Top 80 Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners

Interested in learning about 7 essential ukulele chords? Read this guide for beginners!

Indie Ukulele Songs

If you’re interested in basic ukulele songs from the indie genre, these are excellent choices!

Riptide – Vance Joy

Thank you DEE for the use of this video

“Riptide” is the song that launched Vance Joy’s career worldwide, and even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ll know the song. After stumbling across this cover on YouTube, I was impressed by how great this tune sounds with the ukulele. Though the original song uses a classical guitar with a capo, this young lady does a killer rendition on the uke.

This is one of the most fun easy ukulele songs for beginners. That’s because you’ll only need three chords to get it down: Am, G, and C. 

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

This is the title song on the second album by American indie rock band, Neutral Milk Hotel. The album is characterized by vivid, surreal lyrics and lo-fi sound quality. This is a gorgeous song that is easy to adapt to the ukulele, will capture your imagination, and help you continue to practice your musicianship and chord changes.

This is an excellent choice to start with because there are only a handful of chords. The intro is G, Em, C, and D, and the rest of the song cycles through the easy chords G, Em, C, and D. 

Other Indie tunes that are easy songs to play on ukulele for beginners:

• Who We Are – Imagine Dragons – A, Abm, Bm, D, Dm, Db, E, Gbm
• I Will Follow You Into the Dark – Death Cab for Cutie: Dm, F, Bb, Bbm, C, A
• Ukulele Anthem – Amanda Palmer: A, C, C7, Fsus2, G7, G7sus4
• Istanbul (Not Constantinople) – They Might Be Giants: Am, E7, Dm
• On the Radio – Regina Spektor: A, Am, C, F, G

Pop Ukulele Songs

We’ve got a lot of pop tunes that are easy ukulele songs for beginners. Let’s take a look!

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Thank you Ridwan Azman for the use of this video

I probably wouldn’t be writing articles about the ukulele if it weren’t for the song “I’m Yours.” The fact is, Jason Mraz took a simple ukulele line and married it to a tremendously catchy tune, giving us this instant-classic ukulele song that won’t go away once it’s in your head. The budding uke players out there will appreciate how simple this song is to play, from the basic lead intro to the shuffling strumming pattern.

This song uses chords known as the “oldies progression” because they are common to a lot of popular songs from the ’50s. These chords are really just C, Am, F, and G. Jason also throws in a D for the turnaround section to build a bit more tension. Give yourself a few hours of practice and you’ll have this song in the bag.

Tonight You Belong to Me – Prudence and Patience

Thank you WorldMind for the use of this video

At some point in your ukulele career, you’ll probably be asked to play this song. It was made popular by Steve Martin’s rendition in the movie The Jerk. This playful, lighthearted tune was originally written in the 1920s, but it made a comeback in the ‘50s and ‘60s with the sisterly vocal duo, Prudence and Patience.

If you have a coronet player to play with you, or a friend to harmonize vocals with, it’s even more beautiful! This is one of the most basic easy ukulele songs for beginners out there – using only the chords A, D, G, and E with a Dm and an Eb thrown in for good measure. Let the sparks fly with this sweet, romantic tune!

Other pop songs that are easy to learn:

• Poker Face, Lady Gaga: Em, C, G, D
• The Lion Sleeps Tonight: The Tokens: F, Bb, C
• One Day – Matisyahu: C, G, Am, F
• Someone Like You – Adele: C, G, Am, F
• Stand By Me – Ben E. King: C, Am, F, G
• Love Yourself – Justin Bieber: C, G, Am, Dm, F
• Graceland – Paul Simon: A, B, D, Dbm, E
• Child of Mine – C, G, B, Bb, F, D, D7
• These Boots Were Made for Walking – Lee Hazlewood/Nancy Sinatra: A, A7, D7, C

Hawaiian Folk Ukulele Songs

For some unique songs that are fun to learn, check out these Hawaiian folk tunes.

Somewhere over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

In 1993, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole brought us his interpretation of two classic ukulele songs that have been inscribed into the American consciousness for decades: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and the Louis Armstrong classic “What a Wonderful World.”

