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“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train Ukulele Chords

by Brett McQueen

Get the ukulele chord chart and diagrams for Train’s famous ukulele single Hey, Soul Sister off their “Save Me, San Francisco” album.

This song is a must-know ukulele pop song classic that is sure to impress. Hey, Soul Sister is a song often credited to the resurgence of the ukulele’s popularity in recent years. You’ll want to be sure to learn how to play this song and add it to your repertoire.

Hey Soul Sister Ukulele Chords

Let’s take a look at how to play this song.

“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train Ukulele Chord Diagrams

As a four chord song, there aren’t going to be a lot of chords to learn, however, the song is played in the key of E, which means you’ll have to incorporate some barre chords.

Watch this lesson to learn how to play the E major chord on ukulele.

Here are the chords you will need to know:

E major

B major

C#m

A major

“Hey, Soul Sister” Ukulele Lesson Video

In this video, I give you an inside look at how Train played and performed Hey Soul Sister on ukulele.

Feel free to use the following chord chart as a reference!

“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train Ukulele Chords

E
    
B
       
C#m
     
A

Heeey, heeeey, heeeey!

      
E

Your lipstick stains
B
                       
C#m
              
A

On the front lobe of my left side brains
                      
E

I knew I wouldn’t forget you,
                   
B
              
C#m
  
A
  
B

And so I went and let you blow my mind
      
E

Your sweet moonbeam,
B
                
The smell of you 
         
C#m
             
A

in every single dream I dream
                 
E

I knew when we collided,
                         
B

You’re the one I have decided
                
C#m
    
A
   
B

Who’s one of my kind

A

Hey soul sister
B
               
E
     
B
       
A

Ain’t that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo
     
B
                  
E
        
B

The way you move ain’t fair you know
A

Hey soul sister
B
               
E
      
I don’t want to miss a 
B
       
A
             
B

single thing you do…
  
E

Tonight
    
B
        
C#m
     
A

Heeey, Heeeeey heeeey!

E

Just in time,
B
                      
I’m so glad you have a 
C#m
                 
A

one track mind like me
                    
E

You gave my life direction
                  
B
          
A game show love connection, 
          
C#m
  
A
  
B

we can’t deny
     
E

I’m so obsessed
B
                               
My heart is bound to beat right 
C#m
               
A

out my untrimmed chest
              
E
   
I believe in you, 
                          
B

“Like a Virgin,” you’re Madonna,
                     
And I’m always gonna 
C#m
                 
A
    
B

want to blow your mind

A

Hey soul sister
B
               
E
     
B
       
A

Ain’t that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo
     
B
                  
E
        
B

The way you move ain’t fair you know
A

Hey soul sister
B
               
E
      
I don’t want to miss a 
B
       
A
             
B

single thing you do…
  
E

Tonight
    
B
        
C#m
     
A

Heeey, Heeeeey heeeey!

     
E

The way you can cut a rug,
B
                              
C#m

Watching you’s the only drug I need
   
C#m

You’re so gangsta, I’m so thug,
            
A

You’re the only one I’m dreaming of
     
E
                          
B

You see, I can be myself now finally,
                                
C#m

In fact there’s nothing I can’t be
            
B
                  
A
        
B

I want the world to see you’ll be with me

A

Hey soul sister
B
               
E
     
B
       
A

Ain’t that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo
     
B
                  
E
        
B

The way you move ain’t fair you know
A

Hey soul sister
B
               
E
      
I don’t want to miss a 
B
       
A
             
B

single thing you do tonight
A

Hey soul sister
B
               
E
      
I don’t want to miss a 
B
       
A
             
B

single thing you do…
  
E

Tonight
    
B
        
C#m
     
A

Heeey, Heeeeey heeeey!
  
E

Tonight
    
B
        
C#m
     
A

Heeey, Heeeeey heeeey!
  
E

Tonight

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    84 Comments

    1. Thomas (France)

      Hey man!

      First thanks for your website, it’s pretty awesome and it helps me a lot! I’m a beginner at ukulele, and your videos, tricks and chords library are perfect for me.

