🎵 25 Popular Ukulele Songs You’ll Love to Play in 2026

An acoustic guitar is angled and in focus.

Ready to unlock the magic of the ukulele with songs that everyone knows and loves? Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to spice up your repertoire, this guide covers 25 popular ukulele songs that are fun, iconic, and surprisingly easy to play. From timeless Hawaiian classics to viral social media hits, we’ll show you which tunes will have you strumming confidently in no time.

Did you know that Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is the most requested ukulele song worldwide? 🎶 But that’s just the beginning. We’ll also reveal the secret “Uke-Killer” chord that trips up many players (and how to conquer it), plus expert tips on strumming patterns, gear recommendations, and where to find the best tutorials online. So, grab your uke and get ready to impress your friends and family with these crowd-pleasers!

Key Takeaways

  • Master the essential chords (C, G, F, Am) to play most popular ukulele songs with ease.
  • Explore 25 iconic songs spanning Hawaiian classics, modern pop, rock, and viral hits.
  • Learn the “Island Strum” pattern—the rhythmic backbone of many favorites.
  • Discover expert tips for choosing songs by skill level and overcoming tricky chords like Bb.
  • Access top YouTube tutorials, apps, and songbooks to accelerate your learning journey.
  • Build a versatile ukulele repertoire perfect for parties, performances, and casual jams.

Ready to become the ukulele hero of your circle? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Before we dive into the strumming madness, let’s get our bearings with some fast facts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just picked up your first Kala Waterman, these tidbits will set the stage for your musical journey.

Feature Fact / Tip
The “Big Three” Chords Most popular uke songs rely on C, G, F, and Am. Master these, and you can play 80% of the radio! 📻
The “Island Strum” The most iconic pattern: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up. It’s the heartbeat of the ukulele. 💓
Standard Tuning G-C-E-A. Remember it with: “Goats Can Eat Anything” or “Good Cooks Eat Always.” 🐐
Nylon vs. Fluorocarbon Nylon strings are warmer; fluorocarbon strings (like D’Addario EJ87S) are brighter and louder.
The “IZ” Factor Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is the most requested ukulele song of all time. 🌈

Pro Tip: Always tune your uke every time you pick it up. These little guys are sensitive to temperature changes, and nothing kills the vibe of a popular song like a flat C string!

🎶 Ukulele Song History: From Hawaiian Roots to Global Hits

Ukuleles displayed in a store window

If you think the ukulele is just a “mini guitar,” we’ve got some news for you! To truly master the best ukulele songs, you have to respect the lineage. The instrument actually evolved from the Portuguese Machete, brought to Hawaii by immigrants in 1879.

King Kalākaua, the “Merrie Monarch,” fell in love with it, cementing it as a staple of Hawaiian culture. Fast forward to the 1920s, and the uke was the “it” instrument of the Jazz Age. We saw a massive resurgence in the 2000s thanks to artists like Jason Mraz and Vance Joy, who proved that four strings are more than enough to top the Billboard charts.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, the ukulele’s portability and “happy” timbre are exactly why it remains a global favorite today. It’s the ultimate “people’s instrument.”

🎸 Why the Ukulele? Understanding Its Unique Appeal for Song Playing

Why are we so obsessed with this tiny powerhouse? At Guitar Brands™, we deal with everything from heavy metal bass guitars to high-end acoustic guitars, but the ukulele holds a special place in our hearts.

  1. Low Barrier to Entry: You don’t need giant hands or calluses of steel.
  2. Social Magnetism: Pull out a uke at a campfire, and suddenly everyone is singing.
  3. Portability: It fits in a backpack. Try doing that with a Gibson Les Paul.
  4. The “Happy” Frequency: There is a scientific (well, musical) reason why it sounds so cheerful—the re-entrant tuning (high G) keeps the pitch range tight and bright.

But wait… is there a song that is actually impossible to play on the uke? We’ll reveal the “Uke-Killer” track later in this guide. 😉


Video: 3 EASY Uke Songs to Impress Your Friends.








We’ve scoured the Ukulele-Tabs community and our own internal data to bring you the ultimate list. These are the songs that define the instrument.

1. Classic Hawaiian and Traditional Ukulele Tunes

  • “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: The undisputed king. As noted in Facebook ukulele groups, this is a “must-know” for every player.
  • “Aloha ‘Oe” – Queen Lili’uokalani: A beautiful, haunting classic that connects you to the instrument’s royal roots.
  • “Pearly Shells” – Burl Ives / Traditional: The quintessential “hula” song.
  • “You Are My Sunshine” – Traditional: Only three chords (C, F, G7). Perfect for your first day.
  • “La Vie En Rose” – Edith Piaf (Uke Version): Popularized recently by How I Met Your Mother, it’s incredibly romantic on four strings.

