If you’re searching for an effective ukulele song to practice your strumming patterns, this one might be ideal. It features C, G7, and F chords along with an easy strum pattern of DU-DU-UU strums.
Adam Sandler plays this tune in 50 First Dates as Henry Roths (Adam Sandler), an inept womanizer trying to win Lucy over every day with what looks like a baritone ukulele.
1. The Beach Boys – Sweet Little Sixteen
As is often stated, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – or so goes the old saying. But for ukulele players it could even be said to be necessary. Certain songs have become synonymous with their instrument and not just because ukers have played them so magnificently.
This Beach Boys hit is an adaptation of Chuck Berry’s Sweet Little Sixteen with new lyrics written by band manager Murray Wilson and uncredited Mike Love. Inspired by Berry’s use of cities and states as lyrics, Wilson and Love determined that writing a song that listed California’s top surf spots would resonate well with teenage audiences – and they were right! It became a smash hit.
No matter what instrument the song was originally written for, the image of Drew Barrymore playing her ukulele in 50 First Dates comes immediately to mind when hearing this timeless tune. She may have made her film debut there but since has made an extensive career of portraying quirky characters in offbeat movies.
George Formby has long been revered among ukulele players, and this song in particular is beloved. With its rocking tune and accessible tablatures available online, you’re sure to find plenty of fans playing it as part of a concert set list or with high-speed strumming patterns like those demonstrated by Dan “Cool Hand Uke” Scanlan for maximum challenge!
2. The Beatles – I Want To Hold Your Hand
As opposed to their contemporaries (Oasis and Blur), who struggled to gain popularity in America (the Rolling Stones for instance), The Beatles were met with enthusiasm upon first crossing over from Britain. Just getting onto charts let alone staying there was an immense feat for British bands so when “I Want To Hold Your Hand” debuted at number one it was highly applauded by Americans.
The song stands as an impressive demonstration of The Beatles’ unique ability to write such catchy, simple pop tunes. Utilizing only four chords that should be familiar – C, A, F and G along with an easy strumming pattern of DDU-UU-D – it creates an instantly recognisable sound.
It’s also an effective reminder that the ukulele doesn’t just need to be limited to upbeat party songs – you can explore a variety of musical emotions with it – particularly sadness. John Lennon wrote this song while away from his family and illustrates just how versatile the instrument can be used as an expressive means.
Over time, this song has been covered by various artists – most notably 311 who performed a ska-influenced cover and included it on their album Rhymes & Reasons”. Additionally, wedding ceremonies often use this track at ceremonies. Ukulele star Jason Mraz has made this rendition famous as one of YouTube’s top videos with its cover becoming one of its most watched videos; making this beautiful, emotive song to play that showcases all that the ukulele can offer.
3. Vance Joy – A Thousand Miles
Vance Joy’s music speaks to an enormous range of listeners ranging from hipster housewives to the average Joe. His folky, indie and soulful sound has charmed crowds for years; his concert at Kemba Live last night was sold-out, his band was exceptional in creating that familiar round and filling sound that is signature of many of his songs – it truly made for an incredible concert experience and music far superior than what can be found on radio!
Joy played many songs from both his new album and older hits during his set, each telling its own unique tale – whether that be his love for his hometown of Brisbane, remembrances for lost loved ones or just plain telling us something personal about himself through song writing and performances – no wonder he is an ARIA award nominee this year!
After performing his hit Riptide, Vance Joy introduced his crowd to his latest single Missing Piece which instantly became a global classic, reaching gold status in Australia and ranking within the top 20 on Spotify shortly after release. It proved that listeners all around the globe connected with this track!
This song has an exciting rock tempo with chords that are easy to play on ukulele. Ukuleles may be commonly associated with Hawaiian culture, but their versatility extends far beyond this archetype – perfect for adding flair and sparkle to any song! For anyone interested in learning ukulele or wanting to improve their skills Roadie Coach (IOS | Android) offers an impressive learning system which will teach everything needed to get playing!
4. The Rolling Stones – Get Back
Get Back is an energetic rock song which works beautifully when performed on the ukulele, thanks to its distinctive chord progression and catchy vocal melody that translate well to this smaller instrument. Numerous artists from diverse genres have covered it as a testament to its adaptability; and it has since become part of pop culture iconography.
While everyone else was dabbling with disco and funk in the late ’70s, The Rolling Stones maintained their bluesy roots through this country-rock gem from 1983. Casual references to heroin use and an unwilling narrator who refuses to give up his dreams reveal how far ahead The Stones still were as they approached middle age.
Jagger’s confident persona helped establish The Rolling Stones as an alternative British Invasion group to The Beatles, and this bluesy and boozy tune serves as evidence. Play it when your party begins to fade into nightfall if you want it to keep on going until dawn breaks!
This was one of the first times our band used a ukulele for recording and it shows just how versatile and fitting this instrument can be with various musical genres. The song itself is very straightforward – all it requires is hitting one particular downstroke harder for added impact! For more tips, watch our video tutorial.
5. The White Stripes – Icky Thing
There’s no shortage of great songs to learn on the ukulele, but Five Foot Two stands out among them all as a timeless classic. Its melody glides along smoothly while Dan ‘Cool Hand Uke’ Scanlan demonstrated how easy its chords flow as its lyrics lend themselves perfectly for parodying. No wonder then that this version has reached millions outside Hawaiian music circles!
Lovesong was undoubtedly Lovesong of this alternative rock band’s biggest hits, but Icky Thumps stood out on their eighth album as its signature track. A return to their trademark garage rock sound, Icky Thumps proved they could still create hits even after two decades in business. Additionally, fans got to hear Alison Mosshart and Dean Fertita drumming at full force which helped set this track apart from similar tracks.
Icky Thump marked the final album released by The White Stripes before Meg White’s anxiety issues forced them apart, yet was still an enormous success and was nominated for two Grammys. This dark, heavy project showcased Jack White’s songwriting skills and production techniques as well as his growth as a record label owner.
If you need additional guidance on how to play songs on the ukulele, read our article “How To Learn A Song On The Ukulele.” We provide all of the tools necessary for getting you playing your favorite songs immediately! Additionally, don’t forget our free app ‘Roadie Coach’ which is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms!