The Ultimate Guide to easy ukulele songs: Learn, Play, and Master Your Favorites
If you’re a ukulele enthusiast or just starting out, learning popular easy ukulele songs is one of the best ways to enhance your playing skills and enjoy the instrument. easy ukulele songs are loved for their cheerful sound, ease of play, and the ability to bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re strumming your first chord or looking for new songs to add to your repertoire, this guide will help you learn some of the most iconic and easy-to-play easy ukulele songs. We’ll cover the essential chords, strumming patterns, and tips to help you master these songs in no time.
easy ukulele songs are popular not only for their simple chord progressions but also for the vibrant, warm sound of the instrument itself. From timeless classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to modern pop hits like “Riptide,” the ukulele’s bright and happy tone makes it an ideal instrument for creating engaging and memorable music. This article will provide a comprehensive list of popular easy ukulele songs, the chords you’ll need to play them, and helpful tips for getting the best sound out of your instrument.
Why ukulele songs Are So Popular
The ukulele has rapidly gained popularity due to its simplicity, portability, and ability to produce rich, joyful sounds. The rise of ukulele songs can be attributed to several factors that make the instrument unique and accessible for both beginners and advanced players alike. Here’s why easy ukulele songs are so widely loved:
1. Beginner-Friendly
The ukulele is an excellent choice for beginners. Its small size, simple chord shapes, and straightforward tuning make it easy for new players to pick up and start playing quickly. Most songs use just a handful of chords, making it easy to learn a wide variety of songs without feeling overwhelmed. The four-string design makes chord transitions much easier compared to other stringed instruments like the guitar.
2. Versatility Across Genres
Though traditionally associated with Hawaiian music, the ukulele has found its way into pop, rock, folk, blues, and even reggae music. Many artists have embraced the ukulele to create unique arrangements, and its adaptability across genres has contributed to the growing popularity of easy ukulele songs.
3. Portability and Fun
The ukulele is incredibly portable and lightweight, making it easy to take anywhere. Whether you’re camping, at a beach party, or hanging out with friends, the ukulele’s compact size allows you to play on the go. Its joyful tone makes it perfect for casual settings, adding an extra layer of fun and creativity to any gathering.
4. Great for Solo or Group Play
easy ukulele songs are great for solo performances, but they also work well in group settings. With just a few basic chords, you can join in with other musicians or even start a ukulele group to create a fuller sound. The ukulele’s ability to blend well with other instruments makes it perfect for collaborative play.
READ THIS ALSO: Ukulele Tapping: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Technique
Top easy ukulele songs to Learn and Play
Now that you know why easy ukulele songs are so appealing, let’s dive into some of the best and most popular easy ukulele songs you can learn today. These songs are ideal for beginners and will help you practice your chords and strumming techniques while playing some timeless tunes.
1. “Riptide” by Vance Joy
“Riptide” is a modern ukulele classic. It’s simple to play and has a catchy melody that makes it fun to sing along to. The song uses a repetitive chord progression that makes it easy to pick up, and it’s a favorite among ukulele players worldwide.
Chords Used: Am, G, C
Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
2. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a beautiful, emotional rendition that’s perfect for the ukulele. The song uses a few basic chords and a simple strumming pattern, making it easy to play for beginners.
Chords Used: C, Em, F, G7
Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
3. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
“I’m Yours” is a fun, upbeat song with a relaxed, feel-good vibe. It’s an excellent choice for ukulele players looking for an easy-to-learn song that still sounds impressive. The chords are simple, and the strumming pattern is easy to follow.
Chords Used: C, G, Am, F
Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
4. “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train
This pop hit sounds amazing on the ukulele, with its bright, rhythmic ukulele riff adding to its infectious energy. It’s a perfect choice for ukulele players who want to add a popular tune to their collection.
Chords Used: C, G, Am, F
Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
5. “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson
With its relaxed rhythm and light, playful feel, “Banana Pancakes” is a fantastic song to play on the ukulele. The simple chords and easy strumming pattern make it ideal for beginners who want to learn a feel-good tune.
Chords Used: C, F, G, Am
Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
6. “Rude” by MAGIC!
“Rude” has a reggae-inspired rhythm that fits well with the ukulele’s bright tone. It’s a fun song to play, especially when you get the rhythm and strumming pattern down. The repetitive chord progression makes it easy for beginners to play.
Chords Used: C, G, Am, F
Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
READ THIS ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to “Tube a Ukulele”
Chord Progressions in easy ukulele songs
One of the key elements that make easy ukulele songs fun to play is their simple chord progressions. The ukulele uses a variety of basic chords, but many songs share similar progressions. Here are some common progressions you’ll encounter as you explore more easy ukulele songs:
1. I-IV-V Progression
This is one of the most common chord progressions used in easy ukulele songs. The I-IV-V progression consists of the root chord (I), the fourth chord (IV), and the fifth chord (V). For example, in the key of C, this would be:
- C (I)
- F (IV)
- G (V)
This progression is used in a wide range of popular songs, from blues and folk to pop and rock.
2. I-V-vi-IV Progression
This progression is used in many contemporary pop songs, including “Let It Be” by The Beatles and “With or Without You” by U2. In the key of C, the progression looks like this:
- C (I)
- G (V)
- Am (vi)
- F (IV)
This is a great progression to learn because it’s used in many songs across different genres.
3. ii-V-I Progression
The ii-V-I progression is a common progression in jazz music, and it’s often used to create tension and release. In the key of C, this would be:
- Dm (ii)
- G7 (V)
- C (I)
This progression is more advanced, but it’s useful to learn if you want to dive into jazz ukulele playing.
Tips for Learning easy ukulele songs
1. Learn One Song at a Time
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to learn multiple songs at once. Focus on learning one song completely before moving on to the next. This way, you can build muscle memory and get comfortable with the chords and strumming patterns.
2. Practice Consistently
Consistent practice is the key to improving. Even if you only have 15 minutes a day, practicing regularly will help you build your skills faster than sporadic practice sessions.
3. Use a Metronome
A metronome helps you keep time and practice at a steady tempo. It’s especially helpful when learning new songs to ensure that you stay in rhythm and develop a sense of timing.
4. Try Fingerpicking
Once you’ve mastered strumming, try fingerpicking. It adds a more delicate touch to the song and can make your performance sound even more beautiful. You can experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to create unique versions of your favorite songs.
5. Play Along with the Song
Once you’re comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern, play along with the original version of the song. This will help you stay in sync with the timing and rhythm of the song.
Table of Common Ukulele Chords Used in Songs
| Chord | G String (Top) | C String | E String | A String (Bottom) |
| C Major | Open (O) | Open (O) | Open (O) | 3rd fret (●) |
| E Minor | 2nd fret (●) | Open (O) | Open (O) | 3rd fret (●) |
| F Major | 2nd fret (●) | 1st fret (●) | Open (O) | 1st fret (●) |
| G Major | 2nd fret (●) | 2nd fret (●) | 3rd fret (●) | 2nd fret (●) |
| G7 | Open (O) | 2nd fret (●) | 1st fret (●) | 2nd fret (●) |
Conclusion
easy ukulele songs are a fantastic way to connect with music, whether you’re strumming along to classic hits or learning the latest pop tunes. The simplicity of the ukulele, combined with its joyful sound, makes it an incredibly popular instrument for musicians of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already an experienced player, mastering easy ukulele songs will enhance your skills and bring you hours of enjoyment.
By learning simple chord progressions, practicing regularly, and experimenting with different strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques, you’ll be able to play a wide variety of songs in no time. So grab your ukulele, start practicing, and enjoy the world of easy ukulele songs!
