The most fun thing about learning to play the ukulele is just how quickly you can start learning songs. Once you have mastered a few chords, you can then start playing literally hundreds of songs. We’ve gathered a list of easy songs to help you do just that.
To make things simple to learn for beginners, all songs in the list meet the following criteria:
- No need for barre chords or a capo
- 5 or less chords
- Simple strumming patterns
Blues & Jazz
1. Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerren
Chords: C, Am, F, G
You can whistle along to this one.
2. Hound Dog by Elvis Presley
Chords: C, F7, G7
Who doesn’t love the King? Just try and keep your hips still while learning this fun tune.
Country
3. Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
Chords: G, C, D
Like so many other classic country songs, this three chord tune still holds a lot of soul.
4. Hey Good Lookin’ by Hank Williams
Chords: C, D, G, F
TenThumbs Production will help you learn this old times country tune.
Folk
5. Horse with No Name by America
Chords: Em, D
With only two chords, this tune is the ultimate starting point.
6. Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver
Chords: C, F, G
Who hasn’t sang this tune while packing their suitcase?
7. Knocking’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
Chords: G, D, Am, C
No list is complete without a Dylan tune. Just four chords makes this a simple tune to learn.
8. Ho Hey by the Lumineers
Chords: C, F, G, Am
This tune is quickly become a folk classic. Cynthia Lin Music goes over the unique strumming pattern in this video tutorial.
9. Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen/Jeff Buckley
Chords: C, Am, F, G
This tune is a singer’s dream and what a beautiful tune to learn.
10. Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan
Chords: G, C, D
We had to add another Dylan tune to the list.
Pop / Rock
11. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
Chords: C, G, Am, F
This cutesy love song is a favorite for beginner ukulele players. You can find loads of YouTube tutorials and covers of this tune.
12. Riptide by Vance Joy
Chords: Am, G, C
Another modern favorite on the ukulele, Riptide has only 3 chords. The strumming pattern is totally achievable for beginners while still providing a bit of a challenge.
13. UpTown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
Chords: Dm, G, F
Few songs are as fun to play as UpTown Funk. It can offer a nice little break from some more traditional ukulele songs you may have been practicing.
14. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett
Chords: D, G, A
Learn this classic tune and you’ll soon be a hit at parties.
15. The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens
Chords: F, Bb, C
Another instantly recognizable classic that will have your friends and family singing along.
16. Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Chords: A, D, G
Beginners will find many of the legendary CCR’s catalog approachable. Bad Moon Rising has just three chords and a fun, but simple strumming pattern.
17. Octopus’ Garden by the Beatles
Chords: C, F, Am, G
You can’t be sad and play this song.
18. I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Chords: Em, G, D, C
This tune with simple chords and a fun strumming pattern is approachable for beginners while helping you grow in your practice.
19. Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2
Chords: C, F, G
Another great tune to belt out when the mood strikes. With just three chords, you’ll learn this in no time.
20. Float on by Modest Mouse
This alt-rock anthem from indie superstars Modest Mouse is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
21. What’s Up by Four Non-Blondes
Chords: G, Am, C
This instantly recognizable anthem from the nineties only has three common chords.
22. Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morrissette
Chords: G, C, F, D
Both hands will have to be on your uke, but you’ll still enjoy playing this nineties hit.
23. What I Got by Sublime
Chords: D, G
Another great song with just two chords.
24. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
Chords: F, G
With just two chords, you can be playing one of the best songs of all time.
25. Photograph by Ed Sheeran
Chords: C, Am, G, F
Sheeran is known for his guitar skills, but this song translates well to ukulele.
26. Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Chords: C, Am, F
What’s more romantic than strumming a love tune on the uke?
27. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynard Skynard
Chords: C, F, G, Am
A go-to tune for acoustic guitar players, surprise listeners by learning it on the ukulele.
28. Let It Be by the Beatles
Chords: C, G, Am, F
It’s ok to have more than one Beatles tune in your repertoire.
29. She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
Chords: Am, G, A, G
Another fantastically romantic song for the uke.
