Pop Songs

Dance Monkey by Tones and I
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In this lesson we will be learning Dance Monkey by Tones and I.  The song consists of 4 chords. The chords are F#m, E , D, and C#m.  The chords are played in the same progression throughout the entire tune.  Since there are no noticeable ukulele or guitar parts on the recording we have a lot of latitude to interpret the song on ukulele.



Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
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In this lesson we will be learning Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper.   The most challenging part is the melodic chordal intro theme.  Other than the intro, it is mainly open chord strumming.  Remember to tune down a half step to be in tune with the original recording.



Star Wars Theme Song
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In this lesson we will be learning the theme song to Star Wars.  This is a relatively simple, 2 part melody.



I’m A Believer by The Monkees
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In this lesson we will be learning I’m A Believer by The Monkees.  It consists of 3 or 4 chords in the key of G.  We will be using some different voicings for these chords to mimic some of the melodic structure in the song. Fun tune to learn!



Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
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In this lesson on Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles we will be focusing on the challenging rhythm aspect.  While the song is comprised of the same four chord harmonic structure throughout, it is the rhythm that drives the tune.  The four chords used are Dm7, Am, C, and G.



I Don’t Know My Name by Grace Vanderwaal
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In this lesson we will be learning I Don’t Know My Name by Grace Vanderwaal from America’s Got Talent. The song is simple from a chord standpoint being in the key of C. Chords used are C, G, Am, F.  There are 2 distinct strumming patterns and a free time breakdown.

Don’t Know Why by Nora Jones
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In this lesson we will be learning Don’t Know Why by Nora Jones.  The song is filled with all kinds of interesting chords from Maj7’s to Augmented.  It consists of basically two parts and a combination of strumming and fingerstyle.  Beautiful and challenging chord progression.



Heaven by Los Lonely Boys
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In this lesson we will be learning Heaven by Los Lonely Boys.  We will be covering the melodic intro in detail and the chord structure to the entire song.  The song consists mostly of two chords, Am and G.  Keep in mind, to be in tune with the original recording you need to tune down a half step.



Rainbow Connection by Kermit The Frog
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In this lesson we will be learning Rainbow Connection from the Muppets Movie.  The song is played in the key of A with a key change up a half step to Ab for the 3rd verse and chorus.  There are a lot of chords in this song, but the strum pattern is super simple.



Shotgun by George Ezra
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Shotgun by George Ezra is a super simple song requiring just 4 chords that are played in the same progression throughout the entire tune.  Chords required are F, Bb, Dm, and C.



Sunflower by Post Malone
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Description

In this lesson we will be learning Sunflower by Post Malone.  This is a pretty simple song consisting of just 3 chords with a simple strumming pattern.  The chords are D, G, and Em.



Memories by Maroon 5
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Description

In this lesson we will be learning Memories by Maroon 5.  From an arrangement standpoint it is a simple progression and strumming pattern that repeats throughout the entire song.  However the song is in the key of B so we have to use mostly barre chords. Chords needed are B, F#, G#m, D#m, and E.



Emmylou by First Aid Kit
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In this lesson we will be learning the song EmmyLou by First Aid Kit in the original key of F#. Chords used are F#, A#m, D#m, C and B.

Old Town Road by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
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In this lesson we are going to tune our ukulele down a half step so that we can play open chords and be in the original key of the recording. The song is simple only using 4 chords throughout. The strumming pattern is just half notes but leaves a lot of room for your own interpretation.

I Will Buy You A New Life by Everclear
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Description

This hard rockin’ pop tune works pretty good on ukulele.  Its in the key of G.  The chords used are G or G5, C, Em, B, and C7

Valerie by Amy Winehouse
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In this lesson Ashley will teach you the song Valerie by Amy Winehouse. The song is in Eb and involves some interesting min and maj 7th chords.  The strumming pattern will also be covered

High Hopes by Panic at the Disco
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Description

High Hopes is a pretty simple tune for ukulele. The song consists of just 2 parts and a simple strumming pattern throughout.  The chords used are Bb, F, Dm, C, Am, A7, and Bm.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice by The Beach Boys
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Description

In this lesson we will be learning the classic Beach Boys classic Wouldn’t It Be Nice.  We will be covering all parts including the melodic intro which is finger picked.  There are 10 chords used in this song but nothing too crazy.

Shallow from A Star Is Born
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Description

In this lesson we are going to learn the song Shallow as performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the movie A Star Is Born.  The song uses a fingerstyle method throughout.  The fingerstyle part is pretty crucial in the verse. Later in the song a strumming pattern can be applied. We will cover both a fingerstyle and strumming way of approaching the song.

