Perform ' Riptide'
Learn and perform 'Riptide' on ukulele by practicing chords, strumming patterns, and singing, then record or perform your song for others.
Step-by-step guide to perform "Riptide" on the ukulele
Step 1
Tune your ukulele so each string sounds clear and in tune.
Step 2
Get the Riptide chord chart so you know which chords to learn.
Step 3
Place the chord chart where you can easily see it while you play.
Step 4
Practice the first chord on the chart until its notes ring cleanly.
Step 5
Practice the next chord on the chart until its notes ring cleanly.
Step 6
Switch slowly between the two chords until the change feels smooth.
Step 7
Practice a simple strumming pattern slowly while muting the strings or using open strings.
Step 8
Play the chord changes using the strumming pattern at a slow steady tempo.
Step 9
Try singing the first line while playing the chords slowly to match words and chords.
Step 10
Play the whole song through several times and speed up little by little as you get comfortable.
Step 11
Record a video or perform the song for family or friends.
Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a ukulele or a printed Riptide chord chart?
If you don't have a ukulele, use a small guitar or a ukulele app and tune it as instructed, and if you lack a printed chord chart open the Riptide chord chart on your phone or print a digital copy to place where you can easily see it while you play.
My chords buzz or notes don't ring cleanly—what should I check?
If notes don't ring cleanly during 'Practice the first chord' or 'Practice the next chord,' re-tune the strings, press closer to the fret with curved fingers, lift any fingers accidentally muting other strings, and slow your practice until each note rings.
How can I adapt the steps for younger or older kids?
For younger children, shorten sessions to 5–10 minutes focusing on one chord with a large, eye-level chord chart and parent help for tuning, while older kids can practice longer, add the full strumming pattern, and record a video to share.
How can we personalize or extend the activity after we can play and sing the song?
To extend the activity, try new strumming patterns or simple fingerpicking, use a capo to match your vocal range, record multiple takes to make a multi-track backing, or decorate the ukulele and add an intro before you record and share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to perform "Riptide" on the ukulele
Riptide - Vance Joy | EASY UKULELE TUTORIAL
4 Videos
Riptide - Vance Joy | EASY UKULELE TUTORIAL
How to play RIPTIDE on Ukulele - Vance Joy Tutorial - Chords
RIPTIDE - Vance Joy (EASY Ukulele Tutorial & Strum Along)
Riptide - Ukulele Tutorial For Uke Play Along
Facts about ukulele playing for kids
🎵 Riptide was released by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy in 2013 and became his breakout hit.
🪕 The ukulele usually has four nylon strings and was popularized in Hawaii in the late 19th century.
🎸 Riptide is often played on ukulele using just a handful of easy open chords, which is why many beginners learn it first.
🎤 Vance Joy is the stage name of James Keogh, who wrote Riptide and performs it with a sing-along style.
🎶 A common beginner ukulele strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up — perfect for the bouncy rhythm of Riptide.
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