      However I’ve got a small problem with this song: what is the strumming pattern? Thanks!

      Keep up the good work 😉

      Reply
      • Brett

        Thanks, Thomas! I’m glad you like Ukulele Tricks! I want to eventually create a video explaining the strumming pattern for this song. I would say though it’s most comparable to the strumming pattern for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” which I explained and taught here. It’s very similar. The tempo’s might be slightly different and the chords will be different. Let me know if that helps you out!

        Reply
        • Thomas (France)

          Oh great! I’m actually also learning Somewhere over the rainbow. But I do guess it’s the same strumming pattern, but without picking the G chord before strumming?

          Reply
          • Brett

            I still pluck the top string for Hey Soul Sister with my thumb for some of the chord changes, but you could probably substitute the thumb pluck with a down strum too.

            Reply
            • Thomas (France)

              Ok great, thanks for your help 🙂

    2. dale

      nice job,well,done,Bravo,
      Thank you,thank You very much,…Love,…g.o.d.d,
      (good ol’ dale don’tchaknow)

      Reply
      • Brett

        Thanks, Dale! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Gracie Lyons

      I love this website it is great!!! I am only 13 but i have a ukulele and can’t wait to look at more music!!!:p

      Reply
      • Brett

        Do it! 😀

        Reply
    4. josh

      ukulele is beautiful its easy to know the chords

      Reply
    5. Hannah

      Thanks for this, I love the website but I can’t quite get the fingering for E major. It may just be my small hands but I don’t know.

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
      • Brett

        Hey Hannah,

        E major is definitely tricky. There are two ways you might play it. I like it to play it using my index finger to barre all strings on the second fret. I then use my ring finger to bar the top three strings on the fourth fret.

        If you have smaller fingers and hands, you might try instead, placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the bottom string, middle finger on the 4th fret of the top string, ring finger on the 4th fret of the second to top string, and then your pinky on the 4th fret of the second to bottom string. I don’t do this way because my fingers are too fat and won’t fit. 🙂

        Hope this helps.

        Reply
        • Ben

          I also prefer to bar the second fret and use my ring finger to then bar the 3 strings on the 4th fret, same way I play an E major on the 7th fret of a guitar……but, I’ve seen many people play E major by just barring the 3 strings on the 4th fret and muting the very bottom string by just letting the finger touch it so that it makes no sound at all. A little less pleasing, but much easier to play…..

          Reply
          • Brett McQueen

            Great recommendation.

            Reply
          • Richard

            Or you can tune your uke like Jimmy Stafford, with the low G tuned up to an A. Makes all the chords easier…

            Reply
            • Stephanie

              Hi Richard,
              What do you mean “low g tuned up to an A”? I’m new to playing, would you explain physically how I would do this?

      • Nicole

        Hannah,
        Instead of E, you can use C. Instead of B you can use G. Instead of C#m you can use Am. Instead of A you can use F. its what I do and it’s way easier and sounds better. just make sure you have a capo on the 4th fret.

        Reply
        • Brett McQueen

          Great tip, Nicole!

          For anyone who is interested in getting more information about changing the key of a song (transposing), check out this lesson here:

          http://www.ukuleletricks.com/how-to-transpose-a-song/

          Reply
          • Rachel

            Can you explain how capos are used and what they do exactly please? 🙂
            Thanks 🙂

            Reply
            • Brett McQueen

              Capos are used to barre all four strings of the ukulele on any fret. This allows you to transpose the key. For example, in “Hey Soul Sister” if you place a capo on the fourth fret and use the chords C, G, Am, F to play the song, while you’re playing chords in the key of C, you’re technically playing in the key of E major because the capo transposes those chords to “sound” in E major. For more about transposing, check out this lesson here:

              http://www.ukuleletricks.com/how-to-transpose-a-song/

    6. Steve

      I am thinking of starting the ukulele, but i already play the guitar and I am confused with the notes and chords, should I still join? Also, does a really expensive ukulele make a difference rather than a really cheap one?

