Perform 'Hey Jude'
Learn to perform "Hey Jude" by practicing melody, lyrics, and simple chords; rehearse with family or a recording, then perform confidently.
Step-by-step guide to perform "Hey Jude"
Step 1
Gather your instrument and printed lyrics and sit in your quiet practice space.
Step 2
Tune your instrument so it sounds right before you start practicing.
Step 3
Do a short vocal warm-up by humming and doing gentle lip trills for a minute.
Step 4
Listen once to a clean recording of "Hey Jude" to hear the melody and mood.
Step 5
Sing only the melody of the first phrase using "la" or humming until you know the tune.
Step 6
Read and memorize the first small chunk of lyrics until you can say them from memory.
Step 7
Learn the simple chord shapes on your chart (for example C G Am F) and practice each shape until it rings clearly.
Step 8
Practice switching between two chords slowly until your hands move smoothly.
Step 9
Add a simple steady strumming or chord rhythm and play it slowly while keeping the chords steady.
Step 10
Sing the memorized lyric chunk while playing the chords very slowly until both feel comfortable together.
Step 11
Perform the whole song confidently for a family member or friend as a dress rehearsal.
Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of printed lyrics or a guitar if we don't have them?
If you don't have printed lyrics, pull up the words on a phone or tablet while you 'Listen once to a clean recording', and if you lack a guitar try a ukulele or keyboard to practice the 'simple chord shapes (C G Am F)'.
My chords buzz or my hands can't switch smoothly—what should I do?
When chords don't ring during 'Learn the simple chord shapes' or 'Practice switching between two chords', use a tuner app to confirm tuning, press strings closer to the frets, and repeat slow two-chord switches until your hands move smoothly.
How can I adapt this activity for a 5-year-old versus a 12-year-old?
For a 5-year-old, shorten the task to humming the melody from 'Sing only the melody', memorizing one tiny lyric chunk, and practicing only C and G with a simple clap rhythm, while a 12-year-old can add Am and F, learn more complex 'strumming or chord rhythm', and record a full 'dress rehearsal' to share.
How can we make the final performance more creative or challenging?
To enhance the project, create a colored chord chart for 'Learn the simple chord shapes', invent a short bridge after your memorized lyric chunk, try different strumming patterns during 'Add a simple steady strumming', and decorate or film your 'dress rehearsal' to post on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to perform "Hey Jude"
Hey Jude Guitar Lesson For Beginners - Easy Chords and Strumming
4 Videos
Hey Jude Guitar Lesson For Beginners - Easy Chords and Strumming
Hey Jude by The Beatles - Guitar Chords and Lyrics Tutorial with Demo and Vocal Parts @TeacherBob
![Hey Jude The Beatles Guitar Lesson Tutorial [Guitar Play Along for Beginners]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/LP0Ecfu6Ot8/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Jude The Beatles Guitar Lesson Tutorial [Guitar Play Along for Beginners]
Hey Jude Guitar Lesson for Beginners - 5 Chord Song!
Facts about vocal performance and basic chords
🏆 "Hey Jude" hit number one in many countries, including both the UK and the US, and remains one of the Beatles' most famous songs.
🎵 "Hey Jude" was released as a single in 1968 and runs 7 minutes 11 seconds—one of the longest singles to top the charts.
🎤 Paul McCartney still often closes concerts with "Hey Jude," and its long "na-na-na" coda makes it a legendary sing-along finale.
👶 Paul McCartney wrote the song to comfort Julian Lennon and first called it "Hey Jules" before changing the name.
🎻 The studio recording includes a large orchestra arranged by George Martin—about 36 musicians joined the Beatles.
How do I teach my child to learn and perform 'Hey Jude'?
What materials do I need to practice 'Hey Jude' with my child?
What ages is learning and performing 'Hey Jude' suitable for?
What are the benefits of practicing and performing 'Hey Jude' with my child?
One subscription, many ways to play and learn.
Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required