Easy Am and C Chord Ukelele Songs
Most ukulele students begin their journey learning from boring method books.
Now, it's good to learn the fundamentals. But did you know that, even as a beginner, you can pick up a lot of popular songs – even your favorites – relatively quickly?
For the most part, all you need are a handful of easy ukulele chords, and working on songs honestly makes for great practice too.
Here, we'll look at a number of easy ukulele songs for kids. They include tabs in multiple genres; pop, rock, punk rock, alternative rock, grunge, country, folk, roots, reggae, and more!
"I'm Yours" By Jason Mraz
The laid-back, happy beach vibe "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz couldn't be more perfect for the tropically evocative ukulele.
The entire song uses just five easy chords (Am, C, D7, F, and G), and for the most part, only uses four.
There are even easier songs on this list, to be fair, but this Jason Mraz song would be a good one for all beginners to give a go.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Save Tonight" By Eagle-Eye Cherry
"Save Tonight" is a late 90s favorite, and the perfect song to play at backyard parties or campfires (speaking from experience). This song is easy to sing along to, and it's just four chords repeating (Am, F, C, G) throughout the whole song start to finish.
Chords: Tabs 4 Ukulele
"Mr. Jones" By Counting Crows
There's less to this early 90s hit than you might think – because you can play it with just five chords (Am, C, Dm, F, and G).
The hardest chord for a uke player is going to be Dm, but I promise with practice is gets better, so don't give up on this one.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"With Or Without You" By U2
If "With Or Without You" wasn't a big hit upon its release (hint: it was – it became the group's most successful single at the time), the TV sitcom Friends certainly immortalized it.
But when you want to make a statement emotionally, simple is often best, and this song only features 4 chords repeating (D, A, Bm, G). Bm can take some getting used to, to be fair, so be patient with yourself.
Tab: UkuTabs
"The One I Love" By R.E.M.
R.E.M.'s moody and mellow alt-rock vibes were all the rage in the 80s and 90s. "The One I Love" is a radio favorite to this day, and while it features five chords total (Em, D, G, Am, C), you can play much of the song with just two, so no difficult strumming patterns to master.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Wonderful Tonight" By Eric Clapton
If you're in a romantic mood, or want to dedicate a song to your girlfriend, God's "Wonderful Tonight" is sure to impress ("God" being one of Clapton's nicknames). But isn't Slowhand's songs a little hard to play?
Well, while emulating his lead guitar might prove an uphill battle for a beginner, the underlying structure of "Wonderful Tonight" is just five easy chords (C, D, Em, G, and G7).
D and Em can take a little getting used to, though, so hang in there!
Chords: UkuTabs
"Stay With Me" By Sam Smith
"Stay With Me" is a Sam Smith's original that was in no way inspired by Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down."
Pointed humor aside, it's understandable that you might want to cover this sentimental tune. Besides, you could even create a medley of the two songs.
"Stay With Me" is built on a few chords for perfectly easy for kids – Am, C, F, and G.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"Free Fallin'" By Tom Petty
Speaking of Tom Petty, it's hard to forget this late 80s hit that seemingly transcends time.
Although there are four chords in the song (G, C, C/B, and D), you can technically play it with just three. The C/B is a transitionary chord more than anything, but it can add some color to your playing.
Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Wonderwall" By Oasis
Maybe it's overplayed, but it still stands one of Oasis' most recognizable tunes. And most acoustic guitarists and uke players will attempt it at some point.
"Wonderwall" isn't too difficult to learn for adults. There are some small nuances that can make it a little challenging, but chord wise, you just need A, B, D, E, and Gbm.
B and E can take some getting used to though.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Kryptonite" By 3 Doors Down
Remember when post-grunge was starting to grow in popularity? If so, this is one of those easy uke songs you'll want to pick up! Bands like 3 Doors Down and oodles of others (like Nickelback, Creed, Hinder, Seether, Staind, and so on) started churning out identical sounding content.
I jest a little, but "Kryptonite" kind of stands out because it's a cool Superman-themed tune.
You can play "Kryptonite" with just three chords: A, Bm, and G6. Its "serious" sound comes from that Bm.
Chords: UkuTabs
"Knockin' On Heaven's Door" By Bob Dylan
When I think of all-time, late-night bar crowd singalongs, it's hard not to think of Bob Dylan's cowboy themed "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."
You can play the entire song with just four chords (Am7, C, D, and G) and its tempo is quite slow, so that makes it easy to play along with too.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
Beginner Ukulele Songs, "End Of The Line" By Travelling Wilburys
Supergroup Travelling Wilburys became known for their simple songs executed to perfection.
"End Of The Line" is a three-chord wonder (A, D, G), but if you think it's "easy," try strumming along with the precision-perfect strumming in the original, especially while singing. It's harder than it seems.
