Perhaps you have just recently come to realize that it is a pity your old ukulele is collecting dust in your attic so you decided to pick it up and start strumming its strings, which is probably what lead you to read Insider Monkey’s article on the easiest Hawaiian ukulele songs for beginners.
Learning how to play any instrument is not easy, it requires your time, patience, and determination. I have been playing acoustic guitar since I was a teenager. I wanted to try it for fun, so I ended up buying myself a used guitar and trying to learn how to play with the help of online materials and a couple of friends. While it did take my focus off school, which my parents were not very happy about, it was definitely worth the time and the sacrifice. Jamming sessions I was having with my friends on Friday nights were a source of fun and memories for days to come. Therefore, take my personal story as an example, grab that ukulele and check out our list of the easiest Hawaiian ukulele songs for beginners. Every beginning is hard, but if you start by playing these songs, it is somewhat easier. Once you have made some progress you should check out our list Most Popular Ukulele Songs of All Time and rock these cord patterns on your ukulele as well.
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While you may not like Hawaiian music and would prefer playing mainstream pop tunes on ukulele giving them some Hawaiian wrap, it is better if you start practicing ukulele by playing Hawaiian songs because these are simple to learn. You can find many Hawaiian songs which have three to four basic chords. As Live Ukulele suggests, many Hawaiian songs follow the same chord progression. This makes them a perfect practicing material for beginners. If you are an impatient learner, then these songs are definitely what you should start with. Because they are so easy to learn, you will be able to see your progress soon. Of course, this does not in any way mean that you will not have to put any effort in it. However, the sooner you taste the fruit of your work, the more likely it is you will stick to what you were doing. If you started playing ukulele without much interest for Hawaiian music, the chances are that you will grow to like it as you play along.
To create our list of the easiest Hawaiian ukulele songs for beginners I referred to Live Ukulele, a site where you can find many things about playing ukulele, and Take Lessons. On both sites you can find chords for the songs from our list and for many more other songs you feel like learning how to play. Ukulele Underground might also be a useful site for you if you are into playing ukulele. I picked the songs that were most recommended on these and some other sources, ranking them based on my personal basic knowledge of the cords. If you have some other suggestions, please leave them in the comments and we’ll be happy to expand our list of suggestions, hence making it less subjective.
7. Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israël Kamakawiwo’ole
Even if you are in no way inclined to listen to Hawaiian music, chances are you could not escape hearing this guy’s medley of Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World. As Take Lessons suggests, this song uses many chords, but they are all simple and easy to pick up for beginners.
6. Maori Brown Eyes by Palolo
This song is perfect for beginners who are eager to make easy and steady progress. You will need to know how to play four simple chords. Moreover, if stuck, you can check out cool covers of this song on youtube to pick up some tricks.
5. Hawaii ’78 by Mickey Ioane
The song was written in 1978 and it has a political background. To play it you will need to practice slow progression of four simple chords.
4. Aloha ‘Oe by Queen Lili’uokalani
The song appears on the album of the same title and is considered to be one of the most famous Hawaiian songs. It has three chords the progression of which should not be too difficult for you to tackle.
3. E Huli Makou by David Chung
Three chords, F, G7, C7, that is all it takes to play this song on ukulele, although, it might take some time for you to practice singing the lyrics while you are playing it. But who says you have to both sing and play these easiest Hawaiian ukulele songs for beginners? It is enough to play them, and gather your friends who can sing.
2. E Ku’u Morning Dew by Eddie Kamae
Once you feel you have perfected your playing of E Huli Makou, you can practice the progression of G, Am, and D7, the chords from E Ku’u Morning Dew.
1. I Kona by George Kelepolo
Perhaps this is the song you should start with when learning how to play ukulele as it takes only two chords, C and G7, to play it. If you have trouble singing the original, you can try with English lyrics.
This was Insider Monkey’s list of the easiest Hawaiian ukulele songs for beginners.
