Amazing Grace

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

Banana Boat Song

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

22 by Taylor Swift

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

22 Lyrics and Chords

You Are My Sunshine

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

Thinking Out Loud

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

Sweater Weather

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

Stand By Me

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

Stand By Me Lyrics and Chords

Shine On

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

Shine On Lyrics and Chords

Save Tonight

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

Saturday Sun

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

Rude

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

Rude Lyrics and Chords

Riptide

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

Riptide Lyrics and Chords

Perfect

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

Perfect Lyrics and Chords

Over the Rainbow

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

One Love

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

One Love Lyrics and Chords

No Tears Left to Cry

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

Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song)

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

Margaritaville

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

Lullaby

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

Lullaby Lyrics and Chords

Love Yourself

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

Let it Be

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

Let it Be Lyrics and Chords

Island in the Sun

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

I’m Yours

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

I’m Yours Lyrics and Chords

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

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!

Chords Used: C, F, G

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For Lyrics and Chords

Happy Birthday

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

Happy

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

Happy Lyrics and Chords

Fireflies

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

Fireflies Lyrics and Chords

Clementine (Oh My Darling, Clementine)

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

Clementine Lyrics and Chords

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Budapest

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#

Budapest Lyrics and Chords

Brown Eyed Girl

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

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

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

Bonfire Heart

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

Blowin’ In the Wind

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

All of the Stars

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