Pop Songs Lessons
Tonight You Belong To Me
Learn this old tune re done by Eddie Vedder. Great ukulele song!
Song Difficulty: 5
Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield
In this lesson we will be learning Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield.
Song Difficulty: 2
All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor
In this lesson, I will show you how to play All About That Bass on the uke, which is an instrument that Meghan Trainor herself plays a lot. Its fairly simple and I include some of the melody for those wishing to get a bit more involved.
Song Difficulty: 4
1 2 3 4 - Feist
In this lesson, I will show you how to play Feist's song 1 2 3 4. Originally on the banjo, it works nicely on the uke.
Song Difficulty: 5
Title - Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor's debut album is called 'Title' and the title track is also 'Title' and it happens to be played on the uke when she does acoustic performances. So, here it is! Please note that this version is in a lower key than the one on her album. This is the live acoustic version.
Song Difficulty: 5
House Of Gold by Twenty One Pilots
This tune uses basic open chords. The trick here is the fast strumming pattern.
Song Difficulty: 4
Blame It On Me by George Ezra
This is a great tune by British artist George Ezra. Pretty simple tune for the uke.
Song Difficulty: 3
Superheroes by The Script
In this lesson we will be learning Superheroes by the Script
Song Difficulty: 3
Riptide by Vance Joy
In this lesson we will learn Riptide by Vance Joy. A pretty simple open chord song that translates well to uke.
Song Difficulty: 2
What I Got by Sublime
In this lesson we will learn a simple 2 chord song that uses a finger picking technique.
Song Difficulty: 2
Rehab - Amy Winehouse
This is the hit song by Amy Winehouse all about Rehab.
Song Difficulty: 2
I'm Not The Only One by Sam Smith
A great tune from British artist Sam Smith.
Song Difficulty: 2
River by Joni Mitchell
In this lesson we will be learning River by Joni Mitchell
Song Difficulty: 3
Ukulele Lady
In this lesson we will be learning Ukulele Lady. This tune is a classic that has been performed by many artists such as Bette Mitler and Arlo Guthrie
Song Difficulty: 5
Blank Spaces by Taylor Swift
In this lesson we will be learning Blank Spaces by Taylor Swift.
Song Difficulty: 3
Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's
In this lesson we will be learning Hey There Delilah. We will be applying a finger style technique for this lessons
Song Difficulty: 4
Stay With Me by Sam Smith
In this lesson we will be learning Stay With Me by Sam Smith.
Song Difficulty: 3
Parachutes by Ingrid Michaelson
Easy uke tune. Just 4 chords and a strumming pattern.
Song Difficulty: 3
Stand By Me by Ben E. King
Easy 4 chord tune with the added recognizable bass line adapted for uke.
Song Difficulty: 3
Count On Me - Bruno Mars
Here's a pretty song by Bruno Mars that goes well on the uke, Count On Me.
Song Difficulty: 3
Angel by Jack Johnson
In this lesson, learn the song Angel by Jack Johnson.
Song Difficulty: 2
Stitches by Shawn Mendes
In this lesson we will learn Stitches by Shawn Mendes. The song is in Db and uses 4 chords. Mostly barre chords.
Song Difficulty: 4
Love Song - Sara Barielles
In this lesson, I'll you how to play the uke version of the love song that Sara did not want to write for her record company.... There are quite a few chords in this one. And they switch pretty quickly in the verse. You might find this a bit more challenging to make the chord changes.
Song Difficulty: 5
Happy - Pharrell Williams
In this lesson I'll show you how to play the uke version of Happy, by Pharrell Williams. It has some cool chords and a riff with some more advanced strumming rythms.
Song Difficulty: 6
Best Day of My Life - American Authors
In this lesson you will learn the two chords and several banjo riffs for the American Authors song "Best Day of My Life." The ukulele does a fine job of imitating the banjo used in the original recording and is a fun song to play.
Song Difficulty: 5
Shut Up And Dance With Me by Walk The Moon
Learn this straight ahead pop tune by Walk The Moon. To be in tune with the original recording you will need to use a capo on the 1st fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
Summertime by Ira Gershwin
In this lesson, we will head into the jazz territory with a great Gershwin song from show Porgy and Bess (1934). This song features more complex chords and patterns and is a great introduction to jazz on the uke.
Song Difficulty: 7
When Im Cleaning Windows by George Formby
In this lesson we will be learning When Im Cleaning Windows by George Formby
Song Difficulty: 4
Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People
In this lesson, I'll show you the four chords needed to play Pumped Up Kicks. This is a simple lesson that should have you playing this song in no time. Enjoy!
