Starting to learn the ukulele? Whilst this is a fun and enjoyable instrument to learn, trying out songs for the first time can be difficult – especially if you’re just getting to terms with chords and strumming techniques. Of course, ukulele lessons can help your skills, but what about practicing at home? For this reason, Modern Music Learning outline three easy ukulele songs for interested beginners to learn here:
1. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Kamakawiwo’ole’s cover of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is a fan-favourite in the ukulele world, because it has a gentle strumming pattern throughout, and the uplifting lyrics within the song grant beginners the confidence and bravery they need to develop their ukulele skills! Kamakawiwo’ole’s masterful combining of different genres such as reggae, jazz and traditional Hawaiian music also provide beginners with the opportunity to better their understanding of melody, rhythm and song structure.
This is a perfect song to learn, all round!
2. “Riptide” by Vance Joy
In 2013, Vance Joy took the musical world by storm by releasing “Riptide”! It topped global charts, although that’s not the most important factor in our choice to include “Riptide” on this list. This song offers beginners a chance to offer their chord transitions without forgetting about their strumming patterns – which are natural and consistent throughout. The upbeat rhythm of “Riptide” interestingly conflicts with the ambiguous and vulnerable nature of the song’s lyrics, too. This ambiguity keeps a beginner’s attention, even when the practice sessions may become long and repetitive!
Assuredly, you’ll never get bored of practicing this uniquely meaningful song.
3. “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King
We’ve probably all watched The Lion King once or twice – or even more! – in our lives. This joyful, rhythmic song is likely to be the most memorable part for all watchers; “Hakuna Matata” has a catchiness and a rhythm to it that sticks in your head, and consequently makes it quite easy for beginners to master on the ukulele.
“Hakuna Matata” means “no worries” in Swahili, and this is certainly how you should approach the learning of this song! Regarding the song’s musical composition, the melody is easy to follow and replicate with the chords of your ukulele. The chords used are also common, and include F, C, G, D and A minor.
You can take your time practicing them, as the introduction to “Hakuna Matata” is slow-paced.
For all of the songs mentioned above, practice really does make perfect. Be patient, practice your chords as many times as you need to, and even slow down the song if you must. Assuredly, every instrument can be mastered with time!
Booking onto ukulele lessons is the quickest way to improve your skills and master the songs listed above. If you want to improve your musical talent, do so with the help of an expert at Modern Music Learning! We’re passionate about music, and about uplifting people of all ages so that they become more confident in their ukulele playing.
Contact us to book our ukulele lessons, today.
