The ukulele chords for "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole primarily include these five chords: C, Em, F, G, and Am. The chord progression follows this pattern in the chorus and verses:
-
Chorus and main sections:
C Em F C
F C G Am F
C Em F C
F C G Am F -
Verse example:
C G Am F
C G
Am F
The strumming pattern is relatively simple, often taught as a combination of
tap, down strum, and up strum (T, D, U), or a gentle down-up rhythm. Here is
how the chords come together with the lyrics in the chorus: "Somewhere over
the rainbow, way up high"
C Em F C
"And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby"
F C G Am F "And the dreams that you dream of dreams really do come true"
C Em F C
F C G Am F This set of chords and progression repeats throughout the song with
a gentle strumming pattern that matches the mellow vibe of the song.
