Are you a Beatles fan? Did you recently get your hands on a ukulele and are now looking for some easy songs to play so that you can finally bring out the inner musician inside of you? Look no further; we have just the thing. The Beatles wrote some of the most iconic hits in music history, making them incredibly memorable and enjoyable to learn on a ukulele. In this blog post, we’re going to walk through five easy Beatles Ukulele tunes that brand-new players or those coming back from hiatus can easily pick up and start jamming along with within minutes! Keep reading if this sounds like something you’d be interested in–you’ll be strumming along with Ringo Starr before you know it!
Easy Beatles Ukulele Songs
“Yellow Submarine”
This is one of the most recognizable Beatles songs, and it’s a great way to get started with playing the ukulele. It has an infectious chorus that will have you singing along before you know it. All you need are three simple chords: C, F, and G7 (or Gm if your preference). The song also features some easy strumming patterns that anyone can pick up in no time.
“Hey Jude”
This classic Beatles ballad is also perfect for ukulele players of all levels. The melody is quite simple, so you can easily master it quickly. You just need four chords: A minor, D major, E major and G major. Add in some of the signature “Na na-na”s at the end and you’ll be playing like a pro! “In My Life”This heartfelt song from the Rubber Soul album is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate ukulele players. All you need are five chords: C, F, Am, Dm and G7 (or Gm).
“Let it Be”
It is one of The Beatles’ most iconic songs and it’s also one of the easiest to learn how to play on ukulele. Start by strumming down all four strings in a basic 4/4 time pattern. Then move on to playing the verse, which follows a simple G-C-Am-F chord progression. Once you’ve got that nailed, add in some melody for the chorus using your index finger and middle finger with simple up and down strokes. Finally, top it off with the bridge section featuring two quick hammer-ons between chords. You’ll have this timeless classic sounding great before you know it! [1]
“Eight Days a Week”
This classic Beatles love song is a great way to practice your ukulele skills. Start by strumming down all four strings, then move on to the verse with its simple C-F-G chord progression. For the chorus, use a combination of chord strums and single notes for added texture. As you progress, start experimenting with different rhythms and picking patterns to give this beloved tune some unique flair. With some practice, you’ll be able to play this classic in no time!
“Here Comes the Sun”
It is one of the most iconic Beatles songs, and it’s a great choice for beginner ukulele players. With its gentle melody and sweet lyrics, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. The chords used in “Here Comes the Sun” are relatively easy to learn, making it ideal for beginners looking to practice their strumming skills. To play this classic song on ukulele, start by learning the four basic chords: G Major, C Major, D Major and A Minor. Then you can practice your fingerpicking techniques as you strum along with the song’s simple chord progression. When you’re comfortable with the basic chords, try adding some embellishments or playing around with different variations of them for a unique sound. With a little practice, you’ll be playing this beloved Beatles song in no time!
“Across the Universe”
Like “Here Comes the Sun,” this song is a great choice for ukulele beginners. It has a gentle melody and a simple chord progression that makes it easy to learn. To play “Across the Universe” on ukulele, start by learning the four basic chords: G Major, D7, C Major and A Minor. Once you have these down, practice playing them in sequence with a slow strumming pattern until you feel comfortable moving between the chords. You can also add some variations of your own if you want to create a more unique sound.
“Can’t Buy Me Love”
It is one of the most beloved and popular Beatles songs. It’s a great choice for beginner and intermediate ukulele players alike, as it features simple chords that can be easily strummed. To play this song on the ukulele, you will need to know three chords: C, G, and F. The verse portion of the song begins with two measures of C chord followed by two measures of G chord. The chorus follows this pattern but adds an additional measure of F after the two G chords. This combination creates a nice sound flow between the verses and choruses. To make it even easier to keep track while playing along with the song, try adding a few extra strums on each upstroke for each chord. This will help you stay on the beat and keep up with the rhythm of the song.
