You’d be amazed what you can play on the ukulele! Music teacher Matthew K. counts down 20 of his favorite surprising ukulele cover songs…
The ukulele is a fun instrument to play! Originating in Hawaii, the ukulele has four nylon strings that are tuned to C major. It is very easy to play, and you can strum it any way and it will provide a nice tone.
Often when one thinks of the ukulele, they think Hawaii, or Luau. Although it originated in Hawaii, many contemporary songs can be covered on the ukulele. Many have seen the ukulele cover of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” but here are some ukulele cover songs you may not have heard!
What Song Should I Learn First on Ukulele?
If you’re looking for some fun ukulele cover songs to learn, consider mastering the following tunes first:
- “All of Me” – John Legend
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
- “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk
- “War Ensemble” – Slayer
- “Master of Puppets” – Metallica
- “My Girl” – The Temptations
- “Creep” – Radiohead
Of course, before you get started with playing any of these fun ukulele cover songs, it’s important that you have a good handle on the basics first.
Taking lessons with a ukulele teacher can help, but there are plenty of quick ways to hone your skills, too. Check out this video to learn the right technique:
10 Surprising Ukulele Cover Songs
Are you looking for a ukulele cover of popular songs? These 10 ukulele cover songs certainly aren’t traditional or expected – but they are some you should add to your repertoire!
1. All of Me – John Legend
Performed by Andy Lange
Andy puts on a wonderful performance of this beautiful love song.
2. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Performed by Jake Shimabukuro
The music begins at 1:04, but I recommend checking out the whole video. This is actually a TED talk about how the ukulele is very easy to play, with the message, “if everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a happier place.”
3. Get Lucky – Daft Punk
Performed by Ukulenny
This is a fun version that also features Ukulenny on vocals.
He even included the ukulele chords he uses:
Chords:
Am 2000
C 0003
Em 0432
D6 2222
Strum Pattern: D-DUxxxUxUxUDUDU
This song was also covered by Jake Shimabukuro.
4. War Ensemble – Slayer
Performed by Rob Scallon
Yes, someone covered Slayer on a ukulele… I don’t have any more words for this!
5. While My Guitar Gently Weeps – George Harrison
Performed by Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro is a master at the ukulele. This is one of the most beautiful performances on the instrument I have seen. This is something that takes years of practice and cannot just be tabbed out quickly.
6. Master of Puppets – Metallica
Performed by stentorian01
Not as intense as the Slayer song, but still pretty impressive. He starts on guitar, but be patient. It gets good.
7. My Girl – The Temptations
Performed by Mike Miragliuolo
Check out his other covers as well!
8. Creep – Radiohead
Performed by Melissa y Eureka
This is a personal favorite, but please use discretion if you’re viewing these with a child; there is one curse word in the song.
9. Thriller – Michael Jackson
Performed by Jake Shimabukuro
Again, Jake Shimabukuro does not disappoint. Someone had to cover a Michael Jackson song!
10. Is This Love? – Bob Marley
Performed by Ukulenny
Summer is around the corner, and as Ukulenny implies, it’s not summer without Bob.
10 More Underrated Ukulele Songs
Looking for more suggestions for ukulele covers of popular songs? Here are a few more.
1. “Fly Me To the Moon” Ukulele Cover – Frank Sinatra
2. “Mad World” Ukulele Cover – Gary Jules
3. “Love Song” Ukulele Cover – The Cure
4. “Ain’t No Grave” Ukulele Cover – Johnny Cash
5. “Ho Hey” Ukulele Cover – The Lumineers
6. “Lazy Song” Ukulele Cover – Bruno Mars
7. “Fight Song” Ukulele Cover – Rachel Platten
8. “Moon Song” Ukulele Cover – Karen O
9. “Adventure Time” Theme Song Ukulele Cover
10. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” Ukulele Cover – Randy Newman
There are always more traditional options, too, like choosing Eddie Vedder Ukulele Songs Album cover songs. Leave no stone unturned as you’re looking for fun, accessible songs you can play on your ukulele! It’s all a matter of preference, so feel free to get creative.
Is it Easy to Learn to Play the Ukulele?
Learning to play the ukulele isn’t necessarily easy – but it’s not overly difficult, either. Many cover songs that aren’t meant specifically for this instrument can be a bit tricky to figure out chords for.
I was going to attempt to tab out these songs for you, but most are very difficult to do so. That said, you should be able to find ukulele chords and tabs for these tunes online.
Another great tip to help master these fun ukulele cover songs? Get a teacher who can train you in everything you need to know!
I suggest taking lessons through Takelessons.com to find a teacher that can first show you the basics of the ukulele. You can work your way toward mastering your own ukulele cover songs and becoming the next Jake Shimabukuro.
Learn one of these ukulele cover songs or pick one of your own, and master it with the help of a private ukulele teacher. Search for your ukulele teacher now!
Matthew K. teaches guitar, piano, and music theory lessons in Brooklyn, NY. He studied music composition at Mercyhurst University, and he has been teaching lessons for four years. Matthew is available to teach in-person lessons as well as online via Skype. Learn more about Matthew here!
Megan L.