How to Play Norwegian Wood on Ukulele – Riffs, Rhythm & Expression
- Matt Stead
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
n it comes to iconic Beatles songs, Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) stands out for its hypnotic riff, unusual rhythm, and mysterious vibe. It's also a surprisingly rich tune to explore on the ukulele! Here's how to play Norwegian Wood on ukulele.
In this lesson, I’ll guide you through playing the distinctive riff, mastering the 6/8 rhythm, and adding expressive touches to really bring the melody to life.
🎶 Why This Song Works So Well on Ukulele - How to play Norwegian Wood on ukulele
Despite being originally played on guitar and sitar, Norwegian Wood translates beautifully to ukulele — especially when you explore it fingerstyle. The repeating riff sits perfectly under the fingers, and the 6/8 time signature gives the song a lilting, flowing feel.
🎯 What You’ll Learn in the Video
🎸 How to play the iconic riff, step-by-step
🕰️ Understanding and feeling 6/8 timing — a lovely rhythmic change from the usual 4/4
✨ Expressive fingerstyle tips to make your version truly musical
🔄 How to bring everything together into a complete solo arrangement
Whether you're newer to chord melody or want to explore expressive playing, this song has a lot to offer!
🧠 Tips for Playing in 6/8 Time
6/8 can feel a bit unfamiliar at first, but think of it as “two groups of three.” Try counting it as:
1 2 3 – 4 5 6 Or even:WALK run-ning run-ning, WALK run-ning run-ning,
Once that groove settles in, you'll find it quite natural — and a joy to play.
🎬 Join the Beatles On Uke course and catch the Full Lesson
🎓 Want More Beatles on Ukulele?
This video is part of my Beatles on Uke course — packed with full arrangements, fingerpicking lessons, and Beatles classics arranged especially for solo uke.
❤️ Final Thought
This tune is more than just a riff — it’s an opportunity to connect emotionally with your playing. Take your time, let the rhythm guide you, and don’t be afraid to play around with tone and feel.
Let me know how you get on — and which Beatles song you’d like to learn next!
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