Learning to play the ukulele is an exciting journey, and one of the most rewarding parts is quickly being able to play actual songs. If you’re just starting out, the sheer number of songs out there might feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, there are tons of fantastic tunes perfectly suited for beginners. This guide will walk you through some of the easiest and most enjoyable Basic Ukulele Songs to get you strumming confidently in no time. We’ve curated a list of songs that use simple chords and strumming patterns, making them ideal for your first steps in ukulele playing.
1. “Riptide” by Vance Joy
“Riptide” by Vance Joy is a modern classic that’s incredibly popular among ukulele players, and for good reason. It relies on a simple chord progression of Am, G, C, and F, chords that are fundamental to most beginner ukulele songs. The song is characterized by its distinctive strumming pattern. For the verses, try a DD UD pattern (Down-Down Up-Down), and during the chorus, you can add a “chucking” rhythm to give it that bouncy feel. Mastering “Riptide” not only gives you a great song under your belt but also introduces you to essential chord transitions and rhythmic variations.
2. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (IZ)
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is arguably the most iconic ukulele arrangement ever. This soothing and heartwarming melody is not only beautiful to listen to but also surprisingly accessible for beginner ukulele players. While it introduces a slightly larger chord vocabulary including Am, C, Em, E7, F, and G chords, each of these chords is still quite manageable for beginners. The strumming pattern, often played as D DU UDU (Down-Down-Up Up-Down-Up), is gentle and flowing, perfectly complementing the song’s dreamy atmosphere. Learning this song is a rewarding experience that will enhance your chord knowledge and fingerpicking coordination.
3. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz’s feel-good hit, “I’m Yours,” is another fantastic choice for ukulele beginners. It’s built around a simple and repetitive chord progression of C, G, Am, and F. These four chords are staples in ukulele music and are easy to learn and transition between. The strumming pattern is straightforward: a basic down-up strum with a slight emphasis on every second down strum will capture the song’s laid-back rhythm. There’s a fleeting Edim7 chord in the song, but it only appears briefly and is quite simple to execute. “I’m Yours” is excellent for practicing consistent strumming and smooth chord changes.
4. “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train
“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train is a more upbeat and contemporary ukulele song that’s great for developing your strumming speed and rhythm. A simplified ukulele version typically uses C, G, Am, and F chords, making it very accessible to beginners while still capturing the essence of the song. The key to this song is keeping your strumming pattern at a pace that matches the song’s energetic beat. Try a DD UDU strumming pattern (Down-Down Up-Down-Up) to get that catchy rhythm. While the chorus might present a slight challenge due to faster chord changes, it’s an excellent song for improving your dexterity and transitioning between chords quickly.
5. “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’s empowering anthem, “Flowers,” is a recent hit that translates beautifully to the ukulele. The chord progression of Am, Dm, G, and C is relatively simple and repeats throughout much of the song, allowing you to quickly grasp the structure. An E7 chord is introduced in the pre-chorus, adding a bit of variety without significantly increasing the difficulty. A steady strumming pattern will work perfectly for “Flowers,” making it a great song to practice your timing while singing along to this popular tune.
6. “8” by Billie Eilish
For a slightly different vibe, consider “8” by Billie Eilish. This song, often played with a capo on the 3rd fret, introduces you to a slightly different set of chords including C, Cmaj7, Dm, G, and E7. The strumming pattern is a simple down-up, making it rhythmically straightforward. Playing with a capo can open up new sonic territories on the ukulele. While you can play “8” without a capo in the key of C, using one will bring you closer to the original song’s key and tonality. This song is a great way to experiment with different keys and chord voicings.
7. “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s breakout hit, “Driver’s License,” while seemingly complex, is manageable for beginners on the ukulele. It utilizes a few more chords than some of the other songs on this list, including Bflat, Gm, Eflat, F, and Cm. However, each of these chords is within the reach of a determined beginner. For the strumming pattern, focus primarily on downward strokes, emphasizing every second strum to capture the song’s emotional intensity. “Driver’s License” is a good song to challenge yourself slightly with a broader chord palette and practice playing with feeling.
8. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison is a timeless classic with an infectious melody that sounds fantastic on the ukulele. It features a comfortable set of chords: C, D, D7, Em, and G. The chord progression is smooth and intuitive, making it easy to pick up and play. A steady down-up strumming pattern, matching the song’s upbeat tempo, works perfectly. “Brown Eyed Girl” is not only fun to play but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will recognize and enjoy.
9. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong’s iconic “What a Wonderful World” is a mellow and uplifting song that’s perfect for the ukulele. It requires a slightly larger set of chords: F, C, Dm, Am, Gm, A7, and Bb. While it has more chords, they are introduced gradually throughout the song, making it learnable in sections. The strumming technique involves a quick down-up strum followed by palm muting the strings to create a gentle, rhythmic texture. String these strums together to create a steady, soothing beat. “What a Wonderful World” is a beautiful song to add to your repertoire, teaching you dynamics and a wider range of chords.
10. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond is an absolute sing-along anthem and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s built on four basic chords: A, D, E7, and G. These chords are common in many popular songs and are excellent for beginners to practice. The strumming pattern is D DU UDU (Down-Down Up Up-Down-Up). In the verses, each chord typically lasts for two measures, while in the chorus, the chords change more frequently, lasting one measure each. Don’t forget to belt out the “baa baa baa” parts with gusto for the full “Sweet Caroline” experience!
These ten songs are just the beginning of your ukulele journey. As you become more comfortable with these basic ukulele songs, you’ll build a solid foundation for learning more complex tunes and developing your own ukulele style. Remember to practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun with it! The ukulele is a wonderfully accessible instrument, and with these songs, you’re well on your way to playing music you love.
