The ukulele and the guitar make for the perfect pairing. The guitar is a six-string instrument with a broader tonal range, and the ukulele sits nicely above it in a gentle, high-pitched range.
Whether it’s floating on top of the guitar with melodies and leads or supporting the guitarist with riffs and chording, your imagination is about the only thing that will limit you in creating a memorable and fun performance.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best songs for a ukulele and guitar duet, but don’t feel constrained by it. There are so many other great songs out there, and you can even come up with your own!
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“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Chords in this song: C, Em, F, G, Am
There’s just something magical about Hawaiian legend IZ’ rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” No wonder it continues to endure. The island strums make it jovial and fun. The soaring vocals evoke a deeply felt sense of longing.
His recording of the song is relatively sparse, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little more to the mix. There could be an opportunity exchange leads with a guitarist, or even have them take over the rhythm or lead parts completely.
Put your own spin on it, and you can’t fail.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs And Chords
“Stand By Me” by Ben E King
Chords in this song: C, Am, F, G
Sure, you could tackle this R&B / soul classic all on your own. And it would even sound okay. But together with a guitarist? You could really build this one out nicely!
With a basic four-chord structure, the song isn’t too hard, and there’s plenty of room for fills and embellishment. You could even have the guitar play the “bass” part while you work out some of the higher stuff.
Either way, a great song to add to your repertoire, don’t you think? Everyone knows it and can sing along!
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs And Chords
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Chords in this song: A, D, E, E7, Gbm, G
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is the ultimate ode to farm and country living.
Listening to it, you can’t help but imagine clear, blue skies, green grass, unpaved roads, and mountains in the distance. How relaxing…
Plus, this song is a real crowd pleaser. It’s always good to approach with a sense of reverence, though, because you know Denver sang his heart out when he performed this number.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Chords in this song: C, D, D7, Em, G
If it wasn’t obvious upon first brush, this Van Morrison classic features an unforgettable and masterfully executed two-guitar part. It shouldn’t come as any surprise, then, that “Brown Eyed Girl,” a tribute to youthful love and exploration, makes for a great ukulele / guitar duet song as well.
This fun number isn’t too hard to play, and you can easily divvy up rhythm and lead responsibilities with your partner. If one of you is going to be singing, then be sure to make a sensible choice, and if you’re going to turn it into an instrumental, don’t forget to learn the melody!
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“It’s Only Love” by The Beatles
Chords in this song: C, Am, Em, Bb, F, G, Gaug
Obviously, there are a lot of great Beatles songs you could choose from. Honestly, take your pick!
That said, “It’s Only Love” can be a ton of fun upbeat tune as a guitar and ukulele duet.
The Lennon / Harrison double guitar attack always seemed to work great for The Beatles. Transmuting this over to guitar / uke shouldn’t prove too difficult, and with a little practice, the results should be stunning.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“A Horse With No Name” by America
Chords in this song: Em, F#m
This mysterious sounding America number might well be one of the easiest of all songs to play on this list! That’s because “A Horse With No Name” only features two chords.
This structure allows the listener to “settle in” to the groove and enjoy the other elements (bass lines, vocal harmonies, etc.) as they come and go.
So, that would be one thing to work on if you’re going to play this one as a duet. Be sure to mix things up, including the dynamics.
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
“Hotel California” by Eagles
Chords in this song: A, Bm, D, Em, E7, Gb7, G
Imagine trading off on the picking and strumming parts of the Eagles’ legendary “Hotel California.” Imagine also trading off on the lead licks and solos with your guitarist partner. Any audience lucky enough to witness this in person would be thrilled and elated.
As with most Eagles songs, at its core, “Hotel California” is a simple song. Its intricacies are built up through layers. You can’t necessarily duplicate all those elements as a duo, but you can still create an enjoyable and memorable rendition of this classic rock favorite.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
Chords in this song: G, D, Am, C
This barroom favorite can honestly be played with any combination of instruments, and you can keep those solos firing off until the cows come home…
This jam’s basic four-chord structure makes it easy for anyone to join in, vocalist, instrumentalist, or otherwise (is there anything else…?).
You can do anything with this tune – drop or increase dynamics, play extended solos, draw out the chord progression… whatever you like. So, have fun!
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Chords in this song: A, E, G#m, D, G
Technically, there’s not a single Lynyrd Skynyrd song that wouldn’t make for a great ukulele and guitar duet. Some are a little more laid back, mind you.
