Ukulele is a popular and versatile instrument that is enjoyed by musicians of all ages and skill levels. While many chords on the ukulele are relatively easy to master, there are a few that can pose a challenge for even the most experienced players. In this article, we will explore the hardest ukulele chords to master and provide tips and tricks for mastering them. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, read on to discover the most challenging chords on the ukulele and how to play them with ease.

The Most Difficult Ukulele Chords for Beginners

C7

Explanation of the chord

C7 is a dominant seventh chord that consists of four notes: C, E, G, and Bb. It is commonly used in various genres of music, including blues, jazz, and rock. To play a C7 chord on the ukulele, you need to place your fingers on the appropriate frets and strings.

Finger placement and tips for playing

To play a C7 chord on the ukulele, place your index finger on the second fret of the C string, middle finger on the second fret of the E string, ring finger on the third fret of the A string, and pinky on the fifth fret of the E string. Make sure to mute the other strings with your other fingers to avoid any unwanted notes.

It’s important to keep your fingers close to the fretboard to avoid any buzzing or muted notes. You may need to adjust the position of your fingers or use a different finger placement to achieve a clear and clean sound.

Common songs that use this chord

C7 is a common chord used in many popular songs, including “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, “Crossroad Blues” by Robert Johnson, and “John the Revelator” by Son House. Mastering the C7 chord will allow you to play these songs and many more.

It’s important to practice the C7 chord regularly to build your finger strength and dexterity. With time and practice, you’ll be able to play this chord with ease and incorporate it into your ukulele playing.

D7

D7 is a difficult chord for beginners to master due to its complex structure and the need for precise finger placement. It involves using your thumb, index, and middle fingers to press down on the strings at specific points. This requires a good understanding of chord formation and the proper positioning of your fingers.

To play a D7 chord on the ukulele, place your thumb on the back of the neck, and place your index and middle fingers on the first two strings. Place your ring finger on the third string, and your pinky on the fourth string. Press down on the strings with your fingers, making sure to mute the other strings with your thumb. It may take some time to get used to the finger placement and pressure needed to produce a clear, clean sound.

One helpful tip is to practice playing the chord with a downward strum, rather than a upward strum, as this will help you keep your fingers in the correct position. You can also try using a different finger for the fourth string, such as your pinky or ring finger, to find the most comfortable and effective placement for your hand.

D7 is a common chord in many popular songs, including “John the Revelator” by Son House, “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” by Skip James, and “Crossroad Blues” by Robert Johnson. It’s also used in many genres of music, including blues, rock, and folk. Playing D7 will allow you to play these songs and many others, and it will help you develop your finger strength and dexterity on the ukulele.

E7

The E7 chord is a common and essential chord for many genres of music, including rock, blues, and jazz. It is made up of four notes: E, G#, B, and D. To play the E7 chord on the ukulele, you will need to use your index, middle, and ring fingers to press down on the appropriate strings at the correct frets.

To play the E7 chord on the ukulele, place your index finger on the B string at the second fret, your middle finger on the G# string at the second fret, and your ring finger on the E string at the first fret. Make sure to press down on each string firmly and evenly to create a clear, clean sound.

Here are some tips for playing the E7 chord on the ukulele:

• Practice playing each note individually before attempting to play the entire chord. This will help you develop the necessary finger strength and dexterity.
• Pay attention to your hand positioning and posture. Keep your wrists and fingers relaxed, and avoid gripping the ukulele too tightly.
• Experiment with different fingerings and positions to find the one that works best for you. Some players may find it easier to use their thumb to fret the B string, while others may prefer to use their pinky finger.

The E7 chord is a common chord in many popular songs, including “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and “Hotel California” by the Eagles. By mastering the E7 chord, you will be able to play along with these classic songs and many others.

F#7

The F#7 chord is a seven-note chord that consists of the notes F#, A, C#, E, and D. It is a challenging chord for beginners due to the stretch required to play it on the ukulele, particularly for those with smaller hands.

