All Aboard the Adapted Lesson Train!
I have started teaching adapted ukulele lessons, and over the past couple of months have developed some materials for teaching young children. This song uses the percussive elements of the instrument to imitate the sounds of a train. The rest of the song is used to practice transitioning between chords and can be altered to do some songwriting with your clients.
The song begins by muting the strings of the ukulele (of guitar) and making the “chugga, chugga” in 16th notes for four measures of 4 to imitate the sound of a train. The “choo, choo” sound is made by playing the strings above the fret board but below the tuning pegs.
The rest of the song uses three chords. It is a fun and easy way for children to start to learn an instrument! The lyrics can also be changed to accommodate different interests (i.e. the princess train or the animal train). Below is a chart for the ukulele chords. The ukulele is an easy way to learn the basics of guitar. It has only four strings and so requires the use of less fingers at a time. It is a wonderful introductory instrument and great for all ages!
Railroad Song
Becca Paoni
(Percussion break – 2x)
Verse 1:
C
Train is starting down the track
C
There’s no turning back
F
Going down the railroad
C G G F F
Nice and slow
C
Here we go!
Verse 2:
C
Train is coming down the line
C
Getting there by nine
F
Going down the railroad
C G (slide to) F
Pretty fast
C
Just like that!
Bridge:
F
When we get
C
To our stop
F
We won’t walk
C
We will bop
G
As we rock
G
To the tune of a song!
