There’s no way around it, the ukulele is a great instrument for all ages and music plays a vital role in our lives. Creating a rich musical environment for your kid will not only entertain them, but also nurture essential developmental skills in them. It can create positive emotions and relaxation. If you’re looking to learn or teach your little ones some children songs, nursery rhymes or lullabies on the ukulele, look no further. This overview gives you the most popular ones all in one spot. Each song has a link to UkuTabs with lyrics with chords, chord diagrams, transposer and auto scroller! Let’s get started.
1. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” for Ukulele
On almost every “children song list” you’ll find this one at the top. Here on UkuTabs it’s no different. This beautiful song is one of the best-known lullabies in the world. Its lyrics are from the poem called ‘The Star’, and the melody is inspired by the French song ‘Ah! Vous dire-je, maman.’ It needs a few chords and quicker chord changes than most other rhymes for kids.
- Chords in this song: C – F – G – G7
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
2. Are You Sleeping / Frère Jacques
Many lists have this song listed as “the easiest song to learn” or as “one chord children song”. It is possible to simply use a single C or D chord to play throughout the song, but I prefer to make it a bit more interesting. It has been translated in nearly any languages in the world. It’s one of the best-known nursery rhyme all over the world.
- Main chords in this song: Am – C – Dm7 – F – G7
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Frère Jacques
- One chord (G) version: Are You Sleeping
3. “Baa Baa Black Sheep” for Ukulele
This short nursery rhyme has the same melody as ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ or ‘The ABC Song’. It’s easy to sing and requires the three basic chords G, C, and D. These first chords are essential for learning to play other songs on the ukulele.
- Main chords in this song: C – D – G
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Baa Baa Black Sheep
4. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Old MacDonald Had a Farm is one of the most popular nursery rhymes at preschool as well as school. Kids love the lyrics that integrate the sound of the animals. Thanks to the repetitive pattern of the lyrics, you can integrate endless animal sounds and let your kids be creative. Only three basic chords required.
- Main chords in this song: C – F – G
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
5. “The ABC Song” or “Alphabet Song” on Ukulele
This song uses the same melody as ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’. However, some different chords are used here for this one, to emphasize the single parts better. Simple down strums on each chord are enough to make this song sound nice. This rhyme also helps kids to memorise the alphabet as they sing along. It’s a great exercise for mastering the alphabet and makes it fun to learn.
- Main chords in this song: C – F – G – G7
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: The ABC Song
6. Row Row Row Your Boat
Although there is no “one correct key” for a certain song. This is typically played in the A key causing it to have some difficult chords. An easy way around this it to transpose the song two half steps down.
- Main chords in this song: C – D – D7 – Em – G
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Row Row Row Your Boat
7. “Three Blind Mice” on Ukulele
This all-time favourite rhyme for kids is memorable due to its scandalous knife. The transitions of chords in this song can be a little challenging for beginners, but you can pause strumming the next chord.
- Main chords in this song: C – G
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Three Blind Mice
8. Mary Had A Little Lamb
This song expresses the tender love and affection between Mary and her per lamb. The lamb used to follow her around wherever she went and instil the love for animals in young kids. Only two chords, like A and E, are needed to play this song on the ukulele. Feel free to transpose it up or down to change the key for some easier chords.
- Main chords in this song: A – E
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Mary Had A Little Lamb
9. “Wheels On The Bus” for Ukulele
“The Wheels on the Bus” is an American folk song written by Verna Hills (1898–1990). It has a very repetitive rhythm, making the song easy for many people to sing, in a manner similar to the song “99 Bottles of Beer”.
- Main chords in this song: C – G
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Wheels On The Bus
10. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
The song was documented as early as 1961. It is often sung to the tune of “There Is a Tavern in the Town”, although it is sometimes sung to the tune of “London Bridge Is Falling Down”. There is generally only one verse with lyrics similar to those below. The second line repeats the first line both in words and in melody, the third line has a rising tone, and the fourth line repeats the first two. It’s a fun song to dance to and learn some body parts.
- Main chords in this song: C – D – D7 – G
- Lyrics and ukulele tabs: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Learn how to Play Easy Children Songs on Ukulele
Learning, playing and singing lullabies or nursery rhymes should give you joy and helps you connect with children in a fun, entertaining and meaningful way. Using a limited set of basic chords you can practically play all of these popular Children songs on ukulele.
Need more input?
Whether you want to start learning the basic ukulele chords for beginners, how to read chord diagrams or ukulele tablature? UkuTabs has your back. Can’t get enough Children songs? Check out the complete list over on UkuTabs. Feeling the holiday spirt? Check out the Top 10 Christmas Songs.
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