With its cheery sound and nonintimidating size, ukuleles are enjoying immense popularity. Thanks to YouTube tutorials and their many helpful guides for learning popular songs on uke is easier than ever; upbeat pop hits with straightforward chord structures make perfect starter songs; this includes our beloved three chord hit “Sunday Morning”.
1. Can’t Help Falling in Love by Twenty One Pilots
If you want ukulele songs that will please both experienced and novice players alike, hit songs with simple chord structures are ideal. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Twenty One Pilots is an example of such an upbeat tune; its three chords and common strumming pattern make this easy to learn by both experienced players as well as newcomers alike.
Try something like “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5. This upbeat pop tune features an infectious melody and straightforward chord structure – ideal for any ukulele player!
Ukulele enthusiasts can also delight in learning “Hey Jude” by Paul McCartney – one of the enduring Beatles tunes with more than three chords but still easily playable on a ukulele. Additionally, its syncopated rhythms lend itself perfectly to reggae music, such as Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry”.
2. Sunday Morning by Maroon 5
Havana by Camila Cabello has become an international hit, providing beginners with an accessible melody and straightforward strumming pattern to get acquainted with their ukulele.
Maroon 5’s Sunday Morning is an upbeat classic that is easy to play and will please the crowd, perfect for ukulele players looking to impress loved ones with their skills. Also noteworthy is Noel Gallaghar’s iconic Oasis hit Wonderwall which spans genres and generations alike; learning this song should be part of every musician’s repertoire! Additionally, playing it at parties and social gatherings makes a memorable statement!
3. Hey Jude by Paul McCartney
Hey Jude is one of the greatest-selling singles ever released. Written in 1968 as Paul McCartney responded to John Lennon’s divorce and subsequent relationship with Yoko Ono, its lyrics encourage “Jude” to find new love and follow his dreams while upholding a positive outlook in spite of grievous losses.
This song was recorded at Trident Studios in London as part of The Beatles’ double album, The White Album. Although predominantly instrumental, McCartney provided vocals and drumming. Additionally, this track marked their first use of eight-track recording equipment as well as their first attempt at using acoustic instruments – in this instance acoustic guitars and mandolins.
Even though the song started out acoustically, its orchestral backing has since been recorded on the same day by George Martin – consisting of ten violins, three violas, four cellos and one double bass.
A 36-piece choir and children’s chorus were added to the mix as well. The former sang an opening chorale-like section while the latter provided backing vocals during a long coda section where McCartney sang soulful lines and James Brown-esque power screams with equal ease.
This song marks a key turning point in modern rock and roll. Contemporary musicologist Alan Pollack describes it as an extraordinary demonstration of two compositional lessons: how to fill an expansive canvas with simple means, and create an expansive form”. AllMusic contributor Richie Unterberger refers to it as a monumental work which could not have been more expressive or effective.
4. No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley
Since ukuleles are such an accessible instrument, upbeat popular songs with simple chord structures make excellent introductions for beginners. Maroon 5’s irresistible three-chord pop hit “Sunday Morning” fits this description perfectly while The Beatles’ timeless ballad Hey Jude will also prove popular and enjoyable to play along to.
The ukulele is perfectly suited to the rhythms and melodies found in reggae music, so it should come as no surprise that Bob Marley’s most celebrated hits rank among the most popular ukulele songs. “No Woman No Cry” in particular makes for an excellent starting point; only three chords are needed and strumming can be performed easily.
Learning these tunes will help you become a better ukulele player, so take the time to practice each one thoroughly. Your skills will improve while your enjoyment of the instrument increases!
5. Wonderwall by Noel Gallaghar
Wonderwall is one of those songs you can’t help hearing on the radio; it’s a timeless classic rock tune, known by nearly everyone and easy to sing along to. Wonderwall makes an excellent ukulele song to learn with its easy melody and chord progression; weddings often select it for special events!
Noel Gallagher wrote this song for Nicole, his then-girlfriend at the time and it became Oasis’ biggest hit in Ireland and the UK; reaching number two in America as well. Not only is it beautiful to listen to with someone you care for but Noel also plays it during acoustic shows with Oasis and Beady Eye!
On YouTube is an outstanding video about Noel writing the song Wonderwall called The Story of Wonderwall by James Hargreaves that’s well worth watching and learning the process behind composing. Additionally, this video also contains information about Noel’s acoustic guitar used during recording – believed to be a Takamine FP-460SC cutaway with Mimesis pickup likely made around 1965 and possibly purchased by Johnny Marr for use on The Smiths recordings.
The ukulele has experienced an amazing resurgence due to its cheerful sound and approachable size, drawing many people in. Learning this instrument doesn’t need to be intimidating – simply pick a few chords and an easy strumming pattern, then start strumming away! Soon you’ll be playing your favorite songs like never before!