LearnBaritone
Beginner ukulele chords
Learn six beginner ukulele chords with clear diagrams and audio. Start with C, Am, F and G, practise clean changes, then add Em and D to play the same progression in another key.
Easy ukulele chords for beginners
First, make sure your ukulele is in tune with the ukulele tuner.
C, Am, F and G work together in a common progression. Learn these DGBE shapes, listen to each chord, then practise moving between them. F uses a small barre across the B and E strings, so take that shape slowly.
New to chord diagrams? Learn how to read them first.
C major
Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. Leave the G and E strings open.
A minor
Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Leave the E string open.
F major
Use your index finger to barre the 1st fret across the B and E strings. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string.
G major
Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the E string. Leave the D, G, and B strings open.
Practise clean chords and changes
Make every note clear before you add speed or a strumming pattern.
Make each chord ring
- Form the chord without strumming.
- Pick D, G, B and E separately.
- Move a buzzing fingertip closer to the body-side fret wire and press firmly enough for a clear note.
- Curl any finger that is touching and muting a neighboring string.
- Strum once when all four strings ring clearly.
Build smoother changes
- Start with C and Am. Keep the D string at fret 2 and the B string at fret 1, then add or lift the finger at fret 2 of the G string.
- Practise C to Am, then F to G.
- Count four slow beats on each chord and change on the next 1. Add four downstrums only when both shapes stay clear.
More beginner ukulele chords: Em and D
Once C, Am, F and G feel comfortable, add Em and D. These two shapes let you use the same four-chord progression in the key of G.
E minor
Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. Leave the G, B, and E strings open.
D major
Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Leave the D string open.
Beginner ukulele chord progressions
The C · Am · F · G and G · Em · C · D loops use the same I–vi–IV–V progression in different keys. The first uses your original four chords in C. Adding Em and D lets you play it in G.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Baritone ukulele chords should a beginner learn first?
Learn C, Am, F and G using the DGBE fingerings shown here. G uses one fretted string. C and Am share two fretted notes, while F introduces a small barre. Add Em and D to practise the same progression in G.
- How can I tell whether I am playing a chord correctly?
Pick each string separately before you strum the full chord. Every string marked open or fretted should ring clearly. Use the audio preview to hear the complete chord, then compare it with your own sound.
- Why does my ukulele chord buzz or sound muted?
A buzzing finger may be too far from the body-side fret wire or may not press firmly enough. A muted open string is often touching the side of another finger. Use your fingertips, curl the fingers, and check one string at a time.
- How do I change ukulele chords more smoothly?
Practise two chords at a time. Release only enough pressure to move, keep the fingers close to the fretboard, and form the next shape before you strum. Start without a beat, then count four slow beats on each chord.
- Can I use these shapes on a Standard ukulele?
These diagrams use DGBE tuning. A Standard gCEA ukulele needs different fingerings for the same chord names. Use the tuning menu to open the Standard version of this guide.
Keep playing
Add a steady strum or look up more chord shapes.