Just A Girl by No Doubt
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In this lesson we will be learning No Doubt’s Just A Girl. The song is in the key of D and we will be examining the main riff and the chord progressions.

Remembering Sunday by All Time Low
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Description

In this lesson we will be learning Remembering Sunday by All Time Low.  The song offers the opportunity to learn some new ways to play some chords higher up on the neck.  The strumming pattern is the same throughout the song except for the B section or Pre Chorus that plays straight 8th notes.

Leaving On a Jet Plane by Peter Paul and Mary
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Description

In this lesson we will be learning Leaving on A Jet Plane.  Some new chords you may have not run across yet. Chords are Amaj7, D6, F#m, Bm, C#m, A, D, and E.

You Were Meant For Me by Jewel
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In this lesson we will be learning a ukulele version of Jewel’s “You Were Meant For Me”. The song is in the key of G and uses C, Cadd9, G/B, D, Amin7, Bm, G, and Em.

Girls Like You by Maroon Five
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Description

For this tune we need to know C, G, Am, and F. The entire song follows this chord arrangement.  The challenging part of this tune is playing the melodic guitar line on ukulele.

Cake by Melanie Martinez
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Description

Cake by Melanie Martinez is played in Fm.  We need to know an Fm, C, Ab, and Db.  To avoid the barre chords you could move it down a half step and start on Em. But the original recording is definitely Fm.

Halo by Beyonce
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Description

Halo by Beyonce is a relatively simple tune to play on ukulele because of the easy 4 chord arrangement throughout.  The entire consists of just 1 bar of each of the 4 chords A, Bm, F#m and D.

Budapest by George Ezra
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Description

In this lesson we will be studying George Ezra’s Budapest.  The chords used are simple open chords G, C, and D.  The challenge here is getting the groove right!

Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow
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Description

In this lesson we will be studying Sheryl Crow’s Strong Enough.  The song involves part fingerstyle and part strumming.  It is written in 3/4 time signature and uses the following chords, D, G, Bm, A, Em, and C

Just a Friend To You by Meghan Trainor
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Description

In this lesson we are going to learn this ukulele song by Meghan Trainor called Just a Friend To You.  The song is pretty straight ahead with basic chords in the key of C. We will be learning a new version of an Am chord.

Madness by Muse
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In this lesson we are going to cover a uke version of the Muse song Madness, a recording made up of heavy synth and bass.  The trickiest part of this tune is the rhythmic element.  The chords used are Bb, Eb, Gm, Fsus4add9, and Fadd9.

How He Loves by David Crowder
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Description

In this lesson we will be learning How He Loves by David Crowder.  Just 4 chords in this tune.  C, Am, G, and F.  The song is 6/8 time and we will be covering the strumming pattern as well. Great tune for beginners!

Sound Of Silence (Anna Kendrick)
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Description

In this lesson we will be studying the Anna Kendrick version of Sound Of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel.  The version is virtually the same but is in a different key.  This version uses a fingerstyle technique and some challenging chord fingerings.

Somewhere Only We Know by Keane
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Description

This tune is straight ahead from a strumming standpoint. All down strokes in eighth not pattern.  Since the original recording is mainly piano, its a little tricky transposing to ukulele.  To accomplish this we will be using some sus chords and different barre chords.

Perfect by Ed Sheeran
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In this lesson we will be learning a ukulele version of Perfect by Ed Sheeran.  The original recording is done in G# so I have chosen to use a capo to make it easier and use less barre chords. If you do not have a capo you could simply play it in G.  Chords used are G, Em, C, D, Dsus4. Most of the song is strummed until you get to the instrumental transition. This part incorporates some intricate arpeggio finger picking.

Feel It Still by Portugal The Man
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Description

Feel It Still requires knowing some barre chords. In the intro and versus we play a simulated bass line single note pattern. The strumming pattern is relatively simple

Better Together by Jack Johnson
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Description

The intro to this could be a little challenging with its syncopated rhythm. Once you get past that the song is relatively easy.

Twist and Shout by The Beatles
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Description

Simple 3 chord song. The song is in the key of D and uses the chords D, G, and A. Ashley will be using some different barre chord forms rather than the typical open chords you might be used to.

Kokomo by The Beach Boys
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Kokomo is written in the key of C and uses 8 chords. Most of the chords are open chords. The verse makes use of a falling chromatic line within the chords chosen that creates this “beachy” mood. Very genius arrangement!

