Chord voicings (or shapes) refer to how your fingers are placed on the fretboard to form chords. Each shape contains various notes which can be arranged differently for an unconventional sounding chord voicing.
Major chords create a joyful and celebratory tone, while minor chords bring on more melancholic emotions.
A Major
Major chords can be played using just one finger, making them an accessible way to start out playing the ukulele. They’re also useful as transition chords between other ukulele chords.
Strumming open strings allows their sound to resonate freely, which is key when strumming songs using major chords.
To play an A major ukulele chord, start by placing your index finger on the first fret of C string and middle finger on second fret of G string, making sure your fingers are rounded without blocking any open strings. Practice until this chord becomes easy and rhythmic for you.
B Major
Once you are comfortable forming ukulele chords with your fingers, we will move on to more advanced shapes such as barre chords (where one finger holds down two strings simultaneously).
Beginners often find this challenging. Once they grasp it though, once they can create all sorts of chords all the way across the fretboard. Understanding scale degrees and chords will also help in understanding keys which is integral for music theory.
C Major
C is the initial major chord on this scale and offers an energetic sound, making it the foundation for many ukulele songs.
As with other major triads, C major chord contains three notes–a root note, major third and fifth note. Major thirds can also be written as perfect fifths; on an ukulele fretboard this represents half step or semitone difference between notes.
Strum this chord on any string, though the open E and A strings give it its fullest sound. Learn how to play this chord by practicing one or more of these songs. Once familiarized, become a Fender Play member for more chords, songs and tips to improve your ukulele playing!
D Major
D Major chord is an upbeat chord that works well across many genres of music. It can serve as both tonic or dominant chord, providing relief by leading into another key or chord progression.
D is a three note chord that can be played multiple ways on the ukulele, most frequently open position using open strings without pressing them down on the fretboard rather than closed strings.
To play this chord on the ukulele, place your index finger on the second fret of E string and move up one fret with your middle finger, jumping to second fret G string before using your ring finger to press down on C string in same fret position.
E Major
E major is one of the most commonly encountered chords, particularly for beginners. It is easy to finger and has an impressive sound.
This chord can also be an ideal way to build minor chord progressions as its sound remains unchanged across key changes.
One reason to learn this major chord is its use as the basis for many songs adapted for ukuleles. You’re likely to encounter it almost whenever someone plays them!
This chord, known as a barre chord, requires you to hold down two strings with just one finger. Though initially challenging for ukulele players, practicing it daily should eventually come natural and it will become second nature.