Top 10 Happy Ukulele Songs to Sing This Summer (Easy)

• Table of Contents
• 7 Easy Songs That Always Get Everyone Singing For Ukulele 🎤
• 7 Easy Songs to Light Up Your Campfire Night 🔥
• 7 Happy Ukulele Songs That Sound Better by the Sea 🏖️
• 7 Easy Ukulele Tunes To Spark Good Vibes With Friends 👯‍♀️
• 7 Calm And Easy Ukulele Songs to Unwind 😌
• 7 Cool Ukulele Songs
• Final Strum 🎵
• FAQ ❓

My 7 best easy songs to play on the ukulele and sing this summer are: Let it Be - the Beatles ; The Lion Sleeps Tonight ; Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson ; Dream a Little Dream of Me – Ella Fitzerald ; Shotgun - George Ezra ; Imagine – John Lennon ; What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

This article is your beginner-friendly guide to fun, easy ukulele songs that are perfect for sing-alongs all summer long—wherever the sunshine takes you! ☀️🎶

In each section, I've ordered the songs from the easiest to the hardest.

There, I have (started to) listed:

• what are the chords needed

Most of the time, there is no need for capos.

But I do recommend one for some music. Check out Capo On Ukulele: 5 Simple Tricks To Sound Better! for more information about a capo.

• the strumming pattern(s)

You can have great fun playing a song with just one downstrum on each beat!

However, some people in your audience could find that repetitive. So you'll probably want to learn slowly new strumming patterns.

• the BPM, or how fast you should play it to sound like the original.

You don't need to play that fast, of course. The slower it gets, the more mellow it will sound. Most of the time, it's sounds nice to do it slower than the original.

But the quicker it is, the closer it is to the original, the closer it is from the original feeling.

7 Easy Songs That Always Get Everyone Singing For Ukulele 🎤

🎶 10 Easy Ukulele Songs, straight to your inbox

Nothing beats the joy of a good sing-along. I’ve seen it happen again and again — one strum, and everyone joins in!

These songs are catchy, simple, and super fun to play on the ukulele. They’re great for beginners and guaranteed to spark smiles.

Here are my top 7 sing-along hits:

• Let It Be – The Beatles

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: 70 BPM)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇
  • Fun Fact: The piano used in the recording of "Let It Be" was the same Steinway Vertegrand piano that John Lennon used to compose "Imagine" just a year later. The piano was located in the Apple Studio in London, and its warm, slightly out-of-tune sound became iconic in both songs. It’s now on display at the Strawberry Field exhibit in Liverpool!
  • 1970

• Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen

  • Chords: C, Am, F, G (BPM: 68 BPM)
  • Strumming pattern: Fingerpicking (Thumb on G, index on C, middle on E, ring on A) or a soft downstroke per beat.
  • Fun Fact: Leonard Cohen wrote over 80 verses for "Hallelujah" and spent years refining it. The song gained massive popularity after Jeff Buckley’s 1994 cover, which Cohen called a "miraculous" interpretation.
  • 1984

• Stand By Me – Ben E. King

  • Chords: C, Am, F, G (BPM: 75 BPM)
  • Strumming pattern: the Island Strum : 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 Would you like to master the Island Strum?
  • Fun Fact: "Stand By Me" was inspired by a gospel hymn called "Lord Stand By Me." Ben E. King co-wrote the song in just 30 minutes with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
  • 1961

• Hey Soul Sister – Train

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: 92 BPM)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇
  • Fun Fact: The song was almost not released as a single! Train’s label initially thought it was too "soft" for radio, but it became their biggest hit and won a Grammy Award in 2011.
  • 2009

• I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: 92 BPM)
  • Chords: Strumming pattern: "Island Strum" 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇 or muted strums for a percussive effect.
  • Fun Fact: Jason Mraz wrote "I’m Yours" in just 15 minutes while sitting on his surfboard in Australia. It became the longest-charting song in Billboard Hot 100 history at the time, spending 76 weeks on the chart.
  • 2008

