4 Beginner Ukulele Songs Using 4 Basic Ukulele Chords
Here are four very easy favourite songs to play that a beginner ukulele player can perform right away. We will only need 4 essential ukulele chords to do it! You won't need ukulele chord charts, complex chord progressions, barre chords, tabs or anything else other than the basic ukulele information in this post. This is a free ukulele resource for newbie uke players to learn some of their favourite songs.
The Four Essential Uke Chords
All of these songs are fun to play and use only four very easy ukulele chords: A minor, C, F, and G7. In music theory, these are the I - VI - IV and V7 chords of the C major tonality or key.
You will need to tune your ukulele to GCEA for our ukulele chords to work. See our article on tuning a ukulele if you are looking for guidance.
Pro Tip #1: Note that the ukulele strings in green (in our ukulele fingering diagrams above) are open strings. It's imperative that you ensure your fingers aren't touching these strings or the strings and chord won't ring.
Pro Tip #2: When putting your fingers down ensure that your fingers are curved and the fingertip is towards the uppermost fret. This will make the strings with fingers implicated ring better.
C Major
To play this chord, simply put your ring finger on the third fret of the first string. You can use the index finger, but using the ring finger makes it easier to move to other chords. In music harmony, we would call this chord the tonic or I chord of C major.
A Minor
To play an A minor chord, place your middle finger on the fourth string, the second fret. In musical harmony, we'd call this the submediant or VI chord of C major.
F Major
F major is a two-note chord. Put your middle finger on the fourth string, second fret like an A minor, and then add the index finger to the third string at the first fret. In music harmony this chord would be called the subdominant or IV chord.
G7
In musical harmony, we'd call G7 the dominant or the V7 chord of C major. To play this one, place your index finger on the second string at the second fret. The middle finger goes on the second fret of the fourth string, and then the ring finger goes on the third fret of the third string.
Pro Tip #3: Try substituting a G chord for the G7. The G major chord will still sound great and it’s easier on your hands. Additionally, you can decide in different pieces where the G major or G7 chord should go. You're already making artistic choices about harmony!
Now we can play almost any popular song on the uke! Do remember we are greatly simplifying things here and our versions of these famous ukulele songs are meant for uke players at the beginning of their journey with little or even no experience. See our article on ukulele strumming patterns to get more creative and artistic.
4 Easy & Fun Ukulele Pop Songs | Let's Get Started
1. Stand By Me by Ben E. King
Chords: C major, A minor, F major, G7 or G major
This truly great song is easy because it has a familiar rhythm. The intro is a little tricky, but you can just strum the chords and dive right into the song.
2. Hey, Soul Sister by Train
Chords: C major, A minor, F major, G7 or G major
When “Hey, Soul Sister” came out, fans everywhere wanted to become ukulele players.
3. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
Chords: C major, A minor, F major, G7 or G major
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz is actually quite difficult to learn in the original key. That is until you transpose it to the key of C, and then it’s a breeze!
4. Ho Hey by The Lumineers
Chords: C major, A minor, F major, G7 or G major
There are lots of fun shouts and stomps in this ukulele song and it’s super easy to play along with the original.
Anyone can learn how to play the ukulele but having a teacher means that you can develop your list of ukulele songs faster and learn more complex ukulele techniques to improve your playing. Stay tuned for more ukulele songs in future articles by Leonard Cohen, Bob Marley, Kamakawiwo Ole, Bruno Mars & Vance Joy.
CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE & IN PERSON UKULELE TEACHERS
