98 Famous Ukulele Songs You Can Learn (With Video)

All around the world, the humble ukulele’s popularity has sky-rocketed in recent years. No longer just the dominion of Tiny Tim, everyone from Bruce Springfield to Eddie Vedder has come to love this pocket rocket’s bright, jangly tone. They’ve even begun to replace the recorder as the weapon of choice for music lessons in many elementary schools.

So, you want to give it a try. But where to start?

Luckily, it’s pretty easy to pick up a few basic chords. And what better way to practice than by covering your favorite artist’s tracks? That’s why I decided to pick out some famous ukulele songs you can learn to set you on your road to ukulele stardom.

98 Famous Ukulele Songs You Can Learn (With Video)

1

Creep

Radiohead on the ukulele? That’s right! Amanda Palmer did it first, with her poignant rendition of this 1993 classic. Stripped of its heavy guitar riffs, when played on the uke, it gains a sweeter, and perhaps sadder, cadence. With just four chords, it’s a simple little ditty to start with and a great way to learn the ukulele.

Any Idioteque can do it…

This Uke’ An Play Radiohead: Uke’ An Play Series songbook contains everything a budding uke player needs for playing those favorite Radiohead songs. Containing “Creep,” “Fake Plastic Trees,” “Karma Police,” and more. 

There’s a tune here for even the most casual fan. It has both chords and tabs, and a series of easy-to-read diagrams making it incredibly simple to follow. And what’s more, it’s a pretty reasonable price, too.

2

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Island vibes

Any list of famous ukulele songs has to contain this sound of the islands. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s iconic cover of this staple from the “Wizard of Oz” is the first track on anyone’s mind when they think of the ukulele. 

With its laidback rhythms and straightforward progression of just seven chords, it’s a fun one to play. Especially while dreaming of lying in the sun, sipping on a Mai Tai. 

The voice of Hawaii

Of course, a legendary tune like this deserves to be played on a special instrument. This Luna Great Wave Concert Ukulele fits the bill thanks to its awesome tone and stunning good looks. 

Constructed from sturdy rosewood and mahogany, it displays a copy of Hokusai’s seminal painting “The Great Wave” proudly across its bodywork. It’s the perfect way to pay tribute to the greatest Hawaiian voice of our time.

3

Build Me Up, Buttercup

The Foundation of playing…

Up next is this fun little number. This joyful, old-school track suits the ukulele. Containing 11 different chords, there’s a little bit more to remember. So, it’s a good way for ukulele beginners to challenge themselves.

Dodie released a paired-down version several years ago that brought a more melancholic tone to the song. But when it comes to ukuleles, Julia Nune’s rendition is hard to beat. It retains the poppy, bouncy rhythm of the original, and her uke adds an uplifting, wholesome quality to this classic tune.

Highly strung…

To get that happy, jangly sound, a uke needs an awesome set of strings. These D’Addario EJ87S Titanium Ukulele Strings should do the trick! Made for a soprano ukulele, they add a bright, upbeat tone to the instrument. They project the sound well, and D’Addario is a name you know you can trust.

4

Here Comes The Sun

Finger pickin’ good…

Most of the songs listed here so far are played with a strumming style. But what if you love listening to those finger-picking guitars? You’ll need to learn finger-picking on the uke, too.

This 1969 Beatles number is the ideal choice. Although it uses just seven basic chords, the playing hand needs to pick out a delicate pattern of notes. It’s more complicated than strumming but produces a fantastic sound and is a challenge for players looking to level up.

Pick me up…

Of course, playing like this is hard on the old fingertips, especially if you’re using metal strings. That’s where a set of guitar fingernails can come in handy. These National Guitar Picks (NP1-GP9) should do the job. Playing ukulele with a pick becomes a piece of cake with these useful stainless steel and plastic bad boys.

5

La Vie En Rose

French Chic…

Younger readers may be unfamiliar with Edith Piaf. However, for our list of famous ukulele songs you can learn, it deserves its place. Furthermore, thanks to Christin Milioti in “How I Met Your Mother,” a whole new generation has come to know and love this quintessential French standard. And good news! It’s a doddle to play and sounds incredible.

Lyrics filled with longing combine with the uke’s gentle tones to create a wistful song full of both regret and hope. The two complement each other beautifully, producing a completely different feeling to the more dramatic original. With a heady mix of majors and minors, this seven-chord ballad is perfect for those wanting to learn a few new finger positions.

