Learning Ukulele with Curt

Published:
2026-03-06
Updated:
2026-03-06

Imagine

A song by John Lennon from his 1971 album of the same name. The best-selling single of his solo career, the lyrics encourage listeners to imagine a world of peace, beginning with living without religion and its concepts, without economic materialism, and without borders separating nations. Shortly before his death, Lennon said that much of the song's lyrics and content came from his wife, Yoko Ono, and in 2017, she received a co-writing credit.

Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Authors(s): Curt Sheller

Category: Songs Instrument: Ukulele Subjects(s): Theory • Progressions • Harmony • Analysis • RMA

Premium Member Feature

1 March 2026

Share the Imagine on: Bluesky • facebook • twitter (X)

Related LessonAssets

Lessons Lesson Series Books & Charts Resources & Assets

Imagine

Harmonic Analysis Worksheet
& Performance Notes Below

Chords Melody Worksheet Analysis NNS Scales Performance Links

Imagine

Released: October 1971

Lennon and Ono co-produced the song with Phil Spector. Recording began at Lennon's home studio at Tittenhurst Park, England, in May 1971, with final overdubs taking place at the Record Plant, in New York City, during July. In October, Lennon released "Imagine" as a single in the United States, where it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was first issued as a single in Britain in 1975, to promote the compilation Shaved Fish, and reached number six on the UK Singles Chart that year. It later topped the chart following Lennon's murder in 1980.

"Imagine" has consistently been widely praised since its release, while also garnering controversy due to its lyrics. BMI named "Imagine" one of the 100 most performed songs of the 20th century. In 1999, it was ranked number 30 on the RIAA's list of the 365 "Songs of the Century", earned a Grammy Hall of Fame Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll". Rolling Stone ranked it number 3 in its 2004 list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time", re-positioned to number 19 in the 2021 revision. Meanwhile, a UK survey conducted by the Guinness World Records British Hit Singles Book in 2002 named it the second-best single of all time. Since 2005, the song has been either played or performed in the final minutes leading up to the New Year's Times Square Ball Drop event in New York City. In 2023, the song was selected for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". (wikiwand)

Imagine is in the The Daily Ukulele — 365 Songs for Better Living book.

Strum a different song every day with easy arrangements of 365 of your favorite songs in one big songbook! The Daily Ukulele features ukulele arrangements with melody, lyrics and uke chord grids and are in ukulele-friendly keys that are particularly suited for groups of one to one hundred to play and sing.

The Daily Ukulele — 365 Songs for Better Living • INDEX of Songs

Ukulele Chords

G Gmaj7 C Em Am D D7 B7

Theses and many other chords are covered in the Learn A Chord A Day series of lessons.

C Tuning Chords

Starting Melody Note and 1st Interval

Imagine is in 4/4, Common Time and the G Major . Original in C Major .

Start on Perfect Fifth (P5) ↑ M3.

Intervals Legend: Root=note that begins a scale of the starting key; C is C, D is D, Am is A, Em is E, etc… m=minor; M=Major; P=Perfect; D=Diminished; A=Augmented. • ↑ is up/ascending; ↓ is down/descending;

Harmonic Analysis (HA) Worksheet

Visit the Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection series of lessons for information on creating a your own Harmonic Analysis Worksheet

A re-harmonization, in Red can be a simple, sticking pretty close to the original composer's intentions or complex and a whole new set of chord changes.

GΔ7*

GΔ7

C Major:

See the Performance Notes below for what John Lennon was playing as the intro and the accompaniment of the song..
*The Δ is an old-school shorthand notation for major and used here for spacing.

Gmaj7

Repeat the previous three lines.

III7

B Mixolydian: B C# D# E F# G# A B'

B Mix

The B7 a II7 chord on the above line looks like a Secondary Dominant but does not resolve to it's I an E major or Em chord. Although the C (C E G) does share the E and G" of an Em (E G B). So close. And Secondary Dominant don't have to actually resolve and is non-functional in this case. So the Partial Diatonic is actually more appropriate.

Gmaj7

The Harmonic Analysis (HA)

A Harmonic Analysis (RMA/HA) and its worksheet are intended to show the function of the chords, the harmonic principles used, the keys and tonalities the song explores. And, can be used for scale selections and chord and scale substitutions.

