Guitar chords translate extremely well to the ukulele; however, their tones tend to sound lighter and warmer.
Ukuleles are tuned to G-C-E-A just like guitars. Chord diagrams often illustrate this string order along with fret marks; additionally, there may be an extra horizontal line on top that serves as the nut mark.
1. C Major
C major is an accessible beginner chord that most guitarists quickly pick up. When applying this shape to the ukulele, however, be mindful not to fret any open strings!
To prevent accidental string muting, I advise placing your index finger at the second fret of A and your ring finger at the first fret of G strings.
2. G Major
G Major is an ideal chord to begin learning barre shapes on. While barre chords can seem intimidating for beginners, it should not be too challenging to play them on your uke.
G is a major chord built from three distinct major triads, so try pairing it with C major seven for an atmospheric V – I progression. Keep in mind when switching chord shapes between guitar and ukulele that some open strings may alter their sound signatures.
3. E Major
E major is an intriguing chord, taking the classic C shape and shifting it five frets up to create its notes: E, G sharp (G#), and B. However, playing an E major chord on a soprano ukulele may prove challenging for beginners.
Make it simpler by treating it as a barre chord by placing your index finger at the 2nd fret of A and E strings to act as a bar.
4. A Major
Guitar and ukulele fretboards differ, yet chord shapes can still be moved up and down the neck to produce chord progression. Make sure your fingers remain tucked into their position so as not to accidentally muffle any open strings by accident.
For this voicing, place your index finger on string D at fret 1 and middle finger on string G at fret 2, and play both low E and high E strings openly.
5. B Major
B Major chord is an ideal practice chord as it contains all three notes needed to construct a basic major triad – B, D# and F#.
Your index finger can easily bar the first string by leaving it just barely over the second fret, while partial barring often occurs by leaving it slightly past the third fret – and most guitarists do this when barring strings with this technique.
6. C Minor
Beginners may find it more difficult to grasp this chord due to its use of what’s known as a barre chord; one finger holds down multiple strings simultaneously.
To play C Minor, use your index finger to press down on both C and E strings while leaving G open, creating a partial barre chord.
7. D Major
Contrary to most guitar chord shapes which require muting strings with your thumb, this one can be played open position. Still, practice is needed – particularly for fat fingers – in order to ensure all strings sound clearly when struck with each fret.
To play in D Major, place your index finger at the second fret of the fourth string on the fourth string; place your middle finger on the third string and your ring finger on the second string; strumming and enjoying!
8. E Minor
E minor is one of the most widely-used minor chords, easy to play and highly adaptable.
Note: When translating guitar chord shapes to the ukulele, it is essential to consider open strings and where the bar is being formed – changing this may mute certain strings.
Make note that ukulele strings tend to have lower tension than guitar ones, which may alter how chords sound and how they’re played.
9. F Major
As we switch between guitar and ukulele chord shapes, it is important to remember that their string tension differs considerably. This may require us to alter notes fretted on one instrument by playing them open or muted on the other instrument.
The fingerboard of a ukulele is smaller than that of a guitar, meaning barre chords require fewer fingers to play them.
10. G Major
G Major can be challenging for beginners to strum, so it is vitally important that they practice moving from this chord to others without squeezing the high E string too hard.
Ukuleles offer one great advantage over guitar: many of the same chord forms can be transposed up by one fourth to make learning this chord easier.