Learn to play “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” (Frankie Valli) on Ukulele
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Print the Lyrics and Chords for “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” (link)
Download the TABS – “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” Ukulele Breakdown Riff(.pdf)
Hey UUers!
On this month’s Uke Lessons we’re learning the song “Can’t Get My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli on ukulele! This version is in the Key of D with lots of chords, so it’s a great way for beginners to practice their chord changes. The chord inversions and Breakdown Riff (see Step 3) is a nice challenge for intermediate players. And putting it all together – singing, chords, and rhythm – is a great practice for advanced players.
Try it out by playing along with the “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” Ukulele Play-Along above. And if you need help learning the chords, rhythm, or Breakdown Riff, start off with any of the steps below:
STEP 1 – Chords
Here is the chord pattern you’ll need in order to play the Verses for “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” on the ukulele:
These are the simple versions of the chords, as shown along the bottom of the “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” Ukulele Play-Along video. So if you’re a beginner, be sure to practice these. If you’d like a challenge, you can also try the chord inversions that Aldrine is playing (shown on the left side fretboard) for D, Dmaj7, and D7 as well as the Em7 substitution that he uses for Em:
Here is the chord pattern for the Breakdown:
And here is the chord pattern for the Chorus:
Be sure to practice switching between all of these in order. When you can do this relatively easily, try playing along with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” Ukulele Play-Along at the top of the page. Try to switch to the right chords at the right times and when you’re ready to add some rhythm, move on to Step 2 below:
STEP 2 – Rhythm
Now that you can play the chords and can to switch to them at the right times, try strumming a simple rhythm. Start by counting “1 2 3 4” and strum down on each chord. Next double up the count by strumming down strums in between each beat. Then add up strums in between each of the downs.
To make it more interesting, add emphasis on beats 2 and 4 by playing them slightly louder (or if you’re an advanced player, substitute Chunks instead of strums on beats 2 & 4). Also emphasize the up strum just before beat 3.
The important part is to really listen to the rhythm and do your best to sync up with it. Play along with the “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” Ukulele Play-Along at the top of the page to find a strum that works for you. And when you want to add in the chord riff that happens during the Breakdown, move on to Step 3 below.
STEP 3 – Breakdown Riff
Now that you can play the chords and strum this song, try adding the Breakdown Riff. Start with the Em chord and sliding it into place.
Then use various chord inversions for the Breakdown chords. Here is a quick video of Aldrine explaining how to do it:
If you know how to read TABs, be sure to check out the:
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” Ukulele Breakdown Riff TAB(.pdf)
Also remember that YouTube has a built in slow down function (the gear icon > Speed > set to 0.75 or 0.5). Be sure to use that for the “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” Ukulele Play-Along at the top of the page to learn and practice the Riff. When you can play it at full speed, that it! Good job, now you can play “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” on the ukulele!
Awesome Job!
If you liked this one, be sure to check out the Ukulele Play-Alongs for “Up On The Roof” by The Drifters, “It’s Now Or Never” by Elvis, or the complete Library of Ukulele Play-Alongs for more great song tutorials. Have fun practicing this and if you have any questions, feel free to send a message! Rock on & keep strummin’
Aloha,
-UU Staff
