Fingerstyle Ukulele Tutorial: Too Good At Goodbyes

Hey ukulele enthusiasts! 👋 Ever wanted to learn Sam Smith's emotional ballad, "Too Good at Goodbyes," on your ukulele using a cool fingerstyle arrangement? Well, you're in the right place! This comprehensive fingerstyle ukulele tutorial will break down the song into easy-to-manage parts, ensuring you can play it beautifully, even if you're a beginner. We'll cover everything from the basic chords to the intricate fingerpicking patterns, making sure you grasp every nuance of this heartbreaking tune. Get your uke ready, and let's dive into this amazing "Too Good at Goodbyes" ukulele tutorial! We will make sure you become too good at playing this song!

This tutorial aims to make learning "Too Good at Goodbyes" accessible for ukulele players of all levels. Whether you're just starting your ukulele journey or you're a seasoned player, this tutorial is designed to guide you step-by-step. We'll start with the fundamental chords, which are the building blocks of the entire song. Then, we'll move on to the fingerpicking patterns, which add that signature touch to the song, making it sound so emotive and pretty. I'll provide clear diagrams and explanations, so you won't feel lost or confused. I want this to be fun and engaging, so I'll also share some tips and tricks to make your playing even better. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to play "Too Good at Goodbyes" with confidence and flair. So, let's learn how to play this beautiful song together! You'll be impressing your friends and family with your amazing ukulele skills in no time. This fingerstyle ukulele tutorial will not only help you master a fantastic song but also improve your overall ukulele playing skills.

Chords You'll Need

Before we begin, let's gather all the ukulele chords you'll need for this song. Don't worry, they're not too tricky! You'll primarily be working with:

• Am (A minor): This is a very common chord and will be a frequent visitor in this song. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
• G: Another classic. Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the E string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the C string.
• C: A simple one! Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.
• F: A bit of a stretch, but you got this! Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string, and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with these chords. Practice transitioning between them smoothly. This is super important because smooth transitions are a key element in playing any song on the ukulele. The better you get at switching between these chords, the better the song will sound. If you are struggling, I suggest you take it slow at first. Build up your muscle memory and speed gradually. Remember, practice makes perfect. Make sure you're fretting the chords correctly. Use the tips of your fingers to press down on the strings just behind the frets. That will give you a clear and crisp sound. Also, pay close attention to your strumming hand. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed. This will help you achieve a consistent rhythm and avoid fatigue. Keep in mind that a good technique will help you play the ukulele more comfortably and efficiently. So, take your time and enjoy the process!

Fingerpicking Patterns: The Heart of the Song

Alright, guys and girls, now comes the fun part: the fingerpicking patterns! This is where we bring the song to life! The fingerstyle arrangement for "Too Good at Goodbyes" is relatively simple, but it sounds incredible. We'll break it down step by step.

1. Basic Pattern: The most common fingerpicking pattern used in this song is typically a variation of thumb-index-middle-index. Start by using your thumb (T) to pluck the C string, your index finger (I) for the E string, your middle finger (M) for the A string, and then your index finger (I) again for the E string. This is the core rhythm.
2. Chord Progression: The song follows a chord progression. Practice the fingerpicking pattern with each chord. For example, for the Am chord, pluck the C string with your thumb, the E string with your index finger, the A string with your middle finger, and then the E string with your index finger again.
3. Practice Slowly: Start slowly! Don't rush. The goal is accuracy, not speed, at this stage. Focus on getting the timing and the plucking right before you try to speed things up. It's way easier to learn the song when you play it slowly first.
4. Listen Carefully: Listen to the original song to get a feel for the rhythm and how the fingerpicking interacts with the vocals. This will help you understand the flow and dynamics of the song. Imitation is the best way to develop skills. Try to emulate the original artist by paying attention to the way they play the song.

Putting It All Together: Your First Run-Through

Now, let's put it all together! Here's a basic structure of the song. Remember, this is a simplified version to get you started. The original song has a more intricate structure, but this will work well for a ukulele beginner.

• Intro: Start with the G chord and play the fingerpicking pattern.
• Verse 1: Am - G - C - F. Repeat the fingerpicking pattern for each chord. This part is about getting comfortable with the chord changes. Make sure you smoothly transition between the chords without pausing.
• Chorus: G - C - G - C. The chorus is the most important part of the song and has a more simple chord progression. The goal is to make it sound great. Make sure you bring out the emotion of the song. Pay attention to dynamics – play softer during some parts and build up to the louder parts during the chorus.
• Verse 2: Same as Verse 1.
• Chorus: Same as Chorus.

As you practice, keep in mind the emotional impact of the song. The song is very heartfelt, so try to convey that emotion in your playing. Adjust your dynamics and strumming style to fit the mood. Think about how the song makes you feel, and let that influence your playing. This is a very emotional song, so it is important to reflect the emotion in your playing. Playing with feeling will make it more enjoyable. Make sure to express your emotions by increasing or decreasing the volume of the song.

Tips for Success and Advanced Techniques

Want to take your "Too Good at Goodbyes" ukulele rendition to the next level? Here are some extra tips and tricks:

• Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Even 15-30 minutes of practice a day can make a big difference.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you maintain a steady tempo and improve your timing. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Listen to the Song: Listen to the original song repeatedly to get familiar with the nuances and phrasing.
• Record Yourself: Record yourself playing and listen back. This is a great way to identify areas for improvement.
• Experiment: Once you're comfortable, try adding your own flair to the fingerpicking patterns. Experiment with different rhythms and finger placements to make it your own. You can try changing the order of the fingers or adding in some extra notes.

Conclusion: You've Got This!

That's it, folks! You've just learned the basics of playing "Too Good at Goodbyes" on your ukulele using a beautiful fingerstyle arrangement. Remember, the key to success is practice and patience. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't sound perfect right away. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun! Music is about expressing yourself, so enjoy the process and let your emotions shine through your playing.

This ukulele tutorial is designed to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for all skill levels. If you follow this tutorial, you should be able to play this song easily. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can learn to play this song. You'll be able to play it with confidence and precision. So, grab your ukulele, and start strumming. You are on your way to playing one of the most beautiful songs of the year. Keep practicing and enjoying the music! The more you practice, the better you will become. You will amaze yourself with how fast you'll learn to play and sound like a pro. Congratulations and keep playing! 🎉