First Chords

You are about to discover how fun and easy it is to play the ukulele. After you learn a few basics and a few chords you will be able to play hundreds of songs!

Parts of the ukulele headstock and neck you will need to know

The top portion (behind the nut) where the tuning keys are is called the headstock. The portion where the frets and fingerboard are is called the neck.

Numbering the frets and strings

Here is how the frets are numbered. We will refer to the frets as 1st fret, 3rd fret etc...

The strings are numbered as shown above. The strings will be referred to as 1st string, 2nd string, etc...

Numbering the fingers on the left hand

The fingers on The left hand are numbered as follows; Your INDEX FINGER will be your FIRST FINGER and your PINKY will be your FOURTH FINGER. The fingers are numbered one through four.

The basic thumb strum

A very basic and popular way to strum the strings on the ukulele is the basic thumb strum. All of the strings are strummed using a downward motion with the thumb of the left hand. A felt or rubber pick may also be used to strum the strings. (we have some pictures comming soon of holding the pick and the basic thumb strum).

C Chord

Here is our first chord. Use the fingertip of your 3rd finger, place it just behind the third fret as shown above. Press down as firmly enough so that the note sound clearly.

Tips on playing a chord clearly; Play each string individually, starting with the string closest to you, with your thumb, to make sure all of the notes sound clearly. If any of the notes sound muffled, or don't sound as clear as the others adjust your left hand possition and try again. After all of the notes sound clearly you will strum the chord. When you strum a chord, all of the strings are strummed using a downward motion with the thumb of the left hand.

G7 Chord

Here is your second chord. Place your fingers behind the frets as shown above. Place your 3rd finger behind the 2nd fret on the 1st string, your 1st finger behind the 1st fret on the 2nd string, and your second finger behind the 2nd fret on the 3rd string. Use your fingertips to press down on the strings. Use the tips for playing a chord clearly above.

Playing Your First Chord Progression

Start with the C chord. Strum the chord 4 times, using a downward strum with your thumb. Count out loud and tap your foot as you strum; 1, 2, 3, 4. This is how how keep time, or keep a beat. After you strum the C chord for 4 counts, you will need to change to the G7 chord. Then strum the G7 chord for 4 counts; 1, 2, 3, 4. Repeat this a number of times. Start very slow. there may be a delay when changing from the C to the G7 chord at first.

Here is a tip for changing from the C chord to the G7 chord; When changing from the C chord to trhe G7 chord don't take your 3rd finger of the fretboard, just move it down to the 2nd fret, then add the additional fingers as shown in the picture. When changing back to the C chord remove your 1st and 2nd finger and slide your 3rd finger up to the 3rd fret.

STRUM and COUNT; The C and the G7 above the numbers indicate the chord to be played. On each of the numbers strum the chord with a downward strum using your thumb. Count out loud and tap your foot; 1, 2, 3, 4. Start very slow and increase speed as it becomes easier to switch between C and G7 chords. After strumming the G7 chord 4 times go back to the beginning, (the C chord). Repeat this a number of times.

C                                             G7

1          2          3          4          1          2         3          4          Repeat

4/4 and 3/4 time

When we have 4 counts or beats like we do above (1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc...) we are in 4/4/ time.  If we have 3 counts and we strum and count like this 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, etc... we are in 3/4 time.

STRUM and COUNT in 3/4 time.

C                                G7

1          2          3         1          2         3          Repeat

Now you are ready for the next section,  First Songs 

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