The ukulele is a great instrument for beginners, offering simplicity yet the ability to play a wide range of songs. Whether you're just starting or hoping to expand your repertoire, this guide provides you with the top 10 ukulele songs for beginners. Each song includes basic chords and strumming patterns that will get you playing and enjoying music quickly.

1. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

A timeless classic, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is perfect for beginners. The song is simple yet beautiful, and it uses basic chords like C, Em, F, and G. This song will help you get comfortable switching between chords while producing a soothing melody.

2. "Riptide" by Vance Joy

Vance Joy's "Riptide" is a modern hit that ukulele players love. It features a repetitive chord progression of Am, G, C, and F that is easy to memorize and play. The upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm make it a fun song to practice strumming patterns with.

3. "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz

"I'm Yours" is another popular choice for beginners with its easy chord structure and joyful vibe. The song uses C, G, Am, and F chords throughout, making it a great practice piece for learning smooth chord transitions and mastering rhythm.

4. "Let It Be" by The Beatles

Learning to play "Let It Be" by The Beatles on the ukulele is both satisfying and educational. The song's chords—C, G, Am, and F—are beginner-friendly, and its slower pace provides a good opportunity to focus on getting accurate chord changes.

5. "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley

This classic love song is a lovely addition to any ukulele player's collection. Using the chords C, Em, Am, F, G, and B7, it offers a slightly more challenging progression, allowing beginners to expand their chord vocabulary while playing a well-known tune.

6. "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King

"Stand By Me" is a song that resonates with many and is quite simple to learn on the ukulele. The song uses the chords C, Am, F, and G, and its repetitive and steady rhythm helps beginners perfect their timing and strumming skills.

7. "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf (covered by various artists)

"La Vie En Rose" is a beautiful song that translates well to the ukulele. Played using C, Em, Dm, G7, F, E7, A7, and Dm7, it's an excellent choice for beginners who want to practice a mix of minor and major chords, adding a bit of complexity to their playing.

8. "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic

OneRepublic's "Counting Stars" can be a delightful challenge for beginners. The song is primarily based on Am, C, G, and F chords. The upbeat tempo and syncopated rhythm provide a great way to improve your strumming technique.

9. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen

"Hallelujah" is a versatile song that's loved by many and sounds beautiful on the ukulele. It features the chords C, Am, F, G, and Em, making it another perfect piece for beginners who are getting familiar with minor and major chords.

10. "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles

Finishing our list is "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles, a fun and energetic song. This tune primarily uses the chords D, G, and A, which are simple to learn and great for practicing quick chord transitions and upbeat strumming.

Conclusion

Learning to play the ukulele can be a rewarding experience, especially when you start with songs that are both easy and enjoyable. This list includes ten songs that are perfect for beginners, each offering a unique opportunity to practice and perfect your skills. Remember to take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, keep playing! Happy strumming!