My Guy (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Liz and Jim Beloff): Ukulele

This arrangement captures the irresistible charm of a Motown classic while keeping the ukulele front and center. The Beloffs have preserved the song's vocal melody line so singers can lead confidently, while the accompanying chord progression stays accessible for players still building their comfort with standard voicings. It's the kind of tune that gets immediate recognition and genuine joy from audiences, making it invaluable for concert programs that need a moment of infectious optimism.

Warm, buoyant, and utterly assured. The arrangement channels the optimism and playful determination of the original recording without losing the song's soul quality. You feel the groove in your chest, and the melody sits comfortably in the voice, making it inviting for performers and audiences alike.

Ukulele students from intermediate onward will find this piece rewarding, especially those eager to perform repertoire beyond typical fingerpicking etudes. Singers who accompany themselves on ukulele can shine here, and ensemble programs mixing voice with small instrumental groups have a perfect fit for a short, high-impact set piece.

• Keep the rhythm bouncy and deliberate. This song thrives on a steady, confident strum pattern rather than speed; lock in the pulse before worrying about dynamics.
• Emphasize the story of the lyric if you're singing. The song's appeal lies in its playful conviction, so lean into the personality of each phrase.
• Balance the melody with the harmonic accompaniment so the song doesn't feel thin. Ensure supporting players aren't playing so softly that the groove disappears.
• Pay attention to any held notes or fermatas in the arrangement. These moments give the lyric room to breathe and add intentionality to the phrasing.

This works beautifully as a concert opener or a standalone moment of levity between weightier pieces. Pair it with other ukulele arrangements from The Daily Ukulele collection for a themed set, or use it as the solo ukulele feature in a mixed ensemble program. The 2-page format and straightforward arrangement make it feasible to learn quickly, so it's also a go-to choice when you need something immediately accessible for a special performance.

• Accompanying a melody with rhythmic chord accuracy
• Maintaining steady groove and pulse in a song-based context
• Balancing melody projection with harmonic support
• Interpreting stylistic inflection in a soul and pop idiom