About the SOUP Songbook
From the SOUP Songbook Committee
You can use a printed version or a tablet/iPad. The development and structure of each song is the same for either medium.
These are the protocols that will be used for all new and revised songs
You can use a printed version or a tablet/iPad. The development and structure of each song is the same for either medium.
These are the protocols that will be used for all new and revised songs
- All songs are numbered. Song files are in PDF format. Most songs are on a single page; however, a few take up 2 pages. Copy the songs, and arrange your songbook according to the song number.
- The SOUP Songbook includes three chord charts. One is the “Student Ukulele Chord Chart” which is a fairly comprehensive reference. Another identifies “Uke Chord Families”. The third chart is the “SOUP Songbook Basic Chords” chart. Chords on this chart will not have diagrams in the songbook, so it would be helpful for all players to know how to play these “basic chords”.
- Navigation instructions are in bold italics, e.g. REPEAT CHORUS.
- Verses are numbered only if it is required for navigation through the song.
- If chords are in parentheses, e.g. (G7) (C), these chords are played only at the very end of a song. You may often see chords in parentheses at the end of a chorus. Don’t play them until the very last time through the song.
- The chorus, and/or the bridge of a song are indented, with a bold black line to the left of that section of the song.
- Slash marks, e.g. / / / / are used to represent rhythm in some Intros, Outros, and Instrumental Bridges.
- Notation for downstrums (d) and upstrums (u), is used for some suggested strumming patterns. D or U means the emphasized beat. So, e.g. a calypso strum, which has its emphasis on the second beat, may be indicated as: dDu udu.
- The starting chord in the first line of the song will always be given, even if it is already in the introduction. This helps to establish the key of the song, and allows for any changes a leader might make in the lead-in to the song. The starting chords for verses and choruses are also included as points of reference.
- A chord with slashes indicates the number of strums; e.g. C / means do a single strum on C.
- Sometimes an arrow will be used to indicate the rise or fall of the melody if there is a particularly “tricky”section; e.g. …when we live in a world of our ↑own…