Earlier this week, I shared a blog post about using Pop Songs for ukulele instruction.  In case you missed it, you can read all about it here.  I love using folk tunes for younger students, but with older students, I often need to find music that is more on their level. 

If your students have the basic 3 chords: C, F, and G, then adding Am brings a whole new level of songs for your students!
The lovely thing about Am is connecting it to the F chord.  Introduce Am by having students finger the F chord, then lifting the 1st finger.  Voila!  So simple, right?  Once they have that, playing these songs will be easy-peasy!

Counting Stars by One Republic

 

One Love by Bob Marley

One Call Away by Charlie Puth

 

I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

Ok, so this one has two quick fly-by D7 chords, but basically the ENTIRE song is C, F, G, and Am.

And bonus – this is a clean version!

 

Hey Ho! by The Lumineers

 

Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer

 

Shake it Off by Taylor Swift

This one is just C, G, and Am!

 

 

 

Home by Philip Philips

YMCA by the Village People

Rise Up by Andra Day

Please note – you’ll need to vet these songs for appropriate lyrics and content.  What I might choose for a 5th grade class may be different than what you choose for a 7th grade class.  It’s amazing to see how many songs use 4 simple chords!

 

Do you have a favorite C, F, G, & Am song to use in the classroom?  Why not share it below in the comments!  I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

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