Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, I'll show you how to play "Blue Skies" on baritone ukulele in the key of Am/C. This song was written by Irving Berlin and published in 1926. It's been recorded by artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Willie Nelson, and its sunny lyrics and interesting chord progressions make it a favorite among all ages after almost a hundred years!
You can purchase the lead sheet here: abigailflowersmusic.com/new-products/blue-skies
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - introduction
0:36 - chords
1:35 - suggested strum pattern
3:03 - play-through (see end of video for a slowed down version with scrolling lead sheet)
4:13 - note on fingering/chord transitions
5:15 - play through at 80% speed with scrolling lead sheet
This tutorial/arrangement doesn't require you to use any barre chords, but it is challenging in its own way. The chords sometimes change quickly, so you'll really benefit from memorizing a few chords (not just relying on chord diagrams) if you can!
I originally put together this arrangement as a lesson for my Patreon patrons--that's a platform where I share baritone ukulele lessons based on public domain and original music every week. If you loved this lesson, you might like to join us over at patreon.com/abigailflowersmusic.
LYRICS:
Blue skies smiling at me,
Nothing but blue skies do I see
Bluebirds singing a song,
Nothing but bluebirds all day
Never saw the sun shining so bright,
Never saw things going so right
Noticing the days hurrying by
When you're in love, my how they fly
Blue days, all of them gone
Nothing but blue skies from now on
In this video, I'll show you how to play "Blue Skies" on baritone ukulele in the key of Am/C. This song was written by Irving Berlin and published in 1926. It's been recorded by artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Willie Nelson, and its sunny lyrics and interesting chord progressions make it a favorite among all ages after almost a hundred years!
You can purchase the lead sheet here: abigailflowersmusic.com/new-products/blue-skies
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - introduction
0:36 - chords
1:35 - suggested strum pattern
3:03 - play-through (see end of video for a slowed down version with scrolling lead sheet)
4:13 - note on fingering/chord transitions
5:15 - play through at 80% speed with scrolling lead sheet
This tutorial/arrangement doesn't require you to use any barre chords, but it is challenging in its own way. The chords sometimes change quickly, so you'll really benefit from memorizing a few chords (not just relying on chord diagrams) if you can!
I originally put together this arrangement as a lesson for my Patreon patrons--that's a platform where I share baritone ukulele lessons based on public domain and original music every week. If you loved this lesson, you might like to join us over at patreon.com/abigailflowersmusic.
LYRICS:
Blue skies smiling at me,
Nothing but blue skies do I see
Bluebirds singing a song,
Nothing but bluebirds all day
Never saw the sun shining so bright,
Never saw things going so right
Noticing the days hurrying by
When you're in love, my how they fly
Blue days, all of them gone
Nothing but blue skies from now on