To play the F#7 chord on the ukulele, place your fingers in the following positions:

1. Place your index finger on the C-string at the first fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the A-string at the second fret.
3. Place your ring finger on the E-string at the second fret.
4. Place your pinky on the D-string at the third fret.
5. Place your thumb on the top of the neck.

It’s important to keep your fingers curved and relaxed while playing this chord to prevent cramping and ensure proper sound production.

The F#7 chord is used in many popular songs, including:

• “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
• “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
• “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
• “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

By mastering the F#7 chord, you’ll be able to play these iconic songs on the ukulele.

G7

G7 is a challenging chord for beginners to master due to its large stretches and complex fingerings. This chord requires you to use your thumb to fret the G string while your other fingers are placed on the other strings. Here are some tips to help you play G7 on the ukulele:

• Use your thumb to fret the G string on the second fret, while your index finger is on the C string on the first fret, your middle finger is on the E string on the second fret, and your ring finger is on the A string on the second fret.
• Keep your fingers close to the fretboard to ensure a clear and clean sound.
• Practice this chord by strumming each string individually and then strumming all the strings together.

G7 is used in many popular songs, including “Devil’s Got My Woman” by Skip James and “Crossroad Blues” by Robert Johnson. By mastering this chord, you’ll be able to play these classic songs on the ukulele.

A7

The A7 chord is one of the most challenging chords for beginners to master on the ukulele. This chord involves using your thumb, index, and middle fingers to press down on the strings. The thumb should be placed on the back of the neck, while the index and middle fingers should be placed on the first fret of the C, E, and A strings. The little finger should be placed on the second fret of the G string.

It is important to note that the A7 chord requires a good amount of finger strength and dexterity to play properly. It may take some time and practice to develop the necessary finger strength to press down on the strings without buzzing or muting the notes.

Common songs that use the A7 chord include “Ain’t No Grave” by Johnny Cash, “Black Betty” by Lead Belly, and “John the Revelator” by Son House.

Here’s an example of how to play the A7 chord on the ukulele:

e|-------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------|
G|-----------------2-------3--------------|
D|-----------2--------3-----------------|
A|-------------------------------------------|

1. Start by placing your thumb on the back of the neck, and your index, middle, and little fingers on the first and second frets of the C, E, A, and G strings, respectively.
2. Press down on the strings with your fingers, making sure to mute the strings that are not part of the chord.
3. Strum all four strings with your pick or fingers.
4. Repeat the process for each strum, making sure to keep your fingers in the correct position and to mute the non-chord tones.

With practice and patience, you can master the A7 chord and add it to your ukulele repertoire.

B7

B7 is one of the most challenging chords for beginners to master on the ukulele. This chord requires the use of four fingers, which can be difficult for those with smaller hands.

To play a B7 chord on the ukulele, place your index finger on the second fret of the C string, your middle finger on the third fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the A string. Your pinky finger should be placed on the seventh fret of the G string.

It’s important to note that the B7 chord is a barre chord, which means that you’ll need to use your index finger to press down on multiple strings at once. This can be difficult for beginners, but with practice, it will become easier.

Some common songs that use the B7 chord include “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley, “I Put A Spell On You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and “Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker.

While the B7 chord may be difficult to master, it’s important to keep practicing and learning the proper technique. With time and patience, you’ll be able to play this chord with ease.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are considered one of the most challenging chords for beginners to master on the ukulele. These chords involve using a single finger to press down on multiple strings at once, making them difficult to play cleanly and consistently.

However, with practice and patience, it is possible to develop the necessary skills to play barre chords effectively. Here are some tips for playing barre chords on the ukulele:

• Use your index finger to fret the chord, and place it as close to the fret as possible without touching any other strings.
• Use your other fingers to fret the remaining strings, starting with the ring finger and moving outward.
• Keep your fingers close to the fretboard to minimize the amount of strings that need to be fretted.
• Practice playing each string individually to get a feel for the shape and positioning of the chord.

Common barre chords used in popular songs include the A major (A), D major (D), and E major (E) chords. These chords are commonly used in a variety of musical genres, including rock, pop, and folk.

