Top 17 best songs songs to learn on ukulele

1. Stand By Me - Don't Play That Song (Mono)

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• Love song
• Pop Music
• R&B
• Soul
• timeless classic

'Stand By Me' by Ben E. King is more than just a timeless classic; it's a song that resonates deeply with the human experience, offering comfort and strength in times of need. The song's simple yet powerful lyrics, coupled with its soulful melody, have made it a favorite for generations.

Learning 'Stand By Me' on the ukulele is a rewarding experience, even for beginners. The chord progression is straightforward, relying primarily on G, C, and D, making it easily accessible. The strumming pattern is also simple, allowing you to focus on the melody and vocals. While the song's popularity ensures its instant recognition, it's the ukulele's warm tone that truly brings the song to life, adding a layer of intimacy and heartfelt emotion that perfectly complements the song's message of unwavering support.

2. Shut Up and Dance (WALK THE MOON)

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• Pop
• Dance-pop
• Indie Pop
• Synthpop
• Alternative

"Shut Up and Dance" by WALK THE MOON is a popular and infectious song that's perfect for beginners learning to play the ukulele. The chord progression is simple and easy to learn, with just a few basic chords like G, C, D, and Em. The strumming pattern is also straightforward, making it easy to pick up even if you're new to playing. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a fun song to learn, and its popularity ensures you'll be able to recognize the song instantly when you play it.

The song's bright and energetic tone translates beautifully to the ukulele, and the ukulele's unique sound complements the melody's feel-good vibes. "Shut Up and Dance" has a timeless quality that makes it perfect for ukulele players of all ages. Its upbeat energy and catchy melody make it a great song to learn for any beginner, and its popularity ensures you'll enjoy playing it for years to come.

3. All of Me

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• Love song
• Pop ballad
• Romantic Ballad
• Soulful R&B
• Wedding Song

'All of Me' by John Legend is a timeless ballad known for its heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals. The song's smooth melody and gentle piano chords create a warm and intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a romantic and emotional tune. The ukulele, with its mellow tone and easy playability, perfectly complements the song's essence.

The song's chord progression is relatively simple, making it approachable for beginner ukulele players. The strumming pattern is also straightforward, allowing you to focus on capturing the emotion and depth of the melody. 'All of Me' is widely recognized and beloved, so learning to play it on the ukulele will bring a sense of accomplishment and allow you to share its beauty with others.

4. Riptide - Dream Your Life Away (Special Edition)

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• Pop
• Acoustic Guitar
• Romantic
• Acoustic
• Indie Pop

Whenever the tune of 'Riptide' by Vance Joy plays, a sense of laid-back joy washes over you. It's a song that instantly evokes sunny days and carefree moments, making it an excellent choice for ukulele players looking to capture that same vibe. The catchy melody is simple enough for beginners to pick up, while the chord progression is remarkably easy to play on the ukulele, even with limited experience.

The song's popularity and recognition add another layer of enjoyment to learning it. It's a song that's likely to be familiar to many, making it instantly gratifying to play. The ukulele's warm, mellow tone complements the song's cheerful melody perfectly, creating a delightful and heartwarming sound. Whether you're a seasoned ukulele player or just starting your journey, 'Riptide' is a great choice for a fun and easy song to learn.

5. She Will Be Loved (Maroon 5)

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• Love song
• Pop ballad
• Romantic
• Maroon 5

Have you ever heard a song that instantly transports you back to a specific moment in time? "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5 is one of those songs, instantly recognizable and brimming with nostalgic charm. Its simple, heartfelt melody and relatable lyrics have resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a timeless classic. For ukulele players, "She Will Be Loved" is a perfect choice.

The song boasts an easy-to-learn chord progression that beginners will find comfortable. The strumming pattern is simple and repetitive, allowing you to focus on getting the chords right. The melody, particularly the chorus, is effortlessly catchy and sounds beautiful on the ukulele's warm, mellow tone. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, "She Will Be Loved" offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience, making it a great addition to your ukulele repertoire.