      Reply
      • Brett

        Steve, definitely download my free lesson book if you haven’t already. I go over chords, strumming patterns, and some songs. You already got a leg up on others just starting since you play the guitar.

        Generally, you get what you pay for when it comes to ukulele. Typically, the more you pay, you’re paying for a ukulele constructed out of solid wood versus a laminate or plywood. You can get a decent solid wood ukulele for anywhere from $300+. The higher you go, you are usually paying for the frills like pearl inlays, finishes, etc.

        This is all to say you can get a really great quality, entry-level ukulele for $100 – $200. I’d suggest going to a music store and trying some out!

        Reply
    7. grace

      hey i was just wondering if you are going to do a strumming pattern for this song?? thanks (:

      Reply
      • Brett

        I actually teach this song and strumming pattern in my video lesson course “Ukulele Strumming Tricks”! You can check that out here:

        http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-strumming-tricks/

        Reply
    8. Emma

      Hey, I’ve downloaded your e-book and have learnt a couple of basic songs and Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World but I can’t get the hang of the chord C#m :\ Any assistance? I have pretty small hands

      Reply
      • Brett

        C#m is a tough chord! This is because you have to barre the strings. It takes awhile for your fingers and hand to build up strength to get enough pressure on the strings to let the chord ring out clearly. The best thing is practice.

        However, you might check out our chord library and see if there are any variations for the C#m chord that would be easier for you to play. You can take a look here:

        http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-chords/

        Reply
    9. rachel

      hi Brett!!!
      i absolutely love this website, i am still a beginner, at my ukulele, but i can now play hey soul sister, trouble, and hallelujah (plus a bunch of little kid songs =) ) but i have trouble with singing and playing at the same time, and was wondering if you could help, and maybe if you have free time posting a tutorial on just some pointers and advice
      thx so much!!!!

      Reply
      • Brett

        You’re in luck! 🙂 I actually wrote a post about singing and playing at the same time:

        http://www.ukuleletricks.com/how-to-sing-and-play-ukulele-at-the-same-time/

        Reply
    10. Nopliss

      What about us with balls? We would need chords a little higher (or lower) to be able to sing this song. Thanx.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Haha, yes. Check out this lesson on changing the key of a song:

        http://www.ukuleletricks.com/how-to-transpose-a-song/

        Reply
    11. Nicole

      can you please give me the strum pattern for this song??
      ex: d-dudu (wat ever it is…)
      its all i need then i can play the song 🙂

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Nicole, you’re actually on the right track. The strumming pattern is down, down up, down up, down up played to a count of four. The biggest part to playing this strumming pattern is accenting beats 2 and 4 to create a pulse of sorts.

        Reply
        • Nicole

          wats the count of 4 mean??? and the accenting beats 2 and 4 to create a pulse of sorts… wats tht mean?? (sorry jus starting ukullele)

          Reply
          • Brett McQueen

            No problem! Check out my video lesson “Ukulele Strumming Patterns for Beginners.” It gives a good introduction to strumming and explains how a count works and how to play to one:

            http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-strumming-patterns-for-beginners/

            Reply
    12. Annie

      Love this song! This was super helpful 🙂 I’m also a singer/songwriter and was given a uke for my birthday a few days ago from my bf 🙂 Ive fallen in love with the cheerful sound!!! 😀 Can’t wait to get writing on my uke aswell 🙂
      Thanks again for this site, love it!

      Reply
    13. Randy

      Hey Brett! On the chord sheet there seems to be two chords stacked one on top the other. It only appears that way on the left side of the page. Is this a quick change or what? I’m way new, but you’ve gotten me through Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Maybe you can work your magic here! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Randy, I’m trying to figure out what two chords you are talking about. Did you print this page? I wonder if somehow the text printed weird and squished the chords on top of each other. Just let me know! I’d love to help.

        Reply
    14. Amanda

      Can you post the chords for more english pop songs? Would appreciate it, love your site!! Very helpful 🙂

      Reply
    15. Juschilin'

      With the A Major, i don’t get how it works?! It’s not possible is it?!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        How do you mean? Can you explain the issue you are facing in a bit more detail?