While barre chords may be difficult to master at first, they are an essential skill for any aspiring ukulele player. With time and practice, you will develop the necessary skills to play these chords with ease and confidence.

Chord Progressions

Common Chord Progressions

In this section, we will discuss the most common chord progressions that you may encounter when playing the ukulele. These progressions are found in many popular songs and are essential to master in order to play a wide range of tunes.

Explanation of Common Chord Progressions

Chord progressions are the sequences of chords that are played in a song. They help to create a sense of harmony and movement, and are a fundamental aspect of songwriting. The most common chord progressions in popular music are the I-IV-V progression, the I-V-vi-IV progression, and the vi-IV-I-V progression. These progressions are found in many genres of music, including rock, pop, and jazz.

List of Popular Chord Progressions and their Uses in Songs

1. I-IV-V progression: This progression is one of the most common and is found in many genres of music. It creates a sense of tension and release, and is often used in upbeat and energetic songs. Examples of songs that use this progression include “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry, “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC, and “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey.
2. I-V-vi-IV progression: This progression is also very common and is often used in ballads and slow songs. It creates a sense of resolution and stability, and is often used in the verses of a song. Examples of songs that use this progression include “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, and “Someone Like You” by Adele.
3. vi-IV-I-V progression: This progression is similar to the I-V-vi-IV progression, but starts with a minor chord instead of a major chord. It creates a sense of tension and release, and is often used in upbeat and energetic songs. Examples of songs that use this progression include “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves, “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

Tips for Mastering Chord Progressions

1. Practice playing each chord progression slowly and accurately before trying to play it at a faster tempo.
2. Pay attention to the rhythm and timing of each chord change.
3. Experiment with different strumming patterns and fingerings to find what works best for you.
4. Try playing along with recordings of songs that use the chord progressions you are working on.
5. Practice playing the chord progressions in different keys to get a better understanding of how they work.

By mastering these common chord progressions, you will be able to play a wide range of songs on the ukulele and impress your friends and family with your newfound skills.

Advanced Chord Progressions

Mastering advanced chord progressions is a challenging but rewarding task for ukulele players. These progressions involve multiple chords played in quick succession, creating a more complex and intricate sound.

Explanation of advanced chord progressions

Advanced chord progressions typically involve more than three chords and often require a higher level of finger dexterity and musical understanding. They may also involve chords played in different positions on the ukulele neck, making them more difficult to master.

List of challenging chord progressions and their uses in songs

Some examples of challenging chord progressions include:

• The I-V-vi-IV progression, which is commonly used in blues and rock music.
• The III-vi-II-V progression, which is found in many jazz and pop songs.
• The ii-V-I progression, which is a common structure in jazz and classical music.

Tips for mastering advanced chord progressions

To master advanced chord progressions, it’s important to practice them slowly and deliberately, focusing on each chord change and ensuring that the transition is smooth and clean. It’s also helpful to practice playing the chords in different positions on the ukulele neck, as this will improve your finger dexterity and muscle memory.

Additionally, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different sounds and rhythms associated with each chord, as this will help you to better understand how they fit together in a progression. Finally, practice playing along with recordings of songs that use the chord progressions you’re working on, as this will help you to develop your sense of timing and groove.

Techniques for Mastering Hard Ukulele Chords

Finger Strengthening Exercises

Ukulele playing requires strong and flexible fingers to handle the chords and play the instrument with ease. However, for beginners, the chords can be quite challenging to master due to the weakness of their fingers. This section will provide tips and techniques to improve finger strength and dexterity to master the hardest ukulele chords.

Explanation of Finger Strengthening Exercises

Finger strengthening exercises are a set of activities designed to improve the strength and flexibility of the fingers. These exercises can be done by anyone, regardless of their skill level, and are highly beneficial for ukulele players. By performing these exercises regularly, players can improve their finger strength and dexterity, which will ultimately help them to play difficult chords with ease.

