Whether you are a beginner or just an experienced player there are songs that just sound wonderful on a ukulele! These songs are some of the most popular beats on the radio today that will not only get stuck in the heads of listeners but will be easy to play on the ukulele. We get it you want to impress your friends! If you are learning how to play the ukulele, then your favorite song just might be the right gateway to becoming a great player.
Learning the chords is the first step, now you have to go as far as actually playing the ukulele. Comment below and let us know which one is your favorite!
“Stay with Me” by Sam Smith
There are already people who have done ukulele covers of this song by Sam Smith. For example, a user known as ukulenny goes further as to add a little music theory into the mix. Ukulenny also teaches others how to use the instrument if you are a beginner.
The best part about his teachings is that he is generous enough to cover the steps that he goes through again and again and again. The pattern he uses to strum his ukulele is a bit more complex than the normal way you might be used to strumming. And the best way to make sure that you get all the appropriate ways he does, it is practiced along with him. The act of strumming without pausing will, in the end, makes you a better player.
“Let it go” from the Disney movie, Frozen
If you feel that you are getting more and more lost as time goes by, the ukulele teacher will add tabs that will assist you in playing the chords better. We find that same teacher being commended for being such a great ukulele player, but not so much of a singer though (hehe)! This, in the end, adds as a bit of comic relief from all the strain and all the perfection that the teacher exudes with his presence.
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynard Skynyrd
There is a part of the Ukulele movement that is known as the underground, and it takes a unique look on the instructional videos. At the end with so much variety included what you get is a music video of a Guitar Hero crossed with karaoke. This is fast paced, but the instructions on all chords and transitions are within the screens reach. After all who doesn’t know “Sweet Home Alabama” ☺
“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
The teacher of this instructional video is known as John, and he very ingeniously uses just his fingertips to strum to Hallelujah. It is almost unimaginable, but he uses the basic beginner style so that it can be easier to understand and follow. There is no doubt in our mind that this video will be enough for you to also start strumming to this catchy tune.
“Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars
We may have all heard this song while we were out at a party or getting ready to go out for the night with friends! It’s a hard thing to imagine, a hip hop song played on a ukulele doesn’t sound like anything that sound well. The Ukulele Teacher shows us how the instrument can work together with some form of plucking to create a nice song. The video walks you through all the chords step by step and which pattern to use when you decide to strum. This is definitely a song that is one of the favorites of all ukulele players.
“Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett
Now this song relates 100% to the ukulele vibe (& Luna Tribe)! We can imagine ourselves down at the wide open areas of Key West for this one. In this video, he shows us how you can break down ukulele playing down to the introduction, verses, chorus, and the pattern at which you are strumming.
He also employs the use of quick well-timed quips in different parts of the song, to add some quality to the song that will make you remember it.
“Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber
The young lady who made this instructional video is usually involved in covers of popular hit songs but did a wonderful job with this popular Bieber song. If you are a Belieber or at least like this catchy song, as I’m sure there are many then this will make your day. She is able to sing along to the chords she plays with such beauty and harmony you can help but be enchanted.
However, in order to fully understand, you must listen very carefully at how she articulates her notes with her chords. Then, and only then will you be able to get the most out of this instructional video.
Watch & Learn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwAGgpQTGXk
Over the Rainbow, by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is one of the most important songs out there, played and sung by the late and great Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. This list of songs could not have been complete without over the rainbow in the list. With the release of his album “Facing Future”, the ukulele world was taken by storm in 1993. Elise Ecklund walks us through how to play this legendary song ☺
“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
Ukulele Underground has been champion in helping those to learning how to play the beloved 4-string instrument. So it’s natural that new ukulele players try playing some traditional songs! It turns out that all the chords involved and the patterns of strumming employed are actually very easy to employ as well. As a well-known hit song then this one will leave your friends impressed with your skills as a ukulele player.
“You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmy Davis
The teacher here begins the instructional video by using beginner skills and showing the intermediate methods this song can be played. Of course, he included them in the category of the easy version and the difficult version. Whichever makes you feel more comfortable is what you should go for. The good thing about this song is that it has a simple strumming pattern that is easy to follow and transition with through various chords.
In conclusion, there is no better way to enjoy your time learning to play the ukulele than with these popular songs. Whether you are alone or with friends you will enjoy playing this sings time and time again. Check out Luna Ukuleles and pick out the right body shape for you! www.LunaGuitars.com/ukuleles 🙂