“Tuesday’s Gone” seems like the right choice to me, as it’s slow paced, there are strummed parts, there are leads, there are all kinds of fun and interesting interweaving layers!
Chord wise, it’s not too difficult, so if you’re comfortable with basic chord shapes, give this one a try.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs And Chords
“Dream On” by Aerosmith
Chords in this song: Db, Eb, F
Aerosmith’s “Dream On” is worth learning for the iconic intro alone. It might seem intimidating, and it might even be a little challenging for beginners, but as an intermediate player, you should be able to pick it up no problem (also refer to the tab linked below).
Plus, if you’re going to be playing it as a duet with a guitar player, you can easily divvy up playing responsibilities.
Remember to play it dynamically. That’s what makes the song.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Breakfast At Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something
Chords in this song: A, D, G
I can still remember my college days (not so long ago) when I would sit around the student lounge playing guitar, and my friends would request “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” over and over… In retrospect, maybe they were just trolling other students in the lounge?
Then again, this is an addictive pop song, and it’s basically made up of just three chords, making it easy and fun to play. That means there’s plenty of room for embellishment too.
Another great song to add to your repertoire, no matter where you might be playing.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Let Her Go” by Passenger
Chords in this song: Bm, C, D, Em, G
The opening riffs in Passenger’s “Let Her Go” make it a great song to work out as a guitar-ukulele duet.
Now, I’m not much for the trendy vocal style in this song, but if someone came up with a killer instrumental rendition, I would happily sit and listen through until the finishing note.
A good song to try with your guitarist partner.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Chords in this song: G, Em, C, D
Here’s another great jumping off point for beginners. At just four chords, Ed Sheeran’s sappy and sentimental “Perfect” isn’t going to offer up much of a challenge musically. That is an encouraging thing to know, of course, because learning songs is a gratifying and rewarding experience on your learning journey.
It should be easy to come up with a duet arrangement too. The original features an electric guitar riff, and you could easily layer in some strumming beneath it. Get creative!
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs And Chords
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
Chords in this song: Am, C, D7, F, G
When it comes to songs that are well matched with the ukulele, Jason Mraz is a clear go-to. His songs often have that laid-back, island vibe, and by his own admission, often feature positive mantras.
“I’m Yours” epitomizes Jason Mraz and features a fun (but simple) intro riff as well. There are plenty of opportunities to build on it if you get creative with it. And that’s what makes it the perfect choice for a uke-guitar duet as well.
Have a listen for yourself and you’ll be convinced.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s
Chords in this song: A, Bm, D, Gbm, G
Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah” is the prototypical acoustic, singer-songwriter, sappy, us-against-the-world ballad of the mid-2000s.
If you don’t think about it too much, it’s a pretty song with a pretty melody, but the lyrics seem quite self-important and braggadocious in a weird way…. Oh well. That kind of thing resonates with people, so no wonder it became a hit!
Good for a guitar and ukulele duet? Undoubtedly!
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Dust In The Wind” by Kansas
Chords in this song: Am, C, D, Dm, G
Some might say it’s a little depressing, but Kansas’ “Dust In The Wind” has become an enduring and recognizable hit, and that gives credence to the fact that at a deeper level, that the fleeting nature of life resonates with just about everyone.
Most guitarists will know it for its famous (or infamous) Travis picking riff that supports and undergirds the entire song, including the vocals and violin.
There are certainly different ways of approaching this collaboration, but I could see it working well if the guitarist plays the original riff, and the ukulele player adds some color and texture support on top.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty
Chords in this song: G, C, D, C/B
Tom Petty’s classic “Free Fallin’” is rife with layered guitar sounds. You know what that means, right? This could be a great song for a duet!
The song is quite simple. And that means building on top is easy and fun too!
“Free Fallin’” is also a big crowd pleaser, so most players would do well to add it to their repertoire.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs And Chords
Best Songs For A Ukulele And Guitar Duet, Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for more songs to play as a duet, get a little creative and think outside the box.
Try “Carol of the Bells” if you’re looking for a seasonal tune, “Dueling Banjos” for a fun and recognizable classic, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” for another Beatles epic, “Nothing Else Matters” or “Stairway To Heaven” if you’re looking for a real challenge… There are so many other great songs to choose from!
We hope you had as much fun checking out this guide as we did making it. And we look forward to seeing you back at Ukulele World soon!