Song Difficulty: 3
Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson
In this lesson we will be learning Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson.
Song Difficulty: 4
Soul Sister by Train
In this lesson we will be learning Soul Sister by Train. Please note that this tune requires an alternate tuning that will be demonstrated in the lesson.
Song Difficulty: 2
Fire and Rain by James Taylor
In this song study lesson we will be covering James Taylor's Fire and Rain. Great tune with some sing note picking melody lines in the intro.
Song Difficulty: 4
Rude by Magic!
In this lesson we will be learning Rude by the Canadian band Magic! The song uses barre chords and has a reggae feel.
Song Difficulty: 3
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
In this lesson we will learn the classic version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow as arranged by "Iz".
Song Difficulty: 4
What A Wonderful World
In this lesson we will be learning What A Wonderful World, the classic Louie Armstrong tune. The lesson covers the arrangement made popular by "Iz".
Song Difficulty: 3
I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab For Cutie
In this lesson we will be applying our Major and Minor Barre Chords in this tune by Death Cab For Cutie.
Song Difficulty: 3
You and I by Ingrid Michaelson
In this lesson we will learn You and I by Ingrid Michaelson. This song makes use of some new chords such as a new dom7 shape, sus4, and diminished chords.
Song Difficulty: 4
Island In the Sun by Weezer
In this lesson we will be learning Island in The Sun by Weezer. The song uses mostly open chords and follows a simple arrangement.
Song Difficulty: 2
Im Yours by Jason Mraz
In this lesson we will be learning Im Yours by Jason Mraz in the key of C. The song requires the chords C, F, G, Am, and D.
Song Difficulty: 2
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
In this lesson we will be learning Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. This song makes use of a new chord called a diminished chord.
Song Difficulty: 3
The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars
In this lesson we will learn the Bruno Mars song The Lazy Song. The song makes use of several major and minor chord shapes we have recently learned as well as a Dom7 chord.
Song Difficulty: 3
Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
This is a song study lesson of Can't Help Falling in Love. We will be using many barre chords and Dom7 chords.
Song Difficulty: 3
Dr. What - Charliesocoollike
In this lesson, I will show you how to play the "Dr. What" song by the youtuber Charliesocoollike. This song uses some barre chords but is fairly easy to play.
Song Difficulty: 3
Missing - EBTG
This lesson is on the song Missing, by Everything But the Girl from the 90's. Its a very simple set of changes that have a couple variations in each section.
All Of Me by John Legend
This lesson requires the knowledge of movable major and minor chords.
Song Difficulty: 4
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
In this lesson we will learn Shake It Off by Taylor Swift. Easy 3 chord tune for beginners
Song Difficulty: 1
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Learn how to play Thinking Out Load by Ed Sheeran. This lesson requires knowing movable major and minor chord shapes.
Song Difficulty: 4
Your Song by Elton John / Ellie Goulding
In this lesson we will be learning Your Song by Elton John. This lesson also applies to the Ellie Goulding version. Both versions are in the same key and we have taught the lesson in the original key of the song.
Song Difficulty: 3
Oh Cecilia by Paul Simon and the Vamps
This is an easy 3 chord tune by Paul Simon. We have taught the lesson based off of the Vamps version.
Song Difficulty: 3
Pompeii by Bastille
In this lesson we will learn Pompeii by british artist Bastille.
Song Difficulty: 3
Somebody That I Used to Know - Gotye
The Gotye song, 'Somebody I Used to Know', was a huge international hit. Its a great song for the uke and this lesson will walk you through the chords and some of the single note lines from the record.
Song Difficulty: 4
Lucky - Mraz Caillat
In this lesson, I'll show you the duet between Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat called 'Lucky'.
Song Difficulty: 3
Like A Star - C Bailey Rae
Here is the Corinne Bailey Rae hit, Like A Star that goes well on the uke.
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
Here's a song from Ingrid Michaelson who plays a lot of ukulele but this song does not have a uke in the original recording. Anyhow, its a great tune to play on the uke.
Song Difficulty: 3
Black Horse and a Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
Here's the hit song from KT Tunstall - Black Horse and a Cherry Tree made famous by her performance on Jools.
Song Difficulty: 3
I Don't Know My Name by Grace Vanderwaal
In this lesson we will be learning I Don't Know My Name by Grace Vanderwaal from America's Got Talent. The song is simple from a chord standpoint being in the key of C. Chords used are C, G, Am, F. There are 2 distinct strumming patterns and a free time breakdown.
