Nothing Compares 2 U Ukulele Chords: Play This Heartfelt Ballad

“Nothing Compares 2 U” is a song that resonates deeply with listeners, capturing the raw emotion of longing and loss. Originally written by Prince, it became a global phenomenon with Sinéad O’Connor’s iconic rendition. Its powerful melody and poignant lyrics make it a timeless classic, and perfectly suited for the intimate and expressive sound of the ukulele. Learning to play “Nothing Compares 2 U” on the ukulele allows you to connect with the song’s emotional core and share its beauty with others. This guide provides you with easy-to-follow ukulele chords and lyrics so you can start playing this unforgettable song today.

Verse 1 Chords

G D
It's been seven hours and thirteen days
Em G D
Since you took your love away
G D
I go out every night and sleep all day
Em G D
Since you took your love away

Verse 2 Chords

G  D
Since you've been gone I can do whatever I want
Em G D
I can see whomever I choose
G D
I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant, But
Em B7
nothin', I said nothin' can take away these blues, 'Cause

Chorus Chords

C G C G D
nothing compares, nothing compares 2 U

Verse 3 Chords

G D
It's been so lonely without you here
Em G D
I'm like a bird without a song
G D
Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling, Tell me
Em C
baby, where did I go wrong?

Verse 4 Chords

G D
I could put my arms around every girl I see
Em G D
But they'd only remind me of you
G D
I went to the doctor and guess what he told me, guess what he told me, He said,
Em B7
Boy you better try to have fun no matter what you do, but he's a fool, 'Cause

Chorus Chords

C G C G D
nothing compares, nothing compares 2 U

Verse 5 Chords

G D
All the flowers that you planted in the backyard
Em G D
All died when you went away
G D
I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard
Em B7
But I'm willing to give it another try

Chorus Chords

C G C G D
Nothing compares, nothing compares 2 U

Chord Diagrams for Ukulele

To help you play along, here are the ukulele chord diagrams for the chords used in “Nothing Compares 2 U”. These diagrams show you where to place your fingers on the ukulele fretboard to create each chord.

G Chord

The G chord on the ukulele is played by placing your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C-string.

D Chord

To play the D chord, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G-string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the E-string.

Em Chord

The Em (E minor) chord is played by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G-string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the C-string, and your ring finger on the 4th fret of the E-string.

C Chord

The C chord is one of the most basic ukulele chords. Simply place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A-string.

B7 Chord

To play the B7 chord, place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E-string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C-string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A-string.

Tips for Playing “Nothing Compares 2 U” on Ukulele

• Strumming Pattern: For a simple and effective strumming pattern, try using down-down-up-down-up. Listen to the song to get a feel for the rhythm and adapt your strumming accordingly.
• Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between chords. Focus on moving your fingers efficiently from one chord shape to the next. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
• Sing Along: “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a very vocal-driven song. Singing along as you play will help you understand the phrasing and rhythm of the song, and make your performance more engaging.
• Listen to the Original: Familiarize yourself with different versions of the song, especially Sinéad O’Connor’s and Prince’s versions, to capture the emotional nuances and dynamics.

Conclusion

Learning “Nothing Compares 2 U” on the ukulele is a rewarding experience. With these ukulele chords and a little practice, you’ll be able to play this beautiful and emotionally resonant song. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ukulele player, this song is a great addition to your repertoire. Grab your ukulele, practice these chords, and enjoy playing this classic hit!