20 Ukulele Songs For Beginners | PlayTheTunes (2023)

The ukulele is a popular string arrangement known for its size and simplicity. This unique Hawaiian instrument is loved by many around the world. It's perfect for anyone new to music who wants to learn something basic but melodic.

Ukuleles come in a variety of sizes, the smallest (and most common) being the soprano. You can also buy a concert, tenor, or baritone ukulele. What these 4 sizes have in common is that they all come with 4 tunable strings. How you tune your ukulele depends on its size, but the standard tuning is gCEA.

So let's say you bought your first ukulele and learned to tune it to a tee. Great! The next logical step is to learn some chords. Fortunately, unlike a guitar,Ukulele Chordsare easier to learn and master.

Some chords require 1 to 3 fingers. Some even ask for none at all! But once you master chords like C, Am, F, G, and Em, you can move on to learningplay your first song.

There are many songs out there that you can play. Some with 2 chords, some with more than 5. But don't let that put you off playing the ukulele. Some songs only require about 2-4 chords and a simple strumming pattern.

Here are 20 easy ukulele songs perfect for beginners.

1. Jason Mraz - I'm yours

This classic is every beginner's favorite song (and is great on theBanjo). Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" is a simple but very satisfying tune that will get your head bobbing and your feet stomping.

The song is based on only 4 chords, namely C G Am and F. Thechord progressionis repeated throughout the song. The pattern is easy to learn, and you'll see these 4 familiar chords later in other songs.

To sing this song with the chords you can visit the link here.

2. Vance Joy – Springflut

"Riptide" by Vance Joy is made for the ukulele. You may have heard this tune on the radio or online. The catchy rhythm and the lyrics make you want to sing along.

To play Riptide on the original key, you must first place a capo on the first fret. You will be glad to know that this song only needs 3 chords.These are Am, G and C.And you will use the same pattern throughout the song. Riptide is a good song to dance to because it's so easy to remember and sing.

Sing along to Riptide and more right here.

3. Olivia Rodrigo – Deja Vu

This is one of the newest songs to feature on this list. Olivia Rodrigo is very popular with the younger generation, so don't be surprised if they want to rock it with their new star. Luckily, her hit "Deja Vu" is as simple as it gets.

The song only needs 3 chords.You'll be playing mostly between the A and D chords, but there are a few moments where you'll transition to Bm7.But don't panic! These chords are easy to remember and master. It almost feels like you've played them before.

Let those sour emotions out with deja vu right here.

4. Taylor Swift - Problems with champagne

Taylor Swiftis known for her guitar and piano skills. But you can also easily play their music on the ukulele. "Champagne Problems" is one of Taylor's popular songs on her new album Evermore.You can easily play this with the C, G, Am and F chord progression.The song sounds great on the ukulele and you will impress every swiftie with your cover.

Play Champagne Problems with all your heart here.

5. Adele - Someone like you

Adele's songs are phenomenal. Her strong vocals and powerful lyrics can bring people to tears. While a ukulele isn't exactly a flashy instrument, you can still play Adele's hits on it. And Someone Like You takes the cake.

You can play this ballad with 5 simple chords namely G, D, Em, C and Am. The progression may change during the pre-chorus and bridge, but they're easy to remember and map onto your fret.

Fix a broken heart by singing with Adele right here.

6. Sam Smith - I'm not the only one

If you're a big fan of heartbreak songs then Sam Smith is your man. You can always count on him to bring us a song that goes to our hearts. Sam Smith's "I'm Not The Only One" is a tragic song about infidelity. And if you can identify with this song, then you can play along.

You can play this song with F, A, Dm, Bb and C chords. Luckily, there's a simple pattern you can follow as you play. You'll be singing along to Sam Smith in no time.

Get emotional now, right here.

7. Matisyahu - One day

Reggae is a genre that many people love. Many reggae songs have a deep meaning hidden behind a catchy, light-hearted melody. Matisyahu's most popular song "One Day" is the perfect starter song for any ukulele beginner. The tempo is slow and unassuming, the lyrics catchy and the chords super easy.

All you need is C, G, Am and F (notice a pattern with all these songs?). And this chord progression runs through the whole song. Besides, who wouldn't want to sing something so uplifting and upbeat?

So chill with your ukulele while you sing along to this song right here.

8. One Republic - Counting Stars

One Republic is known for many songs. But "Counting Stars" has to be their most iconic track. And thankfully, it's also one of their easiest. “Counting Stars” uses 5 basic chords, namely Am. C.G. and F.

