Ukulele chords are typically made up of three or more notes. These notes sound really good, or harmonious, when you strum them together. The following 10 easiest ukulele chords are some of the easiest chords to play: C, C7, A, Am, A7, D, Dm, Em, F, and G. Once you learn these easy chords, you’ll be well on your way to playing so many songs.

Most of these chords involve only one or two fingers and are easy to learn right away. Part of the attraction of the ukulele is that you can do a lot with easy chords, and many people prefer playing those over the more difficult barre chords. Be sure to have your ukulele in tune; now let’s check out this list of easy chords!

The C’s and the A’s

The C chord is often the first chord ukulele players learn and you are absolutely capable of learning this chord the first time you pick up a ukulele. It is so easy to put your first (index) finger on the third fret of the A string and start strumming all four strings. You just played the C, E, and G notes which make up the C chord. The C7 chord is just as easy! Place your first (index) finger on the first fret of the A string. That’s it!

The A minor (Am) chord is amazingly simple, too. You just place one finger on the second fret of the G string. Easy enough so far, right? You can play the A chord with just two fingers. Place your index finger on the first fret of the C string and your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. And to play the A7 chord, use your index finger on the first fret of the C string. This is a common chord you will find in blues and jazz songs. All of these chords are used in every kind of song for the ukulele.

D and Dm – Delightfully Easy Chords

The D chord involves using three fingers, and even though it can be a bit of a challenge at first, I’m confident you can still get the hang of it quickly. The notes that make the D chord are D, F#, and A. Use your first three fingers and place them on the second fret of the G, C, and E strings forming a line. Check for a clear tone without any “thuds” or “duds.” There are a couple of other ways to play this chord, too. Check out Terry Carter’s video on the D chord for alternative fingerings.

The D minor (Dm) chord is super easy, too. It is made up of the notes D, F, and A. Place your first finger on the first fret of the E string, your middle finger will go on the second fret of the G string, and the ring finger will also go on the second fret of the C string.

Em, F, and G – The Final Three

We now come to our final three chords. The E minor (Em) chord is played on a diagonal. It contains the notes E, G, and B and you will use your first, second, and third fingers for this chord. Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the fourth fret of the C string.

 The F chord appears in many songs and contains the notes F, A, and C. To play this chord, just place your finger on the first fret, E string, and your second finger on the second fret of the G string. How does it sound when you strum all the strings? Adjust your fingers as needed to get that clear tone.

Read more: The Best Songs For Ukulele Beginners

Lastly, the G chord is another chord, like the D chord, that is played with three fingers. The notes G, B, and D make up the G chord. Place your index finger on the second fret of the C string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your middle finger on the third fret of the E string. Be sure to not have “lazy fingers” and keep them in a nice, perpendicular position.

Conclusion

The ten chords discussed above will have you playing all your favorite songs in no time. Remember the helpful tips like checking for “thuds” and “duds” to ensure you have a clear tone before you strum and have fingers that are perpendicular. This will ensure your hand stays fit and free of pain, too. Have fun with these chords and connect with other ukulele players in the forum at Uke Like the Pros. You can become a member of Uke Like the Pros and have access to many great courses taught by Terry Carter. Have fun and happy strumming!