Want to learn your first ukulele song? “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is the perfect place to start! In this tutorial, we’ll break down everything you need to know to play this timeless classic. Let’s dive in!
Written by Kai Capumpue / Published January 5, 2024
Last updated: N/A
Follow along with our FREE practice sheet:
Download “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” Ukulele Practice Sheet
What We’ll Cover:
- Strumming Pattern: Simple and easy to follow.
- Chords: Clear instructions for each chord.
- Playthrough: Put it all together and strum along.
Getting Started: Assigning Numbers to Your Fingers
Before diving into the song, let’s get our finger numbers straight:
- Index finger = 1
- Middle finger = 2
- Ring finger = 3
- Pinky = 4
Note: The thumb stays behind the fingerboard all the time, so it’s not included.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Strumming Pattern
Keep it simple with a basic “down, down” pattern that repeats throughout the song. Using your thumb for these downstrokes is perfect for beginners, allowing you to focus on getting comfortable with the movement.
Essential Ukulele Chords
You’ll only need three chords for this song:
1. C Chord
- Place your ring finger (3) on the third fret of the first string
2. F Chord
- Index finger (1) on the first fret of the second string
- Middle finger (2) on the second fret of the fourth string
3. G Chord
- Index finger (1) on the second fret of the third string
- Middle finger (2) on the second fret of the first string
- Ring finger (3) on the third fret of the second string
Playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the Ukulele
The song follows a simple pattern of these three chords. As you play, maintain that steady “down, down” strumming pattern while transitioning between chords. The lyrics naturally guide you through the chord progression, making it easier to remember when to switch.
Ukulele Practice Tips
- Start slowly, focusing on clean chord transitions.
- Make sure each string rings clearly when it is strummed.
- Practice the strumming pattern separately before combining it with chord changes.
- Use the lyrics to help time your chord transitions.
Why Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Is Perfect for Beginners
This song is ideal for newcomers because it uses simple chords, has a straightforward strumming pattern, and follows a melody everyone knows. It’s the perfect way to build confidence while learning basic ukulele techniques.
Want to see how it all comes together? Try playing along with the video. Remember, you can always stop or slow down the playback speed to suit your level.
With regular practice, you’ll be able to play Twinkle Twinkle on ukulele confidently in no time. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and mastering these fundamentals will set you up for success with more complex songs in the future.
Kai Capumpue
Video Editor/ContributorKai is a passionate music instructor from the Philippines with over a decade of teaching experience. Hooked on the ukulele since 2011, Kai loves sharing the joy of this versatile instrument with players of all levels. When not teaching, Kai enjoys creating engaging content as a video editor and graphic designer.
