Congratulations on owning a ukulele! The ukulele is the perfect instrument for a beginning or advanced musician at any age. Most importantly, playing the ukulele is fun and is very easy to get started. If you are brand new to the ukulele, here are a few tips and examples of easy ukulele songs to get you started.

Tuning Your Instrument

It is essential you set yourself up for success by ensuring your instrument is in-tune before you begin playing. Tuning is the method of adjusting the pitch of each string to the chosen note. If your instrument is out-of-tune, it will not sound pleasing to your ear. Any string instrument may go out of tune while playing due to the tension, plucking, and strumming. Changes in temperature and humidity may also cause the strings to go out of tune. You will want to be sure to tune your instrument before every time you play. Here is a great video showcasing how to get your instrument in-tune using a clip-on tuner.

If you do not have a clip-on tuner, there are many free tuning apps for your smartphone. Search your phone’s app store for a tuner or ukulele tuner and you will find many free options available. The tuning app will utilize the microphone in your smartphone to “hear” the pitch of each string. It will let you know if you need to turn the tuning peg to make the note go up in pitch (sharper) or down in pitch (flatter) until it is perfectly in-tune. On string instruments, it is recommended to always tune up to pitch as the string tension may be pinched at any of the contact points (nut, saddle, bridge) prevent the string from lowering pitch.

Pitches of each string using standard ukulele tuning.

Holding the Ukulele

First, let’s talk about your playing position. The neck of the ukulele will go to the left. You will cradle the body of the instrument in the crook of your right elbow. Your right hand should be able to reach the top of the body. The ukulele should be flat against your body. Once you have the instrument set up in playing position, your left hand should make a nice ‘C’ shape around the neck with your thumb planted on the back of the neck. The tips of your fingers will push down the strings against the fretboard.

Frets and Finger Numbers

The picture below shows the numbered fret positions. Your fingers get applied to the fretboard on the spaces between the metal fret wires. The best position for your finger, if you’re asked to place it on “the first fret,” is actually between the nut and the first fret wire (closer to the wire). You should also know which finger gets what number. Beginning ukulele players will utilitze their first finger (pointer), second finger (middle) and third finger (ring). The pinkie will come into use as you begin playing more complicated pieces.

One and Two-Chord Songs

Now that you have your instrument in-tune and are holding it comfortably, it’s time to learn a few easy ukulele songs! Believe it or not, you can begin playing recognizable songs with just one finger on the fretboard! There are many well-known tunes that can be played using just the C chord. Begin by placing your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string.

Here is a video to teach you how to play simplified versions of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “Are You Sleeping,” and “Three Blind Mice.” The video shows the musician using his right-hand pointer finger to strum a steady beat using downward strokes.

We hope you had some instant success playing songs with the C Chord. Once you have gotten comfortable strumming a single chord, you are ready to build into the G7 chord.

Here is another version of “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat” that includes the G7 chord at the end of the song. Here is a great way to practice the transition between the C chord and the G7 chord:

Strum the C chord 4 times
Stop, move your hand into the G7 chord shape and strum 4 times
Stop, your hand back into the C chord shape and strum 4 times
Work to take the “stop” (or rest) out of this exercise to begin seamlessly transitioning between the chords
Before moving on to the song, make sure you accomplish the successful transition at least 10 times

Three, Four, and Five-Chord Songs

Here are some examples of well-know easy ukulele songs that contain three, four and five chords that are exciting to play! These tutorials do a great job explaining how to accomplish each chord shape and strumming patterns used in each song.

Shape of You – Ed Sheeran

“Rip Tide” – Vance Joy

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

“How Far I’ll Go” from movie Moana

Remember, practice makes progress! Play these easy ukulele songs until you have mastered them. You will go far with repetition to reinforce the important concepts outlined in this blog and on the linked videso. We hope you have enjoyed playing through these easy ukulele songs.

As always, Play now, Play for life!

Katie Senn

Katie Senn is the former Content and Community Engagement Manager for West Music. Her background is in music education, with an emphasis in orchestral directing and cello.

Easy Ukulele Songs