The ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn, and with just a few chords, you can play hundreds of songs. This complete ukulele chords chart covers everything from the first four chords to advanced jazz voicings.
Essential Ukulele Chords for Beginners
Standard ukulele tuning is G-C-E-A (from the top string to the bottom).
The First 4 Chords to Learn
C Major (C): Place your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. All other strings open. This is the easiest uke chord!
Am (A Minor): Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Just one finger!
F Major (F): Place your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the E string and 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
G Major (G): Place your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the E string, and 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
With just C, Am, F, and G you can play songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Riptide,” “I’m Yours,” and hundreds more.
The Next 4 Chords
D Major (D): Finger the 2nd fret of G, C, and E strings (like a small barre with your index finger) plus 3rd finger on the A string’s 2nd fret. Or: 2-2-2-0.
Em (E Minor): Place fingers on the 2nd fret of the A string, 3rd fret of the E string, and 4th fret of the C string. (0-4-3-2)
Dm (D Minor): 1st finger on the 1st fret of the E string, 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the C string. (2-2-1-0)
A Major (A): 1st finger on the 1st fret of the C string and 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. (2-1-0-0)
Barre Chords on Ukulele
Barre chords on ukulele are much easier than on guitar because you only need to press 4 strings:
Bb Major: Barre all strings at fret 1, add 3rd finger on fret 3 of the C string and E strings. (3-2-1-1)
Moveable Major Shape: Take the A major shape (2-1-0-0) and move it up the neck with a barre.
Ukulele Chords by Key
Key of C (Most Popular for Ukulele)
C – Dm – Em – F – G – Am
Key of G
G – Am – Bm – C – D – Em
The Island Strum Pattern
The signature ukulele strum pattern: D-DU-UDU (down, down-up, up-down-up). This pattern works for almost any song and gives that classic island feel.
Easy Ukulele Songs
Start with these beginner-friendly songs:
– “Riptide” by Vance Joy (Am, G, C, F)
– “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz (C, G, Am, F)
– “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by IZ (C, Em, Am, F, G)
– “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis (C, Em, Am, F, G)
Browse our full collection of easy ukulele chord songs!
Baritone Ukulele Chords
Baritone ukuleles are tuned D-G-B-E (same as the top four guitar strings). This means guitar chord shapes work directly on baritone uke! The main difference: standard uke songs in C will be in G on baritone.
Tips for Learning Ukulele Chords
1. Start with C, Am, F, G – These unlock hundreds of songs
2. Master the island strum – D-DU-UDU pattern
3. Keep your nails short – Especially on your fretting hand
4. Press strings with fingertips – Avoid touching adjacent strings
5. Tune before every session – Ukuleles go out of tune easily