6. Hey, Soul Sister - Save Me, San Francisco (Golden Gate Edition)

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• Pop
• Country
• Acoustic Guitar
• Pop ballad
• Indie Pop

Released in 2009, "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train has become a timeless anthem for those who grew up in the 2000s. The song's catchy melody, instantly recognizable ukulele riffs, and upbeat energy make it a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for learning on the ukulele. The song is known for its signature ukulele sound, which gives it a light and cheerful vibe, perfect for beginners who want to learn a fun and popular song.

"Hey, Soul Sister" is incredibly beginner-friendly, featuring a simple chord progression that's easy to master. The strumming pattern is straightforward, making it a great song for practicing basic ukulele techniques. While the song has some faster sections, the overall tempo is moderate, making it manageable for beginners. Its popularity and nostalgic appeal make it a satisfying song to learn, and the ukulele's presence adds a unique and charming dimension to the song, making it perfect for aspiring ukulele players.

7. Counting Stars

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• Acoustic
• Alternative
• Pop rock
• Folk rock
• Indie Rock

"Counting Stars" by OneRepublic is a timeless classic that's perfect for ukulele beginners. Its simple chord progression, featuring mostly G, C, D, and Em, makes it incredibly easy to learn. The strumming pattern is straightforward, allowing you to focus on mastering the chords and getting a feel for the song's upbeat tempo. While there's a slight challenge in transitioning between the G and D chords, the overall simplicity of the arrangement makes it a rewarding experience for aspiring ukulele players.

The song's popularity and instantly recognizable melody make it a crowd-pleaser. Its uplifting energy and positive message resonate deeply with listeners, and the song's catchy tune translates beautifully to the ukulele's warm and bright tone. The song's folk-pop style with a disco beat works remarkably well with the ukulele, creating a fun and engaging musical experience. Whether you're playing it for yourself or sharing it with others, "Counting Stars" offers a satisfying and fulfilling journey for any ukulele enthusiast.

8. Let It Be (The Beatles)

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• Classic rock
• The Beatles
• Beatles Classic
• 60s Rock
• Peaceful Ballad

"Let It Be" a timeless classic by The Beatles, is more than just a chart-topping hit. It's a song that resonated deeply with listeners, becoming an anthem of hope and solace. "Let It Be" reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and marked the band's final single before their break-up, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world. For ukulele players, "Let It Be" is a song that's easy to learn and play, making it a perfect choice for beginners.

The song features a simple chord progression that is easily adaptable to the ukulele's range and the melody is incredibly catchy, making it a joy to play and sing along to. Its simple strumming pattern, with a focus on C, G, Am, and F chords, makes it accessible even for those new to the instrument. Whether you're a seasoned ukulele player or just starting out, "Let It Be" offers a rewarding and enjoyable learning experience that will have you humming along in no time.

9. Can't Help Falling in Love

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• Love song
• Love Ballad
• Acoustic
• Classic rock
• Romantic Ballad

"Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley is a timeless classic that's perfect for ukulele beginners. The song features a simple chord progression that's easy to learn, and the strumming pattern is straightforward, making it a great choice for those starting out. While it's easy to play, it's also a well-known and instantly recognizable song, which makes it even more satisfying to learn.

The song's popularity extends beyond its ease of play. It's a classic ballad with a beautiful melody that translates beautifully to the ukulele. The ukulele's warm, mellow tone enhances the song's heartfelt lyrics, making it a truly moving piece. Whether you're playing it for yourself or sharing it with others, "Can't Help Falling in Love" is a truly rewarding song to learn on the ukulele.

10. Brown Eyed Girl (Blowin' Your Mind!)

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• Pop
• Love song
• Pop ballad
• Romantic
• Acoustic

"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison is a classic that transcends generations, and it's a perfect choice for ukulele players of all levels. While known for its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song also boasts a simple chord progression and repetitive strumming pattern, making it a beginner-friendly option for ukulele enthusiasts. The song's popularity, fueled by its catchy rhythm and relatable theme of youthful romance, ensures instant recognition and enjoyment for both players and listeners.

The ukulele's warm tone blends beautifully with the upbeat tempo and melodic structure of "Brown Eyed Girl" allowing the instrument to shine through. The song's simple chord changes translate effortlessly onto the ukulele, creating a charming and familiar sound. Whether you're learning to play for the first time or looking for a new favorite song to add to your repertoire, "Brown Eyed Girl" is a timeless classic that's sure to bring smiles and sing-alongs.

