Tool’s “Lateralus” is a masterpiece of progressive metal, and this iconic riff translates surprisingly well to ukulele. While it might seem challenging at first, breaking it down into manageable sections makes it totally doable. Let’s learn to play this Tool classic on the ukulele.
What Are We Learning To Play?
Below is a video of what you will be able to play by the end of this post.
Ukulele Tabs
This riff is all about clean hammer-ons and pull-offs, so finger placement is crucial. Start by setting up your fretting hand: place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E string, and keep your pinky ready to reach the 5th fret of the E string.
Begin by plucking the C string, then move to the E string and pluck the 5th fret with your pinky. Now comes the tricky part – the hammer-on/pull-off combination. Pluck the E string at the 3rd fret, then immediately hammer your pinky down onto the 5th fret. Without plucking again, pull your pinky off to let the 3rd fret ring out. You should hear three distinct notes from just one pluck.
Next, pluck that 3rd fret again, then repeat the same hammer-on/pull-off technique.
For the end of the riff, slide your hand up the neck and use your index finger on the 7th fret with your pinky on the 10th, then move the same shape down 2 frets and repeat.
A|--------------3-----------|-----10-----8--|
E|-----5--3h5p3---5--3h5p3--|---------------|
C|--2-----------------------|--7------5-----|
G|--------------------------|---------------|