There’s an array of music out there that’s emotional. To those who believe the ukulele to be one of the happiest instruments, its sudden introduction can come as something of a surprise.
Most ukulele songs feature basic chords that beginners can quickly learn to play. Chord diagrams outline where fingers should be placed on the fretboard, with markers showing which strings need to be plucked and strumming patterns that indicate which should be played at once.
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen’s iconic song Hallelujah has become an inescapable cultural staple, often playing at weddings, engagement parties, funerals, and attempts to replicate its haunting, magical sound by many songwriters. Although its easy to get lost in all the different renditions (there are so many incredible ones!) some really stand out.
“Hallelujah” remains popular thanks to both its profound meaning and versatile melody that allows for multiple interpretations. The name derives from Hebrew’s phrase halleluyah, meaning both an expression of praise and thanksgiving as well as prayer for relief from suffering – an appropriate sentiment in a piece about depression.
The best renditions of “Hear My Cry” exude sincerity and capture the sense that they’re being performed during times of crisis or sorrow. Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit recorded an enchanting rendition in 2021 that hits all the right notes without seeming saccharine or overwrought, while Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington performed at a memorial service for Covid in May 2017 featuring tasteful guitar backing from fellow band member Brad Delson will move you.
Cardigan
Swift’s latest music video, Cardigan, is an elegant representation of her lyrics. Shot during her quarantine period, Swift used this medium to explore feelings of isolation and reflect back upon past relationships while watching period and fantasy films during her confinement period. Swift also provided cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto with visual references for each scene that would help him construct it properly.
This song explores first love and heartbreak. It serves as a poignant reminder that while losing someone you cared for can leave an indelible mark on you, its memory does not define who you are now; thus making its use past-tense symbolic of its timelessness; something we can look back upon with fondness and thankfulness.
Taylor is a gifted songwriter whose songs translate beautifully onto any ukulele, from beginners to advanced players alike. For beginners starting out on their ukulele journeys, this song from Taylor makes an ideal starting point; its chord structure only requires using one finger per chord strummed. Strumming patterns may take some getting used to; try and find rhythm that feels comfortable for you when strumming patterns become challenging.
Shallow
Gus Johnson wrote “Shallow,” an amusing song satirizing the trend of white girls playing cover versions of popular songs on ukulele and posting them online, without showing originality, emotional depth, or self-awareness. Johnson made fun of these videos to expose their lack of originality. His lyrics take aim at their lack of uniqueness, emotional depth and self-awareness as seen within this trend.
This song contains simple chord progressions for ukulele beginners that most should already have memorized. It makes an excellent addition to their sad music repertoire without challenging themselves with any major barre chords.
This song from 13 Reasons Why TV series will surely bring tears to any listener who hears it. With lyrics about loss and mortality, this piece can bring comfort when feeling dejected or down. Plus, its simple chord progression makes playing it on a ukulele easy!
Strumming is an integral component of many ukulele songs, so practice until you feel confident with its rhythm. Use either your thumb or finger to strum; whatever works for you will do just fine; tutorials often teach specific patterns; however don’t be intimidated to experiment until you find one that resonates.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
This Oscar-winning song from the classic film The Wizard of Oz has always been more than a song of hope and optimism, which many artists have taken up as their theme song. Israel Kamakawiwoole’s 1990 rendition has become one of the most celebrated, garnering over one billion views on YouTube alone!
Kamakawiole was fondly known by his fans as “IZ,” and enjoyed an extensive and successful career before his sudden and tragic death from obesity-related complications at age 38. His rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow showcases both his effortless vocal talents and signature ukulele skills.
Its chord progression is very accessible for ukulele players, featuring open chords like G major and C major. A single note of this song can bring tears to eyes – no surprise then that Ariana Grande performed it live at Old Trafford and as part of an encore at One Love Manchester concert! Ariana’s performance brought both audiences at Old Trafford as well as those watching live streaming to tears; an unforgettable testament to this iconic tune’s power.
All Along the Watchtower
All Along the Watchtower is one of Dylan’s most mysterious songs, full of mysterious imagery, poetic allusions, and biblical allusions that has inspired numerous interpretations over time. Since he never directly explained its meaning himself, listeners must come up with their own interpretation. Some see Vietnam War connections; other see it as being about spiritual truth with “Joker and Thief” being symbolic figures who may represent U.S. government forces or North Vietnamese forces respectively; still others perceive All Along the Watchtower as depicting existentialists who leave social order to find truth within themselves – or both interpretations could apply depending on your perspective!
All Along the Watchtower has been covered by several artists, most notably Jimi Hendrix who recorded his version six months after its original release and is often considered one of the greatest covers ever done. Additionally, its lyrics and themes have garnered much praise as well.
Eddie Vedder’s rendition of this sad music ukulele song adds another dimension, with its powerful lyrics and easy chord progression. Perfect for beginners with only four chords required to play this piece – its strumming pattern may take some practice before getting used to.
The Man in Black
Johnny Cash earned himself the moniker of “The Man in Black” due to his penchant for donning black on stage during performances, earning him this nickname. At Vanderbilt University during an episode of his television show in February 1971, one student asked why he wore such dark hues; Cash responded by singing his popular hit Man in Black; this powerful statement conveys his resolve as an artist to use his platform in raising awareness for social injustices while showing empathy towards those poor, imprisoned or affected by war or natural disasters.
This song stands as one of country music’s saddest and most emotive classics, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to perform emotional pieces that will reach out and touch an audience. Beginners can learn it quickly as its chord progression requires only three basic chords. More advanced players may also benefit from playing it as its intricate chord structure has lead to many cover versions by Jeff Buckley and X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke; which makes ukuleles ideal instruments for such heartfelt music.
Maren Morris
Maren Morris knows how to captivate an audience with her powerful yet elegant voice, bridge between genres such as R&B, pop, and alternative rock with ease – no wonder why her music has drawn comparisons to Dolly Parton, Norah Jones and Miley Cyrus! Morris isn’t afraid of pushing boundaries or breaking down genre barriers – evidenced by her latest album release!
Morris addresses fear and anxiety with her new single, “Nervous.” It starts off slowly before building to an explosive chorus; its lyrics are meaningful yet relatable, while the beat from guitar and drums make this track standout on her album.
This empowerment anthem by Morris and Greg Kurstin, co-writers of hits for Kelly Clarkson and Adele, encapsulates a key aspect of living for tomorrows: finding beauty unexpectedly. Furthermore, its contents cover death, love and loss topics; thus making this album essential listening. It has touched the hearts of many listeners, so give this album a listen if you need some encouragement in life!