If you’re a dude, and you play this song for some lovely lady you fancy after, you might just have a chance. The good thing about this song is that it’s pretty easy to play. The only thing is that it might be pretty hard to sing. Nonetheless, here are the ukulele chords for “Trouble” by Never Shout Never (scroll down to see the chords).
Chords Used in “Trouble”
This song only uses three chords: Bb, Eb, and F. Here’s how you play them. Be sure to check out our ukulele chord library for more variations on these chords.
Bb major
Eb major
F major
“Trouble” video
The following video is an audio file of “Trouble” so you can play along with it. Because there isn’t a whole lot of instrumentation in the recording, it should be pretty easy to hear what the ukulele is doing.
“Trouble” Chords by Never Shout Never
Bb
Bb
I’m in trouble, I’m an addict
Bb
Bb
I’m addicted to this girl
Eb
Eb
She’s got my heart tied in a knot
Eb
Eb
And my stomach in a whirl
Bb
Bb
But even worse I can’t stop calling her
Bb
Bb
She’s all I want and more
Eb
F
I mean damn what’s not to adore
Bb
Bb
I’ve been playing to much guitar
Bb
Bb
I’ve been listening to jazz
Eb
Eb
I called so many times
Eb
Eb
I swear she’s going mad
Bb
Bb
Bb
Bb
And that cellular will be the death of us
Eb
F
I swear, I swear
Bb
And oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Eb
Oooh oooh oooh
Bb
I’m running my mouth just like I got her
Eb
F
But I surely don’t
Bb
Because shes so-o-o-o-o-o-o
Eb
Rock and roll
Bb
And out of my league
Eb
Is she out of my league?
F
Let’s hope not
Turn:
Bb
– Bb
– Bb
- ---Bb
Bb
I’m in trouble, I’m so cliche
Bb
Bb
See that word just wears me out
Eb
Eb
Makes me feel like just another boy
Eb
Eb
To laugh and joke about
Bb
Bb
But even worse I can’t stop calling her
Bb
Bb
I love to hear that voice
Eb
F
And honestly, I’m left with no choice
Bb
Bb
I’ve been playing to much guitar
Bb
Bb
I’ve been listening to jazz
Eb
Eb
I called so many times
Eb
Eb
I swear she’s going mad
Bb
Bb
Bb
Bb
And that cellular will be the death of us
Eb
F
I swear, I swear
Bb
And oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Eb
Oooh oooh oooh
Bb
I’m running my mouth just like I got her
Eb
F
But I surely don’t
Bb
Because shes so-o-o-o-o-o-o
Eb
Rock and roll
Bb
And out of my league
Eb
Is she out of my league?
F
Let’s hope not
Bb
And oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oooh oooh oooh ooh ooh oooh oh
I think that this will be the first song I learn after the two in the book you made!
Sweet! It’s a good one if you are just starting out. Have fun! 🙂
Haaa…. this song made me laugh. It sounds like I should sing this to my wife!! The three chords won’t be a problem to remember for a “3-week-Uke-beginner” like me.
Ha! I think your wife would love it if you started singing and playing songs like this to her! 😀
I’ve been playing the ukulele for almost three days and I’m quite happy that I can play this song. It’s very simple, but lovely. Thank you for posting it. c:
That’s awesome! Keep up the good work 😀
whats the strumming
The strumming pattern will be a bit difficult to explain here, but it is: down, down up, up, down up.
The first down gets one beat. The “down up” gets to eighth notes. The “up” is played on the & of 3, and then the last “down up” gets two eighth notes.
If this is confusing, don’t worry. Experiment around and see what you can come up. Often times other different strumming patterns can work, so give it a try. 🙂
what part of your finger do you strum with? i can’t seem to get the strumming down… plus, it’s really hard for me to go fast.
I use a combination of the nail-side of my middle and ring finger for my down strums and the nail-side of my thumb for up strums. Speed will come with time. First, focus on being consistent and steady at a slow tempo, and then gradually work up from there. 🙂
Do you know how to do the chords for a 6 string ukulele?
