Try These 5 Ukulele Songs For Beginners Now

• Table of Contents
• Happy Birthday
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• You Are My Sunshine
• Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen (or from Jeff Buckley)
• Let It Be - The Beatles
• Bonus songs
• A few golden tips
• Conclusion

Why these songs are perfect for beginners:

• Simple chord shapes
• Easy strumming patterns
• Songs everyone knows
• Great for confidence

If you’re new to playing—or giving someone their first ukulele—here are five beginner-friendly songs that always bring good vibes.

This fun list of easy ukulele songs is the perfect starting point for beginners who want to play real music and enjoy every strum!

Happy Birthday

Download Free ukulele lesson for Happy Birthday, PDF

Yes, seriously! I always include this in beginner lessons. Imagine playing this at a party—people love it!!

It only takes a few chords and brings joy every time.

It's also perfect to start learning to play finger picking (plucking) (instead of playing all strings at the same time to play chords, it's one note after the other forming a melody instead).

Why I love it:

This one’s a classic. I love it because it’s the one song that brings smiles instantly. Everyone knows it, and it always makes people happy. It’s the ultimate party trick on a ukulele!

Why it’s great for beginners:

It’s short, simple, and super useful. You only need a few chords, and you can play it at every birthday party you go to.

What you’ll learn:

While taking it slowly, you’ll learn your first chords. You'll start playing and singing at the same time.

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If you're looking for a unique gift, a ukulele with a little starter pack (maybe this list printed out!) is a winner. It’s not just a present—it’s a doorway into music, joy, and creativity.

Let’s spread the ukulele love!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Download Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, PDF

This one is also perfect to start learning to play finger picking (plucking).

Why I love it:

I love this one because it's a song we’ve all known since we were tiny. It’s sweet, calm, and perfect for beginners. Plus, kids love it.

Why it’s great for beginners:

It has a slow tempo and very basic chords. That makes it ideal when you’re just starting out and want to get comfortable with strumming.

What you’ll learn:

You'll learn some chords that will be useful forever, namely C, G, F. It’s also great for learning how melody and chords go together.

G is a three finger chord, so it could take a little bit more time than the C and the F to master. Don't get discouraged. Even if it doesn't sound prestine, sounding "OK" is good enough to incorporate it in songs, so that you sound great!

You Are My Sunshine

Download You Are My Sunshine, PDF

This one’s a classic. It’s super easy with only a few chords. People of all ages know it, so it’s great for singing along.

Why I love it:

Just 3 chords (C, F, G). Perfect for learning basic rhythm. I love how warm and cheerful it sounds on a ukulele.

Why it’s great for beginners:

It uses just a few chords that repeat throughout the song. You can play it slowly at first, then pick up the pace as you improve.

What you’ll learn:

You'll use C, F, G chords. You’ll practise even strumming and build muscle memory for simple chord shapes. You’ll master smooth chord transitions and steady strumming. It’s also a great intro to playing and singing at the same time.

Once you are familiar playing the song with simple down strokes, you can start learning the o-so-famous island strum, the iconic strumming pattern for the ukulele.

If you are already very confident with C, F and G, I have a version with C7 and G7 as well, to bring you chord into your color palette.

Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen (or from Jeff Buckley)

Download The lyrics+chords for Hallelujah , PDF

A beautiful song with slow chord changes.

Why I love it:

This song has so much emotion. I love playing it on the ukulele because it gives a beautiful, gentle version of the original. It always feels powerful, even when played softly. Many students request to play this song. It sounds beautiful played with a ukulele.

Why it’s great for beginners:

The pace is slow, and the chords change in a relaxed, steady rhythm. That gives you time to think and breathe between chord switches.

What you’ll learn:

In addition to the chords you've learned before (C, F, G), you'll learn to play the E7 and the super easy Am. You’ll work on holding chords longer, keeping time, and playing with feeling. It’s perfect for building your confidence and control.

Once you are familiar playing the song with simple down strokes, you can start learning a three-beats rhythm.

Let It Be - The Beatles

Timeless and sounds great on the uke.

Download The lyrics+chords for Let It Be , PDF

Why I love it:

I love this song because it’s timeless. It works for all ages, and it sounds so beautiful on the ukulele. It’s simple, emotional, and always soothing. There's a "peace" feeling behind it.

Why it’s great for beginners:

The chords are very beginner-friendly. Once you learn the pattern, the whole song flows easily. It’s a great one for playing and singing.

What you’ll learn:

You'll use F, G, Am chords. You’ll develop a steady rhythm, chord memory, and the feeling of playing a “real” song all the way through. It’s great for building early confidence.

Once you can play it with simple down strumming pattern, you can start playing it an easy and natural "down down up" strumming pattern.

Bonus songs

If you like mantras, you can sing them as well.

Mantras are perfect for begginers, since they usually go with easy chords, and simple strumming pattern.

I'd be happy to help you start with mantras. You can contact me for some more tips.

Ukulele Mantra: Strum Your Way To Inner Peace!

Download your first easy mantra on the ukulele, PDF

A few golden tips

Don’t rush. Play slowly and enjoy the sound.

Start with two or three chords per song.

Repeat songs you like. Repetition is your best friend.

Sing along! It makes it more fun.

Conclusion

That’s it for today! I hope I’ve been helpful and that you’re feeling excited to pick up your ukulele and give these songs a go.

Whether you're learning for yourself or gifting a ukulele to someone else, these songs make the start feel exciting and fun.

I’ve seen so many students light up when they realise, “Hey, I can actually play this!”

Start slow, play often, and have fun with it. That’s really all it takes. Once you’ve got a few songs under your fingers, you’ll be amazed at how fast you improve.

Next, you could try learning some strumming patterns, explore new chords, or even start writing your own little tunes.

And hey—if you’d like to get to the next level, feel free to try a one-to-one free ukulele lesson with me. I’d love to help you keep strumming!

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Would you like some help on the regular basis?

Why not book a lesson .

You'll have the help of an expert to progress and improve, while keeping it fun.

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I hope this article has helped you :)

Have a fantastic day!