It is excellent for you to change the level of learning when you are learning simple fingerpickings songs for the ukulele. That means you should master intermediate ukulele songs after beginner level.
At this level, you have to study relatively rugged songs. Complicated chords and tricky fingerpicking or strumming patterns will become a regular affair.
Reiterating the same easy chords every day might be bothersome at a time. So, we have come up with some intermediate songs on the ukulele to improve your ukulele skill. So, keep reading and do the practice.
1. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles – Popular Intermediate Ukulele Songs
Chords in this song: G, C, Edim, D, Am6, Am
“Here Comes the Sun” is a song, composed by Harrison, at the house of his friend Eric Clapton, in reply to the dark temper about the Beatles.
You require a party technique in your arsenal for playing this song. The ears pay attention while playing the first chord. Some practice is essential for mastering fingerpicking, but after learning it, you laugh, sure.
2. “Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel Best Intermediate Ukulele Songs
Chords in this song: Em, D, G, C
“Sound of Silence,” written by Paul Simon, is sung by the American music duo Simon & Garfunkel. In January 1966, this song reached hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has come in the genre of Folk-rock.
You can use four chords to play this slow-tempo song. But you should know skillful fingerpicking. Many consider it as one of the best ukulele songs for intermediate players.
3. “The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars
Chords in this song: G, D, C, Am
This song from Bruno Mars has been said it similar to the reggae style of Jason Mraz, although it is a feature of this song to laziness, lyrically.
The chords may appear to be simple enough, yet you should not become lazy. Indeed, practicing a new skill is the task for you now. You can take this melody to sharpen the technique.
4. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii
Chords in this song: Am, F, C, G
As Variance Magazine referred to “Wake Me Up” as “Summer Music,” you can choose this as a summer ukulele song. No doubt, this four minutes and thirty-two seconds song will be worth company for your summer vacation.
By choosing it, you can make enriched your intermediate level. But, you will find a barre chord to contend with it. Moreover, this melody gets fast-paced, so attempt to carry on.
5. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd – Easy Intermediate Ukulele Songs
Chords in this song: D, C, G
Released in 1974, the songwriter wrote “Sweet Home Alabama” in reply to Neil Young’s “Southern Man,” released in 1970. The reason is that it accepted the South to work for the bloody history of slavery and its consequence.
Now it is time to work with some advanced strumming. The chords seem very simple, permitting you to focus on your strumming hand. With some emphasized strumming to do boot, there are both up and downstrokes in this song.
6. “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish
Chords in this song: Cm, D, Gm
In the lyrics to the song “Bad Guy,” Billie refers to her lover as a bad guy, even though he describes herself as much resilient compared to him. As an intermediate player, it can be a perfect choice.
The three-chord tune seems to be a beginner song, right? Yes, the number of chords is limited, but the order consists of a Cm, a barre chord. It is the first song to run between a barre and an open chord. Are you thinking of yourself as adventurous? Attempt to play the bassline.
7. “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” by Randy Newman
Chords in this song: C, E, Am, A, G, B, F, D7, D, Em, Dm
Randy Newman composed “You’ve Got a Friend In Me,” utilized as the theme song for the animated film Toy Story in 1995. This song is used numerous times like many other Disney songs for the theme.
We have noticed that many weird chords and changes happen in this song. Lots of chords utilize some different inversions and slash chords. That means you will find some movement in the bass line. So, start carefully.
8. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
Chords in this song: C, G, Am, F, D, A, Bm
The songwriter composed “Love Story” by the inspiration of the love interest of Swift, unbeloved to her family and friends. The narration of this song came from the perspective of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but the play’s tragic conclusion ended with happiness.
If you look for slow ukulele songs with soprano vocals and a midtempo country-pop, this song can pick, undoubtedly. These chords used are common and worthy of memorizing. Endeavor to tune with chords instinctively.
