UCL2 - WEEK 6
"MAMMA MIA"

This week, we will be diving another movie classic “MAMMA MIA" by ABBA from the self titled movie, MAMMA MIA. It’s a fun, yet intricate piece to play and sing that requires some technical dynamics to really give the song some rhythm and do it justice to the original.
You will be learning it in the key of D the same as the original song, with some new chords and a variety of strumming patterns, that you have likely tried before - The dramatic chord changes and upbeat tempo make it super fun to play.

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About The Song

"Mamma Mia" became one of ABBA's signature hits and helped catapult the group into global superstardom. The title, inspired by the Italian expression for “My goodness!”, fits perfectly with the dramatic and emotional tone of the song. Initially wasn’t meant to be a single, but due to public demand (especially in Australia), it was released and the rest is pop history!

THE CHORDS 

LEFT HANDED CHORDS

STRUMMING TECHNIQUES

🪕 Technique Focus: This song mainly consists of a combination of Calypso strumming and downbeats with a bit of dampening. The chords on the sheet are colour co-ordinated to help you with the rhythmic structure when playing. 
🎧 Click play below to hear the ukulele part you’ll be learning complete with vocals to guide you through the groove!​ Let the music lead the way before you dive in!

SONG BREAKDOWN 

Please note, videos will be uploaded within 24hours of your class taking place. 

INTRO

🎵 Let’s Ease In with the Intro!
This intro is super simple—just play the D note (that’s the 2nd fret on the C string) for 8 bars.

VERSE 1 & PRE CHORUS

🪕 Groove Mode: Activated!This is where the rhythm really kicks in! You'll ease in with a classic calypso strum, then shift gears into those dampened D and D+ chords—played with a light, snappy touch for a percussive feel.
🎯 Watch for the dynamic changes:
  • Hit single strums on the G and D chords to break the flow
  • Then dive back into the calypso strum on A
  • Finish the section strong with a double shot of down strums just before launching into the chorus!

CHORUS - SOLO

⚡ Chorus Energy – Kick off the chorus with steady down strums on the D chord, then throw in some sharp single strums on G and C for punch and contrast. Slide right back into the calypso strum on G, followed by a double down strum to finish the phrase with flair.
🎶 Then it’s back to that familiar calypso groove, keeping the momentum flowing.
To close out this first chorus section, you’ll return to the intro-style D note—but this time, it’s just 4 bars. Short, sweet, and sets you up perfectly for verse 2!!

Verse 2 - PRE CHORUS - CHORUS

🔁 Repeat the Groove: This verse and pre-chorus & chorus follow the exact same structure and rhythm as those above so you’re already a pro at this part! Keep the groove steady and the energy flowing as you revisit familiar territory.

FINAL CHORUS - OUTRO

This is where we get a bit of chorus repetition for the big ending! The chorus line doubles up with the dampened down strums then kicks back to calyspo and ends with another riff section similar to the into but this time you just need to play 6 bars of that D note - with an extra 1 at the end to finish. Have a listen to the audio

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