List of Exercises to Improve Finger Strength and Dexterity

There are several exercises that can be done to improve finger strength and dexterity. Some of the most effective exercises include:

• Finger curls: This exercise involves making a fist and curling the fingers around a small object, such as a pencil or a rubber band. This helps to strengthen the muscles in the fingers and improve grip strength.
• Finger stretching: This exercise involves stretching the fingers as far as possible, then releasing them. This helps to improve finger flexibility and range of motion.
• Thumb exercises: The thumb is a crucial component of ukulele playing, and this exercise focuses on strengthening the thumb muscles. To perform this exercise, place a small object between the thumb and index finger and squeeze it as tightly as possible.
• Pencil push-ups: This exercise involves holding a pencil between the fingers and pushing it down against a surface, such as a table or desk. This helps to strengthen the muscles in the fingers and improve grip strength.

Tips for Incorporating Exercises into Daily Practice

To see improvement in finger strength and dexterity, it is important to incorporate these exercises into daily practice. Here are some tips for making the most of these exercises:

• Warm-up: Start with a few minutes of warm-up exercises, such as finger curls and stretching, before beginning your ukulele practice.
• Repeat: Repeat each exercise several times to build strength and endurance.
• Incorporate into practice: Incorporate these exercises into your daily ukulele practice, either before or after playing the instrument.
• Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to improving finger strength and dexterity. Aim to do these exercises every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, even the hardest ukulele chords will become easier to master.

Practice Routines

Mastering difficult ukulele chords requires consistent and effective practice. In this section, we will discuss various practice routines that can help you improve your skills and ultimately master hard ukulele chords.

Explanation of Effective Practice Routines

To achieve success in mastering challenging ukulele chords, it is essential to have a structured and effective practice routine. Effective practice routines involve a combination of focused and deliberate practice, regular practice sessions, and goal-setting. Deliberate practice involves breaking down complex chords into smaller components and practicing them individually. It also involves practicing chords in different keys and positions, and using different strumming patterns. Regular practice sessions help to reinforce muscle memory and build momentum towards mastery. Goal-setting helps to maintain motivation and focus on specific milestones.

List of Recommended Practice Routines for Mastering Difficult Chords

1. Warm-up: Start each practice session with a warm-up routine to loosen up your fingers and get your brain focused on playing the ukulele. A simple warm-up routine could include playing some easy chords or scales.
2. Deliberate Practice: Choose a challenging chord and break it down into smaller components. Practice each component individually and then put them together to play the entire chord. Practice playing the chord in different keys and positions, and experiment with different strumming patterns.
3. Chord Progressions: Practice playing common chord progressions that include the challenging chord. This will help you become more familiar with the chord and its role in different musical contexts.
4. Songs: Choose a song that includes the challenging chord and practice playing it in its entirety. This will help you build muscle memory and reinforce your ability to play the chord in context.
5. Cool-down: End each practice session with a cool-down routine to help your brain and fingers relax. A simple cool-down routine could include playing some easy chords or practicing some basic techniques.

Tips for Tracking Progress and Setting Goals

Setting goals and tracking progress is essential for maintaining motivation and staying on track towards mastering challenging ukulele chords. Some tips for tracking progress and setting goals include:

1. Set specific and measurable goals: Make sure your goals are specific and measurable so that you can track your progress. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “improve my ukulele skills,” set a specific goal like “master the D7 chord within the next two weeks.”
2. Keep a practice log: Keep a log of your practice sessions to track your progress and identify areas that need improvement. This can help you stay accountable and motivated.
3. Celebrate milestones: Celebrate small milestones along the way to keep yourself motivated and build momentum towards mastery.
4. Seek feedback: Seek feedback from other ukulele players or a teacher to get an outside perspective on your progress and identify areas for improvement.

By implementing effective practice routines, setting goals, and tracking progress, you can increase your chances of mastering difficult ukulele chords and improving your overall ukulele skills.