        Reply
    16. Laneie

      Hey, does anyone have any recommendations for memorizing chords?

      Reply
      • Laneie

        Why do comments go under under moderation?

        Reply
        • Brett McQueen

          Unfortunately, some people spam the comments, so I have to approve them. Next time you comment you won’t have to wait to get approved.

          Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Repetition is key in this. Your fingers and your brain need that repetition of the chord positions to remember. After awhile, it’ll become second nature where you don’t have to think about it!

        Reply
    17. Vikki

      What does it mean when you show a double chord over a lyric:
      For example:

      ‘I don’t wanna miss a single thing you do’- the is a B and then another B under it

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Vikki, great questions! The B chord at the tail end of that line is changed to when in the middle of singing “do.” I’d recommend taking a listen to the video to hear how these chords change over this line.

        Reply
    18. Hope

      I noticed in the Chord Library you had different variations for each chord. What are the some of the more simple chord variations for the four chords in this song? Thank you for creating such a clear and informative website!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        If the key of E major is too difficult right now (it’s a tough key), I would suggest transposing the song to the key of C major. This means the chords would change like so: E = C, B = G, C#m = Am, and A = F. This means the chord progression would become C, G, Am, F.

        Reply
    19. Aurora

      Hi Brett, I was wondering if you could put this song up, my mom really likes it and I was trying to learn it for her birthday but I can’t find the right chords anywhere! Thanks
      Aurora

      Reply
      • Aurora

        sorry I forgot to put this on :]
        I’ll see you in my dreams * Gus Kahn / Islam Jones
        (as performed at the Concert For George by Joe Brown)

        Reply
    20. Kobe

      Hey Brett. Im new with the ukulele but i have learned a handful of songs like somewhere over the rainbow, what a wonderful world, im yours, lucky, price tag, the a team, i get the first part of hey soul sister i just cant get the switching of chords in the lyrics it is tricky. Thanks and i love this website only had the ukulele for 3 days and this website has really helped me… need help on hey soul sister chorus thanks

      Reply
      • Ricky

        In the chorus after “hey soul sister” aint that mister * switch up down* switch up down * A major the whenever you see the chord do the same process

        Reply
    21. cole

      What would you tune the ukulele or put the cabo

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        To playing in C major, using the chords C, G, Am, F, you would put the capo on the fourth fret to “sound” the song in the key of E major. This would allow you to play along with the audio recording of the song.

        Reply
    22. leah

      Thank you for this awesome website. I play the piano and would like to play the ukulele to play this song (and Jason Mraz’s I’m yours) for my daughter to sing along. Of course I’ve never played one before. On Amazon there’s a ukulele for $122, it’s called Oscar Schmidt OU5 Concert Ukulele. You said you get what you pay for and when you pay even more you get all the inlays, and pretty stuff. I just want a really good one without the pretty stuff. Since I won’t know about the quality of a ukulele in a music store (since I don’t know how to play one at all), I’d like to see what you think …is this one of good quality? Thank you so much.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Leah, I’ve played the OU5 at local music stores around here and it would be a great ukulele. It held tune for me just fine and sounded great! You can’t go wrong with that choice if you’re new to the ukulele.

        Reply
    23. ermalyn

      hi how do i do the fingerings like 2nd finger on the third fret on the 4th string and stuff like that- i having trouble

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Ermalyn, I’m afraid I don’t fully understand the question. Can you be a bit more specific? I’d love to help you out!

        Reply
    24. Kriskind

      Brett it’s cool but I don’t know the strumming pattern

      Reply
    25. Adit Vaddi

      Hi,
      I’m a bit confused. The e Major chord show here is different from the E major chord show on the ” 11 must know uke chords for beginners” Why is the e major different?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Adit, chords can be played in different positions and variations around the ukulele fretboard. Since chords are made up of individual, separate notes. If you rearrange the order in which you play those individual notes on each string of the ukulele, you get different chord positions. You can check out variations on different chord positions in my ukulele library here:

        http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-chords/

        Reply
    26. Davina Jones

      You’re doing a great job! Uke is such a wonderful instrument and having someone give helpful tips and tricks is invaluable for newcomers and old hands alike. This song is great fun to play and your lessons on blues fingering were ace. Thanks for doing what you do!

