Solo Guitar: When You Wish Upon A Star

 

A Solo Guitar Take on When You Wish Upon a Star

Some songs are more than just melodies—they become a part of our collective memory. When You Wish Upon a Star is one of those rare tunes that has transcended its original purpose, becoming the signature sound of Disney and an enduring piece of musical history. Tonight, I’m taking this classic and giving it a fresh solo guitar treatment—no backing tracks, no loopers, just me and the music.

If you’ve been following along, you might remember that I’ve played this tune before as a bossa nova. But this time, I’m switching things up. I’m keeping the tempo lively, but steering away from the bossa feel, offering something a little different from the version you might expect.

Originally written in 1939 by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for Disney’s Pinocchio, When You Wish Upon a Star was first performed by Cliff Edwards as the voice of Jiminy Cricket. It plays during both the opening credits and the film’s closing scene, setting the tone for one of Disney’s most iconic films. In 1940, Edwards recorded another version with Victor Young’s orchestra, helping cement the song’s place in pop culture.

Beyond Pinocchio, the song took on a life of its own, becoming the unofficial anthem of Disney. From the 1980s onward, it became synonymous with the studio’s logo, playing before movies and reinforcing that sense of magic and wonder. You hear those first few notes, and suddenly, you're transported back to childhood, full of dreams and endless possibilities.

For this performance, I’m playing my usual Ibanez AF75—a reliable workhorse that I’ve loved for years. And, as always with these solo guitar sessions, I’m keeping things relaxed. No tie, just a new watch for the occasion—a Casio A700W. If you’re into watches, you might think it looks a lot like the F-168A, but I promise, it’s different. Casio never disappoints.

I love making these solo guitar arrangements, exploring the depth of these tunes while growing my repertoire. If you’ve been enjoying this series, be sure to like, subscribe, and stay connected for more.

Now, grab your evening drink, settle in, and let’s enjoy When You Wish Upon a Star, solo guitar style. CLICK HERE

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org


*note - part or all of this article may have been written with AI.

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