About This Piece
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's medley of Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World, recorded in a single take in a Honolulu recording studio in 1988, is one of the most beloved recordings in history. The combination of Iz's ukulele arrangement transposed to fingerstyle guitar creates something magical — simple enough for beginners, but emotionally profound enough to move any audience.
This fingerstyle guitar arrangement stays true to the gentle, hopeful spirit of Iz's version while adapting it for six strings.
The Original Story
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole called the studio at 3 AM and asked if he could record. He arrived, sat down, and recorded the entire piece in one take. The recording was released in 1993 and has since appeared in over 200 films and television shows. It's a perfect piece of music — simple, honest, and deeply moving.
The Arrangement
This guitar arrangement uses a simple arpeggio pattern throughout, letting the iconic melody ring clearly above a warm harmonic foundation.
Right-Hand Pattern
The basic pattern is a rolling arpeggio:
- Thumb: Bass string (string 5 or 6)
- Index: String 3
- Middle: String 2
- Ring: String 1
Repeat in a consistent flowing motion throughout the piece.
Chord Progression
The progression is beautifully simple:
Verse: C — Em — F — C — F — C — G — Am — F — C — G — C
Chorus: F — C — G — Am — F — C — G — C
Memorize these two progressions and you have the whole song.
Learning This Piece
Week 1: Chords
Learn each chord shape and practice moving between them smoothly. Focus on C → Em, F → C, and G → Am transitions, which are the most frequent.
Week 2: Right-Hand Arpeggio
Practice the rolling arpeggio pattern on a single chord (C works well). Get it smooth and even before adding chord changes.
Week 3: Put It Together
Combine chord changes with the arpeggio. Start at 50% tempo and gradually increase.
Week 4: Melody
Emphasize the melody notes (usually on string 1 or 2) by playing them slightly louder. This is what transforms it from exercise to music.
Why This Is Perfect for Beginners
Over the Rainbow teaches:
- Arpeggio patterns — the foundation of fingerstyle guitar
- Smooth chord transitions — essential for all guitar playing
- Melody emphasis — how to make one note sing above others
- Musical expression — a piece that rewards feeling, not just technique
With just 5 chords and one repeating pattern, this is an ideal first fingerstyle piece for guitarists ready to move beyond strumming.