• Count on Me – Bruno Mars

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: 80 BPM)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇
  • Fun Fact: Bruno Mars wrote "Count on Me" as a tribute to his friends and family who supported him during his early career struggles. The song’s music video features real fans holding up signs with the lyrics.
  • 2010

• Riptide – Vance Joy

  • Chords: Am, G, C, F (BPM: 102 BPM)
  • Strumming pattern: "Island Strum" 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 ; and 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇 for variation.
  • Fun Fact: Vance Joy (real name: James Keogh) wrote "Riptide" in 2008, but it only became a global hit 5 years later after being featured in a TV commercial and going viral. The song’s whistling intro was inspired by old folk tunes.
  • 2013

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You don’t need to be perfect. The joy is in singing together. So tune up and go for it!

7 Easy Songs to Light Up Your Campfire Night 🔥

There’s something magical about playing the ukulele around a fire. I always keep mine close when camping with friends.

It’s cozy, the stars are out, and everyone wants to sing. These songs work every single time.

What are your go-to campfire songs?
Here are mine:

• Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan

  • Chords: G, D, Am, C (BPM: 72)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇 (or a steady 4/4 strum).
  • Fun Fact: Bob Dylan wrote this song in just 10 minutes for the soundtrack of the 1973 film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. It has since been covered by over 100 artists, including Guns N’ Roses and Eric Clapton.
  • 1973

• Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

  • Chords: G, D, Em, C (BPM: 88)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (or a waltz-like 3/4 strum).
  • Fun Fact: John Denver wrote "Country Roads" in less than an hour while driving through West Virginia. The song was almost called "Almost Heaven, All My Memories"—the opening line of the chorus!
  • 1971

• The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens

  • Chords: C, F, G7 (BPM: 100)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (or a steady 4/4 strum).
  • Fun Fact: The song originated as a Zulu chant called "Mbube" (meaning "lion") by Solomon Linda in 1939. The Tokens’ 1961 version became a global hit and has been featured in The Lion King and over 50 movies and TV shows.
  • 1961

• Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

  • Chords: G, C, D, Em (BPM: 108)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (or a steady 4/4 strum).
  • Fun Fact: Van Morrison wrote "Brown Eyed Girl" in 1967, but it was almost called "Brown-Skinned Girl." The song was inspired by his childhood memories of growing up in Belfast
  • 1967

• Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

  • Chords: A, D, E (BPM: 104)
  • Strumming pattern: x 🠅 x 🠅 x 🠅 x 🠅 (x = hit your uk' to get a percussive sound).
  • Fun Fact: Bob Marley wrote this song as a message of hope during a time of political unrest in Jamaica. The "three little birds" were actually pigeons that used to sit outside his window in Kingston!
  • 1977

• Hotel California (easy version) – Eagles

  • Chords: Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em (BPM: 76)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (or a slow, steady strum).
  • Fun Fact: The lyrics of "Hotel California" are often interpreted as a metaphor for the dark side of fame or even a commentary on the American Dream. The Eagles have never fully explained the song’s meaning, adding to its mystique!
  • 1976

• Wonderwall – Oasis.

  • Chords: Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4 (BPM: 175)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (or a steady 4/4 strum).
  • Fun Fact: Noel Gallagher wrote "Wonderwall" in 1994 while staying at his girlfriend’s flat in London. The title was inspired by a 1968 film called Wonderwall, and the song became Oasis’s first number-one hit in the UK.
  • 1995

These are easy to learn and loved by all.

My favorite campfire ukulele songs is the Lion Sleeps Tonight - everybody knows it, it's great to sing. People will sing along for sure! And it's got that wild wild savana vibe that is perfect for your adventure night.

So grab your uke, find a log to sit on, and strum away!

7 Happy Ukulele Songs That Sound Better by the Sea 🏖️

🎶 Want more songs like these?

Beach days are the best days. When I take my ukulele to the shore, it always gets attention — in a good way!

Waves, sand, and music just go together. These songs have beach vibes written all over them.