Tab: UkuTabs
"3AM" By Matchbox Twenty, A Popular Ukulele Song For Newbies
Here's another fun to play 90s tune suited to fireside singalongs.
You just need four easy chords (G, Cadd9, D, and Em) to play along with this one, and you can play most of it without the Em.
Don't be intimidated by the Cadd9. You can work it out!
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Closing Time" By Semisonic
Semisonic wrote the ultimate bar gig send off tune in the form of "Closing Time." I could be wrong, but it might be the only song in said category.
There are some nuances in this song that can make it a little tricky, but you only need five chords total (Am, Bb, C, D, and G) to play it, and you can get through most of the song without the Bb.
Chords: UkuTabs
"Yellow" By Coldplay, An Easy Ukulele Song
Who can resist Coldplay's trademark, the ever romantic, "Yellow?"
This song uses minor chord Am, C, F, G, and Gm, but you can play most of the it with just C, G, and F.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"…Baby One More Time" By Britney Spears
Britney Spears' breakout hit "…Baby One More Time" is a little tricky chord wise, but you only need four to be able to play it – Bm, D, Em, and Gb. Take your time with these!
Tab: UkuTabs
"Genie In A Bottle" By Christina Aguilera
We couldn't put Britney on the list without following it up with Christina. And in some ways, "Genie In A Bottle" is easier than "…Baby One More Time."
You just need Am, Gm, F, and E7 to play it.
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"California Gurls" By Katy Perry
Kids love this song! Katy Perry's sunshine and candy infused "California Gurls" is fun to play and hard to resist. The price of admission is just five chords – Bb, C, Dm, F, and G. I love the chord progression on this one.
Chords: UkuTabs
"I Gotta Feeling" By Black Eyed Peas
It's hard to a imagine a better song to listen to on a night on the town. It's a three-chord wonder though – C, Em, and G are all you need.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"Say My Name" By Destiny's Child
Largely considered one of the easiest songs to sing, "Say My Name" isn't too hard to play either. You just need to be able to play Em, C, Am, D, and Gm.
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Spiderwebs" By No Doubt
No Doubt epitomized the quickly passing trend of ska in the 90s, and regardless of genre, "Spiderwebs" still stands as a massive accomplishment. I mean, the song is just… so… good! If you like it, you may also enjoy Riptide by Vance Joy.
Just master Bb, F, Gm, Eb and add a bit of a syncopated flavor to your strumming pattern for full effect. Not a hard ukulele song to play, but it'll definitely help you practice your fret game.
Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Blurred Lines" By Robbin Thicke ft. T.I. & Pharrell
"Blurred Lines" was a bit of a controversial, misogynistic hit, but that shouldn't stop anyone from learning it, right?
Besides, it's kind of lazy with just two chords – D and G.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"The Scientist" By Coldplay
A popular ukulele song often taught in online lessons. This one is a little more nuanced than "Yellow," but it's just Bb, C, Dm, F, and Fsus2. You can do it.
Chords: UkuTabs
"Need You Now" By Lady Antebellum
For all those times you just can't stop thinking about your ex – just play F, Am, C, Em, and G.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs
"Red, Red Wine" By UB40
Slow, reggae grooves always go so well with a bottle of red wine…
You've got to learn a few flat chords to get into this one, but just three – Ab, Db, and Gb.
Tab: UkuTabs
"Paperback Writer" By The Beatles, One Of My Top Easy Ukulele Songs
You can't call yourself a musician without knowing some Beatles, right? An easy one for the adults.
"Paperback Writer" isn't too bad – just F, C, Am7, and C7.
Ukulele Chords: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Break On Through" By The Doors
One of the easiest songs on this list, "Break On Through" is just two chords – Em and D.
Ok we're around halfway through, let's look at some more easy uke songs.
Chords: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Eleanor Rigby" By The Beatles
Okay, so there are easier and more advanced ways to play this song (check out virtuoso Jake Shimabukoro's version in the video – it's excellent).
But if you want to start out by strumming along, you just need C and Em with a few variations on the same chords – Cmaj7, Em6, and Em7.
Another Beatles song to check out is Octopus's Garden.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"House Of The Rising Sun" By The Animals
Ukulele songs don't get much better or fun than this, here's a classic every uke player has got to learn!
All you need is Am, C, D, Em, and F. Once you've sorted that out, work on your picking.
Tab: UkuTabs
"Bad Moon Rising" By Creedence Clearwater Revival
You can count on John Fogerty to write simple tunes, and this one is no exception – A, D, and G.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"A Horse With No Name" By America
I'm a big fan of the folk-rock vibes of the 70s, and America is one of several bands that owned it.
