You’ve got your first ukulele! Now what? Whether you’re taking lessons or teaching yourself how to play the ukulele, easy songs can speed your progress and make learning a whole lot more fun.
Sure – chords are essential – so much so that we’ve got a complete chord chart for you to use as you learn.
But playing chords and simple kid’s songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” can get pretty boring. This collection of 50 easy ukulele songs for beginners does include a few old standards, but you’ll find lots of popular songs here as well.
Have fun with these easy songs! Break them down by learning the chords first, then working on your strumming pattern. Once you can play, add in your vocals if you want to, working in small sections and just letting the songs progress until they feel natural to you. Starting with familiar songs can speed the process, and so can watching videos that feature the songs being played on the ukulele. Keep on practicing! Soon enough you’ll be taking your playing to the next level.
1. Achy Breaky Heart
- Performer: Billy Ray Cyrus
- Album: Some Gave All
- Year of Release: 1992
No list would be complete without at least one country classic! This song is a lot of fun to play, but it has just two chords.
Chords Used: A, E
Achy Break Heart Lyrics and Chords
2. All of the Stars
- Performer: Ed Sheeran
- Album: The Fault in Our Stars
- Year of Release: 2014
All of the Stars is an easy song to play, and a heartbreakingly beautiful one to sing. We love Ed Sheeran’s original version, which was recorded for the soundtrack of the film The Fault in Our Stars, and there are plenty of fantastic covers to give you some inspiration for styling the song your own way. Be sure to check out Jackie Evancho’s version: It’s beautiful!
Chords Used: F, C, Am, G
All of the Stars Lyrics and Chords
3. Amazing Grace
- Performer: Chris Tomlin
- Album: See the Morning
- Year of Release: 2006
Yes, you can play Gospel songs on the ukulele! Amazing Grace is a great one to start with – if you’re into Gospel, then you probably know all the words. This song was published in 1779 and has been reworked countless times since then.
Chords Used: C, F, G7, Am
Amazing Grace Lyrics and Chords
4. Banana Boat Song
- Performer: Harry Belafonte
- Album: Calypso
- Year of Release: 1957
Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) is based on a traditional Jamaican work song. Harry Belafonte made it famous, and it has been covered by many different folk singers over the years. The song is a lot of fun to play and sing – and because it uses just two lyrics and a simple strumming pattern, it’s one of the easiest ukulele songs there is.
Chords Used: C, G
5. Blowin’ In the Wind
- Performer: Bob Dylan
- Album: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
- Year of Release: 1963
A classic folk song from the 1960s, Blowin’ in the Wind has wonderfully poetic lyrics that might take a little time to learn. But once you do, you’ll find yourself singing and playing a song that’s as nice to listen to as it is to perform.
Chords Used: G, C, D
Blowin’ In the Wind Lyrics and Chords
6. Bonfire Heart
- Performer: James Blunt
- Album: Moon Landing
- Year of Release: 2013
When James Blunt released Bonfire Heart, he said it was about “love, life, fear, and hope.” Despite topping charts worldwide, this beautiful song is easy to play once you’ve got the chords down. It’ll take more practice than some other tunes we’ve covered here but the results are worth the effort! When you’re ready, add in some fingerpicking and percussive taps.
Chords Used: Am, C, Em, F, G
Bonfire Heart Lyrics and Chords
7. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- Performer: Deep Blue Something
- Album: 11th Song
- Year of Release: 1994
The lyrics to Breakfast at Tiffany’s were inspired by the film Roman Holiday, and it’s a must for any Audrey Hepburn fan! Whether you remember the film or not, you’ll enjoy playing this catchy tune; the repetitive melody makes it easy to learn.
Chords Used: D, G, A
Breakfast at Tiffany’s Lyrics and Chords
8. Brown Eyed Girl
- Performer: Van Morrison
- Album: Brown Eyed Girl
- Year of Release: 1967
Yes, you can play classic rock on the ukulele – and some of the songs are easy enough for new players to cover with little bit of practice! Brown Eyed Girl calls for just five chords, and you can expect your friends to sing along to the refrain once you’ve perfected your own version.
Chords Used: G, C, D, D7, Em
Brown Eyed Girl Lyrics and Chords
9. Budapest
- Performer: George Ezra
- Album: Did You Hear the Rain?
- Year of Release: 2013
When talking with The Daily Telegraph about his hit song “Budapest,” George Ezra said that the song used the first three chords he ever learned, and that it was intentionally simple. If you’re looking for an easy love song to play on the ukulele, be sure to give this one try!
