Click here to jump straight to the TAB.
The children’s rhyme for wishing away the rain has been around for centuries in one form or another. Historians have found accounts of similar rhymes dating all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome. Turns out childhood boredom is as old as civilization itself, probably older.
The tune and words we still have today been around since the 1800s. As you would expect, there has been some variation. Some versions wish the rain to go somewhere specific – often “Spain” because of the convenient rhyme. Other versions are more specific about when they want the rain to come back – “Midsummer day” or “Christmas Day” are both recorded options.
Regardless of where/when the children wanted the rain to come and go, the point has always been that they just don’t want it around today, which honestly just seems a bit shortsighted.
“Rain, Rain Go Away” Playing Tips
This is a great song for beginners, especially kids, because of the small range of notes (there are only 5) and the repetition of the simple rhythmic variations using quarter and eighth notes.
To step up the challenge a little bit, I added in some two-string chords on the second time through the melody. Most of these are made by adding an adjacent open string, so this is more about right hand technique than left.
If you are playing with a pick or your thumb, you’ll need to get the hang of a controlled strum that only hit two strings. If you are playing fingerstyle, you can “pinch” the pair of strings, striking to top with your thumb in a a downward motion and grabbing the bottom with your index finger in an upstroke.
Click the link or the ‘Download’ button below to see the sheet music if your browser doesn’t display the embedded PDF.
Don’t have a low G uke? Not a problem. I’ve included a standard (high G) TAB for this song as well. Find the link at the bottom on the post. Happy picking!
“Rain, Rain Go Away” Low G Sheet Music Download
“Rain, Rain Go Away” High G Sheet Music Download
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