Let’s Be Honest About Beginner Ukulele Songs…

If you’re a parent in Los Angeles Googling how to play a ukulele at 10:47 pm because you want to see your kid learn something new, I see you.

And if you’re an adult in Westwood who bought a uke after walking past the Santa Monica beach musicians and thinking, “That looks… fun,” I see you too.

Here’s the good news:

You don’t need 200 chords. You don’t need perfect pitch.

You need a handful of basic ukulele songs you can listen to, a few friendly chords, and about two weeks of consistent practice.

That’s it.

The reason these songs work so well, especially for LA families, is that they deliver fast wins. And in a city full of auditions, traffic, and overly ambitious after-school schedules, fast wins matter.

The ukulele is small. It’s forgiving. It doesn’t scream when you mess up.

And within your first few lessons, you can already play something recognizable at a birthday party in Brentwood or a backyard gathering in Tarzana.

Let’s break this down.

Which Ukulele Chords Should I Learn First?

Before we jump into the best ukulele songs, here’s the short answer:

Learn C, G, Am, and F first.

That’s it.

Those four chords unlock hundreds of ukulele songs for beginners, like Happy Birthday, You Are My Sunshine, Riptide, Baby Shark, and many others.

At Angeles Academy of Music, whether you’re taking ukulele lessons in Brentwood, Westwood, or Tarzana, we start with those chords because they:

• Use simple finger placements
• Build coordination quickly
• Let students play real songs fast

And this is important.

We don’t make beginners grind through abstract exercises for weeks. We integrate chords directly into songs. Because playing music feels better than “practicing music.”

Now let’s talk songs.

How to Pick Easy Ukulele Songs (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

To make ukulele songs easy, this is what you need to filter:

1. Choose songs with 2–4 repeating chords
2. Pick something you already know
3. Avoid fast tempos at first
4. Ignore complicated strumming patterns initially

If your child recognizes the melody, or if you’ve heard it at beach hangouts or literally every LA coffee shop ever, it’s probably a good starting point.

Now let’s start with the easiest category.

Ukulele Songs Kids Love Playing (And Won’t Get Bored Of)

Kids don’t care about theory.

They care about:

• Recognition
• Fun
• Fast wins

And in LA, where attention spans compete with iPads and after-school soccer, momentum matters.

Here are the songs that consistently win in our Brentwood and Tarzana lessons.

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm” (single chord)

Chords: C (start simple)

For brand-new beginners, this can be a one-chord success story. Add more chords later. Start with confidence.

“Baby Shark” (only 2 chords)

Chords: C, G

Yes. I know. But hear me out.

For very young beginners, this is one of the easiest ukulele songs to build rhythm confidence. Two chords. Repetition. Huge enthusiasm payoff.

“Lava” – Disney / Pixar

Chords: C, G7, F

This is one of the great ukulele songs for younger students because it was literally written for ukulele vibes. It’s gentle, melodic, and feels magical without being difficult.

“Wheels on the Bus”

Chords: C, F, G

This is a rhythm trainer disguised as a kids’ song. It builds strumming consistency and timing while keeping students engaged.

“SpongeBob Theme Song”

Chords: C, F, G

Yes, we get this request constantly.

If you’ve Googled “spongebob ukulele song,” you’re not alone. It’s actually a fantastic beginner-friendly progression once students know three chords. And nothing motivates practice like yelling “ARE YOU READY, KIDS?” in a Brentwood living room.

Kids don’t stick with instruments because they “should.”

They stick because it’s fun.

That’s why in our private ukulele lessons for kids in LA, we integrate these songs early. We don’t wait months to make music feel exciting.

Best Ukulele Songs under 3 Chords

These are true ukulele starter songs. Perfect for kids. Perfect for adults who claim they have “no rhythm” (you probably do).

“Row Row Row Your Boat” – Traditional

Chords: C, G

Yes. Two chords. That’s it.

This is one of the most forgiving beginner songs on ukulele because even if the strumming is uneven, it still sounds charming. It’s great for sibling duets or group play during private lessons.

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” – Traditional

Chords: C, F, G7

This is one of the easiest ukulele songs on the planet. Three simple chords. Predictable melody. Zero ego involved. It’s ideal for young students in Tarzana just starting out. Within a week, most kids can strum this confidently—and the confidence boost is immediate.