NOTE: A Harmonic Analysis Worksheet is NOT intended to be a lead leadsheet. Minimal roadmap information such as repeats, fine, D.S., D.C., and codas has been used in preparing the worksheets to somewhat mirror the leadsheet in the Daily Ukulele book.

Sections, Verse, Chorus, 1st, 2nd Ending, turnbacks …

The worksheets will show 1st, 2nd Ending, turnbacks, etc. as in indicated the Yellow Book. You should start to recognize that 1st endings typically always return to a previous verse or an

section. With a 2nd ending, a transition to a different part of the song, a

or chorus. Harmonic Principles are used for these repeats and transitions.

If turnback chords are not indicated for the these 1st and 2nd endings in the original Yellow Book leadsheet recommended chord(s) will indicated in parentheses or as an alternate harmony in Red . Typically the last measures or turnbacks will be a chord that resolves to and harmonically leads you to the next section or turning you back to the same section. Typically a V or direct substitution of that next chord.

Reference Key

This is the key of the source leadsheet.

Imagine is in 4/4, Common Time and the G Major . Original in C Major .

Harmonic Principles Used:

These are the harmonic principles used in Imagine.

Full Diatonic (Modal)
Partial Diatonic • Full Diatonic includes Secondary Dominant chords

Nashville Number System (NNS)

Nashville Numbering System always uses four bars/measures per line, no bar lines, and default is each number of the number of beats per bar/measure based on the time signature. If multiple chords in same bar then they are underlined. It can be as simple as convert the Roman Numerals above to Arabic number.

At its simplest you simply replace the roman numbers with Arabic numbers. e.g., I becomes 1 , II becomes 2 , etc. The only exception is the bVII7 chord becomes 7 as this borrowed chord from the Mixolydian tonality is so common and the VII (half-diminished seventh) in a major chord is so rare (actually never). And, you could go as far as saying all the modes are numbered: I II II IV V VI VII — just as in the major scale. So calling it a 7 is not that far out.

Imagine NNS Chart

4 6

2 4

5⁷

1 3⁷

4 5

1 3⁷

4 5

1 3⁷

4 5

1 3⁷

4 5

1st Ending

4 5

2nd Ending

4 5

The Nashville Number System (NNS) default is a 4 measure/bar per line.

NOTE: This will give you an idea of just what the Nashville Number System is–basically a Harmonic Analysis (HA/RMA) using Arabic numbers vs. traditional Roman Numerals with a specific goal of creating a shorthand roadmap of a song that can be performed in ANY key. The main reason it was created in the first place in Nashville studios was to save time and money and not have to rewrite a chart for a singer in a different key than the original chart.

Here is a good overview of the The Nashville Number System Demystified by Dave Martin ( July 8, 2022 ) . Bottom line is you need to know your music theory and how chords work.

Check the definitive book Nashville Number System

Scale Selection

Once a Harmonic Analysis has been completed, scale selections can be made. These scale selections can be either vertical or horizontal choices. And, really, only needed if you are going to take a solo or embellish the melody with added notes.

G Major: G A B C D E F♯ G'
B Mixolydian: B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A B'
B Mix +4 or Lydian Dominant: B C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A B'. A bit jazzier choice.

Scale Abbreviation Legend

Traditional Scales: Maj: Major (Ionian), Dim: Diminished, WT: Whole Tone, Har Min: Harmonic Minor,
Contemporary Scales: Minor Pent: Minor Pentatonic, Pent: Major Pentatonic, Blues,
Scale/Mode Names: Ion: Ionian (Major), Dor: Dorian (Minor), Phrygian: Phrygian, Lyd: Lydian, Mix: Mixolydian (Dominant), Aeol: Aeolian (Natural Minor), Loc: Locrian

Checkout LESSONSeries : Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection or download the Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection book. And the QuickStart Series of Scale and Arpeggio books.

Performance Notes

John Lennon's Intro (Original Key: C)

Shown here in C Tuning, Low G in the original key of C. To play it in the Yellow Book Key of G. This C TUning TAB would directly transfer to a baritone in standard tuning (same fret numbers).

Intro as on the 1971 recording. This style is repeated thought the song.

At your next jam have one strong play perform the intro and the chords in this style and the rest of the group can strum along as usual. If seven play can perform this in unison that would sound awesome.

Psuedo Info got Key of G and C Tunied, Low G Ukulele

This captures the essence of the John Lennon's style on the recording for when this is performed in the Key of G on a C Tuned, Log G ukulele.

