From “Ukulele Lesson 1 - Absolute Beginner? Start Here! [Free 10 Day Course]” by Andy Guitar
Ukulele starter course: first three chords and a song
Three easy chords and a real song, from day one.
What you need
- Ukulele — A concert, soprano or tenor ukulele; baritone works but is tuned differently.
- Clip-on tuner — Used to check the tuning G C E A; the only accessory needed.
- Strap (optional) — Clips onto the two pegs to support the ukulele around the neck.
Steps
- 1. Play the C major chord: Hold the ukulele with the palm supporting the neck and place one finger on the third fret, curling the fingers so no other strings sound. 2:41
- 2. Play the F major chord: Place fingers one and two on the first fret of the second string and the middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string. 4:00
- 3. Play the G major chord: Shape the fingers like a D major chord: first finger on the third string second fret, middle finger on the bottom string second fret, third finger on the first string third fret. 8:48
What to have ready
Things to look at closely
- Clip-on tuner on headstock — A small black clip-on tuner is attached to the pink headstock of the ukulele.
- G major chord diagram — On-screen diagram shows G major with fingers at frets 1, 2 and 3 across the strings.
- C major chord diagram — On-screen diagram shows C major with a single dot at the third fret on the fourth string.
Questions to check yourself
Which familiar chord shape is the G major chord played with?
D major — Andy says the G major chord uses the shape of a D major chord, with three fingers. 8:48
Which notes is the ukulele tuned to in this lesson?
G C E A — He says the tuning notes for this ukulele are G, C, E and A. 0:41
How many beats does Andy count in one bar?
Four — He says a bar is a count of four beats, one two three four. 12:04