Looking for songs to learn on your baritone uke?
The truth is you could learn just about whatever you want. But it’s always nice to be able to start simply, especially if you’re still new to the uke.
Here are several great baritone ukulele songs to add to your repertoire.
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“Peaceful Easy Feeling” by Eagles
Chords in this song: D, G, A7, Em
If anyone knows how to write simple songs that feature underlying layers of complexity, it would be the Eagles.
“Peaceful Easy Feeling” carries that trademark easygoing country-rock vibe they became known for but were never tied down by.
This is a great song for working on your strumming. See if you can keep pace with Glenn Frey’s (R.I.P.) perfectly timed strums to develop a better sense of rhythm.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
“Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” by Green Day
Chords in this song: Am, C, G, D, F, E
Despite their punk rock beginnings, Green Day has covered quite a bit of musical territory over the years. Think of songs like “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life),” the nine-minute mini rock opera “Jesus Of Suburbia,” and of course, this, “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams,” which almost sounds like it could be an Oasis or Sum 41 song.
And while it might be a slight departure for Green Day, in most regards, it’s not a whole lot more complicated than their power chord driven punk rockers like “When I Come Around.” As an added benefit, “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” moves along at a much slower tempo too.
It’s a great song to learn on your baritone uke.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Chords in this song: A, D, E, E7, G, Gbm
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a country-folk classic. And despite its focus on the “heavenly” West Virginia, you’ll find that this is a favorite among music lovers cut from every cloth.
It’s a great song to add to your repertoire too, especially if you’re looking for recognizable songs you can play to a crowd.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
Chords in this song: Am, C, Em, F, G
Anyone looking to become a songwriter would do well to study Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” inside and out – its lyrics, its melody, and its musical arrangement.
No one will ever top this version, so far as I’m concerned, but it has captured the imagination of many artists who saw fit to publish their own rendition (Jeff Buckley, Bon Jovi, Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, and others).
“Hallelujah” also represents a good opportunity for you to work on your fingerpicking technique.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)” by Jason Mraz
Chords in this song: Bb, Cm, Dm, Em, Eb, F, G, Gm
Write down all of Jason Mraz’ hits on small pieces of paper, mix them up in a punchbowl, close your eyes and randomly pick out one piece of paper. Chances are, no matter what song you pick, it will be ideally suited to the ukulele, just like the coffeehouse classic “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry).”
I guess this is more of a personal favorite than a Mraz go-to, but I think the funky rhythm is worth every ukulele player’s time. If in doubt, you could always work on “I’m Yours.”
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Chords in this song: C, D, D7, Em, G
From the opening notes of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” the song is immediately identifiable. And that’s the hallmark of an expertly written masterpiece.
As you get to work on this song, don’t just work on the strumming – be sure to work on the main riff too. Also, see if you can tap into the electric guitar riffs.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles
Chords in this song: Am, C7, Dm7, Em, F7, G7
The Beatles made good on rock and roll with songs like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” which sent adoring teens into utter hysteria.
Although Beatles songs tend to have that impression of being simple, the chords in this song reveal that it’s a little more than just a 12-bar blues and three-chord wonder.
My favorite part is where they scream enthusiastically before breaking out into the guitar solo.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
Chords in this song: C, Dm, F
I often wonder whether Bobby McFerrin knew he had a hit on his hands with “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” the first a cappella song to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Yes, if you listen closely, you will find that all “instruments” in this song are indeed being sung.
Its happy vibes and reggae-influenced layers make it perfect for the ukulele too, though.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” by Otis Redding
Chords in this song: A, B, Bb, C, D, E, F, G
Otis Redding is considered one of the greatest singers in American pop music, and he will forever be remembered for this iconic number – “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay.” In that sense, it’s essential learning for all musicians.
Redding passed in a tragic airplane accident, and his life was cut short. It is perhaps appropriate, then, that his legacy would be this song about depression.
Oddly, the bass line in this song seems to carry some resemblance to Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called To Say I Love You.”
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
Chords in this song: Am, C, Dm, Em, F, G
Best known for its unforgettable “call and response” chorus, “Sweet Caroline” is a karaoke bar favorite, and a crowd pleaser in virtually every circle.
Best of all, it’s not hard to learn, and it fits the baritone ukulele like a glove.
This is a great song to bust out at a party too.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” by Hank Williams
Chords in this song: C, G7
Although it’s a little “country” in most people’s minds, Hank Williams’ music transcends time and genre-based boundaries. And in terms of songs, it doesn’t get much simpler than “Jambalaya (On The Bayou).”
It’s also one of those songs that tends to get stuck in your head, so beware.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
“I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash
Chords in this song: C, G7, C7, F, G
Johnny Cash’s “I Walk The Line” is a country-roots must and a serious crowd pleaser in the right settings.
It’s a simple song in terms of chords, but it might be worth learning the moving “bass” line as well.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
“Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band
Chords in this song: A, Bb, C, Dm, F
There’s no mistaking what this 70s classic rock song is about. But what made it a hit is its sanguine vocal harmonies and catchy musical arrangement, which features some sophistication with layers of rhythm and lead guitars.
Whether strumming or fingerpicking, there is plenty for the beginner to intermediate uke player to pick up in this tune.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“All Along The Watchtower” by Bob Dylan
Chords in this song: Am, G, F
For a three-chord wonder, Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower” sure had a lot of impact, and many would consider the more emotive and evocative Jimi Hendrix version the definitive one.
There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding the song’s lyrics, which have been analyzed to the nth degree. I guess it doesn’t matter that much. What counts is that it inspired many after it.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
“Down On The Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Chords in this song: C, G7, F
If you’re at a loss for simple songs to learn, you generally can’t go wrong with Creedence Clearwater Revival. That includes the upbeat and unforgettable “Down On The Corner,” which is a three-chord wonder.
Ukulele Tab: Live Ukulele
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2
Chords in this song: C, F, G
Upon first listen, U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” might seem complex. But as with most of their songs, its basic structure is built on just a few chords. It’s the layers of atmospheric guitars that make it sound more sophisticated than it is.
This is a great song for any beginner to learn.
Ukulele Tab: Live Ukulele
“I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Chords in this song: C, D, Em, G
In the hands of a songwriter like Tom Petty, a handful of chords was more than enough to create an unforgettable hit like “I Won’t Back Down.” This one is a lot of fun to play on the uke!
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens
Chords in this song: C, F, G
Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” takes advantage of the classic I – IV – V chord progression, and the result is a catchy, infectious, ear worm that will keep playing in your mind hours after you’ve heard it.
This is a chord progression every uke player should learn, and if you can, you should see if you can follow along with Valens’ riffing on the guitar as well.
It may not be in English, but that didn’t matter much when the song came out, and it doesn’t matter much now either.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry
Chords in this song: Am, F, C, G
Eagle-Eye Cherry’s “Save Tonight” is the perfect campfire singalong song. And while it’s always nice to add some dynamics and chord variations throughout, it basically follows the same pattern from start to finish, making it an easy one to pick up on your baritone uke.
Ukulele Tab: Tabs 4 Ukulele
Top Baritone Ukulele Songs, Final Thoughts
Baritone ukes are generally tuned differently that smaller ukuleles. This means that, while the chords for the songs don’t change, your fingerings might. So, be sure to practice all your chords, and adapt progressions to your instrument.
And most importantly, have fun with the process. Studying and learning to play songs is one of the best ways to become a better ukulele player.