I don’t have a six string ukulele, but I believe you use the same chord positions as a four string. Do you have a six string ukulele where the C and A string is doubled? If so, you should be able to use the same finger positions as a four string.
on the music video on youtube it sounds like the stumming pattern in just one sturm not down down up up down up
i dont understand,… i dont sound anything like the real song…
8(:::
Hey Brenden,
As for the strumming pattern, it is all down strums at first, but then for the chorus of the song it switches to that other strumming pattern.
What part of the song are you having trouble with? If you can be more specific, I might be able to offer some helps. These things take practice so don’t be too hard on yourself. 🙂
Hey I’m having a little bit of problems with the strum patterns and how they change… could anyone help me with this?
Hey v00m,
As you’ve probably already figured out, the verses just use down strums. When he gets to the chorus, he starts into this strumming pattern:
down, down up, up, down up
The song is counted in four. For the first beat of the strumming pattern, there is just a down strum. Then, for the second beat, there is another down strum, and then an up strum on the “and” of the second beat. Then, there is an up strum on the “and” of the third beat. On the fourth beat, there is a down and an up strum.
If this talk about counting is confusing, you might take a look at one of my video lessons on strumming where I talk and give some examples about how strumming patterns are structured around counting:
http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-strumming-patterns-for-beginners/
Hi Brett,
You’ve helped me so much this past month! I’ve had this ukulele ssitting in my room for almost a year and I finally decided to pick it up and start playing. I thought it would be really hard to learn but you have made things so easy for me. And by the way, I love this song so thanks for posting it! I’m only 13 and now I can play almost any song! Thanks so much!!!
Hey Isabella, that’s awesome! It sounds like you’re doing really great. I’m glad I was able to help you out a little. Keep up the good work! 🙂
Hey Brett. I just got my ukulele about 3 days ago, and I already know this song, a couple more by them, and alot more songs. I thought it would be really hard for me, but it was REALLY easy. c: Thank you for making it so much easier! :DD
That’s awesome to hear! You’re rocking! 😀
Hey,
I was just wondering what finger structure you use for the B-flat major chord.
I’m having some trouble getting it.
Thanks!
Hey Alaina, I use my index finger to barre the bottom two strings on the 1st fret. Then, I place my middle finger on the 2nd fret of the second to top string. Finally, I place my ring finger on the 3rd fret of the top string.
Ah. That’s what I was doing, but I guess it just takes practice.
Thanks. 🙂
I’m having exactly the same trouble- it just doesn’t sound right 🙂
Omg i want to learn this song so bad! but my ukulele doesnt sound right on chords =/ its a very small one, do different sizes take different tuning or anything? =(
Ukuleles are generally tuned to standard tuning (gCEA). Have you tried tuning your ukulele? It might just not be fully in tune. If it isn’t, it can sound weird when you play different chords. 🙂 You can use my tuner tool if you’d like:
http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-tuner/
hey Brett!
can you give me some pointers on singing and playing at the same time because, not only with this song but with other songs to, i cant seem to keep my rhythm(plus i know your really good at it!) =DDDD thx!
Check out my post here:
http://www.ukuleletricks.com/how-to-sing-and-play-ukulele-at-the-same-time/
ps im only having this trouble, at the chourus! =)
I’ve had this ukulele for almost 2 years now and I never really got into it, but only because I feel like I’ll never learn. It’s a Kala Tenor if that makes a difference. It never sounds right no matter how many times I try to tune it. I’m also having trouble keeping the flow of the strumming pattern and switching chords (which might be the hardest part for me). I’m about to just give up and sell it, even though i’d really love to learn to play it. I just feel like it’s never gonna happen. /:
Hey Emily, hang in there!
A couple questions for you… have you tried tuning your ukulele with an electronic chromatic tuner? This will give you the most accurate tuning and allow you to dial it in. You also might try changing the strings on it. They could be crappy strings which can make the ukulele go in and out of tune.
Switching chords and strumming is one of the most difficult parts of playing ukulele. If you haven’t already, I recommend downloading my free ukulele lesson book. You can get it here:
http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-lesson-book/
Also, check out the “Lessons” tab at the top of the page. I have some lessons on strumming that you’ll be able to check out.
I think the section people are having trouble with is the section in the chorus where the strings are muted. Do you have a lesson or recommendation for us?
