Chords
and fingers
Master the fundamental finger placements and transitions that form the backbone of every great ukulele performance.
C Major
The brightest and most versatile chord in your arsenal.
Reading chord diagrams
The numbers on the chord diagrams represent which finger to use when pressing the strings:
- 1 = Index finger
- 2 = Middle finger
- 3 = Ring finger
- 4 = Pinky finger
So for example, in the G chord, you'd place your index finger (1) and middle finger (2) on the second fret, then your ring finger (3) on the third fret.
The circles at the top (without numbers) mean that string is played open, no finger needed, just strum it freely.
The thick horizontal line at the very top of the diagram represents the nut, the small ridge where the fretboard meets the headstock. Fret 1 is the first space below it, fret 2 is the next, and so on.
The numbers along the left rail (1, 2, 3 …) label each fret row so you always know how far up the neck to place your hand.
Each diagram maps directly onto your ukulele's fretboard. Strings run left to right (G–C–E–A), frets top to bottom. The thick line at the top is the nut; numbers on the left tell you which fret row you're on.
When dots appear higher on the neck, the left rail number anchors your position. That's your starting fret, not fret 1.