Open Position Chords are those with one or more "open" string positions, ie, the string is allowed to ring from the

Nut of the Ukulele.

Play a chord by pressing one or more fingers on one or more strings just above the frets. To help you get going I

have put numbers beneath the chord boxes. These numbers are a recommendation for a finger to be used:

The pointer finger is no 1

The long finger is no 2

The ring finger is no .3

The 'pinky' finger is no 4

An open string will have no finger signal under it.

Note: No fingerings recommendations are mandatory. You should explore alternative finger placements to suit you.

Let's commence learning chords progressively starting with one finger chords then to two & to three. Some chords

require pressure on all 4 strings. These may be moveable chords forming a shape which can move up the neck

of the ukulele thus forming a template for many different chords. We shall come to these later in our studies.

One Finger Chords:

F= 1 1 3 2

Two Finger Chords: || Three Finger Chords:

F = 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 3 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 1 3

(Hawaiian D7) (Alternative D7)

F = 1 2 3 2 3 1 1 2 3 1 3 2

or 1 1 2 or, 2 2 1 or 1 3 1

Some four finger chords to study:

F = 3 3 3 1 1 2 1 1. 2 3 1 4 1 1 1 2

2 2 3 1 or 1 3 1 1 or 1 1 1 3

(Regular D7)

These 19 chords will allow you to play common chord progressions in Rock, Pop, Country and Folk music genres.

The next skill to be mastered is playing these in combination with smooth transfers one to another. Commence

by playing 2 chords in sequence then three. Finally put four chords in sequence. Use varied combinations, don't be

concerned about the 'musicality' of your combinations. Any sequences will be fine. Later, specific progressions

which are common to many songs will be practised. That day will come when you have got these basics right.

In playing chord sequences play each chord 4 times at a comfortable tempo then chnge to the next chord for 4 beats

and so on. Gradually increase the tempo so that you can play many sequences with minimum difficulty at a medium

tempo. Keep your beat time even - this is THE most important skill. If necessary use a metronome. Here is one at:

Webmetronome.com