As you become more comfortable playing “Can’t Buy Me Love”, try experimenting with different strumming patterns. For example, you could switch between a down-up pattern and an alternating pattern to add some variation to your performance. You can also add some vibrato to your notes by slightly fretting them while strumming. [2]
“Act Naturally”
It is another classic Beatles song that is perfect for the ukulele. This one features a bit more of an up-tempo strumming pattern, which makes it sound more punchy and energetic. To start off, you’ll need to know three chords: C, G, and D. The verse starts with two measures of C chord followed by two measures of G chord. The chorus follows this same pattern but adds in a measure of D after the two G chords. When you practice with the song, be sure to focus on your strumming rhythm and dynamics. To give it a bit more of a rock ‘n’ roll feel, try picking out the chords with more force and emphasizing some syllables in the lyrics. With this approach, you’ll have your audience singing along in no time!
“Blackbird”
This Beatles tune is a great way to practice fingerpicking technique. Start by learning the G, C, D7, and Am chords before proceeding with the song. You’ll be playing a repetitive pattern that consists of two different fingerpicking sequences: an arpeggio followed by a pull-off. For the arpeggio, pluck each string one at a time from lowest to highest (G-C-D-A). Then for the pull-off sequence, you’ll be starting on the high string (A) and pulling off each subsequent string (D-C-G). To get this right takes some practice so take your time and make sure you can play it smoothly. [3]
“Happiness is a Warm Gun”
It one of the most beloved and iconic Beatles songs, and is surprisingly easy to learn on the Ukulele. All you need to get started is three chords: C Major, A Minor, and G7. With just these basic chords you can play this classic tune with a very fast tempo!The opening riff of “Happiness is a Warm Gun” is also relatively easy to learn on the Ukulele. The main riff consists of two simple chords: A minor and G7. To add some texture to your playing, you can use hammer-ons and pull-offs as well as shake techniques. This will help give your rendition an extra bit of flair that will impress even seasoned players!
“I Should Have Known Better”
It is another classic Beatles song that will sound great on the Ukulele. This one only requires you to learn four basic chords: D Major, G Major, C Major, and E Minor. This tune has a bouncy rhythm that will really work well with the sound of a ukulele. The main riff consists of two simple chords – D and G – so it won’t take long to master this one.
“Bésame Mucho”
It is one of the most beloved and recognizable songs by The Beatles. It has been covered by many artists, from Nat King Cole to Los Lobos. The song reached number one in Spain, Mexico and other countries throughout Latin America when it was released in 1964. This feel good tune is perfect for any ukulele player who wants to play a classic Beatles song with a Latin flair. To get started playing “Bésame Mucho” on your ukulele, start off by learning the chords Gmaj7, E7sus4 and D9sus2. Once you have mastered the basics of these chords, add them together to create an accompaniment that matches the melody of the song. As you progress, you can also add some fills and other techniques to create a more dynamic performance. With some practice, you will be able to play “Bésame Mucho” with ease. Get ready for a fun challenge!
“Octopus’ Garden”
Octopus by The Beatles is a classic ukulele song that can be easily learned by most players. Its simple chords and catchy melody make it easy to learn quickly, yet also fun enough to stay interesting for long-term play. To get started, you’ll need just four chords: G major, C major, D7, and Em. Once you’ve got those down, practice strumming the rhythm of the song before adding in your vocals. With enough practice and dedication, you’ll be able to master this beloved Beatles tune! [4]
Technique Tips
One of the keys to playing the Beatles ukulele songs is technique. There are a few tips that can help you master the basics and have a great time playing these classic tunes.
The most important thing you need to do is practice! You will get better at playing the ukulele when you take your time and dedicate yourself to learning the strumming patterns and chords associated with each song. Additionally, it’s helpful to learn specific techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and bends which add extra flavor to your sound.
Another key aspect of mastering the Beatles ukulele songs is getting familiar with muting (no picking) certain strings while strumming others. This is especially helpful when playing fast paced strumming patterns and switching between chords quickly.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be ready to take on any Beatles ukulele song in no time! With a little bit of patience and dedication, you can become an expert at playing these classic tunes. So grab your ukulele and start jamming away! [5]
Pros And Cons of Ukulele Playing
Playing the Ukulele is a great way to enjoy music and pick up a new skill. It is simple to learn, relatively inexpensive compared to other instruments, and can provide hours of entertainment. However, it’s not for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of playing the ukulele that you should consider before starting out:
Pros:
- Easier to learn than many other instruments. With just 4 strings as opposed to 6 on the guitar, learning chords and basic strumming patterns is much simpler!
