Songs written for the ukulele often require only basic chords that rely on the circle of fifths; each major key has an equivalent minor key found three half steps below it on this circle of fifths.
Chord charts are small grids that show which strings and frets to use to play each chord, often using dots as indicators of where fingers should be placed to form it.
Am
As novice ukulele players get acquainted with their fretboards, one of the first chords they encounter will likely be A minor. It’s an easy-to-learn chord often found in popular songs.
An open chord can be formed by pressing your middle finger against the second fret of the top G string while leaving all other strings open – as seen below in this image. This results in its distinctive chord shape which can be seen here.
Just like F major, Am major is also a barre chord. Try playing a “sandwich” progression with one measure of Am followed by two of Dm before returning back to Am again – it sounds wonderful! Strum all four strings gently; if any seem muted or buzzy adjust pressure or finger position accordingly.
Cm
Almost any chord “shapes” you know on guitar can also be performed on the ukulele; just remember the uke uses different tuning. Here, the C natural minor scale can be heard, as can be heard in Radiohead’s classic Creep from the 1990s alternative scene.
This chord is an example of a partial barre chord, in which one finger holds down two or more strings simultaneously with its index finger. Simply place it over the second fret of both A and C strings with its index finger across their second frets while leaving out G string open – giving an unsettling edge to an otherwise cheerful sound of the ukulele! This dark feel gives this piece its unique character.
Dm
D minor is one of the most frequently used ukulele chords, and often featured as part of song lyrics. Part of the natural minor scale, its notes consisting of D-F-A. D minor chords can often evoke feelings of melancholy or sorrowfulness when played on an ukulele.
As with other minor chords, Dm requires three fingers for formation. Place your index finger on string 1 at fret 2, middle finger on string 2 at fret 3 and pinky on string 3 at fret 4. Leave string one open.
Barre this chord by pressing your index finger across multiple frets simultaneously; this creates a more dramatic sound.
E
If you have been playing the ukulele for any amount of time, chances are you have encountered songs using minor chords. In this lesson we will look at some of the most commonly employed minor chords used in music.
Minor chords differ from major ones in that they consist of intervals from both tonic and perfect fifth notes, adding tension by way of minor third and augmented fifth intervals. This variation adds complexity and creates some great sounds!
F
F minor chords can add variety and can be found in numerous popular songs. Although more challenging than major chords you learned previously, be patient while you practice slowly to achieve results.
Add this chord to your repertoire and it can help build muscle memory and sharpen chord transitioning skills. By practicing with some of the songs listed below, you may also gain the rhythm and timing required for these chords.
This chord requires you to bar your index finger across the fifth fret of A, E and C strings – more difficult than its major F chord counterpart, but definitely worth the challenge!
G
G minor chord on ukulele is another great beginner chord to start off your musical journey with. It evokes feelings of melancholy or sadness and features two fingers playing two open strings like its F chord counterpart.
For this ukulele chord, we will employ the “barre” shape, which involves barring multiple frets with your fretting hand finger. To do this, place your index finger on the second fret of G string while leaving other strings open; when strumming all four strings simultaneously you will create the G minor ukulele chord – practice playing it to achieve optimal sound!