Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners

Learning to play a musical mechanism can be an exciting and fulfilling journey, and if you’re starting, the ukulele is a fantastic choice. The ukulele is perfect for beginners with its small size, lightweight, and simple chord structures. Whether a child or an adult, you’ll find the ukulele a fun and accessible instrument to learn. This blog post will explore a wide range of easy ukulele songs for beginners, complete with songs ukulele chords and step-by-step guidance. So, grab your ukulele, get ready to strum, and let’s dive into the world of easy uke songs!

Why The Ukulele Song?

Before we dive into our list of easy ukulele songs, let’s take a moment to appreciate why the ukulele is such a fantastic instrument for beginners.

The ukulele, a small four-stringed instrument from Hawaii, has captivated people worldwide for several compelling reasons. First, its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly accessible for beginners and travellers, allowing music enthusiasts to carry their passion wherever they go. Its simplicity appeals to children and adults, making it an ideal choice for musical education and family bonding.

Moreover, the ukulele chords songs cheerful, bright sound evokes a sense of joy and nostalgia. It can effortlessly produce melodic tunes, perfect for playing popular ukelele songs or composing original music. Its affordability compared to other instruments makes it an adorable choice for those seeking an affordable musical outlet.

Size Matters

The ukulele is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle, especially for younger players. Its compact size also means that it fits comfortably in your lap.

Simplicity Rules

Ukuleles have just four strings, compared to the six on a guitar. This simplicity means you’ll have an easier time learning basic chords and strumming patterns, making it a great starting point for beginners.

Quick Progress

Due to its simplicity, you can start playing songs on the ukulele relatively quickly. You won’t need to spend months learning complex techniques before you can enjoy making music.

Versatility

Despite its small size and simple construction, the ukulele is incredibly versatile. You can play a wide scope of musical genres on it, from folk and pop to rock and even classical.

Now that we’ve highlighted the advantages of the ukulele for beginners let’s move on to the list of the best ukulele songs that will help you get started on your musical journey.

The Basics of Ukulele Chords

Before playing songs, let’s get acquainted with some basic ukulele chords you’ll encounter in many beginner ukulele songs. These simple ukulele chords will be your building blocks for creating beautiful music:

1. C Chord: Set your ring finger on the third fret of the bottom string (A string). This chord has a bright and happy sound.
2. G Chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the third string (E string), your mid finger on the second fret of the first string (A string), and your ring finger on the third fret of the two string (C string). The G chord has a cheerful and open tone.
3. F Chord: While the F chord may seem tricky for beginners, you can start with an easier version. Place your index finger on the first fret of the second (C) string and strum the remaining three strings open. This simplified F chord is easier to manage initially.
4. Am Chord: Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string (C string) and your middle finger on the double fret of the fourth string (G string). The Am chord has a warm and mellow sound.
5. D Chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the fourth string (G string), your mid finger on the second fret of the third string (E string), and your ring finger on the second fret of the double string (C string). The D chord produces a bright and lively tone.

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with these simple ukulele chords riptide for beginners let’s move on to some easy songs on ukulele that utilize these chords.

Classic Ukulele Songs for Beginners

1. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

• • Chords Used: C, G, Am, F
  • This iconic song is a great starting point for beginner ukulele players. The melody is beautiful, and the chord progression is straightforward.

1. “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz

• • Chords Used: C, G, Am, F
  • “I’m Yours” is a feel-good song with a catchy rhythm. The chord changes are easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

1. “Riptide” – Vance Joy

• • Chords Used: Am, G, C
  • “Riptide” is known for its catchy ukulele riff. The Riptide ukulele song primarily uses Am, G, and C chords, making it easy for beginners. It’s also a great way to practice transitioning between chords.

Super Easy Ukulele Songs for Kids

If you’re looking for ukulele songs suitable for kids, you’re in luck! The ukulele is a kid-friendly instrument, and there are plenty of easy ukulele songs for kids to enjoy:

1. “Baby Shark” – Traditional

• • Chords Used: C, G7
  • “Baby Shark” is a fun and simple tune that kids adore. The repetitive chord progression of C and G7 is easy for young learners to grasp.

1. “You Are My Sunshine” – Traditional

• • Chords Used: C, G, F
  • This classic song is easy to play and a great way to introduce kids to the world of music. The three chords used are common in many other songs as well.

1. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” – Traditional

• • Chords Used: C, F, G7
  • Kids will love strumming along to this timeless lullaby. C, F, and G7 chords create a sweet and soothing sound.

Ukulele Chords and Strumming Patterns

Now that you’ve learned some beginner ukulele songs, it’s essential to understand strumming patterns to enhance your playing. Different strumming patterns can add depth and character to your music. Here are some common strumming patterns for the ukulele:

1. Down Strumming: Strum downward across the strings. This is the most basic strumming pattern and is suitable for many songs, especially slower ones.
2. Down-Up Strumming: Strum downward and then upward across the strings. This pattern is more dynamic and works well for moderately tempo songs.
3. Island Strum (D-DU-UDU): This strumming pattern is often used in traditional Hawaiian music and works wonderfully on the ukulele. “D” represents a down strum, “U” is an up strum, and “-” indicates a pause.
4. Fingerpicking: Instead of strumming, you can use your fingers to pluck individual strings, creating a gentle and melodic sound. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to add variety to your playing.

