The ukulele has a reputation for being easy, and then you meet your first chord chart and it looks like a crossword. Sore fingertips do not help either.
Here is how to read a chord chart, and the handful of shapes that will get you through most songs you actually want to play.
How to read a chord chart
A chord chart is a picture of the ukulele neck, stood upright and facing you.
- The vertical lines are the strings: G on the far left, then C, then E, then A on the far right.
- The horizontal lines are the frets, running down the neck away from the headstock.
- A dot is where you put a finger. A dot on the far left line between the first and second horizontal lines means hold the G string down at the 2nd fret.
- A zero at the top means play that string open, without holding anything.
- The numbers along the bottom tell you which finger to use.
The finger numbers are always the same: 1 is your index finger, 2 is your middle, 3 is your ring finger and 4 is your little finger.
The chart mirrors the instrument, so you can copy what you see straight onto the fretboard without mentally flipping it.
The major chords
Major chords sound bright and settled. These three will carry an enormous number of songs on their own.
They will feel awkward for a week or so. That is your hand learning, not you failing. Keep going.
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You can learn more about chords and loads of other topics in my Ukulele Utopia course
The minor chords
Minor chords sound darker and more intimate. The three worth learning early are A minor, D minor and E minor.
Once you have both sets, practise moving between them rather than just holding them. C to Am is the easiest place to start, because both only need one finger. F to Dm is worth drilling too, since the shapes are close enough to catch you out.
Changing cleanly between chords is the actual skill. Anyone can hold a shape given long enough.