If you’re looking for an easy yet rewarding way to make music, then why not pick up a ukulele and start strumming away? Ukuleles are affordable instruments that offer the player lots of opportunities for creativity. For those who prefer country tunes, you can find plenty of simple but catchy songs written specifically for small-bodied stringed instruments like the ukulele. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced musician wanting to add some country twang to your sound, these easy country Ukulele songs will give you plenty of ideas and inspiration!
Easy Country Ukulele Songs
Taylor Swift » All Of The Girls You Loved Before
This is a great song for any beginner ukulele player. It’s got simple chords, an easy strumming pattern, and the chorus is catchy. The lyrics are also inspiring and can help you through tough times.
Maren Morris » I Can’t Love You Anymore
Maren Morris’s I Can’t Love You Anymore is a soulful country ballad that’s perfect for the ukulele. Its simple chords make it easy to learn and play, even for beginners. The song starts off with an E minor chord followed by C major and G major before transitioning to A major, D minor, and B7. This song captures the heartache of letting go of someone you love, making it a great choice if you’re looking for an emotionally charged ukulele song.
Zach Bryan » Heading South
Zach Bryan’s Heading South is an upbeat country-pop hit that will make you want to get up and dance. This song consists of four chords: A major, D minor, G major, and E minor. It’s a great beginner song because it has just a few basic chords and the strumming pattern isn’t too complicated—perfect for those who are just starting out with the ukulele! With its catchy melodies and peppy energy, this one is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. [1]
James and the Shame » Sorry
This song is a great one for anyone just starting out on the ukulele. It’s relatively easy to learn and provides quick satisfaction as you progress through it. The strumming pattern is simple, with two down strokes on each chord, except the D7, which requires three down strokes. The chords themselves are fairly easy: C, F, G, and D7. The lyrics of “Sorry” make it an even more enjoyable choice for beginners. You can sing along while playing this tune about lost love and unspoken apologies that may never be said again. With its catchy melody and bittersweet story, this song will stay in your memory long after you’ve finished your first successful performance!
Morgan Wallen » One Thing At A Time
This one is perfect for the beginner looking to get comfortable with their ukulele. The chords are simple: G, Cadd9, D and Em7. Once you have these mastered, you’ll be ready to move onto the strumming pattern which is four down-strums on each chord throughout the entire song. The melody is slow and easy to follow making it an ideal choice for those just starting out. The lyrics are a sweet reminder that sometimes taking things one step at a time can help make difficult situations easier to manage. This upbeat tune will add a little joy to your practice sessions and performances!
Flatland Cavalry » Sleeping Alone
Flatland Cavalry’s “Sleeping Alone” is a great song for ukulele players of all levels. The chords are easy to play and the melody is catchy, making it perfect for those just starting out on their ukuleles. Once you have the basic chords down, try adding in some strums and picking patterns to spice up your playing. You can also experiment with different keys or capo positions to make the song sound even better. No matter how you choose to play this song, it will always be a crowd-pleaser!
Taylor Swift » Christmases When You Were Mine
Taylor Swift’s “Christmases When You Were Mine” is an excellent choice for ukulele players. The chords are easy to play and the song has a slow, melodic tempo that makes it perfect for beginners. The key of A major allows for some interesting chord substitutions if you want to get more creative with your version. Be sure to listen to the original version of this song to get a feel for how Taylor plays it before attempting your own rendition. With a little practice, you can master this classic in no time! [2]
Charley Crockett » Paint It Blue
Charley Crockett’s “Paint It Blue” is a fan favorite ukulele song that many country music lovers enjoy. The catchy tune and simple chords make it the perfect song for all levels of playing, from beginner to advanced. With its upbeat tempo and lighthearted lyrics, this song will have your feet tapping along in no time! To play “Paint It Blue” on the ukulele, you will need to use the following chords: D minor, G major, C major, and A minor. Once you have mastered those chords, you can start strumming along with the melody of this cheerful tune!
Nick Shoulders » Snakes and Waterfalls
Nick Shoulders’ “Snakes and Waterfalls” is an intermediate level ukulele song that many country music fans have come to love. The intricate chords and complex melody make it the perfect challenge for those looking to take their playing to the next level. Despite its difficulty, this song still remains a crowd favorite due to its delightful lyrics and catchy chorus. To play “Snakes and Waterfalls” on the ukulele, you will need to use the following chords: C major, A minor, D minor, E major, G major, B minor and F sharp minor 7th.
Kacey Musgraves » Present Without a Bow
If you want to learn one of the easiest country ukulele songs, then Present Without a Bow by Kacey Musgraves is your go-to. This song has a simple 4/4 beat that uses only four chords (G, Cadd9, D and Dsus2). Each chord is played either once or twice on each measure. Additionally, there are a few variations that can be used if desired. The lyrics are also easy to follow and don’t require much more than singing along with the melody. With its cheerful sound and catchy chorus, this song is sure to bring plenty of smiles your way as you strum away on your ukulele!