2. Modern Pop Hits Perfect for Ukulele Covers

  • “Riptide” – Vance Joy: The song that launched a thousand uke sales. It uses Am, G, and C. That’s it! ✅
  • “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz: A masterclass in the “reggae” strum.
  • “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift: Prove that the uke can be a pop powerhouse.
  • “Stay With Me” – Sam Smith: Great for practicing slow, soulful transitions.
  • “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran: A wedding favorite that sounds surprisingly lush on a Tenor Ukulele.
  • “8” – Billie Eilish: Billie actually plays the uke, and this track is a quirky, modern essential.
  • “The Lazy Song” – Bruno Mars: Captures the “chill” vibe of the instrument perfectly.

3. Timeless Rock and Folk Songs Adapted for Ukulele

  • “Let It Be” – The Beatles: The C-G-Am-F progression is the backbone of Western music.
  • “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen: Use a fingerpicking pattern to make this one truly shine.
  • “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison: That opening riff is iconic, even on a uke.
  • “Stand By Me” – Ben E. King: A great way to practice the “slap” or “chunk” technique.
  • “Imagine” – John Lennon: Simple, profound, and beautiful.
  • “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers: High energy and very easy to sing along to.
  • “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd: Yes, you can play Southern Rock on a uke! 🎸
  • “Hotel California” – The Eagles: A bit more challenging, but the chords are incredibly satisfying.

4. Viral and Trendy Ukulele Songs from Social Media

  • “House of Gold” – Twenty One Pilots: Tyler Joseph made the uke “cool” for a whole new generation.
  • “Hey, Soul Sister” – Train: Love it or hate it, it’s a ukulele staple.
  • “Counting Stars” – OneRepublic: Great for building rhythmic speed.
  • “Lava” – Disney’s Pixar: If you have kids (or just love volcanoes), this is mandatory.
  • “Sunday Morning” – Maroon 5: Perfect for practicing those jazzy 7th chords.

👉 Shop Ukulele Essentials on:

🎤 How to Choose Songs That Match Your Ukulele Skill Level


Video: Five Awesome Ukulele Riffs Too Good Not To Learn.








Don’t try to play “Bohemian Rhapsody” on day one. You’ll end up using your uke as a very expensive frisbee. ❌ We recommend following this ladder:

  • Level 1 (The Newbie): Stick to songs with 3 chords (C, F, G). Focus on “You Are My Sunshine” or “Three Little Birds.”
  • Level 2 (The Strummer): Introduce the Am and Dm chords. Start working on “Riptide.”
  • Level 3 (The Intermediate): Tackle Barre Chords (like Bb and Bm). This is where “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” lives.
  • Level 4 (The Performer): Add Fingerstyle and percussive hits. Think “Hallelujah” or “Hotel California.”

Check out our Guitar Buying Guide if you’re thinking of transitioning these skills to a 6-string later!

The secret sauce of popular songs isn’t just the chords—it’s the rhythm.

The Essential Chord Chart

Chord Finger Placement (GCEA) Difficulty
C 0-0-0-3 ⭐ (Easy)
Am 2-0-0-0 ⭐ (Easy)
F 2-0-1-0 ⭐⭐ (Easy-ish)
G 0-2-3-2 ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
Bb 3-2-1-1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (The Boss)

The “Island Strum” Breakdown

  1. Down (Wait)
  2. Down – Up
  3. (Wait) – Up
  4. Down – Up

This pattern works for “I’m Yours,” “Riptide,” and “Lava.” It’s the “Swiss Army Knife” of strumming.

You can’t play “Sweet Home Alabama” if your uke is out of tune or your fingers are slipping. Here’s our expert rating of the gear you actually need.

Guitar Brands™ Gear Rating Table

Product Type Brand Recommendation Design Functionality Value Overall
Concert Ukulele Fender Zuma 9/10 8/10 9/10 8.7
Clip-on Tuner Snark SN6X 7/10 10/10 10/10 9.0
Learning App Yousician 9/10 9/10 7/10 8.3
Capo D’Addario NS Lite 8/10 9/10 9/10 8.7

Why the Fender Zuma? We love the Telecaster-style headstock. It brings a bit of “rock star” energy to the ukulele world. Plus, the concert size is the “Goldilocks” of ukes—not too small, not too big.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

If you’re a visual learner, YouTube is your best friend. But beware: there’s a lot of bad advice out there. Stick to these pros:

  • Cynthia Lin Ukulele: The gold standard. Her “Beginner Jam” series is legendary. She breaks down “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” better than anyone.
  • Bernadette Teaches Music: Her “30 Day Uke Challenge” is a rite of passage for new players.
  • The Ukulele Teacher (John Atkins): If you want to learn the latest pop hits (like Billie Eilish or Ed Sheeran), John is your guy. He’s witty, fast-paced, and very accurate.
  • Uke Like The Pros: Great for those looking to get into more technical styles like jazz or blues.