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by Carol King
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In this lesson we will learn this classic tune by Carol King as performed by the Shirelles in the 50’s hit.

24 Frames by Jason Isbell
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Description

24 Frames is a simple song with a simple chord structure. Easy to play on ukulele in the key of G.

Cups by Anna Kendrick (from Pitch Perfect)
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Description

Learn this easy 4 chord tune from the movie Pitch Perfect. It requires knowing just a few easy beginner chords. C, F, G, and Am

Happier by Ed Sheeran
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Just 3 chords needed for this one! Am, F, and C, all beginner chords. I will be showing you 2 ways to play this song. One way that best emulates the original guitar part and one way for beginners to strum along.

Say You Wont Let Go by James Arthur
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In this lesson we will adapt the song to ukulele by playing the 4 chords in a strumming pattern. You will need to know and be able to play some barre chords to play it in the same key as the original recording. The chords used are Bb, F, Gm, and D#/Eb.

Malibu by Miley Cyrus
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Description

In this lesson we will learn Malibu by Miley Cyrus. We will be using a fingerstyle method for much of the song. We have transposed this for ukulele from a live acoustic version of the song. To play the song in the original key it will require a capo at the first fret and knowing G, Em, Bm, Am and C.

Sign Of The Times by Harry Styles
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Description

In this lesson we will learn this Harry Styles tune using just 4 chords.

Cold Cold Cold by Cage The Elephant
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This song requires knowing Gm, F, Bb barre chord, and D. We will cover the chords for all the parts plus the strumming pattern.

We Dont Believe Whats on TV by Twenty One Pilots
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Lot of chords and a more difficult strumming pattern in this one. Other than that a pretty straight ahead tune.

Lips Are Moving by Meghan Trainor
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In this lesson we will learn the ukulele version of Lips Are Moving by Meghan Trainor. The song uses 3 chords throughout the entire tune. G, Am, C. The strumming pattern is the challenging part with its use of dead notes.

Love Me Tender – Chord Melody Version
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In this lesson we will be learning a chord melody version of Love Me Tender by Elvis.

Hallelujah Chord Melody Version Part 2
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In this lesson we will be learning a chord melody version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. Part 2

Hallelujah – Chord Melody Version Part 1
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In this lesson we will be learning a chord melody version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

Yesterday by The Beatles (Chord Melody Style)
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In this lesson we will be learning Yesterday in chord melody style. Chord melody style is accomplished when both the melody and chords are played at the same time.

Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran
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Description

Learn this easy Ed Sheeran tune using just 4 chords

Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding
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Description

Dock of the Bay requires knowing several chords including G, B,B7 C, A, E, D, and F. The challenging part about this tune is the strumming pattern and getting the pushed timing of the rhythm.

Son Of A Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield
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In this lesson we will learn this classic Dusty Springfield song with a very recognizable intro riff.

Fast Car by Tracey Chapman
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In this lesson learn Fast car with its ghostly introduction riff

Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
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Learn Lover Yourself by Justin Bieber. Good lesson for beginners. We have transcribed this from Eb to key of C so that you can use common beginner chords.

Breakdown by Jack Johnson
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In this lesson learn Breakdown by Jack Johnson

Purple Rain by Prince
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Description

Learn Purple Rain by Prince. The tune has just 2 sections that repeat throughout. It makes use of some major chord extensions with the 9th interval

You and I Ukulele Chords
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In this lesson we will learn the You and I ukulele chords. The song, written by Ingrid Michaelson, makes use of chords such as a dom7 chord shape, sus4, and diminished chords.

Best Day of My Life – American Authors
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In this lesson you will learn the two chords and several banjo riffs for the American Authors song “Best Day of My Life.” The ukulele does a fine job of imitating the banjo used in the original recording and is a fun song to play.

Stitches by Shawn Mendes
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In this lesson we will learn Stitches by Shawn Mendes. The song is in Db and uses 4 chords. Mostly barre chords.

Shut Up And Dance With Me by Walk The Moon
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Learn this straight ahead pop tune by Walk The Moon. To be in tune with the original recording you will need to use a capo on the 1st fret.

Summertime by Ira Gershwin
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In this lesson, we will head into the jazz territory with a great Gershwin song from show Porgy and Bess (1934). This song features more complex chords and patterns and is a great introduction to jazz on the uke.

