A year ago, as part of my Daily Music Writing Project, I arranged We Shall Overcome for both high‑G and low‑G ukulele. I’m grateful I blogged about it at the time—because I had completely forgotten I’d done it! Yesterday, I revisited the song using only a lead sheet and ended up writing an entirely new chord‑melody arrangement. To my surprise, it turned out quite different from last year’s version. And honestly? It’s better. Here’s why.
Why do I think this new chord melody arrangement is better than my previous one?
- richer harmony – a result of working on my next book in the Pick Pluck Play Series “C Major Scale with Harmony” and reharmonizing hymns for my weekend church gigs, I am departing from the expected three diatonic chords. The I – IV – V is the raison d’etre for 3 Chord Thursday and now it’s a launch pad for so much more, an open invitation to a bigger harmonic universe.
- what’s easy and fun for fingerpicking – what comes naturally is worth repeating for ease and reenforcement – I’m paying attention to what feels natural and easy
- left hand techniques – let the fretting fingers produce the special “slur” sound as well as the main function of determining pitch. This is a different sound from detached short notes.
While this traditional hymn can be harmonized using only four diatonic chords, exploring colors beyond the key enriches the harmonic palette and deepens the emotional impact of this moving spiritual when played instrumentally.
Which sounds better? the G#dim7 or the Cdim chord at the end?
Simply put, I love playing this arrangement. It’s making me wonder whether I should revisit all my earlier chord‑melody creations—and maybe even compile another book (yes, another addition to the Pick Pluck Play! Series) focused entirely on my arrangements.
I’ve already shared Silent Night as a bonus piece in Book 2, and Pachelbel’s Canon made its way into the World Ukulele Day Special Edition. Perhaps it’s time to gather the rest and give them a home of their own.
Martin Luther King, Jr Day
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I’m offering this arrangement as a thank‑you to everyone who has boldly purchased my new book in the Pick Pluck Play Series, Step by Step to Chord Melody.
If you’ve bought a copy, just contact me and let me know and I’ll give you access to the one‑page PDF of this arrangement.
It’s my gift to you.
In the play along video below, I play this hymn twice on my Romero Creations spalted mango ST Concert high G ukulele. The only difference in the repetition is the chord I use in beats 3 and 4 in bar 12 (illustrated above). The first time, I use G#dim7. The second time, I use Cdim. Which sounds better?