9. “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber
Chords in this song: C, G, Am, Dm, F
Are you searching for ukulele pop songs on the way to the intermediate level? No need to look further, “Love Yourself” is the proper choice, indisputably.
In this heartwarming and lively melody, you can tune unanticipated chord diversities for the ballad that gives this song its signature sound and instantaneous recognition. With an exquisite strumming, you make a rhythm to carry the tune of this song. Okay, begin now.
10. “Moon River” by Audrey Hepburn
Chords in this song: Am, A7, B7, C, Cm, D7, Em, Em7, G, G7
“Moon River,” written by Henry Mancini, was essentially sung by Audrey Hepburn for the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” film in 1961, although many other artists have covered this song so far. Yes, this Grammy Awards-winning song can keep your choice list.
There are many chords to play it. But don’t get frustrated. Take all the necessary steps to do it be successful, of course.
11. “Africa” by Toto
Chords in this song: Bb, Dm, C, Em, Am, E7, Gm, Eb, F
“Africa” was composed jointly by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro. David Paich noted that the song expresses a man’s love for the African continent instead of a personal romance.
You can consider that it is one of the difficult ukulele songs on the list. But once you can master the tune, the “Africa” ukulele chords will become fun to play. This song will allow you to learn new chords.
12. “Hotel California” by The Eagles
Chords in this song: Am, E, G, D, F, C, Dm
“Hotel California” has been explained as American degradation and harassment, excessive money, corruption, drugs, and conceit; very little about meekness, and heart although fans and critics have given various interpretations.
This song features a classic. It coincides with the best of both worlds, matching roles and positions with the fingers before shaking the chorus. For learning transition between two techniques, it is the best choice.
13. “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams
Chords in this song: D, A, Bm, G, F, A#, C
“Summer of ‘69,” written by Adams and his longtime songwriting associate Jim Vallance, talks about a dilemma between trying to settle down or becoming a rock star. This song contains an up-tempo rock feature.
There are both more expansive barres and beginner chords in this song. You will find faster chord changes for the chorus. Not only will this improve your skills, but its classic rock chorus will also impress you.
More Intermediate Ukulele Songs
- Speechless – Dan and Shay
- Easy – The Commodores
- The Man Who Sold The World – David Bowie
- Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
- I’m Still Standing – Elton John
- House of Gold – Twenty One Pilots
- Lonely Boy – The Black Keys
Most Common Chords for intermediate ukulele songs
Either beginner or an intermediate song, the C, F, and G are considered major chords.
But the time has come to abandon repeated C and F major rotations now and include barre chords in progress. Your playing level will upgrade through barre chords.
We think that the B minor can be a proper place to begin. The reason is that there are lots of songs to appear.
We are mentioning two tips below, auxiliary in mastering barre chords:
i) More power is required to get the maximum strength of the barre chord. So, place your thumb directly behind the annoying obstacle you are putting up.
ii) You require to close all the strings for chords like Bm7 and Cm7. Exert more squeeze if it’s necessary by affixing your middle finger on the index finger.
Common Strumming Patterns for Intermediate Ukulele Songs
So far, some simple strumming patterns are mastered, hopefully.
More advanced techniques like emphasized strumming and palm muting are in intermediate patterns.
If you want to get deep into the intermediate level, you have to engage yourself in fingerpicking. For this, you need time, practice, and patience. But commence slowly and pursue step-by-step all the tutorials.
If you can learn advanced strumming once, you’re going to become a ukulele professional.
Final note, Best intermediate ukulele songs
You have been pleased to read the collection of the best intermediate uke songs, hopefully.
People think that the ukulele is an easy instrument. Yes, there are easy ukulele songs to play. But, you will see difficult uke songs that are not so simple and need talent, skill, and practice for playing them.
From simple to more advanced intermediate songs on the ukulele, get on the list and verify the improvement of your skills. There is no bar to saying that finding these songs straightway is a bit troublesome, right? So, don’t hesitate to read and collect these intermediate songs for ukuleles.
