Playing the ukulele is a great way to get started with playing music. It’s an instrument that is relatively easy to learn and can be played almost anywhere.
Plus, you don’t need any expensive equipment or even a lot of practice time to get going.
This blog post will show you how to play a variety of simple but fun songs on the ukulele.
What is a Famous Song That Uses Ukulele?
Playing the ukulele is a great way to get started with playing music. It’s an instrument that is relatively easy to learn and can be played almost anywhere. Here are some easy songs to play on ukulele to get you started:
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: Every ukulele player should start with this classic nursery rhyme that everyone knows. The chords are C, F, G7 and Am, so it’s a great place to start if you want to learn how to switch between chords as well as strumming rhythmically.
- I’m Yours by Jason Mraz: This song is one of the most popular ukulele songs of all time and it’s definitely worth learning if you want to impress your friends! The chords are G, Em, C, D so if you already know those then you’re good to go!
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole: This beautiful song is perfect for any beginner – it only uses two chords (C and G) so it’s very straightforward once you have the hang of strumming and fingerpicking. Plus it sounds great when done right!
- Riptide by Vance Joy: If you’re looking for a more contemporary song then this one is perfect for beginners – just use the same four chords from “I’m Yours” (Gmaj7/F#m7/Em/D) over and over again for the entire song!
- Hey Soul Sister by Train: Another modern favorite that’s easy enough for beginners – just use three main chords (A, D and E). It’s also worth practicing fingerpicking on this one too as it gives it a nice texture when done correctly!
Ready to start learning how to play some of these easy ukulele songs? Sign up for lessons! Not only will you learn how to play these easy beginner ukulele songs, but you’ll gain plenty of other skills a ukulele player needs to have, too, like what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbF-Vghyk_k
Is Ukulele Simple to Learn?
If you’re like most people, you may have seen a ukulele at a party or in the hands of someone walking down the street and thought, “Hey! That looks easy enough. I could do that!”
But is it really? Can anyone pick up a ukulele and become a master strummer in no time flat? Or is there more to it than meets the eye?
The first thing to understand about learning to play the ukulele is that it must be done with patience and practice. Just like any other instrument, mastery of this tiny four-stringed instrument will not come overnight.
You must learn how to tune your strings, how to hold your instrument, how to read music or tablature (if you choose), and—of course—how to strum. All these things take time and dedication if you want to achieve success.
Another thing to keep in mind is that learning an instrument should be fun! Don’t let yourself get frustrated or overwhelmed by all the details—instead, focus on just enjoying the process of playing and learning something new. So make sure you take breaks when needed, listen to lots of music for inspiration, and don’t forget why you wanted to learn in the first place.
When starting out with the ukulele, one of the best ways to learn is by taking lessons from an experienced teacher. This allows you access not only to their expertise but also their guidance as they can help point out mistakes you might not even recognize yourself until much later on in your journey.
Plus, having someone else’s eyes on your technique can make all the difference when striving for perfection over time.
Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners
Once you’ve mastered playing chords on the ukulele, you’re ready to move on to tackling some songs. Here are 5 easy ukulele songs that are great for beginners. Remember, it’s okay to start slow and gradually increase your speed until you’re playing the song at its normal tempo.
Alouette
This French folk song is light and breezy. With just two chords for you to master, this is a great song to practice singing
while playing once you get the chord transitions down.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
This children’s classic uses three basic chords.
Tabs and chords for Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Old MacDonald
“Old MacDonald Had a Farm” is another classic children’s song that is easy to play on the ukulele.
Amazing Grace
This hymn is a little more challenging. Once you’ve mastered simpler songs, try adding “Amazing Grace” to your repertoire.
Tabs and chords for Amazing Grace
Knocking on Heaven’s Door
This classic Eric Clapton ballad is a bit more challenging than the other songs, but certainly doable for a beginner. Just remember to stay focused on learning the chords and start slow!
Tabs and chords for Knocking on Heaven’s Door
What is the Easiest Song to Play on Ukulele for Kids?
Learning to play the ukulele is an enjoyable and accessible new hobby that kids of all ages can enjoy.
Whether your child is looking for an easy song to learn for their first time playing, or a ukulele novice ready to master their instrument, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is the perfect choice. This simple melody requires just a few basic chords, making it an achievable goal even for young children just beginning to learn the ukulele.
With some patience and practice, they will be strumming through this classic tune in no time!
Even More Easy Songs to Learn on Ukulele
If you’re looking for some easy ukulele songs to get started, you’ve come to the right place! Playing the ukulele is an enjoyable experience, and learning songs on the instrument can be a great way to improve your skills. Here are some songs, sorted by genre, to try playing on your ukulele.
Disney Easy Ukulele Songs
Whether you’re a seasoned strummer or have never picked up an instrument before, learning Disney easy ukulele songs can be a fun and rewarding adventure. There’s just something special about being able to play classic songs that resonate with us all. From the iconic “Let It Go” to the ever-catchy “Hakuna Matata”, Disney songs instantly evoke fond memories and smiles when we hear them.
With some patience and practice, anyone can learn to play these beloved tunes on the whimsical-sounding ukulele!
Easy Song for Ukulele Country Players
For country music lovers, there are a few classic country songs that are easy to learn on ukulele. “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash is a great song to start with. It’s catchy and has a simple chord progression that new players can easily pick up.
Another great choice is “Jolene” by Dolly Parton—it might not be as well-known as some of her other hits, but it’s got a memorable chorus that makes it perfect for playing on the ukulele.
Easy Songs for Ukulele – Rock
If you love rock music, then you’ll find plenty of easy songs on the ukulele. A good starting point is “Wonderwall” by Oasis. It has only four chords and its repetitive structure makes it a breeze to learn. Another classic rock song that works well on the ukulele is “Gimme Some Truth” by John Lennon—it has a straightforward chord pattern and it sounds great when played with just two or three chords.
Easy Ukulele Christmas Songs
Christmas time is just around the corner, so why not learn some festive tunes on your uke? One of the most popular Christmas carols is “Jingle Bells,” and it can easily be adapted for the instrument (just replace all those bells with strums).
For something more modern, try Mariah Carey’s hit song “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” The melody itself isn’t too difficult and its upbeat tempo makes it fun to play along with.
Pop Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners
Pop fans will find lots of great songs they can learn on ukulele quickly and easily. One example is Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph,” which features simple strumming patterns that beginners can master in no time at all.
For something more classic, try The Beatles’ timeless hit “Here Comes The Sun.” Its iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable – plus, once you’ve learned it you’ll have plenty of practice singing along!
Easy Hawaiian Ukulele Songs
And lastly, if Hawaiian music is your thing then you’re in luck! There are tons of traditional Hawaiian songs that are easy to pick up on the uke – one example being “Pua Lililehua” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (also known as “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”).
It’s one of his most famous compositions and its gentle melody makes it perfect for beginners who want to master their strumming skills.
Easy Songs on Ukulele – Start Today!
Use these songs as a jumping off point to get started playing the ukulele. There are lots of other great resources online that can help you learn to play just about any ukulele song you can think of. In fact, if you’re looking for more songs to play, here is a guide that lists songs based on category and experience level.
If you feel like you need a bit more help learning how to play ukulele, music lessons are another great option to explore. When you take private music lessons, your teacher can tailor lesson plans to you, to make sure you learn what you really want to know!
Megan L.