      Reply
    27. Joesph Dail

      Hi Brett Mcqueen!!! I have a really big problem, I seem to have trouble on playing the E chord any tips?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Joseph, I like to use my index finger to barre the 2nd fret and then I like to use my ring finger to barre the top three strings at the 4th fret. It’s a tough chord for sure and takes a lot of practice.

        Reply
    28. Kate

      I have a soprano uke tuned English. Do I need to tune it differently to make the chords sound like those in your “Hey Soul Sister” video? Or would I need a capo? I saw your answer to “Cole” previously, but wasn’t sure if this is what you meant.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Kate, if you are tuned in English tuning, I’m assuming you are tuned up a whole step to aDF#B. If so, you would need to tune your strings down a whole step to standard tuning (gCEA). Unfortunately, a capo wouldn’t be of much use in order to play along with me unless you wanted to capo at the 10th fret, which is really impractical.

        Reply
    29. Allyson

      How do you strum throughout this song?

      Thank You!

      Reply
    30. Richard Tingle

      I play the E chord with my index finger on the first fret of the G, my middle or ring on the second fret of the A, and my pinky on the fourth fret of the C because when I try to bar the chord I do not get a good sound. Do you think this is a good way to play the E chord?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Richard, this is a good way to play an E chord as well. The challenge for most people with this position is the stretching required.

        Reply
    31. Sarah Taufiq

      Hi! I’m a beginner. Can I know the the strum pattern?

      Reply
    32. Ashlee

      Hey, I was wondering, when playing the chords, if my fingers don’t reach, I use my thumb for the higher strings. Is that an alright thing to do?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Ashlee, I’ve seen ukulele players do this. Some would say this is bad technique but if your fingers are too small to reach, then I think it’s just fine to do this. I’m always trying to find ways to make it easier to play chords.

        Reply
        • Marion

          Hi, I’m new here! That youtube was so awesome yet so annoying all at the same time. I just wanted to watch the Ukulele player the whole time. I got the strumming stored its just the E chord I’m having trouble with. Usually it’s not a problem but with this particular sequence of chords its so tricky!! I’m trying to barre the 2nd fret and the top three on fret 4 as you suggested above but I can’t keep the A string open on the 4th fret- If you get what I mean!??!! Practice practice practice… Your website is awesome btw. Aroha nui from NZ

          Reply
    33. Liam

      Playing A up the neck is easier I think. 4246, especially since c#m is 4446

      Reply
    34. Josh

      Hey man, i got my first uke but the strings seem really loose on them and it affects my strum when i strum up. do you think its just needing a change of strings? it is a pretty budget ukulele just something to get started on i guess.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Josh, it could be the strings. Also, I’d make sure that you’re ukulele is tuned correctly. You might be tuned a little too low, which would make the strings looser. Check out my lesson on tuning here: http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-tuning-how-to-tune-your-ukulele/

        Reply
    35. Ellie

      This is awesome
      I’m twelve and I own a ukulele. I go to a Performing Arts school so I gotta learn 5 instruments. And this was my audition piece 😀 Thankie

      Reply
    36. Bryce

      I don’t read the notes because it is hard for me, so I just go on websites like yours and lean the songs that way is that good???

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Everyone has different goals and ambitions when it comes to playing an instrument. There’s nothing wrong with that.

        Reply
    37. alex

      is there any other variations of E? im not getting the hang out of that chords either

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Alex, check out the Ukulele Tricks chord library to get some E variations:

        http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-chords/

        It’s a tricky chord for sure.

        Reply
    38. Sofia

      I do love this. The chords are perfect. I’m not sure if they’re the right key, but having a nearly perfect ear, I can say that they sound just right!! Even then, who cares if it’s in the same key? Excellent chart, I love it!!!

      Reply

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