The warm and bright tone of the ukulele instantly transports you to a tropical island. Its airy sounds conjure up images of swaying palm trees, sandy shores, and lapping waves. And those beachy images are not far from this instrument’s origin story. In fact, this dreamy-sounding instrument had its beginnings on the island of Madeira off the coast of Portugal.
In the 1800s, the ukulele made its way to Hawaii by way of immigrants. The word “ukulele” literally means “jumping flea,” due to the fact that the Hawaiians played all over the strings, jumping around as it were.
Today, dozens of YouTube vloggers transpose popular songs for the ukulele, giving classic tunes a fresh, new sound. Almost any song can be played on the ukulele – including Disney music!
It doesn’t matter your age. Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, Disney music has the power to bring a smile to your face. It offers instant gratification and joy as you find yourself immediately humming along to the tune. From the classics like “Hakuna Matata” to the newer hits like “How Far I’ll Go,” there’s something so magical about Disney songs.
Because these songs have played such an important role in our lives and those of our kids, why not learn how to play them on the ukulele? After dedicating some time and patience to practicing, you’ll be able to play all the Disney ukulele songs to your heart’s content.
Ready to play along with your favorite soundtracks? Check out our list of easy Disney ukulele songs below. We feature 10 of the most iconic tunes and provide Disney song chords for the ukulele so you can start fingerpicking right away. Grab your uke and get ready to experience a “whole new world” of music!
10 Easy Disney Ukulele Songs
1. How Far I’ll Go – Moana
We can’t discuss Disney ukulele songs without including Moana – the first Hawaiian Disney princess. How fitting! This fun song is about a young girl being drawn to the ocean and her true calling in life. It’s very upbeat and relatively easy to play, so it’s a great option for beginners. Once you nail down this Hawaiian number, you’ll be all set to tackle the other epic Disney ukulele songs on this list. Get the Disney ukulele tabs here.
2. When you Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio
Are you looking to start out with an easy ukulele song? Then give this iconic number a whirl. A slow and soothing song, this Pinocchio classic is the perfect lullaby, and playing it on the ukulele gives it a very unique island feel. The strumming pattern for this tune is slower, making it much easier to master the transitions between chords. If you’re just starting out on the ukulele, this is a great place to start. Get the Disney ukulele tabs here.
3. At Last I See the Light – Tangled
“At Last I See the Light” may be a newer song, but it’s equally as strong and powerful as the classics on this list. Originally played on the guitar, this song is also an excellent choice for ukulele players. After all, a lot of guitar songs can easily be translated into ukulele tunes. Although it can be a little more challenging due to the fingerpicking and quick transitions, it’s definitely worth taking the time to learn. Bonus: This is a duet, so have a friend sing along with you! Get the Disney ukulele tabs here.
4. Hakuna Matata – The Lion King
Beginner ukulele players always gravitate toward this tune! So if you’re anything like them, you’re probably wondering how to play “Hakuna Matata” on ukulele. We’ll you’re in luck. “Hakuna Matata” is fun and laid back, so it pairs very well with the bright tone of the ukulele. The notes and strum pattern repeat, so with a little practice you can play the whole song very easily. Once you get the hang of “Hakuna Matata” ukulele chords, you won’t be able to stop playing this epic tune. Get the easy Disney ukulele tabs here.
5. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride – Lilo and Stitch
If you’re interested in playing “Lilo and Stitch” ukulele tunes, then don’t miss “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.” This Disney song is ideal for those looking for a more traditional sound, and it pairs perfectly with the ukulele! Don’t be scared by how fast it is – this tutorial really helps break this Hawaiian song down. Take it slow and steady at first. But in reality, the only hard part will be learning the Hawaiian lyrics! Get the Disney ukulele tabs here.
6. A Whole New World – Aladdin
You’re likely itching to figure out the “A Whole New World” ukulele chords! Fortunately, this song is perfect for beginners. The ukulele chords are easy to learn, and they repeat throughout the song. “A Whole New World” is a tried-and-true Disney favorite, and the ukulele gives it a sweet melancholy feel. To really shine on this song, get a friend to sing along with you. Get the easy Disney ukulele tabs here.
7. Kiss the Girl – The Little Mermaid
Everybody adores this Disney number, and just wait until you can play it on the ukulele! You’ll be unstoppable. What’s more, beginners especially love this song since it only uses four chords and has a slower tempo than most. The original version already has an island feel, so it works very well with the ukulele. It’s a great starting point when learning Disney ukulele songs! Get the Disney ukulele tabs here.
8. Under the Sea – The Little Mermaid
You can’t learn “Kiss the Girl” without mastering “Under the Sea” ukulele chords, too! This upbeat song is fast and fun – especially on the ukulele. It is very tropical-sounding and will make you want to head straight to the ocean! The strumming pattern can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it you’ll have lots of fun playing. Just like with any challenging song, go slow at first and slowly pick up your speed. Get the Disney ukulele tabs here.
9. Let it Go – Frozen
When “Frozen” came out, everyone wanted to “let things go” and build a snowman. Although the movie takes place in a very cold setting, the ukulele gives this song a warm and tropical feel. It’s the perfect juxtaposition! These easy chords are fairly simple to master, so beginners will be able to play it in no time. And trust us, as soon as your friends and family get wind of you knowing how to play this tune, there’s a good chance they’ll want to hear it on repeat. Get the Disney ukulele tabs here.
10. The Bare Necessities – The Jungle Book
This song is an oldie but goody. “The Bare Necessities” will make you want to sing and dance while playing it. And good luck getting this catchy song out of your head! The ukulele chords and strum patterns are easy enough to make it a good option for all levels of ukulele players. Get the Disney ukulele tabs here.
Whether you’re interested in the classics like “Pinocchio” or love the energy of “Tangled,” there is something for every generation of Disney lover on this list. These easy Disney ukulele songs are a great way to get some extra practice on the ukulele while having lots of fun. Simply start by listening to the soundtrack to familiarize yourself with the tune and rhythm, and then slowly begin working your way through the chords. With a little bit of practice, you can pick up the pace and sound exactly like the original recording before you know it.
To learn more intermediate to advanced songs, ukulele lessons with a private teacher are a guaranteed way to help you improve. With a little help from a professional, your ukulele skills will reach new heights in no time.
Natalie Hagen