Let's dive into the world of Bridgit Mendler and her awesome song, "Hurricane," but with a fun twist – playing it on the ukulele! For those of you who don't know, Bridgit Mendler isn't just an actress; she's also a super talented musician. And "Hurricane" is one of those songs that just sticks with you, you know? It’s catchy, it’s got a great vibe, and it sounds amazing on the ukulele. This article is your complete guide to mastering "Hurricane" on your uke, from understanding the chords to strumming patterns and even adding your own flair to it. So grab your ukulele, and let's get started!

Why Ukulele?

First off, let's talk about why the ukulele is such a fantastic instrument. It’s small, it’s portable, and it’s super easy to learn. Unlike the guitar, which can be intimidating with its six strings, the ukulele only has four. This makes it much simpler to form chords and strum along to your favorite songs. Plus, the ukulele has this bright, cheerful sound that just makes everything sound better. Seriously, try playing a sad song on the ukulele – it’s almost impossible to stay down! And when it comes to playing songs like "Hurricane," the ukulele adds a unique, playful touch that you just can't get with other instruments. Think about it, the original song has a certain pop energy, but translating it to the ukulele gives it this intimate, acoustic feel. It's like hearing a brand new version of a song you already love, and who wouldn’t want that? The ukulele is also great for beginners because you can quickly learn a few basic chords and start playing tons of songs. There are countless online resources, tutorials, and communities dedicated to ukulele players. You can find everything from chord charts to strumming patterns to complete song tutorials. So, if you’re new to the ukulele, don’t worry – you’ll be strumming along to “Hurricane” in no time!

Understanding the Chords

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – the chords! "Hurricane" by Bridgit Mendler primarily uses a few simple chords that are perfect for ukulele beginners. We're talking about chords like C, G, Am, and F. These are some of the most common ukulele chords, and once you learn them, you'll be able to play a huge range of songs. Let's break them down one by one:

• C Chord: This is often the first chord that ukulele players learn. To play it, simply place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. Easy peasy! The C chord has a bright, happy sound that forms the foundation of many songs.
• G Chord: The G chord might seem a little trickier at first, but with a bit of practice, you'll get it down. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. The G chord adds a rich, full sound to your ukulele playing.
• Am Chord: Am, or A minor, is a slightly melancholic chord that adds depth to "Hurricane." To play it, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. The Am chord is used in countless songs to create a sense of longing or introspection.
• F Chord: The F chord can be a bit of a challenge for beginners, but don't let it intimidate you! There are a couple of ways to play it. The easier way is to place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Alternatively, you can try the barre chord version, where you barre your index finger across the 1st fret of both the E and A strings, and then place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. The F chord adds a bright, uplifting feel to your playing.

Now, the key to mastering these chords is practice, practice, practice! Start by practicing each chord individually. Get comfortable with the finger placements and try to get a clean, clear sound. Once you can play each chord consistently, start practicing transitioning between them. This is where things can get a little tricky, but don't get discouraged. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. There are tons of great online resources that can help you with chord transitions. YouTube tutorials, chord charts, and ukulele communities are all great places to find tips and tricks for making smooth transitions. Remember, everyone starts somewhere! Even the most experienced ukulele players had to learn these chords at some point. So, be patient with yourself, keep practicing, and you'll be strumming along to "Hurricane" in no time.

Strumming Patterns for "Hurricane"

Okay, so you've got the chords down. Now, let's talk about strumming patterns. The strumming pattern you choose can really change the feel of a song. For "Hurricane," a simple and effective strumming pattern is down-down-up-down-up. This pattern gives the song a nice, steady rhythm that’s easy to follow. But don’t feel limited to just this one pattern! Feel free to experiment and find what sounds best to you. Here are a few variations you can try:

• The Basic Pattern: As mentioned, the basic pattern is down-down-up-down-up. Start slow and focus on keeping a consistent rhythm. Use a metronome or a drum machine to help you stay in time.
• Adding a Mute: Try adding a mute to your strumming pattern to give it a bit more of a percussive feel. To do this, lightly touch the strings with the palm of your strumming hand to create a muted sound. You can try muting on the up strums or the down strums, or even both!
• Syncopation: Syncopation involves emphasizing the off-beats in a strumming pattern. This can give the song a more complex and interesting feel. Try emphasizing the up strums in the down-down-up-down-up pattern.
• Fingerpicking: For a more delicate and intimate sound, try fingerpicking the chords instead of strumming them. This involves plucking individual strings with your fingers. You can find fingerpicking patterns online or create your own.

