However, we’ve put together some easy and classic rock ukulele songs to play on the ukulele here.
Read also:
Pop songs for ukulele
Top 15 Best Ukulele Rock Songs
1. “What’s Up” by Four Non-Blondes
Chords for This Song: A, Bm, D
About 29 years ago, 4 Non-Blondes released their 1993 classic rock song “What’s Up,” and the song has reached a new milestone in hits.
Rightly, the song’s lyrics do not show the title, but the phrase “what’s going on?” has notably appeared in the chorus.
Surprisingly, you can play this easy rock ukulele song using just 3 chords like A, Bm, and D. So, hold your ukulele and start learning this popular rock song.
Tutorial
2. “All Along The Watchtower” By Bob Dylan/Hendrix
Chords for This Song: Am, G, F
“All Along the Watchtower” is one of our favorite rock ukulele songs of all the songs that we recommend to play for beginners. The song’s descending/ascending chord progression with a minor mood seems like a total win.
Dylan sang “All Along The Watchtower” in concert compared to any of his other songs. The track is also available in four different versions.
If you haven’t attempted this song before, it will be a superb tune for you to begin. Also, 3-chord even will not be an issue to continue your task.
Tutorial
3. “I Won’t Back Down” By Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
Chords for This Song: Em, D, G, C
In my opinion, not listing Tom Petty’s songs in the list of classic rock songs means an incomplete list.
His rock-solid lyrics and catchy melodies, combined with functional, easy musical instruments, make it easy to run a believable version of “I Won’t Back Down” on your ukulele.
This song runs using a simple chord progression. It is a fantastic starter song if you have a previous idea about the Em chord.
Changing the position of the offbeat cord is the hardest part. Keep on practicing along with the recording as long as you can’t do it.
Tutorial
4. “Come As You Are” by Nirvana
Chords for This Song: Em, D, G, A, C
Describing the endurance of the iconic band, “As You Are” is a suitable song to play to calm yourself.
When you play this song on the ukulele, it misses some of its sharp edges but acquires a subtle, exciting tone, ideal for restless nights and rainy mornings.
This track has an alternative rock feature, which runs for three minutes and thirty-eight seconds. Its composition feature is in the key of E minor with a heavy rock tempo of 120 beats per minute.
You can try to get accustomed to it if you haven’t done it before.
Tutorial
5. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2
Chords for This Song: C, F, G
The song explains the impacts of gospel music, and its song words highlight spiritual aspirations.
This song becomes a perfect choice for jam sessions. Therefore, you include this song in your 3-chord song list. It’s very straightforward and fun.
Tutorial
6. “21 Guns” by Green Day
Chords for This Song: Dm, A#, F, C, D, A, A#m, E
“21 Guns”, a song by American rock band Green Day, appeared in 2009. This song highlights the issue of patriotism in an arena rock ‘n’ roll sort of way.
There are a lot of chords in this song. So, beginners can seem troublesome. Once it is possible to master, it’ll become easy, of course.
If this song is already not have your collection, you should gather it. Then start practicing and carry on until you can become accustomed to it.
Tutorial
7. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters
Chords for This Song: D, Bm, G, Db, E, F#, A
If you’re looking for a bit of hard rock song, “Everlong” can be your desired one. In reality, this song is hard enough to include on our list of rock ukulele songs so far.
Foo Fighters brought this song to the market in 1997. You require a lot of chords to play on the ukulele. So, if you want to learn this song, you need to start carefully and keep practicing step-by-step.
To make your effort successful, we have included a tutorial below. If needed, follow it.
Tutorial
8. “Down On The Corner” By Creedence Clearwater Revival
Chords for This Song: C, G, F
“Down on the Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival on the studio album Willy and the Poor Boys was released in 1969. It is another easy rock ukulele song.
The lyrics tell about the story of the fictional band Willy and the Poor Boys and their playing on street corners to encourage people and ask for nickels.
Three chords like C, G, and F are sufficient to strum on the ukulele. So, all classes of players can endeavor to go with it.