Song Difficulty: 3
Purple Rain by Prince
Learn Purple Rain by Prince. The tune has just 2 sections that repeat throughout. It makes use of some major chord extensions with the 9th interval
Song Difficulty: 5
Shallow from A Star Is Born
In this lesson we are going to learn the song Shallow as performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the movie A Star Is Born. The song uses a fingerstyle method throughout. The fingerstyle part is pretty crucial in the verse. Later in the song a strumming pattern can be applied. We will cover both a fingerstyle and strumming way of approaching the song.
Song Difficulty: 4
Just A Girl by No Doubt
In this lesson we will be learning No Doubt's Just A Girl. The song is in the key of D and we will be examining the main riff and the chord progressions.
Song Difficulty: 5
Wouldn't It Be Nice by The Beach Boys
In this lesson we will be learning the classic Beach Boys classic Wouldn't It Be Nice. We will be covering all parts including the melodic intro which is finger picked. There are 10 chords used in this song but nothing too crazy.
Song Difficulty: 5
High Hopes by Panic at the Disco
High Hopes is a pretty simple tune for ukulele. The song consists of just 2 parts and a simple strumming pattern throughout. The chords used are Bb, F, Dm, C, Am, A7, and Bm.
Song Difficulty: 3
I Will Buy You A New Life by Everclear
This hard rockin' pop tune works pretty good on ukulele. Its in the key of G. The chords used are G or G5, C, Em, B, and C7
Song Difficulty: 3
Valerie by Amy Winehouse
In this lesson Ashley will teach you the song Valerie by Amy Winehouse. The song is in Eb and involves some interesting min and maj 7th chords. The strumming pattern will also be covered
Song Difficulty: 4
Remembering Sunday by All Time Low
In this lesson we will be learning Remembering Sunday by All Time Low. The song offers the opportunity to learn some new ways to play some chords higher up on the neck. The strumming pattern is the same throughout the song except for the B section or Pre Chorus that plays straight 8th notes.
Song Difficulty: 5
Leaving On a Jet Plane by Peter Paul and Mary
In this lesson we will be learning Leaving on A Jet Plane. Some new chords you may have not run across yet. Chords are Amaj7, D6, F#m, Bm, C#m, A, D, and E.
Song Difficulty: 5
Halo by Beyonce
Halo by Beyonce is a relatively simple tune to play on ukulele because of the easy 4 chord arrangement throughout. The entire consists of just 1 bar of each of the 4 chords A, Bm, F#m and D.
Song Difficulty: 2
Budapest by George Ezra
In this lesson we will be studying George Ezra’s Budapest. The chords used are simple open chords G, C, and D. The challenge here is getting the groove right!
Song Difficulty: 4
Cake by Melanie Martinez
Cake by Melanie Martinez is played in Fm. We need to know an Fm, C, Ab, and Db. To avoid the barre chords you could move it down a half step and start on Em. But the original recording is definitely Fm.
Song Difficulty: 4
Girls Like You by Maroon Five
For this tune we need to know C, G, Am, and F. The entire song follows this chord arrangement. The challenging part of this tune is playing the melodic guitar line on ukulele.
Song Difficulty: 5
You Were Meant For Me by Jewel
In this lesson we will be learning a ukulele version of Jewel's "You Were Meant For Me". The song is in the key of G and uses C, Cadd9, G/B, D, Amin7, Bm, G, and Em.
Song Difficulty: 4
Emmylou by First Aid Kit
In this lesson we will be learning the song EmmyLou by First Aid Kit in the original key of F#. Chords used are F#, A#m, D#m, C and B.
Song Difficulty: 3
Old Town Road by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
In this lesson we are going to tune our ukulele down a half step so that we can play open chords and be in the original key of the recording. The song is simple only using 4 chords throughout. The strumming pattern is just half notes but leaves a lot of room for your own interpretation.
Song Difficulty: 2
I'm A Believer by The Monkees
In this lesson we will be learning I'm A Believer by The Monkees. It consists of 3 or 4 chords in the key of G. We will be using some different voicings for these chords to mimic some of the melodic structure in the song. Fun tune to learn!
Song Difficulty: 4
Star Wars Theme Song
In this lesson we will be learning the theme song to Star Wars. This is a relatively simple, 2 part melody.
Song Difficulty: 3
Don't Know Why by Nora Jones
In this lesson we will be learning Don't Know Why by Nora Jones. The song is filled with all kinds of interesting chords from Maj7's to Augmented. It consists of basically two parts and a combination of strumming and fingerstyle. Beautiful and challenging chord progression.
