Easy Ukulele Songs For Beginners & Kids

Hey everyone! Want to learn some easy ukulele songs, especially if you're just starting out or teaching kids? You've come to the right place! The ukulele is a fantastic instrument to pick up because it’s relatively simple to learn, super portable, and just plain fun. Let's dive into some tunes that are perfect for beginners and little ones.

Why Ukulele is Great for Beginners

Before we jump into the songs, let's quickly chat about why the ukulele is such a stellar choice for beginners, young and old alike. First off, the ukulele only has four strings, unlike the guitar which has six. This makes chord shapes simpler and less daunting for those just starting. The nylon strings are also much gentler on the fingers compared to steel strings, which is a big plus if you’re just building up calluses or teaching kids who might be a bit more sensitive.

Another reason is the size. Ukuleles are small and lightweight, making them easy to hold and carry around. Kids especially will find the ukulele much more manageable than larger instruments. Plus, the bright, cheerful sound of the ukulele is instantly appealing. It just makes you want to smile and strum along!

Finally, learning the ukulele can provide a solid foundation for other instruments. The chord shapes and strumming patterns you learn on the ukulele can easily translate to guitar and other stringed instruments. It’s a great way to introduce the basics of music theory and develop a sense of rhythm.

Top Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners and Kids

Okay, let's get to the good stuff – the songs! I’ve curated a list of tunes that are super beginner-friendly and great for kids. These songs use only a few basic chords, making them easy to learn and play.

1. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

This classic children's song is a perfect starting point. It only uses two chords: C and G7. If you're completely new to ukulele, these are often the first chords you'll learn. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is not only recognizable but also helps reinforce basic chord changes and strumming patterns.

To play this song, you’ll need to learn the C and G7 chords. The C chord is simply one finger on the third fret of the A string. For the G7, place one finger on the second fret of the C string and another finger on the first fret of the E string. Strumming can be as simple as down-down-down-down for each chord change. Focus on smooth transitions between the chords to make the song sound fluid. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

The repetition in "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" makes it an excellent exercise for building muscle memory. Kids will especially enjoy playing a song they already know and love, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to keep learning. Plus, you can add variations to the strumming pattern to make it more interesting once you've mastered the basic version. Try adding an up-strum after each down-strum or experimenting with different rhythms.

2. "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"

Another classic, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," is excellent for beginner ukulele players. It introduces a third chord, F, but don’t worry, it’s still very manageable. This song is great for teaching simple melodies and chord progressions.

The chords you'll need for "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" are C, G7, and F. You already know C and G7 from the previous song, so let's focus on the F chord. There are a couple of ways to play the F chord on the ukulele. A simple version involves placing your index finger on the first fret of the E string. A more common version, and one you'll likely use as you progress, involves barring the first fret with your index finger, covering all four strings. This might take some practice, but it’s a valuable skill to learn.

Start with a simple down-strum for each chord change. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and transitioning smoothly between C, G7, and F. Once you're comfortable with the chords, you can try singing along while you play. This helps develop coordination and timing. "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" is also a great song to play in rounds, where different people start singing at different times. This can be a fun way to practice playing together as a group.

3. "Happy Birthday"

Who doesn't love "Happy Birthday"? This song is a must-know for any musician, and it's surprisingly easy to play on the ukulele. It's perfect for teaching kids about musical timing and celebrating special occasions.

To play "Happy Birthday" on the ukulele, you'll need to know the C, G7, and F chords. These are the same chords you learned in "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," so you should already be familiar with them. The chord progression for "Happy Birthday" is slightly more complex, but still manageable for beginners. The basic structure involves alternating between C, G7, and F chords at specific points in the melody.

Practice the chord changes slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and smooth transitions. You can use a simple down-strum for each chord. As you become more comfortable, you can add variations to your strumming pattern to make the song more interesting. For example, you could try adding an up-strum after each down-strum or experimenting with different rhythms. Singing along while you play will help you keep time and stay in tune. "Happy Birthday" is a great song to have in your repertoire, as it's always in demand for birthday celebrations.