Cut the chord…

But how do you learn all those different positions? An awesome book such as this Ukulele Chord Book is here to help. With over 300 chord variations and helpful diagrams, it’s a fabulous choice for both beginners and seasoned players. It’s a seriously handy option and won’t break the bank either.

6

Silly Girl by chloe moriondo

7

Feelings Are Fatal by mxmtoon

8

Party Favor by Billie Eilish

9

All I Want by Kodaline

10

Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish

11

Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s

12

idontwannabeyouanymore by Billie Eilish

13

Lost Boy by Ruth B

14

Can’t Help Falling In Love by Twenty One Pilots

15

Riptide by Vance Joy

16

Love Story by Taylor Swift

17

Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations

18

Adventure Time Theme by Misc Cartoons

19

This Is Home by Cavetown

20

A Million Dreams by Misc Movies

21

Stay With Me by Sam Smith

22

July (feat. Leon Bridges) by Noah Cyrus

23

Someone To Lava by Misc Cartoons

24

The Judge by Twenty One Pilots

25

No Time To Die by Billie Eilish

26

Yesterday by The Beatles

27

We Are The Crystal Gems by Rebecca Sugar

28

Cups (When I’m Gone) by Anna Kendrick

29

Let Her Go by Passenger

30

House Of Gold by Twenty One Pilots

31

Mr Loverman by Ricky Montgomery

32

Hostage by Billie Eilish

33

Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

34

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

35

You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift

36

Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood

37

Tonight You Belong To Me by Steve Martin

38

i love you by Billie Eilish

39

8 / eight by Billie Eilish

40

listen before i go by Billie Eilish

41

Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish

42

I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

43

Lovely (feat. Khalid) by Billie Eilish

44

Yellow by Coldplay

45

Happier by Ed Sheeran

46

Count On Me by Bruno Mars

47

What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

48

Bellyache by Billie Eilish

More Famous Ukulele Songs

49. Interlude: I’m Not Angry Anymore by Paramore
50. Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra
51. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United
52. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
53. Viva La Vida by Coldplay
54. Love Like You by Rebecca Sugar
55. Little Do You Know by Alex And Sierra
56. She by dodie
57. Sign Of The Times by Harry Styles
58. Just A Friend To You by Meghan Trainor
59. Heather by Conan Gray
60. UWU by Chevy
61. Boys Will Be Bugs by Cavetown
62. Over The Rainbow / Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
63. Sunflower by Sierra Burgess
64. Prom Dress by mxmtoon
65. Leaves From The Vine by Misc Cartoons
66. We Don’t Believe What’s On TV by Twenty One Pilots
67. The Story by Conan Gray
68. Take Me To Church by Hozier
69. Bubble Gum by Clairo
70. Play Date by Melanie Martinez
71. I Cant Stop Singing by Ross Lynch & Maia Mitchell
72. Hey, Soul Sister by Train
73. Shallow (and Bradley Cooper) by Lady Gaga
74. Let’s Fall In Love For The Night by FINNEAS
75. Devil Town by Cavetown
76. we fell in love in october by girl in red
77. City Of Stars by Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone
78. Mystery Of Love by Sufjan Stevens
79. The Scientist by Coldplay
80. Fireflies (Fire Flies) by Owl City
81. Wish You Were Gay by Billie Eilish
82. Lemon Boy by Cavetown
83. Remember Me Lullaby (coco) by Misc Cartoons
84. Rainbow Connection by The Muppets
85. The Moon Song by Karen O
86. Level Of Concern by Twenty One Pilots
87. You’ll Be Back by Misc Musicals
88. Imagine by John Lennon
89. When She Loved Me by Sarah McLachlan
90. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People
91. I’m In Love With An EbyGirl by Wilbur Soot
92. Edelweiss by Julie Andrews
93. I Don’t Know My Name by Grace VanderWaal
94. Watch by Billie Eilish
95. Death Of A Bachelor by Panic! At The Disco
96. Giant Woman by Steven Universe
97. Lover by Taylor Swift
98. Six Feet Under by Billie Eilish

Famous Ukulele Songs You Can Learn – Conclusion

When it comes to popular ukulele songs that you can learn, the possibilities are endless. The mighty uke is such a versatile instrument it can lend itself to so many different musical styles. It’s not hard to see why it’s fast becoming one of the most popular instruments in the world.

I’ve only covered a small selection of songs that sound awesome on a ukulele. There are plenty more out there. There’s a song to suit every musician, whether they’re just starting or are ready to perform in public.

So, happy strumming, folks.