Zach Bryan » The Good I’ll Do
The Good I’ll Do by Zach Bryan is another simple country ukulele song. This tune has a unique and upbeat feel that’s perfect for strumming away on your uke. The structure of this track uses five chords (G, Cadd9, D, Dsus2, and E7) in 4/4 time. The lyrics are easy to follow as well which makes it great for both seasoned players and beginners alike. With its toe-tapping rhythm and cheerful chorus, this song will have you playing along in no time!
John Denver » Back Home Again
This classic country song was written and performed by the late folk-country singer, John Denver. The lyrics of this song depict a longing for home and reflect the sentiment that ‘there’s no place like home’. Despite being an older song, it is still popular today and its easy chords make it ideal to learn on the ukulele. This song is in the key of G major and includes four basic chords: G, C, D, Em which are all relatively simple to master on the ukulele. With just these few chords you can recreate this iconic tune and create a unique rendition with your own style. [3]
Jackson Dean » Don’t Come Lookin’
This classic country song, written and performed by Jackson Dean, is a great choice for those looking to start learning the ukulele. The chords are easy to master, with just four simple chords: G, D, C and Em. Additionally, the strumming pattern of this song is fairly straightforward so you can quickly pick it up after just a few tries. With its lighthearted lyrics about not coming around if you’re only looking for trouble and fast country-style beat make it an enjoyable song to listen to as well as play.
Florida Georgia Line » Blessings
A great way to play this song on the ukulele is by using a combination of strumming and fingerpicking. Start with a light downstroke, then move to alternating upstrokes and downstrokes for the verse sections. For the chorus, you can use either an upstroke or downstroke depending on your preference. Fingerpicking can also be used in parts of the song as well, with each chord being played twice per measure. The chords used are G Major, C Major, D Major, and E Minor so make sure to practice switching between them before playing along with the track! One thing that makes this song perfect for beginners is that it’s relatively easy to learn due to its repetitive nature.
Tommy Karlas » Lessons
This is a great song for the beginner ukulele player. It contains simple chords such as G Major, C Major, A Minor and D Major that are easy to learn and play. This makes it ideal for learning how to switch between chords quickly. Additionally, strumming patterns are fairly straightforward so you can focus on playing the correct chords instead of worrying about complicated strumming patterns. The key to playing this song well is getting the rhythm down; practice along with the track until you have mastered it!
Toby Keith » As Good as I Once Was
This catchy tune from Toby Keith has been around since 2005 and is the perfect song to play on your ukulele. The lyrics tell the story of a man who struggles with his past, yet can still remember when he was “as good as I once was”. Despite its sad sentiments, this song is upbeat and fun to play. It involves some tricky chord sequences so it may be best for more experienced ukulele players, but it’s worth a try! With just four verses and three chords throughout, you won’t have much trouble mastering this classic country hit in no time.
Bobby Helms » Jingle Bell Rock
This classic Christmas song is a great way to get into the holiday spirit with your ukulele. Written in 1958 by Joseph Beal and James Boothe, Jingle Bell Rock has been featured in numerous movies and television specials over the years. This upbeat number only requires two chords – F major and G7 – to play, making it ideal for beginner ukulele players that want to get their feet wet. Plus, it’s always fun to show off some of your musical skills during the holidays! [4]
Zach Bryan » Sweet DeAnn
The sweet notes of Zach Bryan’s song “Sweet DeAnn” are sure to make you swoon! This easy-to-play country ukulele song is perfect for beginners, featuring a moderate tempo and simple chord progressions. With its infectious chorus and enjoyable melody, this tune is sure to be a hit at any gathering. To play it on the ukulele, start by strumming the D major chord twice before transitioning to the Cadd9 and G chords. The chorus features more complex chords like Fsus2 and Bm7/E. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some fingerpicking into your version of this classic country ukulele song!
Zach Bryan » Moon in Oklahoma
Moon in Oklahoma is another great country song to add to your ukulele repertoire. This upbeat number features a steady rhythm and some catchy lyrics that are sure to get stuck in your head. Beginners will love the simple chords like D, G, Cadd9 and Em7/B, while more advanced players might opt for strumming patterns and intricate fingerpicking techniques. With its cheerful tune and lighthearted message, “Moon in Oklahoma” is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Zach Bryan » Man That’s Never Known You
This is a song off of Zach Bryan’s album “The Highways and The Heartaches” that has had its roots in country music since it was released. Considered one of the best country ukulele songs, this track gives you the right amount of twang with its distorted sound and catchy melody. It’s easy to play but still sounds complex and impressive, making it perfect for any level of player.
Zach Bryan » Don’t Give up on Me
This is another favorite off of Zach Bryan’s album that has become a popular ukulele song among country fans. This tune features intricate fingerstyle picking and emotional strumming, making it an essential for any country ukulele enthusiast. With its upbeat tempo and easy-to-learn chords, this is the perfect song to learn if you want to show off your skills at a party or family gathering.