Links & Resources

(wikiwand) Imagine
Imagine •

Sign-IN, for free — to View, Un-Blur Any Additional Content for This Lesson—Can't give it ALL away.

End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for Imagine.

Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series

Harmonic Analysis ( HA ) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality. Once a chord's function is identified, scale selections along with chord and scale substitutions can be made. This process is called Root Movement Analysis ( RMA ). This series of lessons are extracted from my book for use with individual private and on-line students. Each lesson directly corresponds the chapters in my book Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution by Curt Sheller (me).

The Daily Ukulele a.k.a., The "Yellow" Book Song Index

Index of the songs in The Daily Ukulele book. 365 Songs for a Better Living.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for Imagine.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection

Harmonic Analysis (HA), also known as the study of chord relationships, is the method used to identify the harmonic role of chords within a chord progression or song. A chord progression refers to a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root note and belonging to a specific chord type. The function of a chord within a particular scale's tonality is determined by its relationship to that scale.

The Daily Ukulele a.k.a., The "Yellow" Book

Individual Harmonic Analysis worksheets for the songs of The Daily Ukulele book.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for Imagine.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.

The Daily Ukulele

A Guide to Ukulele Strums

Learn a variety of strums and rhythmic patterns in wide range of musical styles. One of the first skills a ukulele player learns is the art and craft of strumming, playing rhythm. This refers to an accompaniment technique suitable for the singer, singer - songwriter or someone who plays a support role for another instrument.

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

These are Books & Reference Charts that apply to a majority of the lessons on LearningUkulele.com–Learning Ukulele with Curt .

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the ukulele fingerboard in C tuning .

Six Secrets of the Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics. Book: Six Secrets of the Ukulele Fingering It there in one thing that give a ROI (corporate speak for return in your investment)—it is this— learning the f*cking notes of your OWN instrument. Sorry for the tough talks—but it is sooooo true!

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. Book: Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think. Book: Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing. Book: Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

Checkout the Books & Reference Charts for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books & Reference Charts for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets

Related Assets for Imagine.

Harmonic Analysis Major and Minor Chord Charts

All 15 full diatonic major and minor key with chord charts. For use when performing a harmonic analysis on a song or chord pregression.

Key Signatures - Cycle of Fourths and Fifths

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatues. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized.

Key Signatures - Cycle of Fourths and Fifths - A4 Sized

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatues. A4 sized.

🚀 🚧 End of LearningUkulele.com Site Content 🚧 🌍

NOTE: PICS ARE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. FAIR USE NOTICE:: This site contains images of which have not been pre-authorized. This material is made available for the purpose of analysis, teaching, comment and critique. The 'fair use' of such material is provided for under U.S. Copyright Law. In accordance with U.S. Code Title 17, Section 107, material on this site (along with credit and attributions to original sources) is viewable for educational and intellectual purposes - (frwebgate.access.gpo.gov). If you are interested in using any copyrighted material from this site for any reason that goes beyond 'fair use,' you must first obtain permission from the copyright owner.

On the web since 1992 and a Mac since 1987 (Mac II) • Serving up Ukulele content since 2003 ( 23 years ago ) • Lets Kanikapila!!! • And, since Sept 2020, happily on Pop!_OS Linux & COSMIC-DE and a System76 Thelio . Half the cost of the iMac and a real treat to use. I use it for ALL development work. Only wish the Affinity Suite of apps by serif where available on Linux (and I do know you can run them in Wine with a few hacks).

v20251117-0915.v4•L12.53.0 (PHP-8.2.23)

This sit has ben profesionaly red. awl tpyos aree free and no aditonal chrge • I'm blaming it on “jazz” fingers. “Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.”

Site developed, hand-coded, and maintained by Curt Sheller, Curt Sheller Publications , 2050 Orlando Rd., Suite 101, Pottstown, PA 19464-2348 USA, North America, Northern Hemisphere, Earth, Solar System / Orion Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy, Virgo Supercluster, Laniakea Supercluster, Observable Universe ... and hosted on DigitalOcean , eCommerce using stripe , managed using Laravel Forge , and analytics (which we DO NOT share) by Plausible . See the LearningUkulele.com Site Credits page for credit to all the hardware, software, tools, and goodies we use to build this amazing site. A proverbial digital blob of music information.

Show your support!

Support LearningUkulele.com–Learning Ukulele with Curt development via a monthly membership or a one-time Forever membership! Learn more

Sign-Up Today …