Hey everyone! So you wanna learn how to play "Mary on a Cross" by Ghost on your ukulele? Awesome choice, guys! This song has a super catchy vibe, and it's surprisingly manageable to learn on the uke. We're going to break it down step-by-step, so even if you're just starting out, you'll be strumming along in no time. Get your ukulele ready, tune it up (GCEA is standard, just in case!), and let's dive into this killer tune.

Understanding the Chords

First things first, "Mary on a Cross" uses a pretty standard set of chords that are totally doable on the ukulele. The main chords you'll need to get familiar with are G, C, D, and Em. If you're new to these, don't sweat it! We'll go over them. The G chord is usually played with your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the E string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, and your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. For C, it's just your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. D is a bit trickier for beginners: middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, ring finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, and index finger on the 2nd fret of the E string. And Em? That's ring finger on the 3rd fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, and index finger on the 2nd fret of the E string. Practice switching between these smoothly. Trust me, the more you practice, the easier it gets. We'll be using these chords throughout the song, and mastering them is key to nailing the "Mary on a Cross" ukulele tutorial. Remember, muscle memory is your best friend here, so play them until they feel natural.

The Strumming Pattern

Now, let's talk strumming. For "Mary on a Cross", the strumming pattern is pretty straightforward and really helps capture that song's driving energy. A good starting point is a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. Try it on a single chord first. Down, down, up, up, down, up. Feel the rhythm? You want to keep it consistent. When you're playing the song, this pattern should be applied to each chord. Don't rush it! It's better to play it slowly and correctly than fast and sloppy. As you get more comfortable, you can add little variations, maybe a slightly heavier down strum on the first beat, or a quicker up strum. But for learning, stick to the basic down-down-up-up-down-up. This pattern is crucial for making the "Mary on a Cross" ukulele tutorial sound authentic. It's all about finding that groove that makes the song move. Think of it as the heartbeat of the song; keep it steady and strong.

Verse Progression

Okay, let's get into the actual song structure. The verses in "Mary on a Cross" typically follow a chord progression that sounds something like this: G - C - D - G. So, you'll play the G chord for a bit, then switch to C, then D, and back to G. Apply that strumming pattern we just learned to each chord. So, it'll sound like: G (strum pattern), C (strum pattern), D (strum pattern), G (strum pattern). Repeat this sequence for the duration of the verse. It's repetitive, which makes it easier to memorize and play. Focus on clean chord changes. If you're struggling to switch chords fast enough, try practicing just the chord transitions without strumming. Go from G to C, then C to D, D to G. Speeding this up will make your playing much smoother. This part of the "Mary on a Cross" ukulele tutorial is where you really start to feel like you're playing the song. Keep that rhythm steady and those changes clean!

The Chorus: "When You're With Me"

This is where the song really kicks in! The chorus for "Mary on a Cross" is super memorable and uses a slightly different, but still accessible, chord progression. You'll be playing: C - G - D - Em. Again, use our trusty down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern for each chord. So it goes: C (strum pattern), G (strum pattern), D (strum pattern), Em (strum pattern). This progression is really satisfying to play and sing along to. The switch from D to Em can sometimes be a little tricky for beginners, so give that transition some extra practice. Try strumming D for a beat, then immediately switching to Em and continuing the pattern. The repetition here is key. You'll play this sequence a few times during the chorus. This is the hook, guys, so really try to make it powerful and engaging. Mastering this section will make your "Mary on a Cross" ukulele cover sound amazing. Emphasize the rhythm and make sure your chord changes are as crisp as possible.

Bridge and Variations

Most songs have a bridge, and "Mary on a Cross" is no exception! The bridge often introduces a slight change in melody or chords to add interest. For this song, the bridge might stick to a similar pattern or introduce a new one. A common variation you might hear involves chords like Am or F, but for simplicity and to keep this beginner-friendly, we'll stick to variations of the main chords. Sometimes, the bridge just simplifies the rhythm or uses sustained chords. For example, you might hold the C chord for a bit longer, then move to G, and perhaps a Dsus4 before returning to the main progression. The key is to listen to the original track and try to mimic the feel. Experiment with strumming variations here. Maybe a more muted strum, or a single down strum on each beat to build tension. Don't be afraid to adapt it to your skill level. If the bridge feels too complex, simplify it by using the verse progression or just focusing on the main chorus chords. The goal is to keep the flow going and make the "Mary on a Cross" ukulele tutorial accessible to everyone. We're building a solid foundation here!

Putting It All Together: Practice Makes Perfect

Alright, you've got the chords, the strumming pattern, and the progressions for the verses and chorus of "Mary on a Cross". Now it's time to put it all together! Start by playing through the song slowly. Seriously, slooooowly. Focus on getting the chord changes smooth and the strumming pattern consistent. Play the verse section a few times, then move to the chorus. Don't worry if it's not perfect right away. Nobody nails it on the first try! Record yourself playing, even if it's just on your phone. Listening back can help you identify areas where you need to improve. Practice consistently. Even 15-20 minutes a day is way better than one long session once a week. Break down the song into smaller sections if it feels overwhelming. Master the verse, then the chorus, then try linking them. The more you play, the more natural it will become. This "Mary on a Cross" ukulele tutorial is designed to get you playing, so keep at it! Enjoy the process, guys. Learning an instrument should be fun, so celebrate those small victories, like nailing a tricky chord change or getting the strumming just right.

Adding Your Own Flair

Once you've got the basic "Mary on a Cross" down, you can start adding your own personal touch. Think about dynamics – playing some parts softer and others louder to add emotion. You could also experiment with fingerpicking during quieter sections, or even try different strumming patterns once you're super comfortable. Maybe you want to sing along? That's awesome! It might be challenging at first to sing and play simultaneously, but keep practicing. Start with singing the lyrics while holding the chords, then try strumming and singing at the same time. Find your own rhythm and style. The goal of this "Mary on a Cross" ukulele tutorial is to get you playing, but the real fun comes when you make the song your own. Don't be afraid to improvise a little or add your own embellishments. The ukulele is a versatile instrument, and Ghost's music, while often rock-oriented, can be adapted beautifully. So go ahead, have fun with it, and make "Mary on a Cross" your own ukulele anthem!