11. Good Riddance

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• Acoustic Ballad
• sad breakup song
• Nostalgia
• Heartbreak Ballad
• Breakup Anthem

"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day is a timeless classic that resonates with listeners of all ages, and it’s a fantastic choice for ukulele players of all levels. The song’s simple chord progression and straightforward strumming pattern make it beginner-friendly, while the poignant lyrics and powerful message offer a rewarding challenge for even seasoned musicians.

The song's popularity and instant recognizability add to the joy of learning and playing it. Whether you're a nostalgic adult reminiscing about your youth or a young person grappling with life's changes, "Good Riddance" offers a relatable and moving experience. The ukulele's mellow tone beautifully complements the song's emotional depth, making it a perfect choice for intimate performances or solo practice.

12. I'm Yours

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• Love song
• Pop Music
• Acoustic
• Easy Listening
• Romantic Ballad

"I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz is a timeless classic that has captured hearts across generations. While its infectious melody and feel-good vibes are reminiscent of other popular hits like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, it stands out as a fantastic choice for ukulele players, especially beginners. The song boasts a simple chord progression, easily adaptable to the ukulele, with the gentle strumming patterns making it a breeze to learn. This song's popularity is undeniable, with its catchy lyrics and uplifting message resonating deeply with listeners.

The ukulele's bright, cheerful tone complements the song's joyful energy, adding a layer of warmth and charm. The easy-going melody and simple chord structure, combined with the song's popularity, make "I'm Yours" a winning choice for anyone eager to expand their ukulele repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned player looking for a familiar and crowd-pleasing song or a beginner seeking a fun and approachable tune, "I'm Yours" is a perfect choice for your ukulele journey.

13. Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars - 1970)

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• Love song
• Pop Music
• Pop ballad
• Romantic
• Acoustic Soul

"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars is a fantastic choice for ukulele players of all skill levels, especially beginners. The song features a simple chord progression that is easy to learn and play, making it a great starting point for aspiring ukulele players. The strumming pattern is also straightforward, allowing you to focus on nailing the chords. While the melody may present a bit of a challenge, its simplicity and familiarity make it worth the effort.

This chart-topping hit is instantly recognizable and beloved by many, ensuring a satisfying sense of accomplishment when you play it. Its warm and uplifting message, coupled with the classic ukulele sound, creates a truly heartwarming experience. The song's popularity, its heartfelt lyrics, and its simple yet effective arrangement make it a perfect choice for ukulele players who want to learn a song they can enjoy playing and sharing with others.

14. The Lazy Song

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"The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars is a catchy tune that instantly transports listeners to a carefree, laid-back state of mind. This song became a massive hit, resonating with its relatable message of embracing laziness and finding joy in simple pleasures. As a ukulele player, "The Lazy Song" is a fantastic choice for several reasons. The song's chord progression is simple and easy to learn, making it an ideal starting point for beginners. Its catchy melody and relaxed rhythm translate beautifully to the ukulele's bright, mellow tone. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, "The Lazy Song" offers a fun and accessible opportunity to master a popular and beloved track.

15. Hey There Delilah

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• Plain White T's
• Acoustic Love
• Long distance
• Emo Pop Hit

Whenever the tune of 'Hey There Delilah' by Plain White T's plays, a sense of nostalgia washes over, reminiscent of simpler times and heartfelt melodies. It's a song that transcends generations, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the longing of distance or the warmth of a loved one's presence. This timeless classic is not only an emotionally powerful ballad but also an excellent choice for ukulele beginners.

The chord progression of 'Hey There Delilah' is remarkably simple, making it easy to pick up for new players. The strumming pattern is straightforward, allowing you to focus on the melody and the heartfelt lyrics. The song's popularity and recognition make it a rewarding experience to learn, knowing you'll be able to play a song that's instantly recognizable and loved by many. The ukulele's warm tone complements the song beautifully, adding a gentle and intimate quality to the already endearing melody. Whether you're a seasoned ukulele player or just starting your musical journey, 'Hey There Delilah' offers a perfect blend of simplicity, popularity, and heartwarming sentiment, making it a must-learn for any ukulele enthusiast.

