3 Easy Songs With 4 Chords For Ukulele

The ukulele is a fantastic instrument for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Its small size, cheerful sound, and relatively simple chord shapes make it a joy to play. If you’re just starting out or looking to add some easy songs to your repertoire, here are three songs that use only four chords each. Grab your ukulele, and let’s start strumming!.

Table of Contents

1. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

“I’m Yours” is a feel-good song that’s perfect for the ukulele. Its laid-back vibe and simple chord progression make it an excellent choice for beginners.

Chords: C, G, Am, F

C: 0003
G: 0232
Am: 2000
F: 2010

Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)

Chord Progression:

C     G
Well, you done done me and you bet I felt it
Am     F
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
C     G
I fell right through the cracks
Am     F
And now I'm trying to get back

Keep repeating the progression throughout the song. The combination of these four chords and the strumming pattern will have you playing “I’m Yours” effortlessly.

2. “Riptide” by Vance Joy

“Riptide” has become a ukulele classic, thanks to its catchy melody and straightforward chord progression. It’s a song that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Chords: Am, G, C, F

Am: 2000
G: 0232
C: 0003
F: 2010

Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-D-U)

Chord Progression:

Am     G     C
I was scared of dentists and the dark
Am     G     C
I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations
Am     G     C
Oh, all my friends are turning green
Am     G     C
You're the magician's assistant in their dreams

During the chorus, you’ll need to switch to F occasionally, but the main progression remains the same. It’s a great song to practice your strumming and chord transitions.

3. “Let It Be” by The Beatles

“Let It Be” is a timeless classic that translates beautifully to the ukulele. Its hopeful lyrics and simple chords make it a wonderful song to learn and play.

Chords: C, G, Am, F

C: 0003
G: 0232
Am: 2000
F: 2010

Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)

Chord Progression:

C     G     Am     F
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
C     G     F     C
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
C     G     Am     F
And in my hour of darkness, she is standing right in front of me
C     G     F     C
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Repeat the progression for the verses and the chorus. The soothing nature of the song makes it a favorite for many ukulele players.

Tips for Beginners

Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Practice these songs daily to build muscle memory and improve your chord transitions.
Use a Metronome: Playing along with a metronome can help you keep a steady rhythm.
Sing Along: Singing while playing can help you keep track of where you are in the song and make the experience more enjoyable.

These three songs are perfect for beginners looking to expand their ukulele skills. With just four chords, you can play a variety of popular tunes that sound great and are fun to perform. Happy strumming!