Noah Gundersen » Trouble Found MeNoah
Gundersen’s music often brings an element of folk and Americana into the mix, but this track from his album “White Noise” leans more into traditional country territory. The slow pace of the song makes it ideal for beginners who are looking to learn some simple ukulele chords, while also allowing more experienced players the freedom to add their own flair and techniques. The sorrowful lyrics will strike a chord with any listener as well. [5]
Kacey Musgraves » Slow Burn The Grammy
Award-winning artist Kacey Musgraves has made quite an impact on the country music scene in recent years, and this track from her critically acclaimed album Golden Hour is no exception. With its wistful melody and bright strumming, it’s an easy song for any level of player to learn quickly. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your skills when you want to impress friends or family at get-togethers. [6]
FAQ
What country songs can I play on the ukulele?
There are many popular country songs that can be adapted for the ukulele. Some of the most popular include “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash, “I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash, “On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson, and “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle.
What tuning is best for playing country songs on the ukulele?
The most common tuning for playing country music on a ukulele is GCEA (G-C-E-A), also known as reentrant tuning. This means that the strings are tuned so that the fourth string (the G string) is higher in pitch than the C string. This tuning is best for playing chords and melodies that are typical of country music.
Are there any techniques I should use when playing country songs on the ukulele?
Yes! There are several techniques you can employ to make your ukulele-playing sound more country. One is to use a ‘clawhammer’ style of strumming, where you strike each chord with your thumb and index finger. You can also try adding slides, bends, hammer-ons, and pull-offs to give your playing a more authentic feel. Finally, it’s a good idea to practice switching between different chords quickly and smoothly – this is an essential skill for playing many popular country songs on the ukulele!
Do I need to use a capo when playing country songs on the ukulele?
No, you do not need to use a capo when playing country songs on the ukulele. However, using a capo can help you play certain chords or melodies that may be too difficult without one. For example, if you’re trying to play a song with an F chord and it’s too hard for you, putting your capo at the second fret will make it much easier.
What are some good resources for learning country songs on the ukulele?
There are many great resources available for learning how to play country songs on the ukulele. Some of the most popular include Ukulele Underground, JustinGuitar, and UU-Tabs. Additionally, there are many online lesson sites that offer instruction on how to play country songs on the ukulele such as Udemy and Skillshare. Finally, YouTube is a great resource for finding lessons and tutorials for playing country songs on the ukulele.
What should I practice when learning how to play country songs on the ukulele?
When learning how to play country songs on the ukulele it’s important to focus on developing good technique and accuracy in your playing. You should also practice switching between different chords quickly and smoothly so you can move through a song without any pauses or hesitations. Additionally, it is helpful to practice strumming patterns and techniques such as clawhammer and fingerpicking so you can add more expression to your playing. Finally, you should also practice changing keys quickly by using a capo when needed.
What are the 4 easiest ukulele chords?
The 4 easiest ukulele chords are C, A, G and F. By learning these four chords alone, you can play a variety of easy country songs on your ukulele! C is the most common chord used in many popular songs while A, G and F are usually used as transition chords to get from one chord to another. Learning those four basic chords will give you an effective foundation for playing simple melodies with ease. Once you have mastered the basics of the four main ukulele chords, there are hundreds of easy country songs that you can learn. Popular country classics like “Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash or “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash all use just three or four chords, and can easily be played on the ukulele. Other popular country songs like “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash or “Jolene” by Dolly Parton are just as easy to play.
What songs does Billie Eilish use on a ukulele?
Billie Eilish has used the ukulele in many of her tracks, but some of the most popular are “When The Party’s Over” and “My Strange Addiction”. Both songs use a simple C major chord as their main chord progression. Additionally, Billie Eilish often incorporates other basic chords like A minor, G major and F major into her songs for more complex melodies. Her track “Bury A Friend” is another great example of using a variety of ukulele chords to create an interesting sound.
Useful Video: 2 Ukulele Picking Patterns for Country Music
Conclusion
Learning to play easy country ukulele songs can be a great way to add some twang to your musical repertoire. Whether you’re looking for an uplifting pick-me-up or a heartfelt ballad, there are plenty of classic and modern country music tunes that you can learn to play on the ukulele. With enough practice and dedication, you can master these songs in no time! So, grab your uke, pick out one of these easy songs, and get strumming. You’ll be playing like a pro before you know it!
References:
- https://blog.ukelikethepros.com/country-ukulele-songs/
- https://ukulelesreview.com/easy-country-ukulele-songs/
- https://ukutabs.com/genre/country/
- https://ukulelearn.com/country-songs-ukulele-chords/
- https://www.ukulele-tabs.com/uke-songs/genre/country,40.html
- https://liveukulele.com/songs/easy-ukulele-songs/