Play the Ukulele: songs for beginners

Contrary to what many might think, it doesn’t take much practice to enjoy this sonorous little instrument. Many musicians have taken on the task of creating easy tablatures of well-known songs, which will lead any beginner to play cool songs on the ukulele. 

Compared to the guitar, there is a big advantage in favor of the ukulele. And it is that, having only 4 strings, the chords are simpler . Perhaps that is why in recent years it has become so popular among those who are approaching a musical instrument for the first time.

And since we are talking about chords, you will be pleased to know that many of the best ballads in Spanish, as well as pop hits of recent years, can be played on the ukulele with only 3 or 4 chords, which we will show you later in this article.. For now, we offer you a list of easy songs for ukulele, among which you will surely find one that motivates you to develop your skills. For greater practicality, we have classified them according to their musical genre.

Balads

Combining a slow rhythm with few chords, ballads are quintessential beginners’ first choice . We leave you a list with songs on ukulele to delight your partner or simply to acquire, little by little, greater skill with chords.

1. “The Last Kiss” – The Apsons

2. “Can you feel the love tonight” (The Lion King)

3. “Time to say goodbye” – Andrea Bocelli

4. “Your jail – Los Bukis

5. “All of the stars” – Ed Sheeran

6. “No woman no cry” – Bob Marley

7. “You’re beautiful” – James Blunt

8. “With or Without you” – U2

9. “Apologize” – Timbaland featuring OneRepublic 

10. “Someone like you” – Adele

11. “Walk with me” – Julieta Venegas

12. “The Scientist”- ColdPlay

13. “Let it be” – The Beatles

Pop

Although by definition it is rare that you will find a pop tune that was originally written for this instrument, there are variations of the original versions that sound really good. In this sense, it is possible to find pop-style ukulele songs with interesting arrangements. Take a look at our selection in this category.  

14. “Love the way you lie” – Eminem ft Rihanna

15. “Take on me” – A Ha

16. “Forever young” – Alphaville

17. “Complicated” – Avril Lavigne

18. “Barbie girl” – Aqua

18. “If I were a boy” – Beyonce

20. “Pokerface” – Lady Gaga

21. “Where is the love” – Black Eyed Peas

22. “Paparazzi” – Lady Gaga

23. “She Will Be Loved” – Maroon Five

24. “You’re gonna go far kid” – The Offspring

25. “Four five seconds” – Rihanna

Rock

Rock doesn’t escape our selection either. The versions that we quote below are songs with ukulele that are worth trying. Also, they are not complicated at all. 

26. “Behind these hazel eyes” – Kelly Clarkson

27. “Counting Stars – One Republic

28. “Of Light Music” – Stereo Soda

29. “Down on the corner” – Credence

30. “Getting Drunk” – Lori Meyers

31. “Leave Me” – The Secrets

32. “Have you ever seen the rain” – Creedence Clearwater Revival

33. “It’s my life” – Bon Jovi

34. “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” – U2

35. “Otherside” – Red Hot Chili Peppers

36. “Dove” – Andres Calamaro

37. “Flatland” – Lori Meyers

38. “Crossed Lives” – Quique González

39. “Wherever you will go” – The Calling

40. “Africa” – Toto

Other genres

Country songs, rancheras and even reggaeton are in this last section.

41. “Take me home, country roads” – John Denver

42. “Hakuna Matata” – Elton John 

43. “Living My Life” – Marc Anthony

44. “I’m yours” – Jason Mraz

45. “The King” – Jose Alfredo Jimenez

46. ​​“I have your love” – Sie7e

47. “Forgiveness” – Nicky Jam

48. “Monalisa” – Alkylated

49. “Lemon and salt” – Julieta Venegas

We have left a very special song for last, which is almost mandatory for any ukulele player. To play it, you only need 5 chords, so it is also considered easy.

50. “Somewhere over the rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole

Motivation, the basic element

If any of your favorite songs were missing from the list above, don’t worry. The net is full of ukulele sheet music. So you can search for them. Just remember that you must specify the instrument, because if a guitar tablature appears in the result, it will not work for you.

Also, you can visit sites like ukulele tabs, a web page that has grown surprisingly, because every day it incorporates new songs for ukulele thanks to its associates. In addition, it classifies them according to their popularity, difficulty, name and artist, so it will be easy for you to find the ukulele tabs you need. 

Another similar and very popular site is uku tabs. It also has a very wide and interesting repertoire for ukulele players of all levels.

GF Am and C

Seeing this title without knowing anything about music, you will surely ask yourself, what are these lyrics? It is about the way we can name the 4 most used ukulele chords . In fact, the easy songs that we have listed in the list above use them to create the structure of their melodies. It is enough that you dominate them and, that’s it!, you will have the base to go as far as you decide. We explain them briefly.

C major or C chord

By simply pressing the A or A string, at the third fret, you will have your first chord, C or C major, ready. It is best to use your ring finger to pluck the string. You will find it very often among the chords of songs with a key signature in C major.

A minor or Am chord 

Now, with your middle finger, pluck the G string at the second fret. The sound that the instrument will produce is that corresponding to A minor.

Chord F major or F

Although the F chord involves pressing two strings simultaneously, it’s pretty straightforward. Just make sure you use the correct fingers on each string. The index finger is responsible for pressing the E or E string at the first fret and the middle finger goes at the second fret, pressing the G or G string.

Chord G major or G

The last chord we will study is the G major chord. Don’t be scared if you see that it requires three fingers, a little practice will help you master it. In addition, it is basic for many songs with 3 chords that you might be interested in playing with this instrument.

Of course, there are many other chords; You can find them on the web with the search “Ukelele Chords”. The list will be quite extensive, but you can just focus on finding the ones you need for the song you want to perform.

As you can see, you don’t have to start playing this instrument with the traditional happy birthday ukulele tune. You can also be inspired by many other well-known songs, which will help you to gain skill and have fun with your friends at your next meeting.