17 Easy Tuba Songs For Beginners

“About Damn Time” by Lizzo

Song year: 2022

The post-disco of “About Damn Time” was a real doozy, picking up multiple MTV Video Music Awards as well as a Grammy Award. TikTok extended the song’s shelf life considerably, though in 2023 it seems to have fallen off a cliff into a deep hole.

But I’m not judging anyone who likes this tune, and I even think it has its moments.

I think you’d be quite brave to learn it on the tuba, though if you’re bored of playing simple melodies, you’ll probably get a kick out of “About Damn Time.”

“Easy on Me” by Adele

Song year: 2021

Adele’s “Easy on Me” was released as the lead single from her fourth studio album, 30. The minimal pop ballad is a tribute to Adele’s son who struggled with her divorce.

The song was received relatively well by critics, and commercially, it became the longest-running number-one tune on the US Billboard Hot 100 by a female artist in the 2020s (they’re not over yet!).

Thanks to the song’s slow tempo, learning its melody should not prove a Herculean task.

“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

Song year: 1973

Deep Purple’s immortal “Smoke on the Water” was revolutionary upon its release, and infinitely influential to this day. So much so that the song has effectively become a comedic relief meme for guitarists.

Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore was always able to balance simplicity with inspiration, coming up with riffs like “Smoke on the Water” that would live on as the most important in rock history.

The main riff is simple but essential. And that makes it perfect for beginners.

“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley

Song year: 1987

Beginner musicians never grow tired of rickrolling their friends. Of course, to be able to rickroll anyone, you must be able to play his infamous “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

Fun fact – the song wasn’t written by Astley, but rather by the English record-producing trio Stock Aitken Waterman. As well, the song was influenced by the 1985 Colonel Abrams hit, “Trapped” (the danceable groove, bassline, and drums certainly bear some resemblance).

The version seen in the video above is a little advanced, and it’s advisable to seek out a simplified version, at least until you get a hang of the song.

“Take On Me” by A-ha

Song year: 1984

Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha’s “Take On Me” may not have made a lot of sense lyrically, but it still went on to become a massive success thanks to its infectious synth riff and lead singer Morten Harket’s huge vocal range.

“Take On Me” is a great song for brass instruments, but why let the trumpet and trombone have all the fun? You can interpret the tune on the tuba and have it sound cool, too.