This track was featured on Iz’s album Facing Future, and has since gone on to be a staple in many movies. It was featured in Meet Joe Black, Finding Forester, 50 First Dates, Son of the Mask, and several others. Fun fact: the album Facing Future holds the record for the best-selling album by a Hawaiian national to date.

There are eight chords in this song, but they are not particularly difficult chords to play: C, G, F, Am – typical chords for the key of C, with E7, D, Dm7, and Em thrown into the mix for fun. I chose this song as #10 because it’ll probably require the most work. With that said, it’ll definitely be appreciated by your audience.

Mele Kalikimaka – Robert Alex Anderson

Thank you Gianni and Sarah for the use of this video

When you play the ukulele, you won’t always be playing around a campfire or on the beach. Sometimes you may get a request to play holiday music, and “Mele Kalikimaka” is a classic ukulele song for the holidays.

“Mele Kalikimaka” was popularized by Bing Crosby, but unlike most crooner songs, this one is pretty simple to play. G, D7, E, C, A7, and Am should get you through most of the song. It’s immediately recognizable and if you can croon along, you’ll really wow your audience!

Musical Theater Ukulele Songs

If you like musical theater, you’ll love learning these songs.

City of Stars – La La Land

Composed by Justin Hurwitz, the soundtrack from La La Land is jam-packed with gorgeous songs and easy ukulele songs for beginners. City of Stars is one of our all-time faves. The chords are a little complex at first, but it’s worth the effort to learn a couple of extras. You’ll need to know A, A7, Am, Bbmaj7, C, C7, Dm, Dm7, Dbdim, F, F7, and Gm. 

A Few Easy Musical Theater Tunes:

• Do-Re-Mi – The Sound of Music: C, C7, D7, Dm7, E7, F, G, G7
• My Favorite Things – The Sound of Music: Ab, Abm, B, Bbm, C7, Db, Eb, Ebm, Fm, Gb
• Out Tonight – Rent: B, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, Gm
• Good Morning – Singin’ In the Rain: C, Am7, Dm7, G, Dm, G7
• Singin’ in the Rain – Singin’ in the Rain: C, A, C#dim7, G7
• Another Day of Sun – La La Land: A, Ab, Ab7, Abm, B, Bb, C, Cm, Dbm, E, Eb, Fm, G, Gm

Rock Ukulele Songs

These popular rock songs are some of the most fun and easiest to learn on the uke!

Hey Soul Sister – Train

Thank you Christine Kiberg for the use of this video

After Jason and Colbie hit the charts, the ’90s wonder band Train came back with a Jason Mraz-sounding groove entitled “Hey Soul Sister.” The song is very similar in structure to “I’m Yours.” Now I’m not saying Train copied Jason Mraz – well, maybe I am. I think the legal term is “heavily influenced.”

If you check out the chord structure, “Hey Soul Sister” is basically the same song as “I’m Yours,” but with different lyrics and a different pattern to the chorus. Essentially, if you can learn “I’m Yours” and transpose it to the key of G, you’ll have this song down. In G, the chord progression will be G, Em, C, and D.

Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton

Thank you Jacob Tiffer for the use of this video

A song that you may not have expected to see on this list is “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton. This beautiful song, which was written after the tragic loss of Eric’s son Connor, is one that has brought tears and healing to countless people after their own losses. It’s definitely a great song to have in your repertoire.

Although this is one of the easy ukulele songs for beginners, the bridge might take some extra attention. The main chords in the song are A, E, F#m, and D with a C#m thrown in. But in the bridge, Clapton goes into the key of G for a minute, throwing in the G and C as well.

It might sound like a bit of a challenge, but it will be worth it to learn this meaningful tune.

