Get to know your four strings
These chord diagrams use G–C–E–A tuning. Read the strings from left to right, with the ukulele upright. Dots show where to press; open circles show strings you leave open.
Play slowly with relaxed fingers. You only need one finger for the C shape below.
Try C, F, and G
G–C–E–A tuning
G–C–E–A tuning
G–C–E–A tuning
Check one string at a time. If a note sounds muted, lift and replace your fingertip before trying again.
Put two shapes together
Play one chord for four steady counts, then change. Repeat slowly until the change feels easier.
Try it in a song →Start with C → F → C. Add G when you can change comfortably. The chord names in our song sheets work for ukulele too; use ukulele shapes, rather than guitar fingerings.
Keep these handy
Your chord chart library
Choose a level to open the full chart. The original charts are here whenever you need them.
Beginner Uke ChordsView chart
Intermediate Uke ChordsView chart
Advanced Uke ChordsView chart
Important Basics
Sit in the correct position with back straight and the bottom of the ukulele resting comfortably over your leg/knee. If you're not in a comfortable relaxed position then you will find it more difficult to learn. It's also important not to strain or tense your muscles too much, the more relaxed you are the more flexible your fingers are.
When you first start the strings will probably hurt your fingertips a little. This is normal and after a couple weeks, the skin on your fingers will toughen. Many beginners press too hard therefore increasing the pressure on their fingertips.
Reading Music
When first learning to play ukulele it's no good trying to jump in at the deep end, even if you have experience of playing other instruments. You should first learn how to read chord diagrams, learn a few chords, then practice changing from chord to chord. Start off with a few major chords like C, D and G. Once you've mastered those chords and changing from one to the other move on to another three chords (e.g, E, Dm and F) and do the same with them.
Once you have familiarized yourself with chord diagrams and can competently change from chord to chord whilst simultaneously strumming a rhythm you may choose to learn how to read guitar tablature. However, you should continue to learn all the major, minor and 7th chords until you can recall them without reference and until you can change from chord to chord competently. In fact, you should continue to practice indefinitely no matter how long you have been playing or how good you are.