Chord learning is key to playing songs on the ukulele. Some chords may be easier than others to hear and finger.
Chord charts are an essential resource that provide both the fretboard and strings of an instrument with dots or numbers to indicate where fingers should be placed on each string to form desired chords. Furthermore, chord charts often include circles to indicate open strings which should be played without using fingers as chord builders.
1. C Minor
The C Minor chord is an iconic chord found across many genres of music. Learning it is easy as there are numerous variations available to create the right ambience in any song.
This chord combines C, Eb, and G notes. Playing it requires more finesse due to being a partial barre chord – meaning one finger must hold down all three strings at once!
To play this chord, start by positioning your index finger on the second fret of A string and placing middle and ring fingers at their respective frets; index should go first onto A string’s second fret and middle on C’s third fret and fourth fret respectively before your ring finger touches G string’s fourth fret respectively.
Subtract half a step to the third scale degree of the C minor scale to create an A minor scale, as shown below. You can access this information either through sheet music or key signature.
2. E Minor
E minor chords are an integral component of many musical genres. Their mournful sound comes from changing its third note a half-step below the major scale in which it shares key signature. This characteristic makes minor chords distinct compared to their major counterparts.
The White Stripes’ legendary riff in Seven Nation Army features an Em minor chord. Additionally, Scarborough Fair and Mad World by Simon and Garfunkel and Tears for Fears also contain this melancholic tone.
As with other barre chords, E minor can be difficult for beginners to master. Practice regularly while making sure all non-fretting fingers remain clear of the fretboard; using an app like Uberchord that listens and gives instantaneous feedback may also prove invaluable; learn more about bars and transitioning by signing up for Fender Play free trials today – we have full tutorial series available there as well!
3. G Minor
G minor may not be your go-to chord for all songs, but its powerful sound adds emotion and unexpected tension to any composition. Plus, it works great with other minor chords to create more complex and textured sounds!
This minor chord shape is one of the easiest minor forms to play, since its basic shape resembles F major but moved up by one fret. To play this minor ukulele chord, fret your index finger at the 2nd fret of C string; middle finger on 2nd fret E string and ring finger at 3rd fret A string;
No matter if you are playing with other musicians, improvising, or creating original music of your own, understanding chords and their inversions will help develop more advanced musical abilities. Experiment with different scales and modes within G minor key signature, like harmonic and melodic minor scales to add nuance and individuality to your compositions.
4. A Minor
Minor chords can be one of the more challenging ones for newcomers to learn, yet their importance cannot be overstated. First and foremost, understanding why each major key has its own minor counterpart is essential for understanding why each chord can create different musical sounds; examples include Frosty the Snowman using B and A minor alongside cheery major chords G, C, and D to create its festive holiday sound; Radiohead’s “Karma Police” features A and E minor as part of an overall moody tone.
Minor chords are made by shifting the third note down by half step (or flattening), producing their signature sad sound. On ukulele, to play an A minor chord use your index finger on the first fret on A string; middle finger on second fret on C string; and ring finger on third fret of E string.