30. Whistle by Flo Rida
Chords: Am, F, C, G
Has there ever been a tutorial as soothing as this from EricBlacmonGuitar
31. Shake it Off by Taylor Swift
Chords: Am, C, G
Shake it off is bound to get your feet moving.
32. Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles
Chords: A,D
The Uke Revolution will help you surprise people with this funky tune.
33. We’re Going to Be Friends by Jack White
Chords: G, C, D, A
Serenade your friends with this fun tune by showing off your strumming and picking patterns.
34. You’re Beautiful by James Blunt
Chords: C, G, Am, F
A love song that is easy to follow.
35. Hey Soul Sister by Train
Chords: G, Em, C, D
Learn this fun and fresh tune.
36. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
Chords: C, F, G
Learn this boy band platinum hit.
37. Island in the Sun by Weezer
Chords: Em, Am, D, G, C
Learn this jumpy song and feel your body bobbing along.
38. Roar by Katy Perry
Chords: C, Am
A pop princess classic that is super fun to play. You can learn how to play this tune with just two chords.
39. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
Chords: C, G, Am, F
No song has ever pleased a crowd more.
40. Paparazzi by Lady Gaga
Chords: C, Bm, D, Em, G
We’ll be your biggest fan after you learn this tune.
41. Pompeii by Bastille
Chords: C, Am, F, G
Four simple chords that are easy to learn for beginners.
42. Sex and Candy by Macy’s Playground
Chords: B, G, F#, D, A
Another nineties classic tune.
43. Taylor by Jack Johnson
Chords: Am, C, F
This is the perfect song for playing in the sunshine.
44. When I Come Around by Greenday
Chords: G, D, Em, C
Full video tutorial from punk superstars available at
45. Complicated by Avril Lavigne
Chords: Bb, C, Dm, F, Gm
Learn this bratty pop star hit.
46. Counting Stars by One Republic
Chords: Am, C, G, F
Lovely pop song.
47. Cut My Lip by Twenty One Pilots
Chords: Em, D, A
As the band says, ukulele is punk rock.
48. Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
Chords: G, D, C
Fantastic emo song that you can learn.
49. I’m Gonna B (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
Chords: D, G, A
This one hit wonder has become a karaoke classic. Start a sing along when you’ve mastered these 3 simple chords.
50. Run Around by Blues Traveler
Chords: G, C, Am, D
Pair up with a harmonica-playing friend and learn this song.
51. Surfin’ USA by the Beach Boys
Chords: C, F, G
What’s more ukulele than a beach?
52. Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry
Chords: Am, F, C, G
Wonderful pop tune with those magic four chords.
53. Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon
Chords: D, C, G
Howl along to this one.
Punk
54. All the Small Things by Blink 182
Chords: C, G, F
A child of the pop punk era? Try out this favorite.
Soul
55. Stay with Me by Sam Smith
Chords: A, F, C, G
Looking for a tune to belt while you play? Stay with Me is a fantastic beginner tune that will have you singing your heart out in no time.
56. Stand by Me by Ben E King
Chords: C, Am, F, G
Learn this timeless singalong.
57. Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles
Chords: Am, G, F, E7
A tune for the ultimate road trip.
Reggae
58. One Love by Bob Marley
Chords: C, F, G, Am
A Classic and timeless song. One love from Project Instrument.
59. Rude by Magic
Chords: Bb, C, F, Dm
Have fun learning this reggae influenced song.
Odd ones / special occasions
60. Happy Birthday
Chords: C, F, G7
A song every ukulele player should know, because someone is going to ask you for it!
61. Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
Chords: G, A7, D
Every ukulele player should have some holiday tunes in their back pocket.
62. Lava from the Pixar Short Lava
Chords: C, G7, F
If you have seen this animated short film, you’ll understand why the song is appealing for beginner ukulele players and seasoned pros alike.
63. Coconut by Harry Nilsson
Chords: C7
The only song on the list with just one chord.
Found A Song You’d Like to Play?
Now that you have explored and noted some favorites that you’d enjoy playing. If you’re also a guitar play you can check out our list of easy guitar songs.