Tips for Learning Ukulele Songs

Now that you have a list of 20 easy ukulele songs to get you started, here are some tips to help you learn and progress:

1. Start Slow: Take your time with songs. Take your time to practice each chord change and strumming pattern.
2. Use Chord Charts: Chord charts are your best friend. They show you where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Keep them handy while learning new songs.
3. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Spend a little time practising your ukulele skills each day, and you’ll see steady improvement.
4. Sing Along: Singing while playing the ukulele can be challenging, but improving your timing and coordination is an excellent way.
5. Experiment with Strumming: Feel free to experiment with various strumming patterns to find what works best for each song.
6. Play Along with Others: Play with friends or join a ukulele group. Playing with others can be motivating and fun.
7. Record Yourself: Recording your playing can help you identify areas for progress and track your progress over time.
8. Learn Music Theory: While not necessary, having a basic understanding of music theory can greatly benefit your ukulele playing in the long run.

Top Ukulele Songs for More Challenges

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you should challenge yourself with more complex songs. These top ukulele songs will not only push your skills but also reward you with beautiful music:

1. “Imagine” – John Lennon

• • Chords Used: C, Cmaj7, F, Am, Dm, G, E7
  • “Imagine” is a timeless classic that encourages introspection. The chord changes are frequent but manageable with practice.

1. “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley

• • Chords Used: C, Em, Am, F, G
  • This romantic ballad sounds lovely on the ukulele. It’s a great song to work on your chord transitions and strumming.

1. “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen

• • Chords Used: C, Am, F, G, E7
  • “Hallelujah” is known for its powerful lyrics and emotional depth. While it may have some challenging chords, the effort is worth it for this beautiful song.

Expanding Your Repertoire

Now that you’ve learned various beginner ukulele songs, it’s time to explore different genres and expand your repertoire. Here are some easy songs to play on ukulele from various genres:

1. Pop: “Count on Me” – Bruno Mars

• • Chords Used: C, Am, F, G
  • Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me” is an optimistic and uplifting pop song that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

1. Folk: “Blowin’ in the Wind” – Bob Dylan

• • Chords Used: C, F, G, Am
  • Bob Dylan’s folk classic is easy to play and carries a powerful message.

1. Country: “Country Roads” – John Denver

• • Chords Used: C, G, Am, F
  • “Country Roads” is an iconic country song perfect for strumming around a campfire.

Ukulele Fretboard Notes and Tuning

Understanding the ukulele fretboard notes and tuning is essential for any player, beginner or advanced. The standard tuning for a soprano, concert, or tenor ukulele is G-C-E-A, with G being the lowest-pitched string and A being the highest. Here are the fretboard notes for each string:

• G String: G – A – B – C – D – E – F# – G
• C String: C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
• E String: E – F – G – A – B – C – D – E
• A String: A – B – C – D – E – F – G – A

Knowing these notes will help you locate the right frets for different chords and melodies. Regular tuning checks are essential to keep your ukulele sounding its best.

Bonus Tips for Ukulele Success

1. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, consistent practice is key to improvement. Set aside time daily to strum your ukulele and work on your chord transitions.
2. Use Online Resources: Plenty of online tutorials, chord charts, and ukulele tabs are available for free. Take advantage of these resources to improve your learning.
3. Play Along with Songs: Once comfortable with basic chords and strumming patterns, try playing with your favourite songs. It’s a great way to apply your learning and have fun.
4. Experiment with Rhythm: Feel free to experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythms. It adds character to your playing and keeps things interesting.

FAQ

Are Ukulele Songs Easy to Play?

The ukulele is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s said to be one of the simpler instruments to learn. Because many inexperienced players will be looking up very simple ukulele songs online, I have compiled a list of some of my favourite songs that are entertaining to play and frequently instruct my students in playing them.

Are There Easy Uke Christmas Songs For Beginners?

One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is by playing Christmas music on a ukulele. So, in this section, we have shortlisted 20 easy uke Christmas songs that are perfect for beginner players. These simple and cheerful songs will make any holiday gathering special and will surely make you smile.

What Ukulele Chords Do You Need to Play Brown-Eyed Girl?

The song “Brown Eyed Girl” is a sophisticated piece of beginner ukulele music with lead guitar that goes beyond simple strumming. The basic structure, however, can be supported by just five simple chords: C, D, D7, Em, and G. G, C, and D are all you need to perform most of the song!

Conclusion

Congratulations on embarking on your ukulele journey! With this guide, you now have a diverse collection of easy ukulele song chords for beginners. Whether you’re strumming for your own enjoyment or entertaining friends and family, the ukulele offers a world of musical joy waiting to be explored.

Remember, the key to success is preparation and patience. Start with the super easy ukulele songs, gradually work up to more challenging pieces, and remember to have fun. Happy strumming!