Chords Used: C, F, A#
10. Clementine (Oh My Darling, Clementine)
- Performer: Bing Crosby
- Album: Twilight on the Trail
- Year of Release: 1941
With just three chords and a simple rhythm, the old classic “Clementine” is among the easiest ukulele songs on our list. This traditional American folk ballad is believed to be the work of Percy Montrose, and it dates back to about 1884. Nobody really knows who recorded it first, but Bing Crosby is credited with taking it to the Billboard charts.
Chords Used: G, D7, C
Video: x
11. Counting Stars
- Performer: OneRepublic
- Album: Native
- Year of Release: 2013
With an easy rhythm and just a few chords, Counting Stars makes a fun addition to your ukulele play list.
Chords Used: Am, C, G, F
Counting Stars Lyrics and Chords
12. Fireflies
- Performer: Owl City
- Album: Ocean Eyes
- Year of Release: 2009
While Owl City’s “Fireflies” has five chords, F, C, and G carry you through most of the song, with Em and Am putting in quick appearances along the way. It’s a touch more challenging than some of the songs on this list, but still very easy to play!
Chords Used: G, C, F, Em, Am
13. Happy
- Performer: Pharrell Williams
- Album: Girl
- Year of Release: 2013
Fun and upbeat, Happy can be a pretty easy song to play on the ukulele. There are more complicated arrangements available too, so you can make the song more exciting once you’ve gotten the basics down.
Chords Used: E7, C, Bm7
14. Happy Birthday
- Performer: Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill
- Album: N/A
- Year of Release: 1893
Now you can accompany this favorite with your ukulele! Happy Birthday is easy to play, and it’ll make you the life of the party. We found a great ukulele cover with some fun add-ins toward the end.
Chords Used: C, F, G7
Happy Birthday Lyrics and Chords
15. Heartache
- Performer: One Groove
- Album: Make Your Move
- Year of Release: 2005
Ready to play some Hawaiian reggae? Heartache is easy thanks to a repeating chord pattern! Once you’ve got the basics down and feel ready to take the song to the next level, consider learning how to fingerpick the intro lead.
16. Hey Soul Sister
- Performer: Train
- Album: Save Me, San Francisco
- Year of Release: 2009
The original ukulele chord structure for Hey Soul Sister is a little more complicated than this easy version, but you’ll get a similar feel and have fun playing a very popular song that lots of people know!
Hey Soul Sister Lyrics and Chords
17. Ho Hey
- Performer: The Lumineers
- Album: The Lumineers
- Year of Release: 2012
Believe it or not, the Lumineers created “Ho Hey” as a kiss-off to indifferent concert goers who failed to participate in the fun. Today, it’s one of their most popular songs.
18. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
- Performer: U2
- Album: The Joshua Tree
- Year of Release: 1987
Easily one of U2’s greatest masterpieces! I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For has been ranked as one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, yet it’s easy enough to play on our ukulele. Perfect for when you’re feeling soulful!
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For Lyrics and Chords
19. I’m Yours
- Performer: Jason Mraz
- Album: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
- Year of Release: 2007
If you like to sing, you’ll love playing this easy ukulele version of I’m Yours! Don’t be surprised if it ends up to be one of your favorites.
Chords Used: C, G, Am, F, D7
20. I Make My Own Sunshine
- Performer: Alyssa Bonagura
- Album: I Make My Own Sunshine (Single)
- Year of Release: 2012
Looking for a happy ukulele song that’s not too hard? This one might be just right!
Chords Used: G, D, Em C
I Make My Own Sunshine Lyrics and Chords
21. I Won’t Back Down
- Performer: Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
- Album: x
- Year of Release: x
- Description goes here
Chords Used: Em, D, G, C
I Won’t Back Down Lyrics and Chords
22. Island in the Sun
- Performer: Weezer
- Album: Weezer (The Green Album)
- Year of Release: 2001
Island in the Sun uses just 5 chords, but it’s incredibly catchy. Once you’ve got the chords figured out, work on imitating Weezer’s strum pattern, and then add in your vocals. Soon enough, you’ll be playin’ and havin’ fun!
Chords Used: Am, C, D, Em, G
Island in the Sun Lyrics and Chords
23. Island Style
- Performer: John Cruz
- Album: Acoustic Soul
- Year of Release: 2003
Island Style is a great tune to play and sing – and it’s also one of the easiest ukulele songs for beginners!
Chords Used: C, C7, F, G7
Island Style Lyrics and Chords
24. Just the Way You Are
- Performer: Bruno Mars
- Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
- Year of Release: 2010
“Just the Way You Are” was written in celebration of a woman’s beauty. This romantic song is a great one to play for someone special!
