Ukulele Chord Finder - Discover ukulele chords in any key and numerous styles. Just select the key and type of the chord to view different chord variations.

Learn different positions of the #keyString##primary# chord (#keyString# #secondary#) on the ukulele.

#keyString##primary# chord

Ukulele song tabs using the #chordName# chord

Ukulele Chords - UkeBuddy

#keyString##primary# Chord on Ukulele - UkeBuddy

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<h2>Size</h2>
<p>Ukuleles usually come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The original and most common size is the soprano (sometimes called standard). Soprano, concert, and tenor all use standard GCEA tuning, so chord shapes transfer across those three. Soprano is the smallest at about 21 inches overall. Baritone is the largest at about 30 inches and commonly uses DGBE tuning, like the top four strings of a guitar.</p>
<p>Smaller ukes sound light and bouncy, which is the classic ukulele voice many beginners want. Larger ukes sound fuller and louder. Many players prefer concert or tenor for a longer fretboard and a bit more room for the fretting hand, while still keeping a ukulele character.</p>
<p><strong>For most beginners:</strong> start with a soprano. If your hands feel cramped on a soprano, try a concert in a shop before you buy. Trying instruments in person beats guessing from photos.</p>
<h2>Build quality</h2>
<p>Avoid the cheapest toy-grade ukuleles. Unstable tuners, buzzing frets, and poor intonation make beginners think they are the problem. You do not need a luxury instrument to learn, but you do need one that stays roughly in tune and frets cleanly.</p>
<p>Product picks and current prices change often, so gear shopping lives in our <a href="#reviewsUrl#">reviews</a> rather than in this lesson. For stands, hangers, and related accessories, start there after you know which size you want.</p>
<h2>Next</h2>
<p>Once you have an instrument, go to <a href="#tuningLessonUrl#">tuning</a> and use the live tuner on UkeBuddy as your main how-to-tune tool.</p>

Beginner guide to ukulele sizes (soprano, concert, tenor, baritone) and what to look for before you buy.

Beginner: Choosing a Ukulele - UkeBuddy

<h2>What is a chord?</h2>
<p>A chord is three or more notes played together. Open beginner shapes like C and G unlock a huge number of songs. Use the <a href="#chordsUrl#">ukulele chord finder</a> while you practice so you can confirm each fingering.</p>
<h2><a href="#cChordUrl#">The C major chord</a></h2>
<p>In the chord finder, choose C and major. You should see one fretted note: the <strong>3rd fret of the A string</strong>. The A string is the one closest to your lap if you are playing sitting down. Press in the space just behind that fret, then strum all four strings. That is a C major chord (often written as simply C).</p>
<p><img src="/img/ukulele-c-chord.png" loading="lazy" alt="C major ukulele chord diagram" /></p>
<h2><a href="#gChordUrl#">The G major chord</a></h2>
<p>Choose G and major in the chord finder. The basic open G shape frets three notes (C string 2nd fret, E string 3rd fret, A string 2nd fret; the G string stays open). You can use one finger per fretted string. If that feels cramped, barre the second fret across the C, E, and A strings with your index finger, then use another finger for the <strong>3rd fret of the E string</strong>. Find a grip that stays clean without buzzing.</p>
<p><img src="/img/ukulele-g-chord.png" loading="lazy" alt="G major ukulele chord diagram" /></p>
<h2>Practice tip</h2>
<p>Switch slowly between C and G until the change is smooth, then try a simple down-strum on each beat. When you want more shapes, stay in the <a href="#chordsUrl#">chord finder</a> and explore F, Am, and G7 next.</p>

Beginner guide to ukulele chords, starting with C and G major, using UkeBuddy's chord finder for fingerings.

Beginner: Learning Basic Chords - UkeBuddy

Free beginner ukulele lessons: choose a size, tune with our live tuner, hold the uke comfortably, and learn basic chords.

<h2>How to hold it</h2>
<p>Most ukuleles are light enough that you do not need a strap for casual practice, though a strap is fine if it helps you stay consistent.</p>
<p>Hold the ukulele high on your body, around the chest. Cradle the body in your right arm, with your right hand free to strum or pick. Your left hand is the fretting hand. Keep a gentle hold. Squeezing the body against your chest can mute the sound.</p>
<h2>Strumming and fretting</h2>
<p>Strum near the end of the neck where it meets the body, not over the sound hole. Your fretting hand presses the strings just behind the frets (on the peghead side of each metal fret), hard enough for a clean note without buzzing.</p>
<p>If you play left-handed, swap the roles of the hands. In UkeBuddy prefs you can also turn on lefty diagram mirroring so chord charts match how you hold the instrument.</p>
<h2>Next</h2>
<p>When the uke feels secure, learn <a href="#chordsLessonUrl#">basic chords</a> with the chord finder open beside this lesson.</p>

Beginner guide to holding a ukulele at the chest, fretting cleanly, and strumming in the right place.

Beginner: How to Hold a Ukulele - UkeBuddy

Ukulele Guide - UkeBuddy

<h2>Standard tuning</h2>
<p>Most soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles use <strong>G C E A</strong> (often written gCEA when the G is a high, re-entrant G). That means the G string is not the lowest pitch. Baritone ukuleles commonly use <strong>D G B E</strong> instead. Pick the matching tuning on the tuner before you start.</p>
<h2>Use the live tuner</h2>
<p>Open the <a href="#tunerUrl#">UkeBuddy ukulele tuner</a>. You can play a reference tone for each open string and match it by ear, or use your device microphone so the display shows how sharp or flat you are. Matching by ear takes practice; the microphone display is easier if you are still training that. Match each string, then check all four again, because adjusting one string can nudge the others.</p>
<h2>Clip-on or hardware tuners</h2>
<p>A clip-on chromatic tuner is also fine, and many beginners find it straightforward. Pluck one string at a time and turn the peg until the tuner shows the target note centered. The same GCEA (or DGBE) targets apply.</p>
<h2>Tuning tips</h2>
<p>Always finish by tuning <strong>up</strong> to the target pitch. If the G string is sharp (say at G#), do not just loosen it down to G. Drop a little below the note, then tighten up to G. That keeps tension more stable, so the string stays in tune longer.</p>
<p>Tune every time you play. After a little practice it only takes a few seconds, and it protects you from thinking bad intonation is bad technique.</p>

Beginner guide to keeping your ukulele in tune, with UkeBuddy's live microphone tuner as the main tool.

ukulele guide

Beginner: holding the ukulele

How to hold it

Strumming and fretting

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