“Misirlou” is a song that resonates across generations, instantly recognizable, especially as the adrenaline-pumping opening theme of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Originally a folk song with roots stretching back to the Middle East, it was made famous in the West through surf rock pioneer Dick Dale’s blistering guitar rendition. But beyond the electric guitar, there are many ways to interpret this classic, including the unique approach of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (UOGB). If you’re looking for a fresh way to tackle this legendary tune, exploring a Misirlou Guitar Tab inspired by the UOGB’s style is a fantastic choice.
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’s “Misirlou”
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is renowned for their quirky and inventive arrangements of famous songs, performed entirely on ukuleles. Their version of “Misirlou” is no exception, transforming the high-energy surf rock anthem into a delightful and intricate piece showcasing the versatility of the ukulele. They cleverly utilize multiple ukuleles to create layers of harmony, rhythm, and even percussive elements, capturing the essence of “Misirlou” while adding their signature UOGB twist. This arrangement is not just about strumming chords; it’s about weaving together different ukulele parts to emulate a full band sound.
Guitar Tabs for “Misirlou” UOGB Style
Inspired by the UOGB’s multi-ukulele approach, adapting “Misirlou” for guitar can be a rewarding project. While the original article focuses on ukulele tabs, understanding the different parts in a UOGB-style arrangement can inform how guitarists approach playing “Misirlou”. Below are descriptions of the different ukulele parts which can be adapted or inspire guitar arrangements, along with links to the original ukulele tabs for reference and potential adaptation into misirlou guitar tab.
Lead Ukulele (Guitar Tab Inspiration)
The lead ukulele carries the main melody of “Misirlou”. In a guitar adaptation, this would naturally translate to the lead guitar part. The original tab emphasizes using a pick and playing staccato notes for a sharp, percussive feel, especially in the intro and outro. The notation also highlights tremolo picking in the louder sections, a technique easily transferable and highly effective on guitar to build intensity.
Misirlou Lead Tab (Ukulele)
Second Ukulele (Guitar Tab Inspiration)
The second ukulele part provides a harmony to the main melody and includes some melodic runs. This part is described as the trickiest of the ukulele parts, suggesting it offers a more complex and interesting harmonic layer. For guitarists creating a misirlou guitar tab, this part can be adapted to create a rich, harmonized lead section, or a counter-melody that complements the main theme.
Misirlou Second Uke Tab (Ukulele)
Rhythm Ukulele (Guitar Tab Inspiration)
The rhythm ukulele in the UOGB arrangement starts simply, mimicking the rhythm guitar from Dick Dale’s version with a basic strumming pattern. It later evolves into fuller chords and more complex strumming patterns. This provides a solid foundation for a misirlou guitar tab rhythm part, offering options from simple, driving rhythms to more intricate chordal accompaniment as the song progresses.
Misirlou Rhythm Tab (Ukulele)
Bass Part (Guitar Tab)
Originally played on guitar to emulate a bass, this part is directly transferable to bass guitar or even a standard guitar playing the lower register. The provided bass tab offers a solid foundation for the low-end frequencies in a misirlou guitar tab arrangement, mirroring the bassline in a traditional band setup.
Misirlou Bass Tab (Ukulele)
Baritone Ukulele (Guitar Adaptation)
The baritone ukulele part is presented as an alternative version of the lead ukulele part, pitched lower. For misirlou guitar tab creation, this suggests an opportunity to create a lower harmony lead guitar part, or to utilize a baritone guitar to add depth and richness to the overall arrangement.
Misirlou Baritone Tab (Ukulele)
Backing Track for Practice
To help you practice and develop your own misirlou guitar tab arrangement inspired by the UOGB, a backing track is provided. This allows you to play along and experiment with the different parts, whether you’re focusing on the lead melody, rhythm, or bass line.
Misirlou Backing Track (MP3)
Conclusion
Exploring “Misirlou” through the lens of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain offers a unique and creative approach to this iconic tune. While the original tabs are for ukulele, understanding the different parts and their roles provides excellent inspiration for creating your own misirlou guitar tab. By adapting these ideas, guitarists can craft exciting and inventive arrangements, capturing the energy of “Misirlou” with a fresh, UOGB-inspired perspective. Dive into the tabs, listen to the backing track, and start creating your own guitar rendition of this timeless classic!
