of your ukulele when playing. It typically involves the thumb (p), index finger (i), middle finger (m), and sometimes the ring finger (a). I'll use the following finger notation for the picking pattern below: p-i-m-i. I know that can look a little confusing at first, but trust me, it’s not that bad when you get to know it well!

Here’s a breakdown of the pattern to play in a 4/4 time signature. This means there are four beats in each measure. We'll start by breaking the pattern into steps, and you'll find out that it is easier than you expected:

  1. G string (thumb): Play the G string (the lowest-pitched string) with your thumb (p).
  2. C string (index): Play the C string with your index finger (i).
  3. E string (middle): Play the E string with your middle finger (m).
  4. C string (index): Play the C string with your index finger (i).

Repeat this pattern throughout the song. This simple pattern creates a beautiful, flowing sound that suits the song perfectly. The goal is to create a constant rhythm that underpins the chord changes. In fingerstyle, you want to maintain a constant rhythm so the song doesn't sound choppy. It's really the foundation of the sound. Remember, the key to mastering fingerstyle is consistency and practice. Practice the fingerpicking pattern slowly at first, focusing on the placement of your fingers and the clarity of each note. This is super important! The goal is to make sure each string rings out clearly. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the speed. You should focus on making your finger movements as smooth and precise as possible. It’s always tempting to rush, but taking your time will improve your accuracy and the overall quality of your playing.

Putting it All Together: Playing 'Too Good at Goodbyes' Fingerstyle

Okay, now that you've got the chords and the fingerpicking pattern down, let's put it all together. This is where the magic happens, guys! Here's how to play "Too Good at Goodbyes" fingerstyle, step by step:

  1. Verse 1: Start with the G major chord. Play the fingerpicking pattern (p-i-m-i) on the G major chord for four bars. Then, change to C major and play the pattern for four bars. Next, switch to E minor and play the pattern for four bars, and finally, play D major for four bars.
  2. Pre-Chorus: The pre-chorus will follow the same pattern as the verse, mainly the chord progression (G, C, Em, and D). But it might differ a little in the number of times you play each chord. Listen to the original song to get the rhythm right. You can adjust your chord changes to fit the timing perfectly.
  3. Chorus: The chorus often uses the same chords but might have a slightly different strumming pattern or a different rhythm. Listen to the original song to get the rhythm right. And you can experiment with different strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques to add your own personal touch.
  4. Verse 2, Pre-Chorus, Chorus: Repeat the above steps to get through the entire song.
  5. Tips and Tricks: There might be a bridge or a different section, so keep an ear out for those sections. Experiment with muting the strings a little bit to create different textures and dynamics. Playing the ukulele is all about expressing yourself. If you are learning the song, it’s totally normal to start slow and stumble through transitions. That’s okay! The most important thing is to enjoy the process and have fun. When you get better, focus on making your fingerpicking as smooth and expressive as possible. This involves practice and consistent practice. Remember, the more you practice, the more natural it will feel, and the better your playing will sound. Good luck!

Enhancing Your Fingerstyle Ukulele Playing: Tips and Techniques

Beyond just playing the song, here are some tips and techniques that will help you improve your fingerstyle ukulele playing in general. These are just some techniques that may help you get better at fingerstyle.

  • Practice Regularly: This is the most crucial tip! Even short, consistent practice sessions are more effective than sporadic, long sessions. Try to set aside some time each day or at least several times a week to practice. That way, you won’t have to relearn everything. Regular practice will build muscle memory and improve your coordination. Make practice part of your daily routine. That will make it easier to stick to your practice schedule.
  • Start Slow: It's tempting to want to play the song at full speed right away. But, take things slow, especially when you're first learning a new song or a new technique. This will allow you to build accuracy and ensure that each note rings out clearly. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
  • Listen Actively: Listening to the original song carefully will help you understand the rhythm, the phrasing, and the overall feel of the song. Pay attention to how the chords are played and how the vocals are delivered. This will help you learn the song and replicate its style.
  • Use a Metronome: A metronome is a valuable tool for developing your timing and rhythm. Use it to keep a steady beat while you practice your fingerpicking patterns and chord changes. If you are having trouble, the metronome will show you how fast or how slow you should be playing. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you improve. There are many free metronome apps available for your phone or tablet.
  • Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a great way to identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your recordings and pay attention to your timing, accuracy, and overall sound. You can also compare your playing to the original song to see how you are doing. Don't be too critical of yourself. We all start somewhere!
  • Experiment with Dynamics: Try varying the volume of your playing. Play some parts softly and others more loudly to create interest and emotion. This will make your playing much more engaging. In particular, fingerstyle is all about dynamics, so make sure to take advantage of them!
  • Explore Different Fingerpicking Patterns: Once you master the basic fingerpicking pattern for “Too Good at Goodbyes,” try experimenting with other patterns. This will help you develop your skills and add variety to your playing. This is all about exploring and expressing your own feelings.
  • Learn from Others: Watch ukulele tutorials, listen to other ukulele players, and take lessons from a qualified instructor. Learning from others can help you to learn new techniques and improve your playing. There are many resources available online and offline. If you’re serious about your ukulele, consider taking some lessons. You might have to step outside of your comfort zone, but it’s totally worth it!
  • Have Fun! Playing the ukulele should be enjoyable. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes or if it takes you a while to learn a song. Just keep practicing and have fun!

Conclusion: Your 'Too Good at Goodbyes' Ukulele Journey

There you have it, guys! That's how you can learn to play "Too Good at Goodbyes" on your ukulele using a fingerstyle technique. Remember, the key to success is consistent practice, patience, and a genuine love for music. Don't be afraid to experiment, to make mistakes, and most importantly, to have fun! With practice and dedication, you'll be playing this beautiful song like a pro in no time. If you got stuck, or if you had any questions, always remember there are tons of tutorials. Keep practicing, keep playing, and keep the music alive! So grab your ukulele, start practicing those chords and fingerpicking patterns, and get ready to serenade your friends and family with this amazing song. Have fun and happy strumming!