As with the other songs on this list, the chord pattern doesn't change drastically throughout the song. So don't worry about memorizing the chords. Counting Stars is an amazing stomp-and-clap-along tune.

Combine that with the addictive sound of the ukulele and you have a catchy tune.

Keep rocking right here with One Republic.

9. Billie Eilish - Everything I wanted

Billie Eilishis a popular singer who achieved a lot of fame at a young age. She is best known for her low vocal range and almost whispering voice. It's not for everyone, but their music translates fantastically to the ukulele.

Their song "Everything I Wanted" uses 4 chords. They use F G. Em and E7. If you're a little nervous about E7, don't worry! You only play it in the chorus and it's not a difficult chord.Everything I Wanted follows a simple progression throughout. It is not only easy to play, but also easy to sing.

Sing along to the chords and lyrics here.

10. Ed Sheeran - Happier

Ed Sheeran can captivate you with his amazing songwriting skills. In one track he will make you fall in love and in the next he will make you burst into tears. And this song is in the latter category.

"Happier" is one of Ed Sheeran's most powerful ballads. Luckily, you don't need an entire orchestra to move a crowd. You can easily play the same song on your ukulele with just 3 chords. The song uses the chords Am. F. and C in a repeating pattern.

With a song this complex, you'll be surprised at how simple its chords are. Sing out your heartbreak with the chords and lyrics right here.

11. Bruno Mars - Count on me

Now for something lighter-hearted, Bruno Mars' "Count On Me" is a slow-paced acoustic jam you and your friends can play together. It may have 6 chords, but don't let that intimidate you.

"Count On Me" uses C, Em, Am, G, F and Dm throughout the song. It may feel like a lot, but it's easy to remember which chord comes next. The song is also at a slow tempo that is easy to follow.

"Count On Me" is a good song to sing to a best friend. And the ukulele can definitely add something unique to your performance.

Want to have a jam session? Learn this song right here right now.

12th Passenger - Let her go

Here is another simple but effective ballad. "Let Her Go" is acousticRock-Songby Michael David Rosenberg, better known as Passenger. This is one of his most popular works and the easiest to learn.

"Let Her Go" uses simple chords that are easy to play and change. All you need is C, G, D, Em and Bm. This song sounds great on the ukulele and it's only natural for a beginner to practice.

Sing this and other Passenger songs right here.

13. Kodaline - All I want

Kodaline's "All I Want" is a haunting track that can really get the feelings out of you. It's the kind of song that can make people vulnerable. If you're feeling down and just want to express your feelings, this is the song for you.

"All I Want" is beginner friendly and uses only 4 easy chords. All you need is C.F.G. and Am. The chord progressions are different between the verses and the chorus. But it's not hard to remember which chord comes next. Pretty soon it will just feel natural.

Play All I Want alone or with your friends right here.

14. The greatest showman - a million dreams

The Greatest Showman is one of the most iconic musicals of the decade. A lot of amazing pieces came out of this movie, including this one.

"A millionDreams" is an uplifting and inspirational songthat anyone can play a ukulele. The song uses 7 different chords. That sounds a lot! But these chords are easy to play and change. They play G, D, Em, C, Am, B, and A. With practice, you'll play this song like a pro.

Get musical with A Million Dreams here.

15. Coldplay - The Scientist

Coldplay has many hits and notable albums. Love 'em or loathe 'em, they've produced some of the most moving songs of the generation. Many of their songs sound great acoustically. "The Scientist" has to be one of their most well-known and celebrated songs.

"The Scientist" can be intimidating as it uses chords like Dm, Bb, F, Fsus2 and C. But with practice, you'll be able to jump from chord to chord.

Another good news is that the tempo of the song is slow, giving you plenty of time to switch chords. This song is a moving ballad that beginners should definitely master.

Try it right here with this song.

16. Plain White T’s – Hey Delilah

This song is on par with "I'm Yours" and "Hey Soul Sister". It's that acoustic song from the early 2000s that just has to be repeated. If you want to go back and feel some nostalgia, this song is for you.

This song may be a bit challenging for some beginners. But if you're up for a challenge, then you should definitely try this classic. "Hey There Delilah" uses D, Gbm, Bm, G and A as chords.

The song is easy to follow and you won't have a problem once you master the progression. Get nostalgic with this song and more here.