Tutorial
9. “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones
Chords for This Song: Em, B7, D, G, B, A, Bm
It might seem somewhat strange that the possibility of listening to “Paint it Black” without Brian Jones’s iconic sitar-playing. Still, you can rest assured that the song is excellent enough to hear with the ukulele.
Rightly, this song features the same recurring chords, but you will find exciting changes in speed. Ukulele-lovers of all skill levels keep their ukulele rock song choice lists.
Maybe several chords are necessary for playing it, yet you can do it if you have patience.
Tutorial
10. “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie
Chords for This Song: D, A, G, C, F
A duet by legends Queen and David Bowie is “Under Pressure,” although it was first released as a single in October 1981. Many are narrated as a poignant and powerful pop song.
It is a winning song for playing on the ukulele when you pass through a hard time in life.
It is a song of 5 chords, which might be somewhat challenging for new players. So, appropriate practice is essential to master.
Tutorial
11. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash
Chords for This Song: D, G, F, A
The English punk rock band The Clash brought “Should I Stay or Should I Go” to the audience on the album Combat Rock in 1982.
There have been several rumors surrounding the song’s content, for example, Jones’ upcoming dismissal from the Clash or the strained personal relationship between Jones and American singer Ellen Foley.
You can start playing on your ukulele. Also, simulate the power and dramatic breaks of The Clash, and you will soon think of yourself as a rock star.
Tutorial
12. “All the Small Things” – Blink-182
Chords for This Song: C, G, F
“All the Small Things” became a big hit song after its release in 2000. Delonge penned the track for his then-girlfriend Jennifer Jenkins. But, it does not need to think that it is only a love letter to Jennifer.
The chord progression for the song is C major, F, and G, which is very familiar. So, this song is absolutely a beginner-friendly tune. A player who is getting started playing the ukulele can try to go with this melody.
Tutorial
13. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles
Chords for This Song: C, Em, Em7, Em6
“Eleanor Rigby” marked the Beatles’ transition from a predominantly rock and roll- and pop-based performance to a more experimental, which was studio-based band.
This song describes the unfortunate tale of early death and characterizes a separate instrument – in this case, the violin instead of the sitar.
This track does not become less suitable for a ukulele. Besides, in the spooky, sharp chords of the song, there’s a dark side to the uke that doesn’t find sufficient pressure.
Tutorial
14. “Octopus’s Garden” by The Beatles
Chords for This Song: C, F, Am, G
One of Ringo’s impeccable creations with the Beatles is Octopus’s Garden, a surprisingly fun and well-composed song. The song will penetrate deep into your consciousness while playing because it is peaceful.
Players need 4 chords to play this song. Overall, this track becomes suitable to play on the ukulele, including short sections, rhythmic breaks, jamming out, and creating variations.
Tutorial
15. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
Chords for This Song: F, Em, C, Am, D, E, Fm, Bb, G, A
One of David Bowie’s earliest and most notable songs is “Space Oddity.” A tragic lyric about an astronaut who encounters technical problems in space.
There are a lot of chords in this track to play. Those chords can create a vibe of uncertainty, guaranteeing your coolness. Honestly, playing this song without passion is somewhat cumbersome.
Tutorial
More Rock Songs to Play on Ukulele
- Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival (A, D, G)
- Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol (A, F#m, D)
- Float On – Modest Mouse (C, Em, Am)
- Hand in my Pocket – Alanis Morissette (G, F, C, D)
- Hound Dog – Elvis Presley (C, F, G)
- Hunger Strike – Temple of the Dog (Am, A7sus4, Bm, Cadd9, D, E, Em, G)
- I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers (C, Am, Em, G, F)
- La Bamba – Ritchie Valens (C, F, G, A, E)
- Run-Around – Blues Traveler (G, C, Am, D)
- Save Tonight – Eagle-Eye Cherry (AM, F, C, G)
- Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
- This Too Shall Pass – OK Go (C, F, G)
- Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon (Dsus4, D, C6, C, G, Gsus4)
- Undone (The Sweater Song) by Weezer (G, C, D)