Happy – Pharrell Williams
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In this lesson I’ll show you how to play the uke version of Happy, by Pharrell Williams. It has some cool chords and a riff with some more advanced strumming rythms.

Count On Me – Bruno Mars
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Here’s a pretty song by Bruno Mars that goes well on the uke, Count On Me.

Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s
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In this lesson we will be learning Hey There Delilah. We will be applying a finger style technique for this lessons

Stand By Me by Ben E. King
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Easy 4 chord tune with the added recognizable bass line adapted for uke.

Parachutes by Ingrid Michaelson
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Easy uke tune. Just 4 chords and a strumming pattern.

Angel by Jack Johnson
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In this lesson, learn the song Angel by Jack Johnson.

Blank Spaces by Taylor Swift
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In this lesson we will be learning Blank Spaces by Taylor Swift.

Stay With Me by Sam Smith
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In this lesson we will be learning Stay With Me by Sam Smith.

Love Song – Sara Barielles
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In this lesson, I’ll you how to play the uke version of the love song that Sara did not want to write for her record company…. There are quite a few chords in this one. And they switch pretty quickly in the verse. You might find this a bit more challenging to make the chord changes.

La Vie En Rose by Edith Pilaf
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Ukulele Lady
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In this lesson we will be learning Ukulele Lady. This tune is a classic that has been performed by many artists such as Bette Mitler and Arlo Guthrie

Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield
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In this lesson we will be learning Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield.

House Of Gold by Twenty One Pilots
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This tune uses basic open chords. The trick here is the fast strumming pattern.

River by Joni Mitchell
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In this lesson we will be learning River by Joni Mitchell

1 2 3 4 – Feist
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In this lesson, I will show you how to play Feist’s song 1 2 3 4. Originally on the banjo, it works nicely on the uke.

Title – Meghan Trainor
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Meghan Trainor’s debut album is called ‘Title’ and the title track is also ‘Title’ and it happens to be played on the uke when she does acoustic performances. So, here it is! Please note that this version is in a lower key than the one on her album. This is the live acoustic version.

All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor
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In this lesson, I will show you how to play All About That Bass on the uke, which is an instrument that Meghan Trainor herself plays a lot. Its fairly simple and I include some of the melody for those wishing to get a bit more involved.

Tonight You Belong To Me
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Learn this old tune re done by Eddie Vedder. Great ukulele song!

Rehab – Amy Winehouse
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This is the hit song by Amy Winehouse all about Rehab.

Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
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Learn how to play Thinking Out Load by Ed Sheeran. This lesson requires knowing movable major and minor chord shapes.

All Of Me by John Legend
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This lesson requires the knowledge of movable major and minor chords.

Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
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In this lesson we will learn Shake It Off by Taylor Swift. Easy 3 chord tune for beginners

Pompeii by Bastille
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In this lesson we will learn Pompeii by british artist Bastille.

Riptide by Vance Joy
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In this lesson we will learn Riptide by Vance Joy. A pretty simple open chord song that translates well to uke.

Superheroes by The Script
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In this lesson we will be learning Superheroes by the Script

I’m Not The Only One by Sam Smith
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A great tune from British artist Sam Smith.

Blame It On Me by George Ezra
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This is a great tune by British artist George Ezra. Pretty simple tune for the uke.

Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People
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In this lesson, I’ll show you the four chords needed to play Pumped Up Kicks. This is a simple lesson that should have you playing this song in no time. Enjoy!

When Im Cleaning Windows by George Formby
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In this lesson we will be learning When Im Cleaning Windows by George Formby

Oh Cecilia by Paul Simon and the Vamps
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This is an easy 3 chord tune by Paul Simon. We have taught the lesson based off of the Vamps version.

What I Got by Sublime
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In this lesson we will learn a simple 2 chord song that uses a finger picking technique.

Your Song by Elton John / Ellie Goulding
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In this lesson we will be learning Your Song by Elton John. This lesson also applies to the Ellie Goulding version. Both versions are in the same key and we have taught the lesson in the original key of the song.

What A Wonderful World
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In this lesson we will be learning What A Wonderful World, the classic Louie Armstrong tune. The lesson covers the arrangement made popular by “Iz”.

Missing – EBTG
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This lesson is on the song Missing, by Everything But the Girl from the 90’s. Its a very simple set of changes that have a couple variations in each section.

Like A Star – C Bailey Rae
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Here is the Corinne Bailey Rae hit, Like A Star that goes well on the uke.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow
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In this lesson we will learn the classic version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow as arranged by “Iz”.