Easy Ukulele Songs & Chords for Beginners

The ukulele, with its small size and charming sound, has gotten the hearts of musicians and beginners alike. Whether you’re a seasoned musician looking to add a new instrument to your repertoire or a beginner eager to dive into the world of music, it is a wonderful choice. One of the best ways to start your journey is by learning some easy songs and chords. In this article, we’ll try explore a selection of popular and beginner-friendly ukulele songs along with their accompanying chords, helping you develop your strumming skills and have fun while playing. Feel free to use our free Chord Shape Generator to get you started.

Easy Ukulele Songs you should know

1. “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen: Although “Hallelujah” has been covered by numerous artists, the song’s beauty shines through when played on the ukulele. The chords used in this song include C, Am, F, G, and E7. While the chord progression may require some practice, it’s worth the effort as you create a soulful and moving rendition.
2. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: One of the most iconic songs, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a beautiful tune that’s perfect for beginners. The chords used are C, Em, F, and G7, which are relatively easy to learn. The song’s melody combined with these simple chords creates a magical and uplifting experience.
3. “Riptide” – Vance Joy: With its catchy melody and simple chord progression, “Riptide” is another excellent choice for beginners. The chords used are Am, G, and C, which are all basic open chords. This song is a great opportunity to practice your strumming technique while enjoying the playful and energetic vibe.
4. “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz: “I’m Yours” is a feel-good song that showcases the ukulele’s happy and upbeat nature. The chords used in this song are C, G, Am, and F. These chords are commonly used in many songs, making “I’m Yours” an excellent choice for building your chord vocabulary.
5. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley: This timeless classic translates beautifully to Uke. The chords used in this song are C, Em, Am, F, G7, and Dm. While it may seem intimidating at first, practicing these chords will help improve your finger dexterity and familiarity with different chord shapes.
6. “Hey Soul Sister” – Train: “Hey Soul Sister” is a uke driven hit that’s both fun to play and sing along to. The chords in this song are C, G, Am, and F. The strumming pattern for this song is relatively simple, making it an ideal choice for beginners who want to improve their rhythm and timing.
7. “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley: “Three Little Birds” is a reggae classic that sounds fantastic on the Ukelele. The song primarily uses the chords C, F, and G, which are commonly found in many beginner-friendly songs. Its uplifting lyrics and simple chord progression make it a perfect choice for beginners to practice their strumming and singing skills.
8. “I Will Follow You into the Dark” – Death Cab for Cutie: This indie folk favorite translates beautifully to the ukulele. The chords used in this song are Am, F, C, and G. The song’s gentle and melodic nature allows you to focus on transitioning between chords smoothly and playing with emotion.
9. “Count on Me” – Bruno Mars: “Count on Me” is a heartwarming song that embodies the ukulele’s joyous spirit. The chords used in this song are C, Am, F, and G. The strumming pattern is relatively simple, making it an ideal choice for beginners to practice their rhythm and strumming consistency.
10. “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl” is a timeless classic that will have everyone singing along. The chords used in this song are G, C, D, and Em. The song’s energetic vibe and catchy chorus make it a favorite among players of all skill levels.

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Learning easy ukulele songs and chords is a fantastic way to kick-start your musical journey with this delightful instrument. The songs mentioned above are just a few examples of beginner-friendly tunes that will help you develop your strumming skills and build your chord repertoire. Remember to take your time, practice regularly, and enjoy the process of making music. As you progress, you’ll find yourself exploring more complex songs and challenging your playing abilities. So grab your instrument, strum away, and let the joyous sound of this charming instrument brighten your musical adventures!