Hey Joe, the strumming pattern he is using through that muted chorus is: down, down up, up, down up. While he sings the “ohs”, he is muting the strings and playing this strumming pattern. After the “ohs” he starts playing the chords and continues to play this strumming pattern.
Brett, Im having a hard time with the Bb major chord. How would you recommend doing this chord if you had really large fingers and hands?
Hey Kyle, you aren’t the first to ask about the Bb major chord. It’s a tough one. There are a couple ways you can approach practicing this chord.
The biggest challenge to the chord is probably barring the bottom two strings on the 1st fret. As you’re practicing this chord, practice barring the bottom two strings with your index finger first. Don’t even worry about the top two. Pluck the bottom two strings to try to get those to ring out nice and clearly. You’ll want to position your thumb so that the ball of it is applying a good amount of pressure right into the neck of the ukulele.
Start there and then move to placing your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the second to top string. Again, don’t worry about the top string. Focus on plucking those three strings and getting the strings to ring out clearly. Then, move to placing your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the top string.
The second way to approach playing this chord is rather than barring just the bottom two strings, try barring the entire 1st fret with your index finger. This means you barre all the strings and then place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the second to top string, and your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the top string.
I’ve heard from folks with larger hands and fingers that the second position works really well.
Ahh thank-you, that’s really helpful. I’m struggling with the same thing except that I have really small hands so it’s hard to hold the strings down without my fingers hurting.
Thank you Brett for the second position of he Bb major! i have larger hands and just started on the uke and could never get it before but now it sounds great! Thanks and keep up the good work!
So glad to hear it worked for you, Ryan!
Ok I don’t own a ukulele yet but I have this app called Miso Music and I can play a virtual ukulele on it but I’m not sure how to play a Bb on it or an Eb. It has four strings and it’s lets me play as low ad 7 help I’m a newbie.
Wait no it goes a low as 23
Hey Zack, I’ve never used that app, so I don’t think I can be much assistance. Sorry.
What’s the finger structure for Eb Major?!
For Eb major, I like to place my index finger on the 1st fret of the bottom string. Then, I like to place my pinky on the 3rd fret of the second to bottom string. Lastly, I place my ring finger on the 3rd fret of the second to top string.
i was wandering if using a pick can damage the strings on your ukelele?
You could notice some wear more quickly if you’re using a nylon guitar pick, but if you use a felt pick, you shouldn’t have a problem. I wouldn’t worry about it too much either way.
i need help, how can i tune my ukelele to sound like the song :c
I love that you picked this song. I love nevershoutnever!
Should I use a tenor or a saprano ukulele on this song?
Hi Chelsey, go with what sounds best to your ears. There’s not a right or wrong ukulele to use to play the song.
Hey Brett,
I just got my uke yesterday and today I got my cast off so I’m a bit stiff. I have been doing a lot of research on this song and Happy also by nevershoutnever but I keep on running into a thing called “Tabs” I am terribly confused on what it is or how to interpret it. Please help…. Thank you 🙂
Hey Morgan, I have a lesson on how to read ukulele tabs that I recommend checking out:
http://www.ukuleletricks.com/how-to-read-ukulele-tabs/
Enjoyed this song and read your beginner book. Should I start memorizing scales and fretboard notes in order to progress?
Hi Steve, it all depends on your goals. Learning scales and the fretboard is definitely useful for expanding your understanding of what’s going on with the music you are playing.
I seriously love this song!! this is my first song to learn in my ukulele club 🙂
Hey brett thanks for this ive been playing gutiar for a couple of years and i just bought a tenor uke ive been looking around for sone decent uke tab and this is the best ive found yet cheers 🙂
I want to play this song SO bad as Christofer Drew has been my idol since basically the start of his music career. BUUUUTTTTTT, what happens if my hands aren’t big enough to reach all the strings in the chords?! I’m 18 and a girl so I’m done growing and obviously ridiculously small, lol, and I don’t really know what do to about this. Is there a trick I’m missing or something?
thank you so much! i was so frustrated with playing this song, but this sheet made it so much easier. I’ve been playing this for about 10 minutes and I’m already learning! thank you!