Something - Beatles Ukulele Lesson - (Fingerstyle Chord Melody Tutorial)
- Matt Stead
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Something - Beatles Ukulele Lesson - (Fingerstyle Chord Melody Tutorial): Few songs in the Beatles catalogue carry as much beauty and emotional depth as George Harrison’s Something. Whether you’re a Beatles fan, a ukulele player, or both, this piece translates wonderfully to ukulele – especially in a chord melody arrangement.
In this lesson, we’ll explore how to play Something on ukulele using fingerstyle techniques, line clichés, thumb picking, and even harmonics to make your playing shine.
Something - Beatles Ukulele Lesson - (Fingerstyle Chord Melody Tutorial)
Why Something Works So Well on Ukulele
George Harrison’s ballad is a perfect fit for ukulele because:
The melody is lyrical and easy to follow.
The chords sit comfortably on the fretboard.
It’s adaptable for both beginners (strumming) and intermediate players (fingerstyle chord melody).
By learning this song, you’ll also deepen your understanding of arranging melodies and accompaniment together – a skill you can transfer to countless other tunes.
Key Fingerstyle Techniques in This Lesson
1. Line Cliché
A “line cliché” is when the harmony moves step-by-step while the chord stays mostly the same. Harrison used this device beautifully in Something, and it’s a great way to add movement to your arrangements.
2. Thumb Picking
Instead of strumming, use your thumb to pick out the strings. This creates a warm, steady groove that anchors the melody.
3. Harmonics
Natural harmonics add a sparkling, bell-like sound. In this arrangement, you’ll learn where to place them so the ending sounds especially magical.
4. Chord Melody Playing
Chord melody means you’re playing both the chords and the melody at the same time. This turns the ukulele into a “mini orchestra” – and makes Something sound full and complete even without other instruments.
Video Tutorial: Something – Beatles on Uke
Ready to Go Deeper?
🎓 If you enjoyed this lesson, check out my Beatles on Ukulele course, where I teach full arrangements of classics like Let It Be, Yesterday, Here Comes the Sun, and many more:
🎁 Or, if you’re new to my teaching, start with the Free Taster Course:
Final Thoughts
Something is one of those timeless songs that shines on any instrument, but there’s something particularly special about hearing it on ukulele. With a mix of gentle thumb picking, expressive line clichés, and shimmering harmonics, you can capture the magic of George Harrison’s masterpiece in your own hands.
Whether you’re a Beatles fan or just love learning beautiful ukulele arrangements, this lesson will take your playing up a notch.
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