Vote for the version you like:
I recently posted an easy chord melody version for Sakura. Chord melody on the ukulele means that you play both the melody and the chords at the same time. It sounds really cool, but has often been reserved for ukulele artists with incredible technique and musical background. I am writing out arrangements that newer ukesters can play, because they are easier.
Your opinion counts
Recently, I got a lot of comments on Facebook about how I could make my versions easier to read. Now I want to know which one you like better, the first or the second. We are trying to create new and better content, so your opinion matters.
I want your opinion on which version is the most accurate. I also want your opinion on which version looks the least intimidating for learning the song.
Please leave your opinion in the comments below.
Sakura chord Melody version 1:
This version has the lyrics and a simple sing and strum version on the top staff of music. The chord melody is written out below and has rhythmic stems added to help the player know what to do.
Sakura chord Melody version 2:
This version has no lyrics. The upper staff is the same as the lower one with all the notes that you play written out.
Jenny and Sakura easy ukulele tutorial
I have always liked Sakura. It reminds me of how much I enjoyed the cherry blossoms on the University of Washington Quad when I was in college. The trees bloomed every Spring there and all the students enjoyed the blossoms. Some of these trees were a gift from the Japanese to the University.
Sakura is in our newest book, 21 Easy Ukulele Folk Songs. If you would like like to learn a much easier version of this song, check out our easy ukulele tutorial for Sakura below. You can also get a copy of our book to learn this song and other easy folk songs.
Get the Sheet Music to Sakura in 21 Easy Ukulele Folk Songs!
I like version 1 with the lyrics better. Lyrics help me follow the melody even when I am not singing.
Thanks. I thought that version looked a little less intimidating as well.
Version one is cleaner and much easier to read. I also appreciate having the lyrics there to help me keep track of where I am in the song.
Hi, I prefer version 1 also. Feels less intimidating.
I appreciate what you’re doing! I prefer the 2nd version as it shows all the notes and would allow us to learn the notes even if we look at the tabs for support. It would be helpful to also have the lyrics though.
Thanks for the feedback.
I like the first version.
I agree with K.
Definitely version 1
No question this is much better for me. If I don’t know the song I have everything there to learn it.
The whole chord gets in the way visually. I would also be happier without the tabs for the same reason.
I love having suggested strumming patterns on the same sheet.
Thanks for all the feedback. I like having all the information on one sheet as well.
I like having lyrics, too.
I read piano music so staff music is fine, but till i get a feel for the strings & their corresponding notation, tabs are easier
I totally get that. My first instrument was piano too.
Version 1 gets my vote.
I’d like a combo with all the notes AND the lyrics. If I have to choose one, I’d go with version one. I agree with K; lyrics do help me follow the song.
Hi Rosemarie,
Thanks for your feedback. I’m working on a “version 4” that has all the notes and the lyrics.
Version 1 is Best!