When you're practicing your strumming, remember to keep your wrist loose and relaxed. This will help you maintain a consistent rhythm and avoid fatigue. Also, don't be afraid to get creative! Try different strumming patterns and see what sounds best to you. The most important thing is to have fun and make the song your own. Experiment with different rhythms and dynamics. Try playing louder on certain parts of the song and softer on others. This can add a lot of emotion and expression to your playing.

Putting It All Together

Alright, you've learned the chords, you've practiced the strumming patterns, and now it's time to put it all together! Start by playing the song slowly and focusing on making smooth transitions between the chords. Don't worry about speed at first. The most important thing is to get the chords and strumming pattern down. Once you're comfortable playing the song slowly, gradually increase your speed. Use a metronome to help you stay in time and make sure you're not rushing. As you become more comfortable with the song, start adding your own personal touches. Experiment with different strumming patterns, dynamics, and even chord voicings. The goal is to make the song your own and have fun with it!

Here’s a simplified chord progression for “Hurricane” to get you started:

(Verse 1) [C]I've been down this [G]road before [Am]Everything's the [F]same [C]But I can't help but [G]wonder what's in [Am]store [F]Calling out your name

(Chorus) [C]Like a hurricane, [G]you came and changed [Am]Everything I've [F]known [C]Like a hurricane, [G]you're blowing through my [Am]brain [F]Spinning me around

Remember, this is just a simplified version. The full song may have some variations in the chord progression. You can find the full chord chart online by searching for "Hurricane Bridgit Mendler ukulele chords." Also, don't be afraid to transpose the song to a different key if it's more comfortable for you to sing. There are plenty of online tools that can help you transpose chords quickly and easily. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of learning to play "Hurricane" on the ukulele!

Adding Your Own Flair

Now that you've got the basics down, let's talk about adding your own personal flair to "Hurricane." This is where you can really make the song your own and show off your unique style. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Chord Variations: Try substituting some of the basic chords with more advanced voicings. For example, instead of playing a standard C chord, try playing a Cmaj7 or a C6. These chords add a bit of color and sophistication to the song.
• Adding a Strum: Incorporate a ukulele strum into your rendition. It's like a ukulele solo, where you play a melody or riff on the ukulele while the vocals take a break. This can be a great way to showcase your instrumental skills.
• Changing the Strumming Pattern: Experiment with different strumming patterns to find one that suits your style. Try adding a mute, a syncopation, or even a completely different rhythm.
• Changing the Tempo: Speed up or slow down the tempo of the song to create a different mood. A faster tempo can make the song feel more upbeat and energetic, while a slower tempo can make it feel more intimate and introspective.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to adding your own flair to a song. The most important thing is to have fun and express yourself. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. You might be surprised at what you come up with!

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to the ukulele, learning to play "Hurricane" might seem a bit daunting. But don't worry, with a little bit of practice and patience, you'll be strumming along in no time! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start Slow: Don't try to learn the song too quickly. Start by mastering the chords and strumming pattern separately. Once you're comfortable with each element, gradually put them together.
• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the faster you'll improve. Try to set aside some time each day to practice your ukulele playing. Even just 15-20 minutes a day can make a big difference.
• Use Online Resources: There are tons of great online resources that can help you learn to play the ukulele. YouTube tutorials, chord charts, and ukulele communities are all great places to find tips and tricks.
• Be Patient: Learning to play an instrument takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get there.
• Have Fun: The most important thing is to have fun! Playing the ukulele should be an enjoyable experience. If you're not having fun, you're less likely to stick with it. So, relax, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Conclusion

So there you have it – your complete guide to playing "Hurricane" by Bridgit Mendler on the ukulele! With a little bit of practice and patience, you'll be strumming along to this awesome song in no time. Remember to start slow, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to add your own personal flair. And most importantly, have fun! The ukulele is a wonderful instrument that can bring you years of enjoyment. So grab your uke, start strumming, and let the "Hurricane" take you away!