Learning to play the ukulele opens up a world of musical possibilities for beginners. This cheerful instrument’s simple four-string design and compact size make it perfect for those just starting their musical journey. With its growing popularity across all age groups the ukulele has become a favorite choice for aspiring musicians.
For newcomers eager to start strumming the key is choosing the right songs to build confidence and develop basic skills. Many popular tunes can be played using just a few basic chords making them ideal for beginners. From classic folk songs to modern pop hits there’s no shortage of easy ukulele songs that sound impressive while remaining accessible to novice players.
Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners
Basic ukulele chords form the foundation for playing countless songs. The ukulele’s four strings create simple chord shapes that beginners master quickly with consistent practice.
Most Common Starter Chords
Five essential ukulele chords unlock numerous popular songs:
C Major: Place one finger on the third fret of the first string
G Major: Place fingers on second fret of first string, third fret of second string third fret of third string
Am (A minor): Place one finger on the second fret of the fourth string
F Major: Place one finger on the first fret of the top string two fingers on the second fret of first second strings
D Major: Place fingers on the second fret of first fourth strings third fret of third string
Vertical lines: Represent the four strings (g-C-E-A from left to right)
Horizontal lines: Show the frets (top line = nut closest to headstock)
Black dots: Indicate where to place fingers
Numbers: Reference specific fingers (1 = index 2 = middle 3 = ring 4 = pinky)
‘O’ symbol: Indicates open strings (played without pressing any fret)
‘X’ symbol: Represents strings that aren’t played
Chord Type
Number of Fingers Used
Frets Used
Difficulty Level
C Major
1
3rd
Easy
G Major
3
2nd-3rd
Moderate
Am
1
2nd
Easy
F Major
2
1st-2nd
Easy
D Major
3
2nd-3rd
Moderate
Simple Two-Chord Songs to Start With
Two-chord songs provide the perfect starting point for ukulele beginners, offering a manageable way to practice chord transitions while playing recognizable tunes. These songs use basic chord progressions that create engaging melodies with minimal complexity.
“Jammin'” by Bob Marley
“Jammin'” features a straightforward progression between Am and G chords throughout the entire song. The steady reggae rhythm pattern uses a 4/4 time signature with a distinctive upstroke emphasis on beats 2 and 4. Players strum the Am chord for two measures followed by two measures of G, repeating this pattern throughout the verses and chorus.
Section
Chord Progression
Measures
Verse
Am – G
2:2
Chorus
Am – G
2:2
“Hey Ho” by The Lumineers
The Lumineers’ folk anthem requires only C and F chords played in alternating measures. The strumming pattern follows a simple down-down-up rhythm that matches the song’s natural walking pace. Each chord receives equal play time in the pattern, making it ideal for practicing smooth transitions between C and F.
Section
Chord Progression
Measures
Verse
C – F
1:1
Chorus
C – F
1:1
Popular Three-Chord Song Options
Three-chord songs expand beginners’ repertoire while maintaining an achievable level of difficulty. These songs combine basic chord progressions with familiar melodies to create engaging practice material.
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
This feel-good hit uses a simple progression of C, G, and A minor chords at a moderate tempo. The song’s repetitive strumming pattern follows a down-down-up-up-down-up rhythm that’s perfect for developing timing skills. Released in 2008, “I’m Yours” topped charts worldwide with its catchy melody making it instantly recognizable when played on the ukulele.
“Count on Me” by Bruno Mars
“Count on Me” features three basic chords: C, F, and G in a straightforward pattern. The song’s gentle 4/4 time signature allows beginners to focus on smooth transitions between chords. Its uplifting message paired with basic fingerpicking opportunities makes it an excellent choice for developing multiple techniques simultaneously.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
This iconic ukulele rendition uses C, F, and G chords in a slow-paced arrangement. The song’s relaxed tempo gives players ample time to switch between chords while maintaining rhythm. Kamakawiwo’ole’s version demonstrates the ukulele’s versatility through its combination of simple strumming and occasional single-note melodies.
Song Title
Chords Used
Tempo (BPM)
I’m Yours
C, G, Am
132
Count on Me
C, F, G
96
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
C, F, G
84
Classic Four-Chord Songs for Practice
Four-chord songs expand a beginner’s repertoire while maintaining an accessible level of difficulty. These songs use the common progression of C, G, Am F which appears in hundreds of popular tunes across multiple genres.
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
The iconic melody of “Stand By Me” follows a G-Em-C-D chord progression at 87 beats per minute. The slow tempo enables beginners to master chord transitions with a simple down-strum pattern. Players start with the G chord for two measures then transition smoothly through each subsequent chord creating the song’s signature rhythm.
Chord Sequence
Measures per Chord
Suggested Strumming Pattern
G
2 measures
Down-down-up-up-down-up
Em
2 measures
Down-down-up-up-down-up
C
2 measures
Down-down-up-up-down-up
D
2 measures
Down-down-up-up-down-up
“Let It Be” by The Beatles
“Let It Be” uses a straightforward C-G-Am-F chord progression played at 75 beats per minute. The moderate tempo creates an ideal practice environment for beginners to develop muscle memory. Each chord receives equal emphasis in the pattern making it perfect for practicing consistent strumming techniques.
Chord Sequence
Measures per Chord
Suggested Strumming Pattern
C
1 measure
Down-up-down-up
G
1 measure
Down-up-down-up
Am
1 measure
Down-up-down-up
F
1 measure
Down-up-down-up
Practice chord transitions without strumming first
Start at 50% tempo to build accuracy
Record practice sessions to identify areas for improvement
Focus on clean chord sounds without string buzz
Maintain steady rhythm using a metronome
Tips for Learning New Songs
Mastering new ukulele songs becomes easier with structured practice methods and proper techniques. These fundamental approaches help beginners build confidence and maintain steady progress.
Strumming Patterns
Basic strumming patterns create the rhythmic foundation for ukulele songs. The most common pattern follows a down-down-up-up-down-up motion, suitable for songs in 4/4 time. Here are essential strumming patterns to practice:
Single downstrums: Strike all strings from top to bottom
Island strum: Down-down-up-up-down-up pattern at moderate tempo
Calypso strum: Down-up-up-down-up rhythm with emphasis on beats 2 & 4
Swing strum: Down-up pattern with a slight delay on the upstroke
Practice Techniques
Effective practice techniques accelerate learning and improve overall performance. Here are proven methods for mastering new songs:
Start at 50% tempo using a metronome for accurate timing
Break songs into 4-bar segments for focused practice
Record practice sessions to identify areas for improvement
Practice chord transitions without strumming first
Set 15-minute practice intervals with 5-minute breaks
Use chord diagrams as visual references while learning
Play along with original recordings at reduced speed
Tool
Purpose
Usage
Metronome
Timing accuracy
Daily practice
Recording device
Progress tracking
Weekly sessions
Chord charts
Visual reference
Initial learning
Slow-down apps
Detail study
Complex passages
Learning to play the ukulele doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Starting with simple two-chord songs and gradually progressing to more complex pieces lets beginners build their skills naturally and confidently.
Whether it’s strumming along to Bob Marley’s “Jammin'” or mastering “Let It Be” by The Beatles these easy ukulele songs provide the perfect foundation for musical growth. By focusing on basic chords practicing consistently and choosing enjoyable songs new players can develop their skills while having fun.
The ukulele’s welcoming nature and versatility make it an excellent choice for aspiring musicians. With dedication and the right song choices anyone can transform from a complete beginner to a confident player ready to tackle more challenging pieces.
