Beginners will quickly learn the G, C and D chords while practicing a steady DUDU pattern during verses and single strums in chorus.
This song requires more patience as it requires learning a barre chord, yet is still easy for beginners to pick up. Feel free to try different fingering patterns until you find what best works with your fingertips!
1. Hakuna Matata
Hakuna Matata, a Swahili phrase meaning “no trouble” or “take it easy”, became internationally recognized through Disney’s 1994 animated feature film The Lion King, where Timon and Pumbaa sang the iconic tune as part of teaching Simba how to let go of his past and live in the present moment. Elton John composed its music while Tim Rice provided its lyrics.
The song has become a cultural touchstone and an emblematic representation of Disney’s family-friendly brand, often heard at resorts, hotels, and theme parks owned by them.
Hakuna Matata has long been used in commercials and quiz shows. But recently it’s also become the subject of heated debate – Kenyan writer Joseph Ndubuisi spoke out against Disney’s attempt to trademark Hakuna Matata as cultural appropriation; NPR’s Esther Ngumbi interviewed him to explore this and other issues surrounding this timeless catchphrase.
2. Of Monsters and Men
Of Monsters and Men are an Icelandic folk band who released their debut album My Head Is an Animal in 2012.
The band boasts a sound that blends modern and traditional folk music, with lyrics featuring numerous symbols and metaphors.
Fever Dream, their latest album released in 2017, showcases an assortment of sounds and instruments and stands as a stark departure from their earlier work.
One of the most striking elements of this album is that it features a full orchestra. However, its use does not detract from the music; making this album worth listening to – moving and giving goosebumps! Stream on Spotify or download from their website in various languages;
3. Just The Way You Are
This timeless ballad is an inspiring tribute to unconditional love and self-acceptance, featuring its soulful melody and tender vocals which have resonated with listeners worldwide – earning numerous accolades along the way and cementing its place in musical history.
This song offers an elegant and sophisticated arrangement, mixing traditional and contemporary elements. Piano takes center stage while melodic saxophone solo adds depth and texture. Syncopation gives an added element of rhythmic urgency, keeping listeners engaged throughout.
Billy Joel originally recorded and released the song as his debut US Top 10 and UK Top 20 single in 1977. Later, Bruno Mars wrote and performed an alternative version featuring Peruvian-Australian actress Nathalie Kelley on his 2010 album Doo-Wops and Hooligans, topping European charts and receiving wide airplay.
4. John Fogerty’s “It’s Gonna Be Alright”
Just three chords will do for this inspiring tune – C, F and G are enough! The lyrics are heartwarming while its relaxing arrangement makes it ideal for playback at events or just chilling with friends. Additionally, this song provides the ideal way to practice strumming techniques and perfect rhythm.
Once you learn and practice playing only four chords, any ukulele song becomes possible using only that method. This is particularly effective for beginners who have already learned C chord, the cornerstone of beginner ukulele playing. Plus, palm muting becomes even easier! Use the buttons below to perform demo searches based on chord skill level and genre preferences; similar search features are available through Ukulele Songbook and Advanced Ukulele Songs as well. Advanced Songs allows users to quickly locate songs by chord progression or strum pattern!
5. “Margaritaville”
Jimmy Buffett’s Island-Inspired Beachside Tune, often referred to as Keys Disease, transports you into an idyllic tropical setting where sea breezes blow gently among palm trees and tall glasses of rum cocktails are passed around for toasting and cocktails are served up tall glasses.
Though this song celebrates paradise, its narrator appears to be suffering and in anguish. The first verse illustrates this contrast by showing him turning to alcohol to soothe away his minor irritations and deeper frustrations that appear to be impacting his life.
This popular tune utilizes three basic chords – Em, C and G – with a reggae strumming pattern as its foundation. Keep this in mind when learning this song and you’ll soon find yourself singing along!
6. “Brown Eyed Girl”
Van Morrison’s iconic song “Brown Eyed Girl” offers straightforward chords and strumming pattern, making it an excellent tune to practice solo or with others.
This song employs several musical techniques, such as symbolism and metaphor. For example, its opening lines “Days go by so slowly” refer to time passing quickly while its chorus lyrics invoke nostalgia.
If you’re in search of more songs similar to these, check out the Uke Hunt collection arranged by chords used. Or use any of the buttons below to search songs using specific chords or genres – these searches will allow you to quickly locate tunes that suit your skill level quickly; and can even help create custom song lists to aid your practice sessions!
7. “Octopus’s Garden”
Octopus’s Garden features an engaging underwater theme and vibrant illustrations from bestselling illustrator Ben Cort. This book makes an easy and engaging way to share Ringo Starr’s timeless Beatles tune, “Octopus’s Garden”, with young children.
This mellow rock song utilizes three super simple chords – C and F! Beginning ukulele players will find this tune enjoyable and straightforward to play, using patterns like “DD UD on the C chord and quick succession of downstrums on the F chord to make learning to play this song easy and enjoyable.
Any song that can be played on guitar can also be performed on the ukulele. Use the blue button to run a search for songs suited for your skill level; or click Genre or Decade buttons for even more specific results. Give it a try – you might be amazed how many ukulele songs are within reach!
8. “Margaritaville”
Blink-182’s hit song on the ukulele is simple to learn with just four repeating chords – G, D and Em along with its simple strumming pattern of DD UU UDU making learning this song and staying within its tempo effortless.
While most kids begin learning C, using the index or middle finger instead may help strengthen it and create the cleanest sound possible. Practice pressing the back of your finger against your neck to increase force for an audible sound.
Want to see which songs can be played using beginner chords below? Simply click any button to launch a demo search for songs using those chords. These rock chords open up most songs; but there is also genre search functionality with other sets.
9. “Hakuna Matata”
This timeless reggae classic is an absolute ukulele classic! While its chords (C and F) may prove challenging at first glance, playing them proves simple! Just remember to palm-mute when strumming for that authentic Bob Marley sound!
“Hakuna Matata” derives its lyrics and melody from Swahili, an East African language, embodying an East African philosophy meant to alleviate problems. Timon and Pumbaa teach it to Simba in order to help him overcome his traumatized start in life. Composed by Elton John with lyrics written by Tim Rice (known for working on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s biggest hits including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar), “Hakuna Matata” can help Simba recover.
Click any button to launch a DEMO search of these 4-chord songs, using genre and decade filters for more tunes. Or try searching by chord order if you are newer to music!
10. “Let It Be”
This Beatles classic shines bright on ukulele. Using simple C, F and G7 chords with an effortless D DU UDU strumming pattern, it makes this piece truly enjoyable to play.
On this recording (take 27b), Paul ran through the song again to refresh himself with its arrangement from their session the day prior. He had intended to record one that included its coda but it may have been overlooked or felt less essential than wrapping up Apple Studios and moving forward.
These ukulele songs with only C chord are perfect for both novice and experienced musicians alike, offering easy learning and lots of enjoyment when played. Click any button below for more ukulele songs to learn and practice chords and strumming!