Easy Ukulele Chords for Beginners

The 8 essential chords every ukulele player needs to know, in the best learning order

The ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn. Your first chord takes just one finger, and within an hour you can know enough chords to play real songs. These 8 chords are ordered from easiest to hardest.

Standard tuning: G-C-E-A. Click any chord diagram for more details and related chords.

C

1

C

Start here

The easiest chord on ukulele — just one finger. C major is bright, happy, and used in countless songs.

Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (1st/bottom). Strum all four strings.

Am

2

Am

Another one-finger chord. Am adds an emotional, melancholy quality that contrasts beautifully with C major.

Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (4th/top). Strum all four strings.

F

3

F

Two fingers, still easy. F major is one of the most common chords in ukulele music and pairs perfectly with C.

Index finger on the 1st fret of the E string (2nd), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (4th). Strum all four strings.

G

4

G

Your first three-finger chord. G major completes the C-F-G trio that lets you play hundreds of songs.

Index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, ring finger on the 3rd fret of the E string.

A

5

A

A compact two-finger chord. A major has a bright, full sound and opens up songs in the key of A.

Index finger on the 1st fret of the C string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Strum all four strings.

Em

6

Em

A beautiful, moody chord. Em on ukulele uses three fingers but the shape is comfortable and easy to hold.

Index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E string, ring finger on the 4th fret of the C string.

D

7

D

Three fingers all bunched together on the 2nd fret. D major has a sweet, compact sound unique to ukulele.

Index, middle, and ring fingers all go on the 2nd fret of the G, C, and E strings. Keep them close together.

Dm

8

Dm

A small shift from D major gives you a completely different mood. Dm adds emotional depth to your playing.

Index finger on the 1st fret of the E string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, ring finger on the 2nd fret of the C string.

Your First Ukulele Progressions

These chord combinations appear in hundreds of popular songs. Practice switching between them slowly, then build speed.

C - F - G - C

Folk/Pop

C - Am - F - G

Pop Ballad

C - G - Am - F

Pop Hits

Am - F - C - G

Emotional Pop

Tips for Learning Ukulele Chords

  • 1.Press just behind the fret — not on the metal fret wire, but in the space just behind it toward the headstock.
  • 2.Use your fingertips — curl your fingers so the tips press the strings cleanly without touching neighboring strings.
  • 3.Strum with your index finger — use the pad of your index finger to strum down, and the nail to strum up. Keep your wrist loose.
  • 4.Practice chord changes — switch between two chords slowly at first. Speed comes naturally with muscle memory.

What to Learn Next

After mastering these 8 chords, explore these to expand your playing:

  • Seventh chords — G7, C7, and A7 add a Hawaiian, bluesy sound
  • More minor chords — Cm and Gm open up songs in minor keys
Browse All Ukulele Chords