Check out these easy rock ukulele songs, too:

• Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles: Bm, C, D, Dm7, Em, F, G
• Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles: Am, C7, Dm7, Em, F7, G7
• Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles: Am, G, F, E7
• Everyday – Buddy Holly: A, Ab, B, Bb, Bb7, Db, Eb, Eb7, Gb
• Everyday Clothes – Jonathan Richman: F, G, C, Am
• Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da – The Beatles: Bb7, Bbsus2, Eb, F, F7, Gm
• Eight Days a Week – The Beatles: A, Bm, D, E, E7, G
• Twist & Shout – The Beatles: A, A7, C, D, G
• California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas: A, Ab, Ab7, B, Dbm, E

Funk Ukulele Songs

New ukulele players are sure to have a blast learning these funk songs.

Uptown Funk

Released in November 2014, this addictive song was written by British artist Mark Ronson, and featured Bruno Mars. This song is a gem, especially for new uke players. That’s because you can play it well on just two chords: Dm, G7. But, it also lends itself to improvisation, riffing, and is the ideal song to practice your soloing skills.

The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie – Red Hot Chili Peppers

This funk song has outstanding opportunities to practice your fingerstyle ukulele, a catchy bassline, and a memorable melody to help you practice your singing while playing. This one is from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ tenth album, I’m With You. 

While the song may sound complex, it contains a collection of chords that you likely already know: Am, Bm, C, D, Em, and G. 

Other Funk Ukulele Songs:

• Tell Me Something Good – Chaka Khan: Bm, C, D, Em, G
• Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson: G, A, Am, D, C
• Car Wash – Rose Royce: D, G#, C, C#, F, F#, E, Gm, Gmaj, Gmaj7

Folk Ukulele Songs

Interested in learning easy folk songs on the ukulele? Here are some of my favorites!

You Are My Sunshine – Traditional

Although this song’s origins are unknown, it has been covered by countless artists, including Johnny Cash. A classic sing-a-long, this song isn’t without sad lyrics, but it’s a beautiful and popular tune to cover. All you’ll need to know for this tune is C, F, G7.

So Long Marianne

A Leonard Cohen classic, this song is almost addictive to learn on the ukulele. This is a great piece to play at folk jams, strum along with friends, or add to your set when you play your first ukulele gig! You’ll just need to know A, Asus4, D, E, E7, Esus4, G, and Bbm.  

Take a look at other easy ukulele songs for beginners in the folk genre:

• Clementine – Traditional: G, C, D7
• Bird Song – Wailin’ Jennys: A, E, D
• Long Time Traveler – Wailin’ Jennys: G, D, C
• Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen: C, Am, F, G, Em
• Circle – Harry Chapin: C6, C7, Dm, Dm6, Dm7, F, G

Swing Ukulele Songs

We can’t skip over swing songs on our list!

Minor Swing – Django Reinhardt

Minor Swing is a 1937 classic covered by everyone from brass bands to folk duos, so it’s a good one to have in your tool belt. This legendary gypsy jazz tune was crafted by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. 

Good news for uke players, this tune only has six chords, and they’re all accessible for beginners. Start by strumming along to the melody, and build up to fingerpicking along with recordings of Django. The chords are simply Am, Dm, Em, C, D, E

Other Swing Tunes on Uke: 

• Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra: A7, Am, Am7, C, C7, Cmaj7, Dm, E7, Em, Em7, F, G7
• Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin: A, A7, Am, Am7, Ab, B, B7, Bm, C, D, D7, E6, E7, Em, G, Gm7, Gb7

Bonus: Ukulele Chord Chart

If you’re looking for a great place to find ukulele chord charts for the songs above, check out the Uku Tabs website. Or, simply use the video below and play along by ear.

Enjoy Learning These Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners!

Well, there you have it! Our top 80 easy songs to learn on ukulele. Remember that the more you build up your uke skills, the easier it will be to pick up new tunes.

Though there are many resources for learning the ukulele online, nothing beats having a private ukulele lesson tailored to you. Search for a ukulele teacher today and you’ll be playing all of these songs in no time!

Author: Willy M. teaches guitar, ukulele, and mandolin lessons in Winston, NC. He is the author of the Dead Man’s Tuning series of mandolin songbooks, and is a former member of the American Federation of Musicians. Willy has been teaching for 20 years, and his students have ranged in age from young children to folks in their 80’s. Learn more about Willy here!

Photo by Khoi Tran