Once you’ve mastered the basic chords, it’s time to make the song yours. Don’t just be a human jukebox!

  • The “Chunk” (Percussive Muting): Bring your palm down on the strings right as you strum to create a “snare drum” sound. This is vital for songs like “Counting Stars.”
  • Vary Your Dynamics: Don’t strum at 100% volume the whole time. Whisper during the verses, and roar during the chorus.
  • Add a “Pinky G”: When playing a C chord, try hammering your pinky onto the 5th fret for a little melodic flair.
  • Transpose: If a song is too high for your voice, use a capo to move the key without changing your finger shapes.

Remember that “Impossible Song” we mentioned? For many, it’s anything by Jake Shimabukuro (like his cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”). But for beginners, the real “Uke-Killer” is the Bb Major chord.

The Bb Struggle: It requires a “partial barre,” where your index finger flattens across the bottom two strings.

  • The Fix: Don’t just press harder. Rotate your index finger slightly to the side (the bony part) and ensure your thumb is centered on the back of the neck.

Other Common Pitfalls:

  • Muted Strings: Usually caused by “lazy fingers” touching adjacent strings. Arch those knuckles! ✅
  • Rushing the Tempo: We all do it when we get excited. Use a metronome app (like Pro Metronome) to keep yourself honest.
  • Buzzing: Often a sign that you aren’t pressing close enough to the fret wire.

📅 How to Build a Ukulele Song Repertoire for Performances and Jam Sessions

We’ve seen too many players who know the first 10 seconds of 50 songs, but can’t play one song from start to finish. Don’t be that person!

  1. The “Rule of Five”: Pick five songs from different genres (one Hawaiian, one Pop, one Rock, one Folk, one Holiday).
  2. Memorize the Lyrics: You can’t connect with an audience if your head is buried in a songbook.
  3. Create a “Setlist”: Start with something high-energy (“Hey, Soul Sister”), move to something emotional (“Hallelujah”), and end with a crowd-pleaser (“Riptide”).
  4. Record Yourself: It’s painful, we know. But listening back is the fastest way to spot rhythmic errors.

Check out our Guitar Brands Showcase for inspiration on how the pros structure their gear and performances.

🎉 Fun Ukulele Song Ideas for Parties, Campfires, and Gatherings

The ukulele is the ultimate social lubricant. If you want to be the life of the party, have these ready to go:

  • The Sing-Along Medley: Since “I’m Yours,” “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” and “With or Without You” all use similar chords, you can mash them together!
  • The “Irony” Cover: Play a heavy metal song like “Enter Sandman” or a rap song like “Gangsta’s Paradise” on the uke. It’s a guaranteed laugh and a huge crowd favorite. 😂
  • Disney Classics: “Under the Sea” or “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” are hits for all ages.

While the internet is great, nothing beats a physical book on your music stand. Here are our top picks:

  1. “The Daily Ukulele” by Jim Beloff: Known as the “Yellow Book,” it contains 365 songs. It’s the Bible of the ukulele world. 📖
  2. “Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1”: Great for those who want to learn to read music, not just tabs.
  3. “Ukulele Playlist: The Orange Book”: A fantastic collection of modern pop and rock hits.

👉 Shop Songbooks on:

a man holding an orange guitar in his right hand

Well, there you have it—a deep dive into the vibrant world of popular ukulele songs, from the island classics to viral social media hits. Whether you’re strumming the gentle chords of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” or rocking out with “Riptide” by Vance Joy, the ukulele offers an accessible yet surprisingly versatile platform for musical expression.

Remember that patience and practice are your best friends. The dreaded Bb chord may have seemed like a villain earlier, but with the right technique and persistence, it becomes just another stepping stone on your journey. And that “Uke-Killer” song? It’s really just a challenge waiting to be conquered, not a dead-end.

At Guitar Brands™, we confidently recommend starting with a quality, beginner-friendly ukulele like the Kala Waterman or the Fender Zuma Concert. These instruments strike a perfect balance between playability and tone, setting you up for success as you explore the vast repertoire of popular songs.

So, what’s next? Pick your favorite tune from our list, tune up your uke, and let those four strings carry you to new musical horizons. And if you ever feel stuck, remember the community is vast and welcoming—whether it’s through YouTube tutorials, songbooks, or forums like Ukulele-Tabs.

