Quick Lesson Overview
Difficulty Level: Absolute Beginner
Chords Used: C, F, G
Tuning: Standard (G C E A)
Key: C Major
Primary Strumming: Down-Down-Down-Down
You Are My Sunshine Ukulele Chords
You Are My Sunshine Ukulele Strumming Pattern
Want to practice offline? Download the ‘You Are My Sunshine‘ chord sheet below.
Timestamps from the video
00:50 How to Play the Chords (C, F, G)
01:45 Strumming Pattern Options (Down-Up Strum & Down-Strums)
02:19 Full Play-Along Section (Practice along with Kai!)
One of Louisiana’s official state songs, a Grammy Hall of Fame award recipient without a known songwriter, and a song that more than 300+ artists have recorded since its conception, “You Are My Sunshine” is among the most beautiful and internationally renowned songs ever written.
From a technical standpoint, it’s an exceptionally easy tune consisting of only four chords that mostly repeat in the same progression. Most beginners who possess a basic understanding of elementary ukulele chords should be able to learn how to play it fluently within a few hours at most.
We’re here with a concise breakdown of You Are My Sunshine Ukulele chords, so if you had little luck with online tutorials, we’re here to help.
Download “You Are My Sunshine” Ukulele Chord Sheet
What is the Strumming Pattern for “You Are My Sunshine”?
Kai breaks down two simple strumming options depending on your current level:
Main Down-Up Strumming Pattern (Recommended)
- Down-strums: Brush downward across all 4 strings.
- Up-strums: Lightly catch the strings on the way back up.
- Keep your wrist loose and maintain a relaxed, steady tempo.
2. Easy Down-Strums Option (For Absolute Beginners)
If combining down and up strums feels too fast, simplify the rhythm by using steady down-strums on every beat:
Struggling with your chord changes? Check out our free mini-course for ukulele beginners here. We cover all the basics you need to be able to pick up and play the ukulele!
You Are My Sunshine Ukulele Chords and Lyrics
You Are My Sunshine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the 3 chords for “You Are My Sunshine” on ukulele?
“You Are My Sunshine” uses just 3 basic chords: C, F, and G. These are among the first chords every ukulele beginner learns!
Is “You Are My Sunshine” easy for absolute beginners?
Yes! It is one of the absolute easiest songs to play on ukulele. With only 3 simple chords and a straightforward 4/4 rhythm, most beginners can play along within their first few days.
What key is “You Are My Sunshine” played in on ukulele?
This version is played in the Key of C Major. It works on Soprano, Concert, or Tenor ukuleles in standard G-C-E-A tuning.
Conclusion
This classic country piece with a heartwarming tone is one of the songs you’d want to play if you want to set a good mood after a tiring day. With it playable in just four basic chords all throughout, even in three chords on a stretch, mostly repeated in the same progression, it is definitely a beginner-friendly song. We hope our You Are My Sunshine ukulele chords guide made it even a notch or two easier for you to learn this masterpiece.
Kai C.
Music Content Creator & Video EditorKai is an experienced music teacher based in the Philippines. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Music Education. She enjoys teaching the ukulele and guitar to students from around the world!
