Before we dive into the songs, let’s get familiar with the four foundational chords: C major, G major, F major, and A minor. These chords are often represented by their corresponding chord shapes on the ukulele fretboard; starting from the top string (A string) and moving downwards towards the bottom string (G string), they are referred to as 0003 for C major, 0232 for G major, 2010 for F major, and 2000 for A minor.
1. “Riptide” by Vance Joy: This upbeat tune is perfect for showcasing your strumming skills. It revolves around the catchy sequence of Am-G-C throughout most of the song.
2. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz: This iconic hit starts off with an easy C-G-Am-F chord progression that continues throughout most of the song.
3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley: An all-time classic that uses a straightforward yet beautiful progression – C-G-Am-F.
4. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as performed by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: This heartfelt rendition utilizes only three chords – C-G-Am – making it accessible even to beginners.
5. “Hey Soul Sister” by Train: A lively tune driven by an easy-to-remember chord sequence of D-Bm-G-A.
6. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”: This catchy African folk song employs the simple C-F-G7-C progression, guaranteed to get everyone singing along.
7. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison: A timeless favorite amongst ukulele enthusiasts, this song involves G-C-D7 throughout most of the arrangement.
8. “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars: This feel-good tune is centered around C-Am-Dm-G, creating a joyful atmosphere.
9. “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie: G-Em-C-D makes up the foundation of this melancholic yet beautiful song.
10. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King: Using only four chords – C-Am-F-G – this iconic song captures the essence of friendship and support.
11. “I’m Yours (Uke Version)” also by Jason Mraz: Here’s another variation of Jason Mraz’s hit that incorporates C-G-Am-F chords but adds some additional chord variations to create a unique ukulele version.
12. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley: Celebrate positivity with these simple chords – A-D-A-E-A – and enjoy spreading good vibes through music.
13. “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley: Recreate Bob Marley’s relaxing reggae atmosphere using just four chords – C-G-Am-F.
14. “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber: A modern pop hit that plays around with C-Am-F-G throughout most of the song.
15. “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers: This upbeat indie folk anthem utilizes a basic chord progression of C-F-Am-G, adding a cheerful vibe to your repertoire.
16. “Imagine” by John Lennon: Express your utopian aspirations with this iconic peace anthem enriched with simple yet touching C-Cmaj7-F progression.
17. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd: Capture the nostalgia of this legendary rock ballad using G-Em7-A7sus4-C-D and take your uke skills to the next level.
18. “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s: This romantic song revolves around D-Bm-G-A throughout, providing a perfect serenade for your loved ones.
19. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles: Experience the magic of The Beatles’ music with this timeless hit featuring simple chords – C-G-Am-F.
20. “La Vie en Rose” by Edith Piaf: Transport yourself to the streets of Paris with this enchanting French tune using Am7-Dm7-G7-Cmaj7.
21. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: Embrace the emotional power of this beautiful song with its relatively easy progression – C-Am-F-G.
22. “Let It Be” by The Beatles: End on an uplifting note with another Beatles classic consisting of four straightforward chords – C-G-Am-F.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ukulele player, mastering these four basic chords will give you an astonishing range of songs to play. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, the ukulele enables you to create music and spread joy in an accessible and delightful way. So pick up your ukulele, strum those chords, and let the melodies fill the air!