- You don’t need an amplifier or any special equipment – just grab your ukulele and start practicing!
- Portable! A full size ukulele is much easier to transport than a guitar or keyboard.
- You can play and sing along with the melodies of some easy Beatles songs on the ukulele, making it an ideal instrument for those who want to learn classic rock favorites.
Cons:
- Limited range – the ukulele only has four strings, so you won’t be able to play notes as low as those that can be played on a 6 string guitar.
- The limited range also means that you will have difficulty playing complex pieces or difficult chords.
- It can take time to master the skill of strumming and keeping rhythm while playing – something many beginners struggle with.
- Not great for big band music – if you’re looking to play in a larger ensemble like a rock band, the ukulele may not be the best choice.
To summarize, playing the Ukulele can be a rewarding endeavor and an excellent way to enjoy music. With its portability, ease of learning and catchy melodies, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to this instrument. However, before starting out, consider both the pros and cons to ensure that ukulele playing is right for you!
FAQ
What is the easiest Beatles song to play on ukulele?
The easiest Beatles song to play on ukulele is “Let It Be.” This iconic song has just three simple chords and a straightforward strumming pattern that make it great for beginners. What are some other easy Beatles songs to play on ukulele? Other easy Beatles songs to play on ukulele include “Blackbird,” “Hey Jude,” and “Twist and Shout.” All of these classic tunes feature basic chord progressions and catchy melodies that can be easily mastered with practice.
Are there any free resources available for learning how to play the Beatles songs on ukulele?
Yes! There are tons of free resources available online, such as sheet music, tutorials, and videos. You can find many of these resources by simply searching “beatles ukulele” on a search engine. Additionally, there are popular songbooks and instructional DVDs that you can purchase to help learn the songs in more detail.
Do I need any special equipment or tools to play the Beatles songs on ukulele?
No. All you need is an appropriately sized ukulele tuned correctly and some basic knowledge of chords and strumming patterns. However, if you want to add a bit more flavor to your playing, it might be worth investing in a capo or other accessories like finger picks or a pick guard. These items can help you explore different sounds and add more variety to your playing.
Are there any Beatles songs that are too hard for beginners?
Yes, some of the Beatles’ songs contain complex chord progressions or intricate picking patterns that may be difficult for a beginner ukulele player. However, with practice and dedication, it is possible to master even the most challenging of tunes!
Can I learn how to play classic rock songs on the ukulele as well?
Absolutely! While the Beatles have some great tunes for ukulele players, there are many other classic rock bands whose music translates well into the instrument. Examples include Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, and more. With a bit of practice, you can master the songs of any classic rock band on ukulele!
Can I learn how to play Beatles songs with a friend?
Yes. Learning how to play an instrument is always more enjoyable when shared with others. It’s also helpful to have someone else around for feedback and support as you become more proficient at playing the songs. You can even create a mini ukulele band with your friends if you’d like!
Are there any online communities for Beatles ukulele players?
Yes! There are plenty of online forums, Facebook groups, and other resources dedicated to helping people learn how to play the Beatles on ukulele. These groups provide valuable tips, tricks, and feedback from experienced players and can be a great resource for beginners.
Useful Video: Learn Here Comes The Sun on UKULELE – Easy Beatles Songs
Conclusion
The Beatles are an iconic band and the songs they wrote and performed have stood the test of time. With so many amazing tunes to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to start with when learning how to play the ukulele. Thankfully, there are a few simple Beatles classics that can be relatively easy for beginners to learn on the ukulele. “Let It Be”, “All You Need Is Love”, “Here Comes The Sun”, and “Help!” provide a great starting point for those just beginning their journey into playing the ukulele. They give beginners a chance to practice basic chords while also getting acquainted with some of the greatest music ever written. So why not give one of these simple Beatles ukulele songs a try? You may just find that you’re playing the classics in no time!
References:
- https://ukuleletricks.com/10-easy-ukulele-songs-by-the-beatles/
- https://ukulelesreview.com/beatles-ukulele-songs/
- https://ukutabs.com/t/the-beatles/
- https://acousticbridge.com/easy-beatles-ukulele-songs/
- https://www.musikalessons.com/blog/2017/09/beatles-ukulele-chords/