Song Difficulty: 5
Heaven by Los Lonely Boys
In this lesson we will be learning Heaven by Los Lonely Boys. We will be covering the melodic intro in detail and the chord structure to the entire song. The song consists mostly of two chords, Am and G. Keep in mind, to be in tune with the original recording you need to tune down a half step.
Song Difficulty: 5
Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
In this lesson on Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles we will be focusing on the challenging rhythm aspect. While the song is comprised of the same four chord harmonic structure throughout, it is the rhythm that drives the tune. The four chords used are Dm7, Am, C, and G.
Song Difficulty: 3
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
In this lesson we will be learning Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. The song, played on acoustic guitar, is mad up of 2 parts. The majority of the song is played fingerstyle using mostly open chords. The bridge consists of open chords with a simple strumming pattern
Song Difficulty: 5
Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
In this lesson we will be learning Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper. The most challenging part is the melodic chordal intro theme. Other than the intro, it is mainly open chord strumming. Remember to tune down a half step to be in tune with the original recording.
Song Difficulty: 5
Sunflower by Post Malone
In this lesson we will be learning Sunflower by Post Malone. This is a pretty simple song consisting of just 3 chords with a simple strumming pattern. The chords are D, G, and Em.
Song Difficulty: 2
Shotgun by George Ezra
Shotgun by George Ezra is a super simple song requiring just 4 chords that are played in the same progression throughout the entire tune. Chords required are F, Bb, Dm, and C.
Song Difficulty: 2
Memories by Maroon 5
In this lesson we will be learning Memories by Maroon 5. From an arrangement standpoint it is a simple progression and strumming pattern that repeats throughout the entire song. However the song is in the key of B so we have to use mostly barre chords. Chords needed are B, F#, G#m, D#m, and E.
Song Difficulty: 3
Rainbow Connection by Kermit The Frog
In this lesson we will be learning Rainbow Connection from the Muppets Movie. The song is played in the key of A with a key change up a half step to Ab for the 3rd verse and chorus. There are a lot of chords in this song, but the strum pattern is super simple.
Song Difficulty: 5
Dance Monkey by Tones and I
In this lesson we will be learning Dance Monkey by Tones and I. The song consists of 4 chords. The chords are F#m, E , D, and C#m. The chords are played in the same progression throughout the entire tune. Since there are no noticeable ukulele or guitar parts on the recording we have a lot of latitude to interpret the song on ukulele.
Song Difficulty: 3
Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow
In this lesson we will be studying Sheryl Crow's Strong Enough. The song involves part fingerstyle and part strumming. It is written in 3/4 time signature and uses the following chords, D, G, Bm, A, Em, and C
Song Difficulty: 4
Just a Friend To You by Meghan Trainor
In this lesson we are going to learn this ukulele song by Meghan Trainor called Just a Friend To You. The song is pretty straight ahead with basic chords in the key of C. We will be learning a new version of an Am chord.
Song Difficulty: 3
Love Me Tender - Chord Melody Version
In this lesson we will be learning a chord melody version of Love Me Tender by Elvis.
Song Difficulty: 4
Hallelujah Chord Melody Version Part 2
In this lesson we will be learning a chord melody version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. Part 2
Song Difficulty: 4
Lips Are Moving by Meghan Trainor
In this lesson we will learn the ukulele version of Lips Are Moving by Meghan Trainor. The song uses 3 chords throughout the entire tune. G, Am, C. The strumming pattern is the challenging part with its use of dead notes.
Song Difficulty: 3
We Dont Believe Whats on TV by Twenty One Pilots
Lot of chords and a more difficult strumming pattern in this one. Other than that a pretty straight ahead tune.
Song Difficulty: 4
Sign Of The Times by Harry Styles
In this lesson we will learn this Harry Styles tune using just 4 chords.
Song Difficulty: 2
Cold Cold Cold by Cage The Elephant
This song requires knowing Gm, F, Bb barre chord, and D. We will cover the chords for all the parts plus the strumming pattern.
Song Difficulty: 3
Hallelujah - Chord Melody Version Part 1
In this lesson we will be learning a chord melody version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.
Song Difficulty: 4
Yesterday by The Beatles (Chord Melody Style)
In this lesson we will be learning Yesterday in chord melody style. Chord melody style is accomplished when both the melody and chords are played at the same time.
Song Difficulty: 6
Fast Car by Tracey Chapman
In this lesson learn Fast car with its ghostly introduction riff
Song Difficulty: 4
Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
Learn Lover Yourself by Justin Bieber. Good lesson for beginners. We have transcribed this from Eb to key of C so that you can use common beginner chords.
Song Difficulty: 2
Son Of A Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield
In this lesson we will learn this classic Dusty Springfield song with a very recognizable intro riff.