My favourite beach ukulele tunes:

• Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (or Fmaj7) (BPM: ~84)
  • Strumming pattern: Soft Down strums or gentle fingerpicking (4/4).
  • Fun Fact: Israel Kamakawiwoʻole recorded this iconic version in one single take at 3 a.m. after being invited into the studio on the spot. His ukulele-driven rendition became one of the most recognisable and soothing recordings of all time.
  • 1993

• Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson

  • Chords: G, D, Em, C (BPM: ~114)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (laid-back feel).
  • Fun Fact: Jack Johnson wrote this song about staying in on a rainy day instead of going to work or school. It perfectly reflects his surf-inspired, relaxed lifestyle and is a favourite among ukulele players worldwide.
  • 2005

• Better Together – Jack Johnson

  • Chords: G, D, Em, C (BPM: ~110)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (soft and steady).
  • Fun Fact: This song was written as a simple love letter to togetherness and human connection. Its conversational lyrics and gentle groove make it ideal for singing while playing ukulele.
  • 2005

• Lava – from Disney’s Lava short

  • Chords: C, F, G, Am (BPM: ~80)
  • Strumming pattern: Slow Down strums or light fingerpicking (4/4).
  • Fun Fact: “Lava” was inspired by Hawaiian music and culture. Composer James Ford Murphy wrote it as a love story told by two volcanoes, with the ukulele at the heart of its warm island sound.
  • 2014

• Island in the Sun – Weezer

  • Chords: Em, Am, D, G (BPM: ~116)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (easy pop strum).
  • Fun Fact: Despite its sunny vibe, the band originally didn’t plan to release this song as a single. It later became one of Weezer’s most loved tracks and a classic feel-good ukulele cover.
  • 2001

• Budapest – George Ezra

  • Chords: C, F, Am, G (BPM: ~128)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (4/4).
  • Fun Fact: George Ezra wrote this song about giving up material possessions for love, even though he had never actually been to Budapest when he wrote it. Its marching rhythm works beautifully on ukulele.
  • 2014

• I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash

  • Chords: C, F, G, Am (BPM: ~96)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (light reggae feel).
  • Fun Fact: This song became an anthem of optimism and clarity. Johnny Nash was heavily influenced by reggae music, which explains why it feels so natural on the ukulele.
  • 1972

• Shotgun - George Ezra another one by George Ezra. It's about travelling, being on holidays, being somewhere else. And it's just so fun to sing!!

  • Chords: D, G, A, Bm (BPM: ~116)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (bouncy and fun).
  • Fun Fact: “Shotgun” was inspired by road trips, sunshine, and freedom. George Ezra wrote it after travelling across Europe, and its joyful energy makes it one of the most fun ukulele sing-along songs.
  • 2018

Whether you're under a palm tree or by the riverside, these songs just feel like sunshine.

7 Easy Ukulele Tunes To Spark Good Vibes With Friends 👯‍♀️

Ukulele and friendship go hand in hand. I love watching friends who don’t usually sing join in without hesitation.

These songs are all about good times, laughter, and feeling connected. They’re great in parks, at BBQs, or even indoors on a rainy day.

Here are 7 vibe-boosters to try:

• You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~96)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (gentle swing feel).

  • Fun Fact: Randy Newman wrote this song for Toy Story, and it won a Grammy while becoming one of the most recognisable friendship anthems ever written. Its warm melody works beautifully on ukulele.

  • 1995

• I’m Yours – Jason Mraz (yes, again—it’s that good!)

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~76)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (relaxed reggae-pop feel).

  • Fun Fact: This song was performed live by Jason Mraz for years before being recorded. Its sunny groove and simple chords helped turn it into one of the most-played ukulele songs worldwide.

  • 2008

• Count on Me – Bruno Mars (also makes another appearance!)

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~102)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (steady and light).

  • Fun Fact: Bruno Mars wrote this song as a message of loyalty and friendship. The lyrics, combined with the ukulele-friendly rhythm, make it a favourite for group playing and sing-alongs.

  • 2010

• L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole

  • Chords: C, A7, Dm, G7 (BPM: ~88)

  • Strumming pattern: Down strums with a light swing or simple jazz comping.

  • Fun Fact: Each letter of “L-O-V-E” represents a word in the lyrics, making the song instantly memorable. Originally written in 1964, it became a timeless jazz-pop standard thanks to Nat King Cole’s smooth delivery.

