Beginners looking to play and sing on their new instrument will find these popular songs helpful in getting acquainted with playing and singing on it. With simple chords and strumming patterns that even inexperienced ukulele players can grasp with ease, these tunes offer great learning opportunities.
Three simple chords make this classic rock song easy to play on ukulele, while adding some reggae flare can only enhance its fun factor! Try playing this tune using a reggae-inspired strumming pattern for added enjoyment.
John Denver – Leaving on a Jet Plane
Ukuleles have long been associated with Hawaiian and folk music, yet this versatile instrument can also play many other genres including jazz, rock, classical music and beyond. Due to this versatility the ukulele makes an excellent choice for beginners seeking new challenges or experienced professionals looking to broaden their musical palette.
John Denver’s song, “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, is one of the most beloved on this list, reflecting his experience as an itinerant musician who was constantly traveling from place to place and longing for home and family. Ukulele players can easily pick it up and perform it live!
Another popular ukulele song by Paul McCartney is “Hey Jude”, an international favorite that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced ukulele players alike. With its easy chords that beginners can grasp quickly, making this an excellent song to learn during practice sessions with family or friends. “Hey Jude” makes an unforgettable addition to gatherings between family members or close friends and is sure to please.
Beginner ukulele players should start off by choosing songs that are easy and enjoyable. There are numerous such songs available. Just be sure to practice regularly so you can master chords and strumming patterns.
Once you have mastered these beginner songs, it is time to move onto more challenging songs. Uke Hunt offers a great collection of such songs broken down by chords used and strumming pattern; this can help you understand how different parts of a song work together while building upon your skills.
Oasis’ “Wonderwall” provides an ideal challenge. A hit from the 90s that still resonates today, its catchy beat and easy playing technique make this song great for practicing with others and honing your skills at once! Plus it provides fun practice sessions.
Bob Marley – Three Little Birds
The ukulele may be best known as an instrument associated with Hawaiian and folk music, but its versatility extends far beyond this genre. Experienced players can even use the instrument to perform classical sonatas and jazz standards on it; reggae music fans also find its syncopated rhythms perfect for reggae music’s syncopated rhythms while enthusiasts often enjoy playing songs from pop and rock eras on it.
Upbeat popular songs with straightforward chord structures make great ukulele beginner songs. Maroon 5’s irresistible three-chord hit “Sunday Morning” requires only C, G and A minor chords – learning those is only the first step; to perform this song well you must also know how to strum them together and follow its rhythmic melody – there are plenty of resources online that can assist with learning how to do this and other popular ukulele songs!
Jake Shimabukuro’s world-famous ukulele tutorial for beginners is unsurpassed; he provides instructions on playing various songs including Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen as well as numerous guitar tricks that you can easily apply to playing the ukulele such as fingerpicking and strumming.
Hey Jude by The Beatles is another classic to learn on ukulele. While this classic requires more than three chords to master, its worth the effort! Hey Jude is an excellent song to learn for playing at gatherings or simply singing along! Plus it makes an ideal tune to sing!
Uke Hunt offers a wonderful collection of songs broken down by chord type to help give you ideas for playing the ukulele. This can help you determine which ones might be easier for you given their chord complexity and strumming pattern; making this an effective way of expanding both your skillset and confidence when learning ukulele.
John Lennon – Imagine
John Lennon’s anthem for global peace and unity remains one of the best-known songs ever recorded. Published during the Vietnam War in 1971, this track asked listeners to imagine a world without war – his debut solo release and still his best-selling single today.
This classic tune is relatively straightforward to learn on the ukulele. Using only four basic chords and featuring an easy repetitive rhythm, you’ll soon become adept at this piece. Many online resources provide helpful guides and strumming patterns – some even offer tablatures!
The ukulele may be most associated with Hawaiian music, but its versatility extends well beyond this genre. Classical pieces from Beethoven and Bach can often be found arranged for the ukulele as well. You may have come across arrangements of “Fur Elise” and “Minuet in G”.
If you’re interested in picking up a new instrument, the ukulele is an excellent option. Its small size and simple construction make it simple to pick up and play; even better if learning with others! Plus it’s affordable; most music stores sell them.
While the ukulele can be used to play any type of music, certain songs are easier than others to learn and master on this instrument. Country and folk songs typically utilize only three chords; reggae music also comes easily on this instrument due to its upbeat rhythm and catchy beat, which will get people dancing!
John Lennon’s song, “Imagine”, captures beautifully the spirit of peace and love. While its lyrics may cause division among listeners, its message remains timeless and has inspired generations. Listeners should remember to always see the good in people and in our world; to put aside our differences and unify as one human race in order to achieve peace and love.
Plain White T’s – Hey There Delilah
The Plain White T’s are an American pop-punk band formed in 1997 in Illinois and best known for their 2005 hit Hey There Delilah which reached number one on the US Hot 100 chart in 2007. This original track features singer Tom Higgenson alone on guitar; later it was rereleased with string instrumentation as an easy cover tune with a simple chord arrangement and lyrics; its BPM of 104 makes it suitable for beginners as well as advanced players.
Chords for Ukulele in D, F#m, Bm and G keys. Download free chord sheets now.
Ukuleleplayalongs is a music blog dedicated to everything ukulele-related, from popular songs and tutorial videos, to news, tips and gear reviews. Run by a group of enthusiasts who all share an appreciation of playing the uke, this website offers free learning for beginners while giving enthusiasts a one-stop-shop for all things related to playing it.