This tribute to a nameless horse only has two chords – Em and F#m. It's very doable.
Chords: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Love Me Do" By The Beatles
Here's some more Beatles for fun – C, D, F, G, and G7. They sure do love their 7 chords, huh? But it's the chord progression which gives them their signature sound.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Have You Ever Seen The Rain" By Creedence Clearwater Revival
Why stop at one CCR tune when you can pick up another for minimal effort?
Just learn your Am, C, F, and G for this one – it's easy! Hence why it's on our list of easy ukulele songs. 😉
Tab: UkuTabs
"Spirit In The Sky" By Norman Greenbaum
Abstract, fun, groovy, and slow, the hardest part of "Spirit In The Sky" isn't the chords but the groove (refer to the video for help).
You can start strumming along with A, C, D, and E.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"The Joker" By Steve Miller Band
The opening riff to "The Joker" is often among one of the first guitarists learn, and it can be a fun one for ukulele players too.
You just need to be able to play the Bb, C, C7, and F fret to play this song. But if you don't mind putting a little more work in, you should try learning the video version too.
Chords: UkuTabs
Learn Uke Song "Ring Of Fire" By Johnny Cash
Here's another one of those top beginner ukulele songs, this time taught in the below video by Terry Carter from Uke Like The Pros.
Johnny Cash is beloved by grandparents everywhere, and even appreciated by the kids. Play some Cash, and you're bound to get some grey hairs singing along.
"Ring Of Fire" is a true classic, and you can play the entire song with just C, D7, and G.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Leaving On A Jet Plane" By John Denver
"Leaving On A Jet Plane" is another essential tune for all singer-songwriter / country / folk lovers out there, and in the version provided, all you need to learn are three easy ukulele chords – C, D, and G.
Tab: UkuTabs
Ukulele Songs For Beginners, "Brown Eyed Girl" By Van Morrison
"Brown Eyed Girl" is a ukulele songs for beginners with some sophistication, and the lead guitar is a little more than just strumming.
But to be able to hold down the underlying structure, all you need are five easy chords – C, D, D7, Em, and G. You can play most of the song with just G, C, and D!
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"Sweet Home Alabama" By Lynyrd Skynyrd
The legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" is a guitar fest in the best way possible. But did you know its underlying structure is basically the same three chords over and over?
You can strum and play along with this song just by mastering your D, C, and G chords.
Once you're ready, you should try some of the fills too.
Chords: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Born In The USA" By Bruce Springsteen
What if I told you that you could play the unforgettably catchy and patriotic "Born In The USA" with just two simple chords? Well, it just so happens that this is completely true. Just get a hold of those C and F chords, and you should be off to the races.
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Lively Up Yourself" By Bob Marley
Time to work on those syncopated reggae rhythms again, this with with Bob Marley! "Lively Up Yourself" is just C and F, so simple! One of my personal favorite ukulele songs, and Bob Marley songs at that.
If you like this, you'll love Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Achy Breaky Heart" By Billy Ray Cyrus
There are plenty of easy country songs too, and Miley's pop's "Achy Breaky Heart" is just C and G.
Ukulele Chords: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Viva La Vida" By Coldplay
"Viva La Vida" is another Coldplay favorite. The price of entry is Am, Bm, C, F, and G. Not too bad!
Chords: UkuTabs
"Hurt" By Johnny Cash
Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor wrote the song, but Johnny Cash brought the "hurt" vividly to life with just five chords – Am, C, D, F, and G.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Baby" By Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris
If pop is your thing, you'll love this one.
The chord progressions are a tad tricky because of the key, though, and may require some work – Ab, Bb, Cm, and Eb.
Tab: UkuTabs
"Wild Thing" By The Troggs
Everyone needs to learn this three-chord wonder by The Troggs, as its influence on rock music simply can't be understated.
You just need A, D, and E to rock along.
Ukulele Chords: Ukulele Cheats
"What It's Like" By Everlast
This was one of the first songs I learned. The picking can be kind of tricky (should you want to attempt it), but at its core, it's just three easy chords – Dm, Fmaj7, and C.
Chords: Tabs 4 Ukulele
"When I Come Around" By Green Day
When you need your punk rock fix (it's hard to imagine a better song than "When I Come Around") – just pick this one up with G, D, Em, C, and Am.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Fly Away" By Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz really sold this rocker in the late 90s. But you can basically play it with four chords – A, C, G, D. Just throw a B bass note in between the A and C and you should be good to go.
Ukulele Chords: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" By Green Day
"Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" is a song about a relationship gone wrong, but a lot of people think of it as a graduation tune.
You can cover the basics with C, D, Em, and G.