Alternate Tunings

• Explanation of alternate tunings:

When it comes to playing hard ukulele chords, one technique that can help is to use alternate tunings. These are different ways of tuning your ukulele that can make certain chords easier to play. For example, the most common tuning for a ukulele is GCEA, but there are many other tunings that you can use to make specific chords easier to play.

• List of alternate tunings that can make difficult chords easier to play:

There are several alternate tunings that you can use to make hard ukulele chords easier to play. Some of the most popular ones include:

1. DGBE (Dadgad) – This tuning is often used for playing in the key of D and makes it easier to play chords like D, E, and F.
2. F#BEB (F# Baritone) – This tuning is a half step higher than the standard GCEA tuning and is often used for playing in the key of F#. It makes it easier to play chords like F#, G#, and A#.
3. CGEG (C tuning) – This tuning is a whole step lower than the standard GCEA tuning and is often used for playing in the key of C. It makes it easier to play chords like C, G, and E.

4. EBGB (E Baritone) – This tuning is a whole step higher than the standard GCEA tuning and is often used for playing in the key of E. It makes it easier to play chords like E, F#, and G#.

5. Tips for adjusting to alternate tunings:

Adjusting to alternate tunings can take some time, so it’s important to be patient with yourself as you learn. One tip is to start by playing simple chords and progressing to more complex ones as you get more comfortable with the new tuning. It’s also a good idea to practice with a metronome or a drum machine to help you get used to the new sound of the ukulele.

In addition, it’s important to understand that alternate tunings can have a significant impact on the sound of your ukulele. So, it’s crucial to experiment with different tunings to find the one that best suits your playing style and the music you want to play. With time and practice, you’ll be able to master hard ukulele chords using alternate tunings.

Resources for Improving Ukulele Skills

Online Lessons and Tutorials

There are many online resources available for those looking to improve their ukulele skills. From video lessons to interactive tutorials, there is something for everyone. Here are a few recommended resources:

1. Ukulele Underground

Ukulele Underground is a popular online community for ukulele players of all skill levels. The site offers a variety of free video lessons, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons. Additionally, the site has a forum where users can ask questions and share tips with other ukulele players.

2. JustinGuitar

JustinGuitar is a comprehensive online guitar lesson platform that also includes ukulele lessons. The site offers a free trial period, after which users can subscribe to access a wide range of video lessons, song tutorials, and practice routines. The site also offers interactive tools such as a chord and scale library, as well as a metronome and tuner.

3. Uke Hunt

Uke Hunt is a UK-based website that offers a variety of ukulele resources, including lessons, tabs, and chord sheets. The site’s lessons are aimed at beginners, but they also offer more advanced lessons for those looking to improve their skills. Additionally, the site has a section dedicated to ukulele news and reviews.

4. Ukulele Mike

Ukulele Mike is a YouTube channel run by Mike Hind, a professional musician and ukulele teacher. The channel offers a variety of free video lessons, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons. The lessons cover topics such as chords, strumming, and fingerpicking. Additionally, the channel has playlists dedicated to specific genres, such as rock and pop.

When choosing online resources for ukulele lessons and tutorials, it’s important to consider your individual learning style and goals. Take some time to explore the different options and find the resources that work best for you. With dedication and practice, you’ll be playing ukulele like a pro in no time!

Ukulele Communities and Forums

• List of recommended ukulele communities and forums
  • UkuHunt
    • Description: A comprehensive ukulele chord library that includes audio previews and various chord variations.
    • Benefits: Helps you master chords quickly and easily with detailed information and high-quality audio.
    • Tips: Use the search function to find specific chords and experiment with different variations.
  • Ukulele Underground
    • Description: A vibrant online community where ukulele enthusiasts share tips, tutorials, and discuss ukulele-related topics.
    • Benefits: Provides a wealth of information and resources for beginners and advanced players alike.
    • Tips: Join the community to participate in discussions, ask questions, and receive valuable feedback from experienced players.
  • Ukulele Boat
    • Description: A website that offers a variety of ukulele lessons, tabs, and chord sheets, along with a forum for discussions.
    • Benefits: Offers a wide range of resources for learning and improving ukulele skills.
    • Tips: Explore the lesson section and participate in the forum to connect with other ukulele players.
  • Uke Talk
    • Description: A ukulele forum that covers a range of topics, from beginner questions to advanced techniques.
    • Benefits: Provides a supportive community for learning and improving ukulele skills.
    • Tips: Search for specific topics or ask questions in the forum to get answers from experienced players.
• Tips for finding the best online resources for connecting with other ukulele players
  • Research ukulele communities and forums that align with your interests and skill level.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions to connect with other players and learn from their experiences.
  • Share your own experiences and knowledge to contribute to the community and help others improve their ukulele skills.

