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G Chord Ukulele
The fingering diagram to the left shows how to play the G chord on a ukulele with standard tuning (GCEA). The G chord isn’t too difficult and can quickly be mastered by the new ukulele student. The G chord is one of the most common chords in music. Consider it a “must-have” in the ukulele student’s chord vocabulary.
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Technically speaking, the G chord is made up of the notes G, B, and D. However, you’ll notice on the diagram that the G chord on the ukulele adds an extra G note. (Open 4th string and 2nd string third fret).
Every chord has its own characteristic or personality. In his 1784 essay “A History of Key Characteristics in the 18th and Early 19th Centuries,” composer Christian Schuber wrote about the quality of different chords. Of the G major chord he wrote, “Everything rustic, idyllic and lyrical, every calm and satisfied passion, every tender gratitude for true friendship and faithful love,–in a word every gentle and peaceful emotion of the heart is correctly expressed by this key.”
Wow! That’s a lot to live up to for a simple little G chord!
The G chord is one of the basic chords a ukulele player needs to learn. If you can master the G, C, and D chords, there is seemingly no end to how many fun and popular songs you can play! Songs such as “Free Byrd” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles, “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton, and many more.
For more in addition to the G chord, download our FREE printable chart containing 21 of the most used ukulele chords!
Learn MORE Than Just Chords!
Become a Ukulele Master!
Learning to play the ukulele involves much more than just knowing a list of chords. There are also strumming patterns, finger positions, holding the ukulele correctly, etc. Having someone show you how to play can be a game-changer. Having a knowledgeable mentor or instructor is the fastest way to improve your skills and boost your confidence. Self-taught musicians tend to form bad habits and techniques that prove difficult to break or can actually impede their growth as a musician.
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– Chinese Proverb