MODULE 5
MORE CHORDS & SONG 4 - "YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE"
In this module, you’ll explore the beloved song “YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE”, a tune with a rich and somewhat mysterious history with the addition of C7, Am and G7 along with some old familiars, C, & F major.
Officially copyrighted in 1940 by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell, it’s widely believed that the song was first recorded by The Pine Ridge Boys in 1939, sparking speculation that the true, uncredited songwriter may have been Oliver Hood. (Click the hyperlink above to hear it)
Since then, You Are My Sunshine has become one of the most recorded songs of all time — covered by over 350 artists and translated into more than 30 languages. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect choice for ukulele players of all levels.
Officially copyrighted in 1940 by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell, it’s widely believed that the song was first recorded by The Pine Ridge Boys in 1939, sparking speculation that the true, uncredited songwriter may have been Oliver Hood. (Click the hyperlink above to hear it)
Since then, You Are My Sunshine has become one of the most recorded songs of all time — covered by over 350 artists and translated into more than 30 languages. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect choice for ukulele players of all levels.
📄 First Up: Download the Song PDF
Start by downloading the PDF below — it includes the full song structure and arrangement for You Are My Sunshine. Having it handy will help you follow along as you learn and play.
Let’s get started! 🎶
Start by downloading the PDF below — it includes the full song structure and arrangement for You Are My Sunshine. Having it handy will help you follow along as you learn and play.
Let’s get started! 🎶
🎵 Song Structure & Warm-Up
You Are My Sunshine is written in strophic form, which means each verse and chorus follows the same chord progression — making it easier to memorise and play confidently.
🎧 Listen to the track below to get familiar with the feel and flow.
You Are My Sunshine is written in strophic form, which means each verse and chorus follows the same chord progression — making it easier to memorise and play confidently.
🎧 Listen to the track below to get familiar with the feel and flow.
FINGER GYM @80BPM
🖐️ Before jumping into the song, warm up with your finger gym exercise at 80 BPM to get your hands moving and ready to play!
🎸 The Chords You'll NeeD
This song uses five essential chords:
C – C7 – F – Am – G7
Make sure you're comfortable with the finger positions for each of these before moving on. Being confident with these shapes will help you transition smoothly and stay in rhythm as you play.
🔍 Take a moment to review or practise any chords you're less familiar with — it’s worth the time!
C – C7 – F – Am – G7
Make sure you're comfortable with the finger positions for each of these before moving on. Being confident with these shapes will help you transition smoothly and stay in rhythm as you play.
🔍 Take a moment to review or practise any chords you're less familiar with — it’s worth the time!
🎶 Strumming Pattern: The Calypso Strum
For most of this song, you’ll be using the Calypso strum — a fun and flowing pattern that adds a gentle bounce to your playing. Check out the illustration below for strumming instruction.
📺 Watch the video below for a step-by-step breakdown on how to play it, including rhythm tips and hand positioning. Take your time mastering the pattern — once it clicks, it’ll give the song its signature uplifting feel!
This song uses the Calypso strum for the majority of each section, with the occasional sing strums:
📺 Watch the video below for a step-by-step breakdown on how to play it, including rhythm tips and hand positioning. Take your time mastering the pattern — once it clicks, it’ll give the song its signature uplifting feel!
This song uses the Calypso strum for the majority of each section, with the occasional sing strums:
🎶 Song StructurE
You Are My Sunshine is written in strophic form, which means every section follows the exact same chord progression and rhythm — making it simple to learn and repeat.
Each section is made up of 16 bars, so once you’ve mastered the pattern, you’re set for the whole song!
💡 Tip: Watch the Final Line
Pay close attention to the last line of the song:
Each section is made up of 16 bars, so once you’ve mastered the pattern, you’re set for the whole song!
💡 Tip: Watch the Final Line
Pay close attention to the last line of the song:
- In the second-to-last bar, you’ll see C and G7 in the same bar — this means you play two down strums on each chord.
- In the final bar, play one down strum on C on beat 1, then let it ring out for the rest of the bar.
🌟 You’re Doing Great!
You Are My Sunshine is such a fun song to master — and you're nearly there! Once you’ve nailed those single strums at the end, you’ll start to recognise similar rhythmic structures in many other songs.
🎯 Focus on switching smoothly between G7 and C — quick changes here will really boost your overall playing confidence.
You Are My Sunshine is such a fun song to master — and you're nearly there! Once you’ve nailed those single strums at the end, you’ll start to recognise similar rhythmic structures in many other songs.
🎯 Focus on switching smoothly between G7 and C — quick changes here will really boost your overall playing confidence.
AUDO PLAY ALONG TRACKS
YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE: Chords only @ 100BPM
YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE: Chords only @ 110BPM
📥 Download MP3 for Offline Practice
Click the button below to download the full song file — perfect for practising anytime, even when you're offline.
Keep it handy so you can revisit the chords, rhythm, and structure whenever you like. 🎶
Click the button below to download the full song file — perfect for practising anytime, even when you're offline.
Keep it handy so you can revisit the chords, rhythm, and structure whenever you like. 🎶
YOU'RE HALFWAY THERE! Ready to move on to the next module?
👇 Hit the button below and keep the momentum going!
👇 Hit the button below and keep the momentum going!