  • 1965

• Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

  • Chords: C, Em, Am, F, G (BPM: ~68)

  • Strumming pattern: Slow Down strums or fingerpicking (3/4 feel).

  • Fun Fact: This song was inspired by a classical French melody from the 18th century. Elvis recorded it for the film Blue Hawaii, and it has since become one of the most covered love songs ever — especially on ukulele.

  • 1961

• Sugar, Sugar – The Archies

  • Chords: C, F, G, Am (BPM: ~120)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (bright pop strum).

  • Fun Fact: Although credited to a fictional band, the song topped charts around the world. Its bubblegum pop style and catchy chorus make it incredibly fun and accessible on ukulele.

  • 1969

• Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da – The Beatles (this one is really for Vincent, a great friend of mine)

  • Chords: C, F, G, Am (BPM: ~160)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (lively, almost ska-like feel).

  • Fun Fact: The phrase “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” means “life goes on” and came from a friend of Paul McCartney. Despite mixed feelings within the band, the song became a joyful classic — and clearly a perfect pick for Vincent.

  • 1968

Have fun with ukulele, and don’t worry if you mess up a chord. It’s all part of the fun.

7 Calm And Easy Ukulele Songs to Unwind 😌

Still humming one of these songs? Join my mailing list and get free ukulele songs and tips you’ll actually use.

Sometimes, all you want is to slow down and feel the peace.

When I’m alone or winding down after a busy day, these songs help me breathe. They’re mellow, simple, and soothing.

My go-to chill ukulele tunes:

• Imagine – John Lennon

  • Chords: C, F, Am, Dm, G (BPM: ~75)

  • Strumming pattern: Slow Down strums or gentle fingerpicking (4/4).

  • Fun Fact: John Lennon wrote this song as a plea for peace and unity. Its simple harmony and meditative tempo make it one of the most soothing songs to play and sing on the ukulele.

  • 1971

• Dream a Little Dream of Me – Ella Fitzerald or from the The Mamas & the Papas - pick the one you like the most

  • Chords: C, A7, Dm, G7, F (BPM: ~72)

  • Strumming pattern: Soft Down strums with a light swing, or fingerpicking.

  • Fun Fact: Although written in 1931, this song became timeless through jazz interpretations. Ella Fitzgerald’s version highlights its dreamy, intimate character — perfect for a late-night ukulele moment.

  • 1950

• Stay With Me – Sam Smith

  • Chords: C, Am, F, G (BPM: ~84)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (very soft and controlled).

  • Fun Fact: Despite its emotional intensity, the song uses a very simple chord progression. That contrast makes it powerful on ukulele, especially when played slowly and quietly.

  • 2014

• Fields of Gold – Sting

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F, Dm (BPM: ~92)

  • Strumming pattern: Gentle Down-Up strum or fingerpicking.

  • Fun Fact: Sting wrote this song inspired by the view from his countryside home in England. Its flowing melody and poetic lyrics translate beautifully to a warm ukulele arrangement.

  • 1993

• Let Her Go – Passenger

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~75)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (slow and even).

  • Fun Fact: The song became popular thanks to its emotional honesty and minimalist arrangement. On ukulele, it works especially well when played very softly, leaving space for the voice.

  • 2012

• Lean on Me - Bill Withers - a slow and calm song with incredible positive vibes

  • Chords: C, F, G (BPM: ~72)

  • Strumming pattern: Slow Down strums (steady and supportive).

  • Fun Fact: Bill Withers wrote this song about community and mutual support. Its simplicity and positive message make it incredibly calming — and ideal for relaxed ukulele sessions.

  • 1972

• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong - such a benevolent, colorful song, that can be sung as slowly as you want. Perfect to chill and enjoy the moment.

  • Chords: C, Am, F, G, Dm (BPM: ~60)

  • Strumming pattern: Very slow Down strums or fingerpicking.

  • Fun Fact: Released during a turbulent period, this song was meant to remind listeners of everyday beauty. Its slow tempo allows you to stretch phrases freely on ukulele and truly savour each note.

