If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to get chord charts for C, G, F, and D. These are basic major chords that are used in many ukulele songs. You should also get chord charts for A minor and E minor. These are 2 minor chords that come up frequently in easier ukulele songs.
Chord charts are designed for GCEA tuning, which is the most common tuning for ukuleles. The vertical lines on a chord chart represent each string, starting from G and going from left to right. The horizontal lines on a chord chart are the frets on your ukulele. Usually, chord charts show the first 4 frets. For chords further down the fretboard, you’ll see numbers on the left-hand side of the chord chart that let you know which fret the chart starts on so you can reposition your hands.
Fingers are numbered the same as they are for guitar: 1 is your index finger, 2 is your middle finger, 3 is your ring finger, and 4 is your pinky. The fingerings shown are just suggestions – if something else is more comfortable for you, feel free to use it. However, keep in mind that many of the standard fingerings are designed to make transitioning to other chords easier. If you use your own fingering, you may find it more difficult to switch between different chord shapes later on. Barre chords are indicated with a curved line over all the barred strings. The finger numbers at the bottom of the chart will be the same for all the barred strings. Play these chords by pressing down multiple strings with one finger (usually your index finger) as shown.
When you’re just learning the chord, strum each string separately to make sure they all make a clear sound. If they sound buzzed or muted, you might be accidentally touching them with your finger. Adjust your hand until the string plays clearly, then try the chord again. The ukulele’s size can make it difficult to avoid hitting strings that aren’t supposed to be played. You can place a finger lightly over the string just above the nut to mute it. Then it won’t matter if your strumming hand hits it or not.
Use the tip of your finger to fret the string. Otherwise, you may find that you inadvertently mute the E string.
Once you have C and F under your belt, you’re at a good place to practice chord transitions. Keep your fingers in position over the strings. Play a C, then lift your third finger up at the same time you press down your first and second fingers to play and F. Then lift those 2 fingers up as you press down your third finger to play C again. Switch back and forth until the transition begins to feel natural.
If using 3 fingers for G is awkward for you, try making a bar across all strings but G with your index finger. Then place your middle finger on the third fret of the E string. [9] X Research source
As with G, you have an option to bar the strings instead of using 3 fingers side by side. The only problem is you can’t make a bar as you did with G because you have to play the A string open. Some ukulele players play D by barring the 3 strings with their thumb – and this is perfectly acceptable if it’s easier for you.
It’s as easy to transition between C major and A minor as it was to transition between C and F. You’ll find an even easier transition between A minor and F, because you only have to lift or lower your first finger – your second finger stays in the same place.
E minor is one of the most natural chord shapes to form, but it can also make for some awkward transitions between other chords.
For example, the song “22,” by Taylor Swift, only has 3 chords: G, D, and C. Some sites have more complex tabs that include notations for strumming patterns. When you’re playing your first songs, don’t worry about the strumming patterns – just focus on the chords. Trying to learn a complex strumming pattern before you have the chords down will get frustrating.
Once you have your transitions down, start playing the chords in the order they appear in the song. Use 4 down strums for each chord, then transition to the next chord and play it for 4 down strums. The result may not sound much like the actual song when you’re playing this way, but you may be able to hear it taking shape. If you want, you can try singing the song over your accompaniment.
The “downbeat” is essentially the beat on which you would clap your hands or tap your foot, if you were keeping the beat that way. You can use a metronome to help you with this. Search on your mobile device for a free metronome app to download, or use one online. Some songs use more complex strum patterns. However, this simple strumming pattern works for most songs and brings your playing closer to that stereotypical “ukulele sound” you probably had in mind when you started playing the instrument.
When you’re just starting out, think of your strumming hand as keeping time. Strum evenly, as though your strumming hand is your metronome. Focus on moving your fingers from one chord shape to the next along with the beat. Think of more complex strumming patterns as more complex rhythms – similarly to how a drummer can simply keep time for the rest of the band, or can add various fills to make the song more interesting.
