As a beginner ukulele player, you might feel intimidated by barre chords, which involve pressing down multiple strings with a single finger. However, there are plenty of beautiful and enjoyable songs you can play without needing barre chords. Here are some popular ukulele songs that are perfect for beginners:
- “Riptide” by Vance Joy: Chords: Am, G, C “Riptide” is a catchy and upbeat song that features a simple chord progression. It’s a great choice for beginners as it incorporates basic open chords and introduces you to strumming patterns.
- “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz: Chords: C, G, Am, F “I’m Yours” is a feel-good and popular song that’s relatively easy to play. It uses a combination of basic open chords and offers opportunities for you to practice your strumming and chord transitions.
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley: Chords: C, Em, Am, F, G7 “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a timeless classic that showcases the beauty of the ukulele. It features beginner-friendly chords and a slow tempo, allowing you to focus on playing and singing with ease.
- “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars: Chords: C, Am, F, G “Count on Me” is a sweet and uplifting song that’s perfect for spreading positivity. It uses basic open chords and provides a great opportunity to work on your strumming technique.
- “Hey Soul Sister” by Train: Chords: C, G, Am, F “Hey Soul Sister” is a catchy tune with a reggae-inspired rhythm. It features a straightforward chord progression and is a fun song to play once you’ve mastered the basic chords.
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: Chords: C, Am, F, G “Hallelujah” is a beautiful and emotional song that has been covered by many artists. It incorporates simple chords and offers room for you to add your own vocal expression and strumming style.
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King: Chords: C, Am, F, G “Stand by Me” is a timeless classic that’s both soulful and heartfelt. It uses beginner-friendly chords and allows you to practice your strumming while singing along.
These songs are just a starting point, and there are countless other beginner-friendly ukulele songs to explore. As you progress, don’t hesitate to try more challenging songs and gradually introduce barre chords into your repertoire. Remember, practice is key, so take your time, enjoy the process, and have fun strumming away on your ukulele!
