In this chord guide, we cover the basic chords that every beginning ukulele player should learn. We'll cover the C, G, F, Am, D, and E7 chords, as they're often found in many popular songs. Each chord includes a diagram and a brief explanation of how to play it.
1. C chord
Diagram
A| ---0---
E| ---0---
C| ---0---
G| ---3---
Explanation
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the bottom A string.
- The other strings are played open (no fingers on the frets).
2. G chord
Diagram
A| ---2---
E| ---3---
C| ---2---
G| ---0---
Explanation
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the E string.
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
- The G string is played open.
3. F chord
Diagram
A| ---0---
E| ---1---
C| ---0---
G| ---2---
Explanation
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string.
- The other strings are played open.
4. Am chord
Diagram
A| ---0---
E| ---0---
C| ---0---
G| ---2---
Explanation
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- The other strings are played open.
5. D chord
DiagramA| ---2---
E| ---2---
C| ---2---
G| ---0---
Explanation
- Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the 2nd fret of the G, C, and E strings.
- The A string is played open.
6. E7 chord
Diagram
E| ---0---
C| ---1---
G| ---2---
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the C string.
- The E string is played open.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
7. G7 agreement
Diagram
A| ---1---
E| ---0---
C| ---2---
G| ---0---
Explanation
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C string.
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string.
- The G and A strings are played open.
8. Dm chord
Diagram
A| ---0---
E| ---1---
C| ---2---
G| ---2---
Explanation
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the C string.
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string.
- The A string is played open.
Tips for practicing chords
- Play slowly : Start slowly and concentrate on placing your fingers correctly on the frets.
- Exercise regularly : Short, daily exercise sessions are more effective than long, irregular sessions.
- Use a metronome : This will help you play at a consistent tempo.
- Chord Switching : Practice switching between different chords to learn to transition smoothly into songs.
With these basic chords and tips, you'll be well on your way to playing a wide variety of songs and developing your skills. Have fun!