“Happy Birthday” – Traditional

Chords: C, G7, F

Every student secretly wants this one. Because the moment you can play it, you become the MVP at every LA birthday party. It’s one of those basic ukulele songs that feels small—until you play it in front of people. Then it feels powerful.

“You Are My Sunshine” – Traditional

Chords: C, F, G7

This one works beautifully for both kids and adults. It’s nostalgic. It’s warm. And it reinforces clean chord transitions without being technically demanding.

“Jingle Bells” – Traditional

Chords: C, F, G7

Holiday song? Sure. But also a rhythm-building exercise disguised as fun. Even outside December, students love this one because it feels playful and energetic.

Now once students get comfortable with those?

We level up.

Easiest Ukulele Songs with 4 Chords (The Sweet Spot)

Here’s where things get fun.

Most popular ukulele songs use the same four-chord loop:
C – G – Am – F

You’ll start noticing it everywhere.

“Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley

Chords: C, F, G

“Don’t worry about a thing.”

In a city like Los Angeles, that line alone is therapy. It’s rhythmically simple, positive, and great for younger students building timing skills.

“I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz

Chords: C, G, Am, F

This is basically the unofficial LA beach anthem. It’s breezy, optimistic, and one of the best ukulele songs for beginners who want something modern but manageable. Once you get the rhythm steady, it sounds impressive without being complicated.

“Riptide” – Vance Joy

Chords: Am, G, C, F

Let’s address it directly: if you Google ukulele chords songs riptide, you’ll see this everywhere.

There’s a reason.

It sounds harder than it is. The chord loop repeats. The strumming can be simplified. And teens especially love playing this one in Westwood sessions.

“Stand By Me” – Ben E. King

Chords: C, Am, F, G

Timeless. Soulful. Recognizable.

It’s one of those great ukulele songs that works for adult beginners who want something classic without diving into complicated theory.

“Count On Me” – Bruno Mars

Chords: C, G, Am, F

This is one of the most requested ukulele songs for beginners in our Brentwood location. It reinforces chord transitions and feels joyful.

Quick LA Reality Check

If your child can play even two of these songs confidently, they’re already ahead of most beginners.

If you’re an adult who can strum through “I’m Yours” without stopping, congratulations, you’re officially someone who “plays ukulele.”

And here’s the thing:

We teach these songs step-by-step in our private lessons at Angeles Academy of Music.

Not with pressure. Not with performance anxiety.
But in a structured way that builds confidence fast.

If you’re looking for easy songs to play on ukulele and also wondering where to take Ukulele lessons in Los Angeles, this is exactly what we specialize in.

Basic Ukulele Songs for Adult Beginners (Yes, You Too)

Let’s talk to the adults for a second.

If you’re in Westwood, juggling work near UCLA, maybe commuting across the 405, and thinking: “I’ve always wanted to learn music, but I’m not a kid anymore.”

Good news: ukulele does not care how old you are.

In fact, many adult beginners progress faster than kids because they practice intentionally.

Here are some of the best beginner songs on ukulele that feel mature without being overwhelming.

“Let It Be” – The Beatles

Chords: C, G, Am, F

If there were a universal chord progression for comfort, this would be it. This is one of those good ukulele songs that builds emotional connection and smooth chord transitions. It’s perfect for adult beginners who want something meaningful but manageable.

“With or Without You” – U2

Chords: C, G, Am, F

Same four-chord loop. Stadium energy. Zero intimidation. It’s one of those popular ukulele songs that sounds far more dramatic than it is technically difficult.

“Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison

Chords: C, D, G, Em

This is one of the top songs for ukulele among adults who want something upbeat and nostalgic. Once the chord shapes feel comfortable, it becomes a go-to jam song.

“What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes

Chords: G, Am, C

Yes, this one. Three chords. Big chorus. Surprisingly one of the easiest ukulele songs for adults who want that dramatic singalong moment.

“Island in the Sun” – Weezer

Chords: Em, A, D, G

Laid-back. Slightly indie. Feels very “Los Angeles patio at sunset.” It’s a fantastic stepping stone once the C-G-Am-F pattern feels too easy.

Now let’s talk about the real chaos agents.