Chords Used: A#, Dm, F
Just the Way You Are Lyrics and Chords
25. Ku’u Home O Kahalu’u
- Performer: Olomana
- Album: Like a Seabird in the Wind
- Year of Release: 1976
Play this song and you’ll feel like you’re on a beach in O’ahu. It’s a classic Hawaiian standard, with easy chords and words that might be a little bit hard to pronounce at first. Have fun!
Chords Used: C, F, G7
Ku’u Home O Kahal’u Lyrics and Chords
26. Leaving on a Jet Plane
- Performer: Peter, Paul & Mary
- Album: Album 1700
- Year of Release: 1969
Written by John Denver in 1966, Leaving on a Jet Plane has a cool, easygoing vibe. With just three chords and simple, memorable lyrics, this classic folk song is a fun but easy addition to your ukulele play list!
Chords Used: G, C, D
Leaving on a Jet Plane Lyrics and Chords
27. Let it Be
- Performer: The Beatles
- Album: Let it Be
- Year of Release: 1970
Let it Be was released after the Beatles broke up in 1970; nevertheless, it was a top hit. The song is sweet, lyrical, and easy to play.
Chords Used: C, Am, F G
28. Love Yourself
- Performer: Justin Bieber
- Album: Purpose
- Year of Release: 2015
Love Yourself is a Justin Bieber favorite, but did you know that Ed Sheeran took part in the writing process? This song is fun and catchy, so be sure to give it a try!
Chords Used: C, G, Am, Dm, F
Love Yourself Lyrics and Chords
29. Lullaby
- Performer: Front Porch Step
- Album: Aware
- Year of Release: 2013
As the name of the song suggests, Lullaby is simple and sweet! Just four chords and a few easy-to-remember lyrics make it a favorite.
Chords Used: Am, C, F, G
30. Margaritaville
- Performer: Jimmy Buffet
- Album: Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
- Year of Release: 1977
Believe it or not, Margaritaville has been popular for more than 40 years! This easygoing summertime hit is fun to play, with just four chords and plenty of sing-along potential.
Chords Used: A, D, D7, G
Margaritaville Lyrics and Chords
31. Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song)
- Performer: Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
- Album: Merry Christmas
- Year of Release: 1950
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way to say “Merry Christmas!” This isn’t the easiest ukulele song on our list but it’s not at all difficult to play, even though there are five chords. Don’t be surprised if everyone starts to sing along!
Chords Used: G, D7, E, C, A7
Mele Kalikimaka Lyrics and Chords
32. No Tears Left to Cry
- Performer: Ariana Grande
- Album: Sweetener
- Year of Release: 2018
- Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry” is a heartfelt tribute to the victims and survivors of the Manchester Arena Bombing. Give it a try and as Ariana mentioned in an interview, “Dance and live ya best life!”
Chords Used: C, G, F, Am
No Tears Left to Cry Lyrics and Chords
33. One Love
- Performer: Bob Marley
- Album: Exodus
- Year of Release: 1977
Believe it or not, Bob Marley’s “One Love” uses easy chords, and is a lot of fun to play. This is a great song to try if you’re interested in working on your timing and getting well-acquainted with the classic sound of reggae.
Chords Used: C, F, G, Am
34. Over the Rainbow
- Performer: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- Album: Ka ‘Ano’i / Facing Future
- Year of Release: 1990
One of the sweetest renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World, this is a beautiful tribute to ukulele great Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Practice makes perfect! Listen to Israel’s version as you work on your own stylings, and you’ll soon be ready to show off for friends.
Chords Used: C, Em, F, G, Am
Over the Rainbow Lyrics and Chords
35. Perfect
- Performer: One Direction
- Album: Made in the A.M.
- Year of Release: 2015
While “Perfect” is a top hit, it’s also one of the easiest ukulele songs to play. With just three chords, it’s a song you can use to impress others once you’ve got the lyrics down.
Chords Used: Bm, D, G
36.Riptide
- Performer: Vance Joy
- Album: God Loves You When You’re Dancing / Dream Your Life Away
- Year of Release: 2013
One of the most popular ukulele songs ever written, Riptide also happens to be fairly easy to play. It’ll take more practice and memorization than some of the other songs on this list, so be patient with yourself!
Chords Used: Am, C, G, F
37. Rude
- Performer: Magic!
- Album: Don’t Kill the Magic
- Year of Release: 2013
If you want to learn how to play reggae on the ukulele, then Rude is a good song to start out with. Once you have the chords down, practice the strum pattern. After a while, you’ll be ready to add the lyrics!
