35 Fun and Easy Ukulele Songs to Learn in a Weekend

You’ve got yourself a ukulele, and you’ve learned the basics of how to play. Now all that’s left to do is start learning songs!

We’ve got you covered with a list of 35 easy and fun songs to learn. Chances are, you already know how they go, so figuring out the rhythms, strumming patterns, and where to change chords will be a breeze.

How to Learn Ukulele Music

When you want to learn a new ukulele song, the internet is your best friend. Simply search the song name plus “ukulele chords” or “ukulele tabs,” and you’ll more than likely find exactly what you’re looking for.

Before we get into our list of ukulele songs, let’s take a quick look at the difference between chords and tabs.

Ukulele Tablature

If the song you want to learn has a distinct solo line or a unique fingerpicking pattern (or both), you’ll probably find instructions for how to play it in tablature form (tab for short).

To read tabs, simply imagine the four lines as the four strings of your ukulele when you’re looking down on it. The top line of the tab represents string A and the bottom line, string G.

The numbers on each of the lines represent the frets where you should be pressing down on the strings. If the numbers are right on top of each other, you’ll need to play those strings at the same time. If they’re staggered, you’ll play them one after the other. That being said, keep in mind that tabs don’t indicate the timing or rhythm with which the strings should be played—you’ll need to listen to the song to figure this out.

Lastly, ukulele tabs are different from guitar tabs, so make sure you find the right ones.

Ukulele Chords

If the song you want to learn is mostly strummed or fingerpicked in a simple pattern, all you need to know are the chords.

Unlike tabs, the chords are the same whether you want to play them on ukulele, guitar, piano, or any other instrument. What’s different is the chord shape, so once you find the song’s chords, be sure to look up a chord chart that will teach you how to play it on the ukulele.

Most resources will also indicate a strumming pattern and/or the lyrics where the chords should be played. If they don’t, you can simply listen to the song to figure this out.

If the chords you find are a little hard to play, try transposing them to easier ones and using a capo to stay in the original key.

Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 35 fun and easy ukulele songs to learn.

Ukulele Songs for Beginners

You just need to know a few simple chords to play these beginner-friendly songs.

Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah
Ben E. King - Stand By Me
Jason Mraz - I’m Yours
Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah
Frank Sinatra - Fly Me to the Moon
Passenger - Let Her Go
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud

Easy Ukulele Songs

Once you’ve mastered the beginner songs, try some of these slightly more advanced ones.

Kodaline - All I Want
Bon Iver - Skinny Love
Paramore - The Only Exception
Maroon 5 - Sunday Morning
The Beatles - Yesterday
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
OneRepublic - Counting Stars

Best Ukulele Songs

Some songs sound like they were always meant to be played on a ukulele. Try them out and see for yourself.

Judy Garland - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Ingrid Michaelson - You And I
Amy Winehouse - Valerie
The Beatles - Let It Be
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone - City of Stars
Ozzie Nelson - Dream a Little Dream of Me
Vance Joy - Riptide

Popular Ukulele Songs

Chances are, everyone who plays the ukulele has played these songs at one point or another.

Édith Piaf - La Vie en Rose
James Arthur - Say You Won’t Let Go
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
The Beatles - Hey Jude
Anna Kendrick - Cups (When I’m Gone)
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Justin Bieber - Love Yourself

Fun Ukulele Songs

These songs are so fun to play, you’ll probably do it on repeat.

Bruno Mars - Count On Me
Colbie Caillat - Bubbly
The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
Jack Johnson - Banana Pancakes
Train - Hey, Soul Sister
Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
Camila Cabello - Havana

Which Songs Will You Learn?

Learn a few of these songs for your next get together and impress your family and friends. They’re guaranteed to know every single one and maybe even sing along!

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Written By

Sayana Lam

Sayana is a musician, writer and graphic designer based in Toronto, Canada.