Want to learn easy ukulele songs but don’t know which to pick? Let these 8 popular songs be your starting point.
Written by Jay Searle / Published September 7, 2022
Last updated: April 2, 2024
So, you have your first ukulele in your hands and are ready to get going. But where do you start? Well, a great place to begin would be getting to know some easy ukulele songs. We have put together a collection of 8 beginner ukulele songs that are easy to get right and will make you a campfire sensation in no time.
See Also: Simple Ukulele Chords for Beginners
1. Riptide by Vance Joy
Strumming Pattern: D-DU-DU
Chords: C-G-F-Am
Easily one of the most popular songs to learn on the ukulele. Everyone knows the sound of Vance Joy’s Riptide and fortunately, it can be played with just four chords C, G, F, and Am.
It’s important to note though that on the original recording Vance plays with his ukulele tuned down a third to Eb-Ab-C-F, so this will sound a little different to the recording as it has been simplified for beginners.
In the video below, Cory Teaches Music breaks down the song in a really friendly and easy-to-understand way.
2. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
Strumming Pattern: U-D-U-D
Chords: C-G-Am-F
This upbeat little song is perfect for the ukulele. It’s super fun to play and will get your friends tapping their feet and singing along using only four chords. To make it a little friendlier for the ukulele, the song has been transposed from its original key of B to the beginner-friendly key of C. Another easy ukulele song to get under your fingers.
To get a really great video lesson on this tune from Jason Mraz, check out Justin Guitar’s tutorial below. He’ll give you pointers on how to play the chords and that catchy strumming pattern.
3. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
View our in-depth tutorial here!
Strumming pattern: DD-DD-DD-DD (8th notes)
Chords: C-F-G
Another instantly recognizable song. Three Little Birds is essential to any reggae repertoire. It has a super simple strumming pattern that is all down strokes, and with only three chords, this is a great place to start for beginners.
Take a little time getting the timing of those down strokes right, though. Remember to count them as you play. It’s trickier to keep in time than you think.
Get your Bob Marley vibes going with Ten Thumbs Production’s tutorial right down below.
4. All the Small Things by Blink-182
Strumming Pattern: D-DU-UDU
Chords: C-F-G
This hit number from pop-punk behemoth Blink-182 will really show off your ukulele chops. It’s a great tune to build speed and dexterity and has a beginner friendly chord progression. You only need three chords to play this anthem.
The strumming pattern is not that complicated, but you will need to take it slowly first to get it right, because the song is quite speedy.
Rock on with this excellent video from Uke at Home. You will get a thorough play-through and an explanation of all the chords you need.
5. Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry
Strumming Pattern: D-xD-U-UD-DUDU
Chords: Am-F-C-G
Save Tonight is another one of those classic sing-along tunes. The strumming pattern here can be a bit tricky, so really take your time and play through it slowly. That muted stroke, and the DUDU rhythm at the end of the pattern can come up quite quickly.
Uke at Home gives us another play through in their video here. This will give you a really great idea of how the strumming pattern is executed and show you exactly how to play the chord changes.
6. Stay with Me by Sam Smith
Strumming Pattern: D-TD-DD-TD-TD-DD-TD
Chords: Am-F-C
This 2014 hit by English singer Sam Smith is a beautiful song with a chord progression that will make you weep. The strumming pattern involves a few taps, so that might be a little challenging for beginners, but your friends will be super impressed.
My advice is to break down the strumming pattern into parts, get those parts down, and then start to put them together.
To show you how it is done, and give you some insight into that tapping pattern I mentioned, check out U Can Uke’s tutorial.
7. Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
Strumming Pattern: D-DU-UD
Chords: G-C-D-A
The Beatles released Here Comes the Sun in 1969. It was the summer of love, and this tune set a mood of optimism for the flower power generation.
The song uses one of the most common ukulele strumming patterns: D, D-U, U-D. So, if you nail this one, you’ll be setting yourself up to play an absolute wealth of other tunes. The chord progression is easy and uses only major chords. Another easy ukulele song for beginners and intermediate players alike.
To learn how to play this iconic Beatles number, check out this video lesson by Andy Guitar.
8. Stand by Me by Ben. E. King
Strumming Pattern: D-D-D-D
Chords: G-Em-C-D
This Soul classic was first performed by Ben. E. King in 1961, and would go on to be one of the defining sounds of the genre. Originally written in the key of A Major, to make it a little easier for ukulele, we can transpose it to G. So don’t worry if yours sounds a little different to the recording.
Moving to the key of G allows us to use a much more beginner friendly chord progression of G-Em-C-D.
The strumming pattern is also incredibly easy, as it is just D-D-D-D.
Let Cory Teaches Music give you a play-through below.
Time to Play Some Easy Ukulele Songs!
There you go, folks. All you need to get going on your first ukulele tunes. Play and explore fearlessly. Remember that the only wrong note is the one that never gets played. Have fun, and let us know what other easy ukulele songs you’d like us to cover on this site by leaving a comment below.
Jay Searle
Website Founder & WriterJay is a self-professed music nerd and ukulele lover. When not working on the website you’ll find him strumming along to his favorite tunes, spending time with his family, or learning to play the piano.