16. Love Yourself (Justin Bieber)

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• Self-love
• Empowerment
• Justin Bieber
• Self-Acceptance
• Acceptance

"Love Yourself" by Justin Bieber is a popular choice for ukulele players of all skill levels. The song's simple chord progression, consisting mainly of G, C, and D, makes it beginner-friendly. The strumming pattern is also relatively easy to learn, making it a great starting point for ukulele beginners. While the song's popularity and instantly recognizable melody add to the enjoyment of playing, it also features a catchy melody that translates beautifully to the ukulele's warm, mellow tone.

The song's message of self-love and personal growth resonates deeply with many listeners, making it a powerful and relatable tune. The combination of its easy-to-play structure and emotionally compelling message makes "Love Yourself" a rewarding song to learn on the ukulele.

17. Hallelujah (Various Positions)

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• emotional song
• Leonard Cohen
• Religious Song
• Jeff Buckley's version

In a world dominated by upbeat electronic tracks, Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" stands as a timeless masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of simplicity and emotion. This iconic song, known for its haunting melody and profound lyrics, has captivated listeners for decades. "Hallelujah" is a perfect choice for ukulele players of all levels, offering a blend of accessibility and depth.

Its chord progression is remarkably simple, relying on just a few basic chords that are easily grasped by beginners. The strumming pattern is equally straightforward, allowing you to focus on the emotional impact of the song. While the song's simplicity may seem deceptive, the subtle nuances in its melody and the depth of its lyrics demand a certain level of skill and expression to truly capture its essence. You might find yourself revisiting "Hallelujah" time and again, discovering new layers of meaning with each performance, a hallmark of a truly great song.

18. You're Beautiful (Back to Bedlam)

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"You're Beautiful" by James Blunt is a popular and instantly recognizable song that's perfect for ukulele beginners. The song's chord progression is relatively simple, making it easy to pick up, even for those with limited experience. The strumming pattern is straightforward, allowing you to focus on playing the chords accurately. While the song might not be overly challenging, it's a satisfying song to learn and play, offering a sense of accomplishment.

The ukulele's mellow tone complements the song's emotional depth beautifully. The simple yet heartfelt melody shines through on the ukulele, allowing the emotions conveyed in the lyrics to resonate deeply. "You're Beautiful" is a classic choice for ukulele players, offering a familiar and engaging piece that's sure to impress. It's a song that evokes a range of emotions, from wistful longing to bittersweet nostalgia, making it relatable to many listeners. Whether you're a seasoned ukulele player or just starting out, "You're Beautiful" is a great song to add to your repertoire.

19. Heart of Gold

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"Heart of Gold" by Neil Young is more than just a song; it's a poignant ballad that resonates deeply with listeners. It's a timeless classic with a gentle, folk-rock feel, and it’s the perfect song to learn on the ukulele. The simple chord progression makes it easy to pick up, with the most challenging part being the delicate strumming pattern that creates the song’s signature gentle sway.

The song is instantly recognizable, a testament to its popularity and enduring appeal. The catchy melody is beautifully suited for the ukulele, and it’s the type of song that's often covered by ukulele artists, giving you plenty of inspiration for learning and adding your own style. Neil Young's heartfelt lyrics about searching for authenticity and connection resonate across generations, making "Heart of Gold" a classic for ukulele players of all levels.

20. Blowin' in the Wind (The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan)

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"Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan is an iconic anthem for its powerful lyrics and enduring message. Its simple yet meaningful message, questioning the nature of humanity and the pursuit of peace, has resonated with generations. On the ukulele, "Blowin' in the Wind" becomes a beautifully poignant piece, with the instrument's gentle tone amplifying the song's heartfelt appeal.

Learning "Blowin' in the Wind" on the ukulele is a surprisingly accessible experience for beginners. The song primarily uses three chords: G, D, and C, making it a great starting point for those new to chord progressions. The strumming pattern is also very simple and repetitive, requiring minimal dexterity. While the song does include a brief fingerpicking section for the verses, it's easily omitted for a simpler rendition. Ultimately, this makes "Blowin' in the Wind" a perfect song to learn for both seasoned players and those just starting their musical journey.