4. "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

"Mary Had a Little Lamb" is another super simple song that’s perfect for young beginners. It only uses the C and G7 chords, making it easy to learn and memorize. The repetitive nature of the song also helps reinforce basic strumming and chord changes.

The chords for "Mary Had a Little Lamb" are C and G7, the same as in "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." This makes it an easy transition for beginners who have already learned that song. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and transitioning smoothly between the C and G7 chords. You can use a simple down-strum for each chord, or experiment with different strumming patterns to add variety.

"Mary Had a Little Lamb" is an excellent song for teaching kids about melody and rhythm. The simple melody is easy to sing along to, and the repetitive structure helps children memorize the song quickly. You can also use this song to introduce the concept of dynamics, by playing certain parts louder or softer. Encourage kids to sing along and have fun while they play. This will help them develop a love for music and build their confidence as musicians.

5. "Old MacDonald Had a Farm"

"Old MacDonald Had a Farm" is a fun and interactive song that’s great for kids. It introduces a variety of animal sounds, making it engaging and entertaining. While it involves more verses, the chord progression remains simple and repetitive.

The basic chords you'll need for "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" are C, G7, and F. You should already be familiar with these chords from the previous songs. The chord progression is relatively simple, with each verse following a similar pattern. The challenge lies in remembering the different animal sounds and keeping the song engaging for your audience.

Start by learning the basic chords and strumming pattern. Then, practice singing the song and incorporating the animal sounds. You can even get creative and come up with your own animal sounds. This song is great for encouraging participation and interaction. You can ask your audience to join in with the animal sounds or even act them out. "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" is a fun and versatile song that’s sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

Tips for Teaching Ukulele to Beginners and Kids

Teaching ukulele to beginners, especially kids, requires patience, encouragement, and a fun approach. Here are some tips to make the learning process enjoyable and effective:

• Start with the Basics: Begin with the fundamentals, such as how to hold the ukulele properly, how to strum, and how to finger basic chords. Don't overwhelm them with too much information at once.
• Make it Fun: Keep the lessons engaging by incorporating games, songs, and activities that kids enjoy. Use colorful visuals and props to make learning more interactive.
• Be Patient: Learning a new instrument takes time and practice. Be patient with your students and offer plenty of encouragement. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge their progress.
• Keep it Short: Young children have short attention spans, so keep the lessons brief and focused. Break up the lessons into smaller segments with breaks in between.
• Choose Age-Appropriate Songs: Select songs that are familiar and enjoyable for kids. Simple tunes with repetitive lyrics and easy chord progressions are ideal.
• Encourage Creativity: Encourage kids to experiment with different strumming patterns, melodies, and improvisations. This helps them develop their musical creativity and express themselves through music.
• Practice Regularly: Encourage students to practice regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Consistent practice is key to improving their skills and building confidence.

Resources for Learning Ukulele

There are tons of resources available online and in print to help you learn ukulele. Here are a few to get you started:

• YouTube: YouTube is a treasure trove of ukulele tutorials. Channels like Ukulele Underground and The Ukulele Teacher offer free lessons, song tutorials, and tips for beginners.
• Ukulele Tabs: Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com and Ukulele Tabs offer a vast collection of ukulele tabs and chords for popular songs.
• Ukulele Books: There are many excellent ukulele books available for beginners. Look for books that include chord diagrams, strumming patterns, and easy-to-follow instructions.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare offer online ukulele courses for all skill levels. These courses often include video lessons, practice exercises, and personalized feedback.
• Local Music Stores: Your local music store is a great place to find ukulele lessons, books, and accessories. The staff can also offer advice and guidance on choosing the right ukulele for your needs.

Final Thoughts

Learning the ukulele is a rewarding experience that can bring joy and creativity into your life. Whether you’re a beginner or teaching kids, these easy ukulele songs are a great starting point. Remember to be patient, have fun, and celebrate your progress along the way. Happy strumming, everyone!