  • 1967

Play these with soft strums, maybe even fingerpicking. Let the sound relax you.

7 Cool Ukulele Songs

When you’re in the mood for something upbeat, catchy, and fun to play, these songs bring a smile to your face. They’re easy to learn, sound great, and are perfect for jamming with friends or just letting loose.

My favorite cool ukulele tunes:

• Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars

  • Chords: Am, F, C, G (BPM: ~115)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (tight and funky).

  • Fun Fact: Although packed with funk references from the 1980s, this song is built on a very simple chord loop. That contrast makes it incredibly fun to play on ukulele — especially when someone enjoys singing it as much as your lady does.

  • 2014

• I’m a Believer – The Monkees

  • Chords: Am, F, C, G (BPM: ~115)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 🠅🠇🠅 (tight and funky).

  • Fun Fact: Although packed with funk references from the 1980s, this song is built on a very simple chord loop. That contrast makes it incredibly fun to play on ukulele — especially when someone enjoys singing it as much as your lady does.

  • 2014

• Cups (When I’m Gone) – Anna Kendrick

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~76)

  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (steady and rhythmic).

  • Fun Fact: The song popularised the cup-tapping rhythm worldwide after appearing in Pitch Perfect. It’s ideal for group sessions — ukulele in hand, cup on the table, and friends joining in.

  • 2013

I've listed the former one because my lady has so much fun singing and playing it :)

• Hey Ya! – OutKast

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~160)
  • Strumming pattern: Fast Down strums or 🠇 🠇🠅 (energetic).
  • Fun Fact: Despite its party vibe, the lyrics tell a surprisingly bittersweet story. On ukulele, the upbeat rhythm usually wins — it’s almost impossible not to move while playing it.
  • 2003

• The Lazy Song – Bruno Mars

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~88)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (relaxed reggae-pop feel).
  • Fun Fact: This song celebrates doing absolutely nothing — and does it brilliantly. Its laid-back groove makes it a favourite for casual ukulele playing and easygoing sing-alongs.
  • 2011

• Happy – Pharrell Williams

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~160)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (bright and bouncy).
  • Fun Fact: Featured in Despicable Me 2, this song became a global feel-good anthem. Singing “Happy” while strumming a ukulele is about as close as it gets to instant joy.
  • 2013

• Island in the Sun – Weezer

  • Chords: C, G, Am, F (BPM: ~160)
  • Strumming pattern: 🠇 🠇🠅 (bright and bouncy).
  • Fun Fact: Featured in Despicable Me 2, this song became a global feel-good anthem. Singing “Happy” while strumming a ukulele is about as close as it gets to instant joy.
  • 2013

These songs are perfect for adding a little energy to your ukulele sessions. Try experimenting with different strumming patterns or fingerpicking styles to make them your own! Let me know if you’d like help with chords or techniques. 🌟

Final Strum 🎵

Whether you're hanging out in parks, sitting by the riverside, or enjoying a beach sunset, or by a campfire, the ukulele makes every summer moment sweeter.

Try out a few of these songs. Mix them up. Change the key. Add your own twist. Share them with friends and just enjoy the ride.

You don’t need to be a pro. You just need to have fun with ukulele.

I hope I have been helpful today, and that these songs bring you joy, smiles, and sing-alongs this summer.

If you’d like to go further, I’d be happy to help you with strumming, rhythm, or learning to sing and play at the same time.

If you would like to get to the next level, feel free to try a one-to-one free ukulele lesson. I'd love to meet you and help you grow your skills!

Let’s keep strumming together! 🎶🌞

FAQ ❓

If you have any more question, feel free to ask me.

If you’d like structured guidance to sing and play these songs with confidence, you can
join the You’Cool’Ele Club (I offer the first session).

Inside the Club, I guide members step by step:

✔ Learning to coordinate singing and strumming without stress
✔ Practising proven chord progressions used in real songs
✔ Building steady rhythm through simple weekly sessions
✔ Turning favourite songs into relaxed, confident performances

It’s designed especially for adults who want clear direction, calm progress, and music that feels joyful rather than overwhelming.

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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!