Easy Melody & Ukulele Tabs Songs (For Students Who Like Picking)

Some students prefer melody over strumming.

If you’ve searched “ukulele tabs songs,” you’re probably looking for simple fingerpicking versions of recognizable tunes.

Here are great starter melody options:

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Version

This one deserves its own paragraph.

When people search “ukulele songs chords somewhere over the rainbow,” they’re usually referencing this iconic Hawaiian arrangement.

We start with simple chord strumming first. Then, once comfortable, we introduce easy melody picking on the top string. It becomes a beautiful confidence milestone.

“Twinkle Twinkle” (Melody Version)

Single-note picking. No pressure. Great for developing finger control.

“Happy Birthday” (Melody Version)

Once students can strum it, learning the melody feels like unlocking a secret level.

How We Teach These Ukulele Songs in LA

Let’s pause the list for a second.

Because song lists are helpful.

But teaching matters more.

At our Brentwood, Westwood, and Tarzana locations, our ukulele lessons are:

• 1-on-1 private
• Structured around student goals
• Focused on real songs (not just drills)
• Confidence-driven

If a 7-year-old wants to play “Lava,” we scaffold toward it.

If a UCLA student wants to play “Riptide” for friends, we build the chord transitions strategically.

If a parent wants to finally learn an instrument after years of saying “someday,” we create a no-pressure path.

And because we’re local to Los Angeles, we understand how busy families are. We keep lessons focused, efficient, and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions from LA Parents & Beginner Students

Is the ukulele easier than guitar for kids?

Yes. Ukuleles are smaller, have softer nylon strings, and require less finger pressure than guitars. For young beginners (ages 5-10), forming chords is physically easier and less frustrating.

That’s why many Los Angeles parents choose ukulele as a first instrument before transitioning to guitar later.

What are the easiest ukulele songs for beginners?

The easiest ukulele songs typically use 2–4 chords.

Examples:

• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• Row Row Row Your Boat
• Happy Birthday
• I’m Yours
• Riptide
  

These songs repeat simple chord patterns and allow students to experience early success, which is crucial for motivation.

How long does it take to learn beginner ukulele songs?

Most students can play their first full beginner ukulele songs within 2–4 weeks of consistent practice.

In private lessons at Angeles Academy of Music, many students strum through basic ukulele songs like “You Are My Sunshine” or “Count On Me” within the first month.

The key is structured progression. Not rushing.

How often should my child practice ukulele?

For beginners:

• 10–15 minutes per day (ages 5–8)
• 15–20 minutes per day (ages 9+)
• 20–30 minutes for teens and adults

Consistency beats long sessions. A little daily practice works better than one long Saturday panic session before lesson day.

Are ukulele lessons worth it if we can use YouTube?

YouTube is great for inspiration. But here’s the difference: YouTube gives information. Guidance gives correction.

In our classes, instructors adjust hand position, timing, rhythm, and transitions in real time. That prevents bad habits and accelerates progress.

What age is best to start ukulele lessons?

Most students can start at age 5 or 6. Because ukulele is lightweight and chord shapes are manageable, it’s one of the most accessible first instruments for many children in Los Angeles.

For adults? There is no “too late.” Some of our most dedicated students are professionals who finally decided to stop saying “one day.”

Why Ukulele Works So Well in Los Angeles

This city has energy.

Outdoor concerts.
Beach gatherings.
Backyard birthday parties.
Holiday performances.
School talent shows.
Community events.

Ukulele fits that lifestyle perfectly.

It’s portable. It’s friendly. It’s social.

You can bring it to a Santa Monica picnic or a Griffith Park hangout and instantly create music.

And if you want to understand why this instrument became so culturally loved, we actually break that down in our article on ukulele origins and its journey to LA. 

It’s a fun read, especially for curious students who like knowing the “why” behind what they’re learning.

Final Thoughts

The truth is simple.

You don’t need a massive repertoire.

Start small.
Stay consistent.
Play real songs early.

If you’re looking to start (or progress) your musical journey, we’d love to welcome you.

Explore our ukulele lessons here: Angeles Academy of Music: Ukulele Lessons Los Angeles

At Angeles Academy of Music, we specialize in turning complete beginners into confident players, one song at a time. Because learning ukulele songs shouldn’t feel overwhelming. It should feel like progress.