Basic Ukulele Chords - The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
Why Learn Basic Ukulele Chords?
Looking to master some of the most popular ukulele chords? Once you’ve got a few under your fingers, you’ll be able to play hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of songs.
Chords are the building blocks of music. Learning chords also improves finger strength, coordination, and strumming confidence.
Let’s start with the four basic chords essential for ukulele players: C, Am, F and G.
They’re all relatively easy to play and transition between, making them a perfect starting point for beginners!
At Ukuleles Unanimous, we’re all about making your learning journey fun, easy, and jam-packed with great music. So let’s break down these basic chords step by step 🎶
The Most Popular Chords to Learn First
1. C Major (C)
This is one of the easiest and most used chords. Simply place your ring finger on the third fret of the bottom string (A string). That’s it! Strum all four strings, and you’ve got a bright, happy C major.
2. A Minor (Am)
Another super simple chord. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the top string (G string), leaving the others open. This one has a slightly more mellow vibe.
3. F Major (F)
A little trickier, but still beginner-friendly! Press your index finger on the first fret of the E string and your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. Strum all strings for a beautiful, warm sound.
4. G Major (G)
This chord requires a little more finger movement but is worth it! Place your index finger on the second fret of the C string, your ring finger on the third fret of the E string, and your middle finger on the second fret of the A string. This chord is used in so many songs, so it’s a must-learn!
Easy Songs to Play With These Chords
Once you’ve got these basic chords down, have a go at playing these simple songs:
This popular song features an upbeat tempo and a catchy ukulele riff (Am, G, C, F)
2. ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley
The famous reggae anthem known for its uplifting message (C, F, G)
3. ‘Bad Moon Rising’ by Creedence Clearwater Revival
It’s simple, catchy melody and driving rhythm, make it a great song for beginners! (C, G, F)
With a foot stomping, sing-along chorus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser! (C, G, Am, F)
If you enjoyed these, why not explore our full collection of Easy 3 Chord Songs?
Need more practise? Our Play Alongs for Beginners use basic ukulele chords and slow tempos for easy learning!
Top Tips for Smooth Transitions
Getting comfortable switching between these chords takes a bit of practice, but here are some tips to speed up the process:
Anchor Your Fingers - For example, notice how your index finger is already in place when transitioning from F to G? Use this to your advantage!
Slow it Down - Practice switching between chords slowly at first. Speed will come naturally over time.
Strumming Practice - Try a simple Down-Up-Down-Up strumming pattern while switching chords to keep a steady rhythm.
Sing Along - Playing and singing at the same time helps with rhythm and makes learning more fun!
And Finally …..
Learning the ukulele should be fun, so don’t stress if it takes time to get your fingers in the right places. Keep practicing, play along with your favorite songs, and most importantly - enjoy the music! Soon, you'll be strumming like a pro.
Let us know how you get on in the comments, and don’t forget to look up more free ukulele tips and tutorials from Ukuleles Unanimous!
Happy strumming 😊