17. Radiohead - Creeping

If you love rock music, you probably love (or at least know) this song. "Creep" is Radiohead's most famous song. The song was initially unsuccessful but later became the defining title of her album Pablo Honey.

When you feel like rocking some hard emotion, grab your ukulele and rock along. "Creep" uses the chords G, B, C, and Cm. The pattern continues throughout the song so you're not confused as to which chord comes next.

Feel like a rock star with this song here.

18. Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper – Flach

Here's another crowd favorite! Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" is a stunning duet that everyone can't get enough of.

Who doesn't want to sing along to the chorus? It's one of the best songs from A Star is Born and so easy to learn!

The song uses a lot of chords namely Em, D, G, C, Am, Bm and A. It's quite a lot for a beginner song but the tempo is slow enough to follow along. The chords are also close together and switching is a breeze with practice.

Fall in love all over again with this power ballad right here.

19. Camila Cabello – Havana

Do you remember when this song was all over the radio? People love to dance to this song and who can blame them? Havana by Camila Cabello is so catchy that you want to shake your hips.

To play "Havana" you should first put a capo on your third fret. Transposing makes the chords easier. You then play it using the Em, C, and B7 chords. And you just repeat that pattern throughout the song. It's so easy you just have to try it.

Move your body to the chords and lyrics here.

20. Zedd - Clarity

Let's end things with a bang!

Zedd is a popular DJ producing electronic dance music. One of his most famous songs is "Clarity".

Clarity is just the song that will have you singing along as you jump out of your seat. It's lively, memorable and easy to play on your instrument. The song uses 5 chords namely Am, D, Em, Bm and C and this sequence is repeated throughout the song.

While a ukulele is far from being an electronic device, playing it acoustically is also a great option.

Lose yourself in the melody here.

So what are you gonna play?

That is the list of 20 Easy Ukulele Songs You Can Learn Right Now. Of course, there are many more out there that haven't been mentioned in this list. Nonetheless, you might find a song or songs here to practice your ukulele skills on.

Learning to play the ukulele may feel like a big challenge, especially for a beginner. But beginners don't have to worry about not finding anything goodplay song. There are countless popular songs that are easy to useChord sequencethat you can follow. And thanks to the internet, finding those songs is a lot easier than it used to be.

Once you've learned the basics, you can move on to more advanced songs. There are many chords out there that you can learn. There are also many patterns that you can follow.

The ukulele is a cute and simple instrument that anyone can pick up. It's great for people of all ages. And with a little time and effort, you'll blow everyone away with your ukulele skills.

Top 20 easy songs to play on ukulele for beginners

These are theThe 20 best songs to play on the ukulele, and enjoy the 4 chords of any of the songs below.

For beginners who want to learn songs to play with a ukulele, check out these 20 best songs below. Enjoy!

1. Just the way you are- Bruno Mars
2. Stand by Me— Ben E. Koenig
3. I belong to you-Jason Mraz
4. Hey soul sister- Zug
5. Springfluten– Vance Joy
6. sunday morning– Maroon 5
7. The lion sleeps tonight– Die Token
8. Sweet Home Alabama– Lynyrd Skynyrd
9. One Love- Bob Marley
10. You are my Sunshine– Traditional song
11. Happy Birthday– Traditional song
12. Oh, my dear Clementine– Traditional song
13. bird plane– The Axis of the Awesome
14. Save tonight– Eagle Eye Cherry
15. All stars– Ed Sheeran
16. The hanging tree- Hunger Games
17. counting stars- A republic
18. let it be- Die Beatles
19. Departure in a jet plane– John Denver
20. Paparazzi- Lady Gaga

What are the 4 chords on a ukulele?

The ukulele is a 4string instrumentthat is small. But don't let its simple appearance undermine its melodic and rhythmic prowess.

This instrument is also known for being easy to learn. Why? Because ukulele users can already play many songs with only 4 chords.

So what are these chords? The 4 chords to note are C, D, G and Em.

Get your fingers used to the position and remember it. Then move them around and practice transitioning from one chord to another. The soft nylon strings of the ukulele are also a plus. Your fingers are less likely to get calloused from long hours of practice.

The ukelele sound suits lively songs like Aqua's "Barbie Girl" or Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi". Get down to business like a rock star with Bon Jovi's "Its My Life." Soft songs like Five for Fighting's "Superman" also fit perfectly.

Whatever the genre of music, the uke 4 chord magic will deliver your desired sound.