Chords Used: F, G, C, Am
38. Saturday Sun
- Performer: Vance Joy
- Album: Nation of Two
- Year of Release: 2018
Sweet lyrics and simple chords make Vance Joy’s Saturday Sun a great ukulele song for beginners. With just a little effort, you’ll put it all together.
Chords Used: Am, C, D, Em, G
Saturday Sun Lyrics and Chords
39. Save Tonight
- Performer: Eagle Eye Cherry
- Album: Desireless
- 3Year of Release: 1997
Save Tonight is a romantic song with just four chords and an easygoing strum. It moves at a slower pace than some other tunes, and you can play at a relaxed pace until you’re ready to pick up the tempo. Have fun with this one!
Chords Used: Am, C, F, G
Save Tonight Lyrics and Chords
40. Shine On
- Performer: John Cruz
- Album: Acoustic Soul
- Year of Release: 1996
With just two chords, Shine On is one of the easiest ukulele songs you’ll ever play. It’s beautiful, too – particularly if you can find a friend to sing harmony.
Chords Used: C, G7
41. Someone Like You
- Performer: Adele
- Album: 21
- Year of Release: 2011
If you’re in the mood for a sad breakup song, try playing “Someone Like You” on your ukulele. Just five chords and a slow tempo add up to a song that’s easy to learn and play.
Chords Used: G, D, Em, C, Am
Someone Like You Lyrics and Chords
42. Something Just Like This
- Performer: The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
- Album: Memories Do Not Open
- Year of Release: 2017
One of the most popular songs of 2017 – and pretty easy to learn, with just three chords. Something Just Like This makes you realize that you really don’t need superhuman gifts to play the ukulele!
Chords Used: C, D, Em
Something Just Like This Lyrics and Chords
43. Stand By Me
- Performer: Ben E. King
- Album: Don’t Play that Song!
- Year of Release: 1961
Simple, repetitive chord patterns and a slow, easygoing tempo make this classic easy to learn. The vocals are beautiful, but not at all difficult to add.
Chords Used: C, Am, F, G7
44. Stay with Me
- Performer: Sam Smith
- Album: In the Lonely Hour
- Year of Release: 2014
While Stay with Me is Sam Smith’s most popular song to date, it’s an easy one to play on your ukulele. The gospel-inspired tempo
Chords Used: Am, F, C, G
Stay with Me Lyrics and Chords
45. Sweater Weather
- Performer: The Neighbourhood
- Album: I Love You
- Year of Release: 2012
Ready for a change of scene and a fun song to play? Sweater Weather might be just the thing. This one requires some practice! Be sure to listen to the strum and percussion so you can get the tempo right.
Chords Used: F, Dm, Am, C, Gm
Sweater Weather Lyrics and Chords
46. Sweet Home Alabama
- Performer: Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Album: Second Helping
- Year of Release: 1974
Since its release in 1974, Sweet Home Alabama has been covered countless times. Once you learn the main riff, you’ll find that the rest of the song comes together pretty quickly.
Chords Used: D, C, G
Sweet Home Alabama Lyrics and Chords
47. Thinking Out Loud
- Performer: Ed Sheeran
- Album: X
- Year of Release: 2014
Despite its sweet, romantic sound, Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” is a simple song to play. The slow tempo and easy chords make it perfect for newer players who want to build confidence while playing a popular song!
Chords Used: C, Am, F, G, Dm
Thinking Out Loud Lyrics and Chords
48. You Are My Sunshine
- Performer: Pine Ridge Boys
- Album: Bluebird: You Are My Sunshine
- Year of Release: 1939
One of the easiest ukulele songs ever! You are My Sunshine isn’t just a tune for beginners…it’s been covered by famous performers including Johnny Cash! Add your own vocal stylings once you’ve got the chords figured out, and you may just have a hit on your hands. Yodeling is optional.
Chords Used: C, C7, F, G
You Are My Sunshine Lyrics and Chords
49. You’re Beautiful
- Performer: James Blunt
- Album: Back to Bedlam
- Year of Release: 2004
You’re Beautiful is James Blunt’s most popular US single, despite its easy tempo and simple chords. Practice the vocals carefully and you’ll have a hit on your hands.
Chords Used: C, G, Am, F
You’re Beautiful Lyrics and Chords
50. 22 by Taylor Swift
- Performer: Taylor Swift
- Album: Red
- Year of Release: 2013
Taylor Swift’s “22” celebrates the wonders being a 22-year-old with your whole life ahead of you. Whatever your age, be sure to give this song a try! Once you get the lyrics and chords down, work on adding percussive taps.
Chords Used: G, D, Dsus4, C