Greensleeves for Fingerstyle Ukulele

Learn to play Greensleeves on ukulele in this lesson with Jeff Peterson.

Download the TAB + Sheet music.

Greensleeves

The Elizabethan tune “Greensleeves” dates back to 1580 as “A Newe Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves.” The tune has been reinterpreted many times over the 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?”

Greensleeves was set to the lute in many popular Renaissance settings. Two of the most important are those from the William Ballet Lute Book and that of Francis Cutting. While the lute has six courses, the transition to the four strings of the ukulele works well.

Greensleeves for Fingerstyle Ukulele

This arrangement is in A minor and in 6/8 time. Start by playing the melody alone, practicing 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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We hope you enjoyed this lesson on the popular Renaissance tune Greensleeves! You can get a free PDF of the sheet music at the link below.

Download the TAB + Sheet music.