Whether you’re celebrating National Talk Like a Pirate Day or sailing the high seas, playing a pirate tune on the ukulele is a fantastic way to pass the time. Try one of these tunes from ukulele teacher Willy M.; they’re rated arrrr for pirates!
Who doesn’t want to play the ukulele? It’s the perfect instrument for sitting on the beach in summer. But while you’re sitting on the beach, relaxing, watching the boats sail by, seeing the crabs scuttling along the sand, what naturally comes to mind?
That’s right, pirates!
Who doesn’t love a good pirate song? And what could be better than singing them on a ukulele? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these top pirate ukulele songs will have you playing and singing along in no time! Arrrrghhh mateys!
What Songs Are Played on the Ukulele?
Looking for fun pirate songs to play on the ukulele? Look no further – these are all excellent picks:
- Drunker Sailor
- Blow the Man Down
- Jim Jones
- Get Up Jack, John Sit Down
- Amazing Grace
- A Pirate’s Life for Me
If you’re new to playing the ukulele, you might worry that you’ll never have the swashbuckling success of being able to play these pirate ukulele songs. Taking lessons with a qualified instructor is the best way to learn ukulele. You can also watch videos like the one below (and don’t worry – we won’t make you walk the plank!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zcI5vu5jo8
What is That Pirate Song Called?
A pirate ukulele song is the perfect way to add a bit of excitement and adventure to your music.
There are many different songs to choose from, and each one has its own unique arrangement and melody. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced song to get your heart racing or a slower, more contemplative tune to help you relax, there’s sure to be a pirate ukulele song that’s perfect for you.
One of the great things about pirate ukulele songs is that they can be easily adapted to any skill level.
If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of beginner ukulele songs that you can learn. And if you’re more experienced, you can try your hand at more complex arrangements. No matter your skill level, though, it’s always fun to strum along to a pirate ukulele song.
So whether you’re a seasoned musician or a complete beginner, why not give one of these tunes a try?
What is a Famous Song That Uses Ukulele?
Looking for famous pirate ukulele songs? This list is a great place to get started.
Whether you are a music lover or simply enjoy pirate tales, these songs will have you hooked in no time! So grab your uke and get ready to set sail on an epic musical journey with these timeless classics.
No ukulele player worth his salt can show up at a luau without knowing at least a couple pirate songs! So here are six classic pirate songs (some from my upcoming book Mandolin Dead Man’s Tuning Vol. 3 Pirates) that not only work great for the mandolin in open D tuning, but also sound good on the Ukulele. The great thing about these songs is these 5 easy ukulele songs can be played using only 3 chords: D, G, and A.
1. Drunken Sailor
The first song on this list of easy songs on ukulele is a song that everyone thinks of when they think of pirates is “Drunken Sailor.” “What do ye do with a drunken sailor?” as it is sometimes referred to is a very simple song using the I chord, the IV chord and the V chord, and can be played in any key you want. If you tune your ukulele to an open tuning, it’s as simple as strumming on the open chord, the fifth fret and the seventh fret.
2. Blow the Man Down
Another easy song is “Blow the Man Down.” This song like “Drunken Sailor,” is one that everyone at a party will want to sing along with the accomplished ukulele player! It also has only three chords, and makes a good follow up to “Drunken Sailor.”
3. Jim Jones
If you want to get a little more adventurous, you might try your hand at playing “Jim Jones,” or as it is sometimes known “Botany Bay.” This is the song of a convict who is sentenced to spend the rest of his days exiled from England, to the colony of Australia. I play this song in the key of D, using only the D, G and A. If you are playing the ukulele in D tuning, you can always tune down your B string to an A and simply strum along on the open, fifth and 7th frets and play “Jim Jones” this way. A great recording of this song is by Bob Dylan on the “Good As I Been To You” album.
4. Get Up Jack, John Sit Down
Another fun song to play on the ukulele that uses only 3 chords, is an old work song called “Get Up Jack, John Sit Down.” Again it only uses the I, IV and V, but it is a funny song that tells the story of how quickly the money goes away when sailors put into port. One of the best ukulele song recordings I have heard is by Dan Milner.
5. Amazing Grace
Finally, you might want to check out “Amazing Grace,” just in case you’re called upon to play a wedding or a funeral onboard ship when the captain needs a musician to play. “Amazing Grace,” was written by a former ship captain turned minister, John Newton. “Amazing Grace,” is such a simple song that again anyone can play on the ukulele using only 3 chords. If you want to get adventurous you can always add the relative minor towards the end of the song to spice it up a little.
6. A Pirate’s Life for Me
One famous song that uses the ukulele as its primary instrument is “A Pirate’s Life for Me,” from the Disney film Pirates of the Caribbean. This catchy and fun song utilizes the light, bouncy sound of the ukulele to capture the adventurous spirit of seafaring pirates. With a vigorous melody and driving rhythm, “A Pirate’s Life for Me” perfectly conveys the sense of excitement and adventure that has made pirates a popular subject in fiction and folklore throughout history.
What is the Easiest Song to Play on the Ukulele?
So these six easy ukulele songs can all be played using only 3 chords, and I hope you have a lot of fun trying them out at your next luau or pirate gathering!
Arrr you ready to take your ukulele playing up a notch? Check out these pirate-themed songs that are perfect for any swashbuckling musician. Whether you’re looking for something upbeat and happy or dark and menacing, we’ve got the perfect song for you. And don’t forget – practice makes perfect! So get out there and start strumming like a pro.
Learn more fun ukulele songs and improve your skills by signing up for lessons with a private ukulele instructor. Ukulele teachers are available for lessons in-person or online via Skype. Find your ukulele teacher today!
Post Author: Willy M.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 Jonathan Rivera
Suzy S.