Happy strumming! 🎶

👉 Shop Ukuleles and Gear:

Essential Accessories:

  • Snark SN6X Clip-on Tuner: Amazon
  • D’Addario NS Lite Capo: Amazon

Top Ukulele Songbooks:

  • The Daily Ukulele by Jim Beloff: Amazon
  • Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1: Amazon
  • Ukulele Playlist: The Orange Book: Amazon

Learning Apps & Tutorials:

a man sitting on a tree branch playing a guitar

Are there any online resources or tutorials for learning ukulele songs quickly?

Absolutely! Platforms like YouTube host channels such as Cynthia Lin Ukulele and The Ukulele Teacher, which offer step-by-step tutorials for popular songs. Apps like Yousician provide interactive lessons that adapt to your skill level, making learning efficient and fun. For tabs and chords, Ukulele-Tabs.com is a treasure trove with community ratings and user contributions.

How do I strum the ukulele to achieve a dynamic sound in songs?

Dynamics come from variation in volume, rhythm, and technique. Use the classic “Island Strum” pattern but experiment with palm muting (the “chunk” technique) to add percussive elements. Vary your strum intensity—soft during verses, louder in choruses—to create emotional contrast. Incorporating fingerpicking or hybrid strumming can also add texture and keep your playing engaging.

For beginners, Kala is the go-to brand, known for its affordable, durable, and great-sounding ukuleles like the Kala Waterman series. Cordoba offers excellent mid-range options with beautiful craftsmanship. For professionals, brands like Kanile’a and Kamaka (both Hawaiian-made) are revered for their premium tonewoods and superior build quality. Fender also offers concert and tenor models that blend classic guitar aesthetics with ukulele playability.

Can I play guitar songs on the ukulele with minimal adjustments?

Yes! Many guitar songs can be adapted to the ukulele by simplifying chord shapes or using a capo to match the key. Since the ukulele has four strings tuned differently (GCEA vs. guitar’s EADGBE), some chords require re-fingering. However, the basic chord progressions (like C-G-Am-F) are common to both instruments, making transitions smoother than you’d expect.

What are some good ukulele chord progressions for songwriting?

Popular progressions include:

  • I–V–vi–IV (C–G–Am–F): The “pop progression” heard in countless hits.
  • I–vi–IV–V (C–Am–F–G): Classic doo-wop and folk vibes.
  • vi–IV–I–V (Am–F–C–G): Emotional and versatile.

These progressions are easy to play and provide a solid foundation for crafting catchy melodies.

The standard tuning is G4–C4–E4–A4, often called “re-entrant tuning” because the G string is higher than the C and E. Use a clip-on tuner like the Snark SN6X or smartphone apps to ensure precise tuning. Some songs may require alternate tunings or capo placements, but standard tuning covers most popular songs.

What are the easiest ukulele songs for beginners to learn?

Songs with three or fewer chords are perfect for beginners. Examples include:

  • “You Are My Sunshine” (C, F, G7)
  • “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley (A, D, E)
  • “Riptide” by Vance Joy (Am, G, C)

These songs help build chord transitions and strumming confidence.

Besides the classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “I’m Yours”, modern hits such as “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic, and Disney favorites like “Lava” translate beautifully to the ukulele’s bright tone.

How can I choose songs that improve my ukulele skills?

Pick songs that challenge you just a bit beyond your current level. Start with simple chord progressions and strumming patterns, then gradually add barre chords, fingerpicking, and syncopation. Mixing genres—from folk to pop to Hawaiian—also broadens your technique and keeps practice fresh.

What are the best ukulele songs for kids?

Kids love upbeat, simple tunes with repetitive chords. Try:

  • “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
  • “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
  • “Happy Birthday”
  • Disney songs like “Let It Go” or “Under the Sea”

These songs build confidence and make learning fun.

Are there any famous guitar songs that work well on the ukulele?

Yes! Many guitar classics adapt well, including:

  • “Let It Be” by The Beatles
  • “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
  • “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

The key is to simplify chords or transpose keys to fit the ukulele’s range.

The most common chords are C, G, F, Am, and Dm. These form the backbone of many popular songs and are essential for beginners to master.

How do ukulele songs compare to guitar songs in difficulty?

Ukulele songs tend to be easier to start due to fewer strings and simpler chord shapes. However, advanced ukulele playing (fingerstyle, jazz chords, fast strumming) can be as challenging as guitar. The ukulele’s smaller size and re-entrant tuning also influence song arrangements, making some guitar songs trickier to replicate exactly.

Happy strumming, and may your ukulele journey be filled with joy, discovery, and plenty of sing-alongs! 🎵

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

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