Song Difficulty: 4
Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding
Dock of the Bay requires knowing several chords including G, B,B7 C, A, E, D, and F. The challenging part about this tune is the strumming pattern and getting the pushed timing of the rhythm.
Song Difficulty: 3
Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran
Learn this easy Ed Sheeran tune using just 4 chords
Song Difficulty: 3
Malibu by Miley Cyrus
In this lesson we will learn Malibu by Miley Cyrus. We will be using a fingerstyle method for much of the song. We have transposed this for ukulele from a live acoustic version of the song. To play the song in the original key it will require a capo at the first fret and knowing G, Em, Bm, Am and C.
Song Difficulty: 4
Feel It Still by Portugal The Man
Feel It Still requires knowing some barre chords. In the intro and versus we play a simulated bass line single note pattern. The strumming pattern is relatively simple
Song Difficulty: 3
Somewhere Only We Know by Keane
This tune is straight ahead from a strumming standpoint. All down strokes in eighth not pattern. Since the original recording is mainly piano, its a little tricky transposing to ukulele. To accomplish this we will be using some sus chords and different barre chords.
Song Difficulty: 5
Perfect by Ed Sheeran
In this lesson we will be learning a ukulele version of Perfect by Ed Sheeran. The original recording is done in G# so I have chosen to use a capo to make it easier and use less barre chords. If you do not have a capo you could simply play it in G. Chords used are G, Em, C, D, Dsus4. Most of the song is strummed until you get to the instrumental transition. This part incorporates some intricate arpeggio finger picking.
Song Difficulty: 4
Sound Of Silence (Anna Kendrick)
In this lesson we will be studying the Anna Kendrick version of Sound Of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel. The version is virtually the same but is in a different key. This version uses a fingerstyle technique and some challenging chord fingerings.
Song Difficulty: 5
How He Loves by David Crowder
In this lesson we will be learning How He Loves by David Crowder. Just 4 chords in this tune. C, Am, G, and F. The song is 6/8 time and we will be covering the strumming pattern as well. Great tune for beginners!
Song Difficulty: 2
Madness by Muse
In this lesson we are going to cover a uke version of the Muse song Madness, a recording made up of heavy synth and bass. The trickiest part of this tune is the rhythmic element. The chords used are Bb, Eb, Gm, Fsus4add9, and Fadd9.
Song Difficulty: 4
Better Together by Jack Johnson
The intro to this could be a little challenging with its syncopated rhythm. Once you get past that the song is relatively easy.
Song Difficulty: 3
Twist and Shout by The Beatles
Simple 3 chord song. The song is in the key of D and uses the chords D, G, and A. Ashley will be using some different barre chord forms rather than the typical open chords you might be used to.
Song Difficulty: 3
Happier by Ed Sheeran
Just 3 chords needed for this one! Am, F, and C, all beginner chords. I will be showing you 2 ways to play this song. One way that best emulates the original guitar part and one way for beginners to strum along.
Song Difficulty: 4
Say You Wont Let Go by James Arthur
In this lesson we will adapt the song to ukulele by playing the 4 chords in a strumming pattern. You will need to know and be able to play some barre chords to play it in the same key as the original recording. The chords used are Bb, F, Gm, and D#/Eb.
Song Difficulty: 4
24 Frames by Jason Isbell
24 Frames is a simple song with a simple chord structure. Easy to play on ukulele in the key of G.
Song Difficulty: 2
Cups by Anna Kendrick (from Pitch Perfect)
Learn this easy 4 chord tune from the movie Pitch Perfect. It requires knowing just a few easy beginner chords. C, F, G, and Am
Song Difficulty: 2
Kokomo by The Beach Boys
Kokomo is written in the key of C and uses 8 chords. Most of the chords are open chords. The verse makes use of a falling chromatic line within the chords chosen that creates this "beachy" mood. Very genius arrangement!
Song Difficulty: 4
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by Carol King
In this lesson we will learn this classic tune by Carol King as performed by the Shirelles in the 50's hit.
Song Difficulty: 3
You Are My Sunshine
In this lesson we will learn how to play the traditional song You Are My Sunshine. This is a simple song using the chords C, F, and G
Song Difficulty: 1
La Bamba
In this lesson we will be learning La Bamba by Ritchie Valens. This song uses the chords C, F, and G. While the chords used in the song are simple, the strumming pattern can be a bit challenging. You can always simplify the strumming pattern by just playing simple quarter note down strums.
Song Difficulty: 2
Breakdown by Jack Johnson
In this lesson learn Breakdown by Jack Johnson
Song Difficulty: 3