Ukulele Books and Publications

If you’re looking to improve your ukulele skills, there are many resources available to help you. One of the most effective ways to learn is by reading ukulele books and publications. Here are some of the best resources available:

“The Ukulele Teacher” by Pavao J. Punzalan

“The Ukulele Teacher” is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the basics of playing the ukulele to advanced techniques. The book includes clear explanations, easy-to-follow exercises, and detailed illustrations to help you master the instrument.

“Ukulele for Dummies” by Alana Newton

“Ukulele for Dummies” is a great resource for beginners. The book covers the basics of playing the ukulele, including tuning, chords, and strumming patterns. It also includes a lot of helpful tips and tricks to help you get started playing your favorite songs.

“The Ukulele Playlist” by Aaron S. Gilbert

“The Ukulele Playlist” is a great resource for intermediate players. The book includes a wide variety of songs and techniques to help you improve your playing. It also includes a playlist of popular songs to help you practice what you’ve learned.

“The Ukulele Bible” by Katie Bailiff

“The Ukulele Bible” is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the basics of playing the ukulele to advanced techniques. The book includes clear explanations, easy-to-follow exercises, and detailed illustrations to help you master the instrument. It also includes a section on music theory to help you understand how music works.

Finding the right resource for you

When it comes to finding the right ukulele book or publication for you, it’s important to consider your learning style and skill level. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a book that covers the basics of playing the ukulele. If you’re an intermediate player, you may want to look for a book that includes a variety of songs and techniques to help you improve your playing. And if you’re an advanced player, you may want to look for a book that covers more advanced techniques and music theory.

FAQs

1. What are the hardest ukulele chords to master?

The hardest ukulele chords to master can vary depending on the player’s skill level and experience. However, some of the most challenging chords include the B-7, F-7, and C-7 barre chords, as well as the D-9 and E-9 chords. These chords require a significant amount of finger strength and dexterity to play properly.

2. How can I improve my finger strength for playing ukulele chords?

Improving your finger strength for playing ukulele chords requires consistent practice and exercise. One effective exercise is to use a resistance band or rubber band to strengthen your fingers and build calluses. Additionally, you can try using heavier tuning keys or practicing with a heavier ukulele to build up your finger strength.

3. Are there any alternative chord shapes that can be used instead of the hardest chords?

Yes, there are alternative chord shapes that can be used instead of the hardest chords. For example, instead of using the B-7 barre chord, you can use the Bm or Bsus4 chords. Similarly, instead of using the F-7 barre chord, you can use the Fm or Fsus4 chords. These chords may be easier to play and can still produce a similar sound.

4. How important is finger placement when playing the hardest ukulele chords?

Finger placement is crucial when playing the hardest ukulele chords. Proper finger placement can help prevent finger pain and injury, as well as ensure that the chord sounds clear and crisp. It’s important to practice proper finger placement and to experiment with different fingerings until you find the one that works best for you.

5. Are there any tips for transitioning between the hardest ukulele chords?

Transitioning between the hardest ukulele chords can be challenging, but there are some tips that can help. One tip is to practice transitioning between chords using different fingerings. This can help you find the most comfortable and efficient way to switch between chords. Additionally, practicing chord progressions and songs that include the hardest chords can help you become more comfortable with playing them in context.

The Hardest Ukulele Chord (and an Easy Way to Play It!) – James Hill Ukulele Tutorial