It's no secret that the Beatles experimented with different sounds both as a group and during their respective solo careers.
One of the most performed songs in ukulele tutorials on YouTube (and one which has encouraged many people to pick up the instrument), this Jason Mraz number is one of the most mesmerizing of its time. Like many of the songs on this list, the laidback, happy-go-lucky strums of the ukulele on this song lure you into a head bop from the get-go.
In this, one of Train's biggest hits, the ukulele perfectly foils the thumping bass line and other instruments that contribute to the song's catchy melody. Not quite convinced? Well, here are 15 popular songs and recordings, in no particular order, that feature the ukulele in all its auditory splendor. It's, therefore, a no-brainer that you should give serious thought to recording with the ukulele if you’re looking to spice up your next recording, (by the way, Tunedly offers some fantastic Ukulele players on its roster). On top of that, amateur artists have used the ukulele to create worthy renditions of hit songs. From classic songs to today’s teenybopper magnets, the ukulele has been a busy little strummer in pop music. The ukulele's sound does have a way of getting under your skin, considering how infectious some of the songs that include it tend to be. And with just four nylon strings, it's not hard to see why use of the ukelele in popular songs is only increasing.
But it has still managed to endear songwriters and casual players alike the world over. If you wish to contribute to the work, please subscribe to my YouTube Channel ( /ukestuff) and watch some videos! If you really want to contribute to my efforts, there is a link to BuyMeaCoffee on the side of this page.The unmistakable sound of the ukulele is one that has enriched songs and music compositions for well over a century.Ī European invention that became synonymous with Hawaiian music (where its name literally translates to ‘jumping flea’), the small instrument might not command the swagger of a guitar or violin.
In these arrangements, there are a few exceptions to my attempt to simplify the score, such as Deck the Hall (which repeats to the top).Īs for the second question, this blog is a free resource. In the digital world, a score can simply use as many pages as needed.
I “get” that we need to teach students how to read these markings–but in reality, all of these markings hearken to a pre-digital world where those systems were created to save money, not for ease of use. Adults in ukulele jam sessions get confused by these markings, so I want to make it easy for my students to follow the music, even if there are multiple pages. My goal is for all of the music that my students study to have a similar appearance, and to limit the use of repeat signs, multiple endings, and D.S./D.C./Coda markings. Part of becoming literate with music notation is to see it and work with it. I have nothing against chord charts or tablature, but I do recommend that tablature also include traditional notation (this is the default setting on the music notation program Notion for guitar and ukulele, incidentally).
It is important for me, as a music educator, to continue the use of written notation. You can use all of these songs without fear of Copyright infringement. And furthermore, all of these songs are in the Public Domain. Sometimes I like different chords (such as the Em thrown into “Jingle Bells). Sometimes existing keys are too high or too low.
You might wonder why I would make these arrangements when so many other arrangements are available in other forms, as well as why I would put them out on the Internet for free and ask for donations to the cause.Īs for the first question, I like having the ability to create arrangements for my own use or the use of my students, and many times, existing arrangements don’t always fit my needs or the needs of my students.