10 Easy Ukulele Songs to Learn in a Day
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Each of these songs uses basic chords and simple strumming patterns, so even if you have just picked up a ukulele, you will be strumming along in no time!
Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen):
C Em F C: Somewhere over the rainbow
F C G Am: Way up high
F C Em F: And the dreams that you dream of
Dm C G: Once in a lullaby
This iconic ukulele song is a must-learn for beginners. The slow, relaxed strumming makes it easy to master in just a few hours.
Riptide (Vance Joy):
Am G: Lady, running down to the riptide
C Am: Taken away to the dark side, I wanna be your left hand man
G: I love you when you're singing that song and
C Am: I got a lump in my throat 'cause you're gonna sing the words wrong
A modern ukulele favourite, ‘Riptide” has a catchy and upbeat rhythm. The down, down-up, up-down-up strumming patter is simple and fun.
I'm Yours (Jason Mraz):
C G Am: But I won't hesitate no more, no more
F C: It cannot wait, I'm yours
This song follows the popular C-G-Am-F-C chord progression, making it an easy first song for new players.
Stand By Me (Ben E King):
C Am F G: So darlin', darlin', stand by me
C Am F G: Oh, stand by me
C Am F G: Oh, stand, stand by me
C Am F G: Stand by me
This timeless classic is great for beginners, with a slow tempo and repetitive chord sequence.
Can't Help Falling In Love (Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George David Weiss):
Em B7 Em A7: Like a river flows
Em B7 Em A7: Surely to the sea
Em B7 Em A7: Darling, so it goes
Em B7 Em: Some things are meant to be
A romantic and simple melody that sounds beautiful on the ukulele. The slow strumming pattern makes it easy to follow.
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen):
C Am: Hallelujah, Hallelujah
F Am F C G C G: Hallelujah, Hallelujah
With a gentle, flowing melody, this song is ideal for practicing smooth chord transitions.
Three Little Birds (Bob Marley):
A D: Don't worry about a thing
A D: 'Cause every little thing gonna be all right
A great song to practice reggae strumming, this tune has a happy, laid-back feel perfect for beginners.
You Are My Sunshine (Jimmie Davis, Charles Mitchell):
C F: You are my sunshine
C G: My only sunshine
C F: You make me happy when skies are gray
C F: You'll never know dear
C Am: How much I love you
C G C: Please don't take my sunshine away
A simple and fun folk song that helps you build confidence in chord transitions.
Twist and Shout (Phil Medley, Bert Russell):
D: Come on, baby now (Come on, baby)
G: Come on and work it on out (Work it on out)
D: You know you twist so fine (Twist so fine)
G: Come on and twist a little closer now (Twist a little closer)
A: And let me know that you're mine (Let me know you're mine)
A lively and energetic song, great for learning rhythmic strumming.
Hey, Soul Sister (Pat Monahan, Amund Bjorklund, Espen Lind):
C G Am F: Hey, soul sister, ain't that mister mister
C G F: On the radio, stereo, the way you move ain't fair, you know
C G Am F: Hey, soul sister, I don't wanna miss a
C G F: Single thing you do, tonight
This pop hit follows the same simple chord progression as many other ukulele songs, making it a great confidence booster.
The ukulele is an incredibly fun and beginner friendly instrument. By learning these 10 easy songs, you'll quickly gain confidence and enjoy making music.
Ready to start playing? Grab your ukulele, pick a song, and strum away!
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