For every aspiring musician, learning to play an instrument gives a different feel no doubt, but learning to play songs that have been a favorite since time immemorial, gives a feeling of achievement unparalleled. Usually when we learn to play a new instrument, playing known songs tends to make us nervous because we believe that we will have to become ‘professionals’ before we can start strumming a full song – especially those performed by legendary bands and singers. However, that may not always be true because there are easy ukulele songs that are easier to play, and they’ll not only help boost your confidence but will also make you realize that you need not be a ‘professional’ to play them!
Given below is a list of easy ukulele songs for beginners.
Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners (using 4 major chords)
-
Let It Be by The Beatles
‘Let It Be’ is one song that every music lover, whether he/she is a Beatles fan or not, will be aware of. And as luck would have it, this is often considered one of the easy Ukulele songs. The chords necessary to play this song are – C, Am, F, and G.
-
I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
For every crazily romantic guy/girl out there, this can be a very suitable song to pick up to impress your better half. ‘I’m Yours’ is not only a peppy love song, but the chords necessary to play it are also pretty easy to pick up too. All you’ll have to know are – C, G, Am, and F – similar to ‘Let It Be’ by the Beatles.
-
Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver
For all country music lovers, John Denver feels like home. Thus, the feeling of being able to play a song like ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ will surely ooze out a feeling of immense nostalgia, especially if this was one song you would croon whenever you imagined yourself leaving home. This country classic can easily be played using just four major chords, which are – G, C, and D.
-
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Another old classic rock song, ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ is surely a song that every 80s, 90s, and 00s kid must surely have heard of. After all, it was an old-school favorite. If you’re hoping to play this hit rock number, all you’ll have to know are these three chords – D, C, and G.
-
Blowin’ In The Wind by Bob Dylan
Noble Prize-winning singer Bob Dylan’s most loved song – ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ is a favorite of almost all age groups. This is one song almost everyone has used to make a point in life, so it would be pretty obvious that you would want to pick this on your Ukulele. What better than to be able to play this beauty of a classic right during the beginning stages of your playing, giving you a confidence boost like no other?
To play this song, all you’ll have to know are these three chords – C, F, and G.
-
Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
For all the die-hard romantics, this is another cute song you can play on your Ukulele to impress your loved one and show them your playing skills. To play ‘Just The Way You Are’, you’ll have to be able to play these three chords – C, Am, and F.
-
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by the band U2
Irish rock back U2 are known to give some amazing hits from back in the day, and Grammy award-winning song ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ is one of them. This is for all those crazy rock lovers. Learn to play U2’s famous and much-loved song using these three chords – C, F, and G.
Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners (using more than 4 chords)
(For those of you who may still be beginners but still have the confidence to progress beyond four major chords, the songs which are given below can easily be played.)
-
Hakuna Matata from The Lion King
‘Hakuna Matata’ is one song we have all grown up listening to. It has shaped our childhood, so learning to play it on your Ukulele will surely help revive the choicest of memories and take you down a nostalgic trip. As luck would have it, the cult song from The Lion King is considered to be one of the easy Ukulele songs to play – needing only six chords in total. The chords you’ll have to know are – C, F, G, D, G7, and Am.
-
Let It Go from Frozen
Disney lovers out there, this is for you! Play Disney’s much-loved track – ‘Let It Go’, from the movie – ‘Frozen’ using just a set of five easy chords – Em, C, D, Am, and A.
(P.S. – If you’re confident, why not hum along to the tunes too?)
-
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen or Jeff Buckley
A new year’s classic, ‘Hallelujah’ is one song we often hear when we bid adieu to the past, ringing in the future. This masterpiece from Leonard Cohen (performed by Jeff Buckley too) is one song you’ll surely love and enjoy playing. To play Hallelujah, you’ll have to be aware of the following chords – Am, C, Em, F, and G.
-
Stand By Me by Ben E. King
This is for all soul music lovers. Ben E. King’s loved classic – ‘Stand By Me’ is one song every Rhythm and Blues lover swears by. If you’re hoping to play a song that echoes tales of despair of a time not forgotten then this is one song you’ll surely want to play. To play this, you’ll have to master the following chords – C, Am, F, and G or G7.
-
Someone Like You by Adele
Honestly, who doesn’t love Adele? This is for those of you who want to show your love and appreciation for her. ‘Someone Like You’, although a song of heartache, is one of the easy Ukulele songs out there. You’ll have to get used to four major chords – C, G, Am and F.
So, what are you waiting for? Take out your Ukulele and get to playing! Have fun!
Hi, I am William. I am a music enthusiast. I play the guitar and ukulele. I like to try out all instruments and review them, to help others make an informed decision. You must choose the right instrument to get that sweet sound you desire. When I am not on my instruments I will be found reading or cooking.
