Learn 'Deserto' By Maria Marçal: Ukulele Chords & Tips

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey music lovers! Ready to strum along to the beautiful song "Deserto" by Maria Marçal on your ukulele? You're in the right place! This guide is packed with everything you need: the chords, a strumming pattern, and some tips to make your ukulele playing sound amazing. Let's dive in and learn how to play this awesome song. This guide is all about "Deserto" by Maria Marçal and how to play it on your ukulele, so grab your ukulele, and let's get started!

Understanding the Chords for "Deserto"

First things first, let's break down the chords you'll need to play "Deserto" on your ukulele. Don't worry if you're a beginner; the chords are relatively simple! This song primarily uses a few basic chords, making it perfect for beginners to intermediate ukulele players. Remember, practice is key. The more you practice changing between the chords, the smoother your playing will become. You will be playing some C major, G major, Am minor, and F major chords. Now, let’s take a closer look at each one:

C Major: This is a super common chord! Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. That's all you need! It sounds great and is a staple in many songs.
G Major: This one might feel a little tricky at first, but you'll get the hang of it. Place your index finger on the second fret of the C string, your middle finger on the second fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. It is a bit of a stretch, but you can do it!
Am Minor: This chord is also quite simple. Put your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. Easy peasy!
F Major: This chord can be a bit challenging, but with practice, it'll become second nature. Place your index finger on the first fret of the E string, and your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. You might need to adjust your finger placement to get a clear sound, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't sound perfect right away.

Mastering these chords will unlock the ability to play not only "Deserto" but also a ton of other popular songs. So, keep practicing those chord shapes! Remember, it's all about consistent practice. Even 15-20 minutes of practice a day can make a huge difference. Don't worry if your fingers hurt a little at first; that's normal. Your fingers will get stronger, and the chord changes will become easier over time. Have fun playing, and enjoy the journey!

Strumming Pattern: Get the Rhythm Right!

Now that you know the chords, let's figure out the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern is what gives the song its rhythm and feel. For "Deserto," a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works great! It's super easy to learn and sounds fantastic with the song. Here’s how you can break it down:

Down: Strum down across all the strings.
Down: Strum down again.
Up: Strum up.
Up: Strum up again.
Down: Strum down.
Up: Strum up.

Practice this pattern slowly at first. Focus on keeping the rhythm steady and consistent. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the speed. You can also try experimenting with different variations of this pattern to find what sounds best to you. Remember, the goal is to create a smooth, flowing rhythm that complements the chords. Pay attention to the song's original recording, and try to match the rhythm and feel. If you're finding it difficult, try listening to the song while tapping your foot to the beat. This will help you internalize the rhythm and make it easier to translate it to your ukulele. Keep practicing, and don't get discouraged if it takes a little while to get the hang of it. Every musician has gone through this process!

Tips and Tricks for Playing "Deserto" on Ukulele

Alright, let's talk about some extra tips and tricks to help you play "Deserto" like a pro! There are a few things that can really enhance your playing and make the song sound even better. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Practice Chord Transitions: The key to playing this song smoothly is mastering the chord changes. Spend some time practicing transitioning between the chords. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Focus on clean changes without muting the strings.
Listen to the Song: Listen to the original recording of "Deserto" multiple times. Pay attention to the rhythm, the strumming pattern, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you get a better sense of how to play it on your ukulele. Try to mimic the original song's feel, and add your own personality to it! Listening is a crucial part of learning any song.
Use a Metronome: A metronome is a great tool for practicing your rhythm and timing. It helps you keep a steady beat, which is essential for playing music well. If you don't have a physical metronome, there are tons of free metronome apps available for your phone. Use it while practicing the strumming pattern and chord changes.
Vary Your Strumming: While the simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well, feel free to experiment with different strumming patterns to add variety to your playing. You could try adding some mutes, or changing the emphasis on certain beats. Try experimenting and add your own style to it!
Sing Along: Singing along while you play will help you connect with the song and improve your timing. It’s also a lot of fun! Don't worry if you're not the best singer; just focus on enjoying the music. Have fun with it, and let your passion shine through your playing and singing!
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing "Deserto." This is a great way to identify areas where you can improve and track your progress. Don't be shy; it's a great way to learn! You'll be amazed at how much you improve over time.
Find Online Resources: There are tons of resources available online, including chord charts, tutorials, and play-alongs. Use these resources to supplement your learning and get extra help when you need it.

Chord Chart for "Deserto" by Maria Marçal

Here’s a simplified chord chart to help you get started. The structure of "Deserto" usually follows a pattern of verses, choruses, and sometimes a bridge. The specific chord progression might vary slightly depending on the arrangement, but this is a solid base to get you playing.

(Verse 1)

C - G - Am - F
C - G - Am - F

(Chorus)

C - G - Am - F
C - G - C

(Verse 2)

C - G - Am - F
C - G - Am - F

(Chorus)

C - G - Am - F
C - G - C

(Bridge)

Am - F - C - G
Am - F - C - G

(Chorus)

C - G - Am - F
C - G - C

This is a general outline. Listen to the song to refine the structure and add specific details. Remember, this is a simplified version, and you may find slight variations in different arrangements. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt the chords to match the version you're listening to.

Conclusion: Strumming Your Way to Success!

Congratulations, guys! You've now got the chords, the strumming pattern, and some handy tips to play "Deserto" by Maria Marçal on your ukulele. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Keep practicing, be patient with yourself, and you'll be strumming this beautiful song in no time. Music is a journey, not a destination, so embrace the learning process and celebrate your progress along the way. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your playing, try different variations, and add your own personal touch. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Happy playing, and enjoy making music with your ukulele!

Disclaimer: The chord chart provided is a simplified version and may not perfectly match every arrangement of the song. Always listen to the original recording and adjust the chords as needed.