Selected Solos for Fingerstyle Ukulele
Free (Notation & TAB)
Selected fingerstyle ukulele solo tunes provided in both notation and TAB.
Für Elise
This famous piano melody originally titled “Bagatelle in A Minor” was composed in 1810. It was written for a woman Beethoven wanted to marry named Therese (nicknamed Elise). Unfortunately the composition didn’t work as the composer hoped and they were not married after all. It is a wonderful short masterpiece nonetheless!
It is arranged in the key of D minor using D minor, A, and F chord shapes in 1st position with a C chord shape in 3rd position, and octave jump up to the 9th position for the repeated note A, and a final D minor barre chord at 5th position. Let the opening notes A and G# on the top two strings ring together to create tension that is resolved with the D minor arpeggio at measure 2. Follow this thinking throughout the piece letting notes ring together as much as possible.
Start very softly following the pianissimo marking (pp). Crescendo into measure 2 for the change in harmony with a diminuendo at measure 13 leading into the repeated A notes in three octaves. The first theme returns to pianissimo again when it returns at measure 15. A final D minor barre chord is used to end the piece at measure 23. Only barre the top three strings with the left hand index finger and use the 3rd finger on the 7th fret.
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Malagueña
Though often credited to Cuban composer and pianist Ernesto Lecuona, Malagueña has a rich and layered history. Originally part of Spanish musical folklore, Malagueña grew from the “fandango”—a fast, rhythmic dance from Málaga. By the 19th century, it evolved into cante libre, a freer vocal style with ornate melodies and guitar accompaniment, no longer intended for dance.
In the late 1800s, Malagueña transformed further, influenced by popular genres like Zarzuelas, into the flamenco form known today. The version most recognize, however, is Lecuona’s composition, the sixth movement of his 1933 suite Andalucia, which quickly became iconic. Jeff’s arrangement draws on Lecuona’s lively style, featuring the signature thumb bassline melody and flamenco rasgueado (strumming) technique.
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Aloha ʻOe
In 1877 Queen Liliʻuokalani traveled to Oahu at the Maunawili Ranch located in the Koolau Mountains. This was the site of the Kalakaua royal family. As she heading back to Honolulu, a young girl gave a lei to Colonel James Aalapuna Harbottle Boyd, who was serving the royal family at the time. The girl said “Aloha” to Col. Boyd, which can mean both “hello” and “goodbye” in Hawaiian. According to stories, the Queen began humming the tune that would become Aloha ʻOe. The song was finally written in 1878.
This solo arrangement is for re-entrant tuning, High G. Itʻs in the key of G Major with the chords G, C, and D7 and is in second position. This means the whole piece will be played with your first finger starting on the second fret. The arrangement uses arpeggiation of the chords with the beautiful melody over top. Focus on being relaxed with the right hand and bring out the melody above the accompaniment.
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Greensleeves
This Elizabethan tune, dating back to 1580 as “A Newe Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves,” has been reinterpreted for centuries. Attributed by some to Henry VIII and even referenced in Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, it later inspired the Christmas carol “What Child is This?”
This arrangement is in A minor and in 6/8 time. Start by playing the melody alone. You can practice transitions from 3rd to 5th position and ensuring a parallel hand placement to the fingerboard. Focus on smooth left-hand shifts and maintaining a relaxed hand position.
Then begin playing the full harmonized version. This introduces expressive 3- and 4-note chords, often rolled from low to high. In measure 2, experiment with an F or F# on the 9th fret. As you move through shifts—like the G to C chord shape at measure 9—keep the left hand light to maintain fluidity across the fingerboard. Follow dynamic markings to bring out the natural flow of the piece.
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Sor Study No.25
This ukulele arrangement of Sor’s Study in B minor, Opus 35 No. 22, adapts the beloved classical guitar piece for the ukulele. The piece was originally written as an etude for developing smoothness and right-hand finger independence. Its lyrical phrasing and flowing arpeggios require clarity and attention to the expressive voice leading throughout.
Jeff’s arrangement has been carefully adapted to keep the harmonic structure intact, allowing ukulele players to experience the beauty of Sor’s composition through a new tonal perspective. The ukulele’s bright timbre highlights the elegance of Sor’s melody and brings a new sound to this classic piece.
Focus on sustaining a steady, flowing rhythm while shaping each phrase with a gentle touch. The arrangement uses fingerings that encourage efficient hand movement across the fretboard. This study provides an excellent way to practice right-hand finger independence and tone control. That makes it a rewarding piece for players to enhance their musicality and technical finesse.
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Delta Blues
In this piece, Jeff Peterson introduces you to the soulful sound of delta blues, adapted specifically for fingerstyle ukulele. Jeff’s original work Delta Blues, walks you through the essential techniques and stylistic elements that define this genre. Played in the key of F, the piece features a classic chromatic walk-down between the IV and V chords, adding a gritty, authentic blues feel. You’ll explore Jeff’s signature “side-slipping” technique, which involves sliding into chords for a smooth yet raw sound. Jeff also walks you through Bending strings to imitate the expressive quality of delta blues guitar.
To capture the rhythm and groove of delta blues, you’ll learn to swing the eighth notes with a triplet feel. Between chord changes, you’ll dive into blues scales, incorporating chromatic slides that give the piece a slide-guitar-like effect. The arrangement concludes with a satisfying resolution from a Gb9 to an F9 chord, a chromatic half-step move that reinforces the root. This is a classic way to end the delta blues.
This piece is a fantastic introduction to delta blues on ukulele, helping you develop a nuanced sense of rhythm, style, and expression on your instrument.
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