Chords: UkuTabs
"Creep" By Radiohead
Radiohead's creepily catchy tune is just a few chords away – B, C, Cm, and G. But see if you can learn some of the picking parts too.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"The Middle" By Jimmy Eat World
This punk rocker is full of great riffs, but the thing is… It's just three easy chords holding the pieces together – A, D, and G.
Tab: UkuTabs
"Hey Ya!" By Outkast, A Fast-Paced Ukulele Song
There is quite the story behind how "Hey Ya!" became a hit, and looking at the vague and sparse lyrical content, which hint at relationship trouble, sheds some light on why that might have been.
Catchy, though, and that's probably why it rose to the top. Am, C, F, and G are all you need to play it.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Smooth" By Santana ft. Rob Thomas
World guitarist Santana was smart to have collaborated with a variety of artists his junior in the late 90s and 2000s. And "Smooth" featuring Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas still stands as an accomplishment.
Pick up a few Latin jazz chords for best results – Am, E7, Am7, Dm7, Em7.
Don't be intimidated though – most of these aren't that hard!
Chords: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" By Nirvana
If you've ever wanted to try your hand at a bit of grunge, there's nothing quite like this tune.
You can basically play it with A, C, D, and F, but you can also pick up the power chord shapes shown in the tabs. A fun ukulele song if you're up for trying something different.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"Something In The Way" By Nirvana, One Of The Best Ukulele Songs For Beginners
Nirvana songs certainly had their moments, but oftentimes, they were beyond simple.
All you need to play "Something In The Way" are two power chords – A5 and F5.
Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Jane Says" By Jane's Addiction
This Jane's Addiction favorite is just two chords over and over – G and A.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs
"Zombie" By The Cranberries
The dramatic "Zombie" isn't half as intimidating as it sounds – it's just C, D, Em, and G.
Chords: UkuTabs
"Otherside" By Red Hot Chili Peppers
It's hard to think of Jane's Addiction without also thinking of Red Hot Chili Peppers.
"Otherside" was one of the best tunes on Californication, and you can play it with Am, C, Em, F, and G, but the riffs are worth learning too.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"Chasing Cars" By Snow Patrol
This "us against the world" love song resonated with a mid-2000s audience, and it's just three chords – A, D, and E.
Tab: UkuTabs
"Hello" By Adele
Adele songs aren't always the easiest to follow along with. You can play "Hello" with just five chords though – Em, G, D, C, and Bm.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Ho Hey" By Lumineers
"Ho Hey" is an obvious throwback to early folk rock, which was in vogue in the early 2010s, and to some extent, is still popular today.
You should expect a stripped-down song like this to be simple, and it is – Am, C, F, and G are all you need to play it.
Chords: UkuTabs
"Margaritaville" By Jimmy Buffett
Parrot Heads everywhere can't get enough of the island escape lifestyle, and "Margaritaville" is the perfect companion on your journeys.
Get it under your fingers – Am, D, D7, and G.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
"All Along The Watchtower" By Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan wrote the song, Jimi Hendrix immortalized it. It's just three chords and the truth – Am, G, and F.
Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Down On The Corner" By Creedence Clearwater Revival
There's just something about the cheery "Down On The Corner" that makes you want to get up and dance.
Make it yours for C, G, and F.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Still Haven't Found (What I'm Looking For)" By U2
Here's another U2 ballad that grabbed listeners by the heart, and it's just three chords – C, F, and G.
Chords: Live Ukulele
"I Won't Back Down" By Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Well… you kind of know how to play this one already. Okay, okay, enough with the Sam Smith jokes already.
Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" is a classic, and you can do no harm adding it to your ukulele repertoire.
Just make sure you can play C, D, Em, and G, and you'll be off to the races.
Ukulele Chords: UkuTabs
Best Easy Ukulele Songs, Final Thoughts
With these easy ukulele songs you've got everything you need to take your ukulele playing to the next level. And with the attached chords and tabs, you can learn which fret to hold down and when.
Just be patient with yourself. Some chords are harder than others. Some songs are harder than others, too. It can take a while to work out certain sections.
But if you keep at it, you will improve. And if you learn all the songs listed here, you will eventually be able to play just about anything, including popular ukulele songs like Hey Soul Sister by Train and Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole! Practicing a Bruno Mars song as well like The Lazy Song, Uptown Funk, Just The Way You Are or any of his other classics will also be achievable. I mean, who doesn't love a bit of Bruno Mars music?
So which of these ukulele songs are you going to learn to play first? Whichever you decide, have fun.
Now, what songs did we miss? Would you like to have seen Leonard Cohen Hallelujah (or the Jeff Buckley remake) make the list? Or another top song? Let us know.
Source: https://www.ukuleleworld.com/easy-ukulele-songs-tabs-beginners/
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