Somewhere Over the Rainbow — ukulele chords
Play Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole on ukulele: the chords as tap-to-hear diagrams, the progression you can play and transpose, and the theory behind it — in C major. Free.
The chords
Every chord in Somewhere Over the Rainbow, as a tap-to-hear ukulele shape (standard gCEA). The little numeral is its role in C major.
Hear the progression
Israel's beloved medley opens C–Em–F–C, then F–C–G–Am–F — a warm climb and gentle fall. Press play, and drag the Key control to move it to wherever your voice sits.
Why it works on ukulele
The recording that made the ukulele world-famous. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's version is the reason many people picked up the instrument — and it's very playable once your chord changes are smooth.
The theory
It leans on big, warm major chords (C, F, G) with the iii (Em) and vi (Am) adding colour. The C–Em–F opening climbs the scale under a rising melody; the whole arrangement is built on plain, honest functional harmony, which is what gives it that timeless, hopeful glow.
More ukulele songs
Browse all ukulele chords · ukulele scales
Educational analysis only. We don't reproduce lyrics, melodies, sheet music or recordings — chord progressions, keys and scales are shared facts of music theory. Song and artist names are used for identification and commentary; ThunderFret is not affiliated with or endorsed by any artist.
Switch the tool to ukulele to see these shapes across the neck, hear them, and jam the progression with a band. Free.
Open the interactive toolFrequently asked
What are the ukulele chords for Somewhere Over the Rainbow?
Somewhere Over the Rainbow uses C, Em, F, G, Am, in the key of C major. Israel's beloved medley opens C–Em–F–C, then F–C–G–Am–F — a warm climb and gentle fall.
Is Somewhere Over the Rainbow easy to play on ukulele?
The recording that made the ukulele world-famous. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's version is the reason many people picked up the instrument — and it's very playable once your chord changes are smooth.
What key is Somewhere Over the Rainbow in?
C major. It leans on big, warm major chords (C, F, G) with the iii (Em) and vi (Am) adding colour. The C–Em–F opening climbs the scale under a rising melody; the whole arrangement is built on plain, honest functional harmony, which is what gives it that timeless, hopeful glow.