Learning ukulele chords is one of the easiest ways to start playing your favorite songs. The best part is that you don’t need to know hundreds of chords to sound good—sometimes just a few simple ones are enough. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to play the G7, C, and D7 chords on the ukulele with step-by-step instructions.
These three chords are beginner-friendly and show up in countless songs, so mastering them will instantly expand your playing ability. Let’s dive in!
1. How to Play the G7 Chord on Ukulele
The G7 chord has a bright, slightly bluesy sound. It’s perfect for adding flavor to your playing.
Steps to play G7:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string (2nd string from the bottom).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C string (2nd string from the top).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (bottom string).
- Leave the top string (G string) open.
When you strum, you should hear a warm, slightly jazzy tone.
2. How to Play the C Chord on Ukulele
The C chord is usually the very first chord most ukulele players learn. It’s simple, sweet, and works beautifully in almost every song.
Steps to play C:
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (bottom string).
- Keep all other strings open.
That’s it! Strum across all four strings and you’ll hear the classic ukulele sound.
3. How to Play the D7 Chord on Ukulele
The D7 chord brings a nice tension that often leads back to the G7 or C chord. There are two common versions, but here we’ll cover the easy beginner one.
Steps to play D7 (beginner version):
- Place your index finger flat across the 2nd fret of the G, C, and E strings (top three strings).
- Keep the A string (bottom string) open.
This creates a bar shape, but don’t worry—it’s one of the easiest partial-bar chords to master.
4. Practice Progression: G7 – C – D7
Now that you know each chord individually, the next step is to practice switching between them. Try this simple chord progression:
G7 → C → D7 → G7
Strum each chord four times before switching. Repeat slowly at first, then increase your speed once you feel comfortable. This little loop can already sound like part of a real song.
Final Tips for Beginners
- Go slow: Smooth transitions between chords are more important than speed.
- Press firmly: Make sure your fingers are pressing the strings properly to avoid buzzing.
- Use a metronome: Practicing with a steady beat will improve your timing.
- Have fun: These chords open the door to hundreds of songs—experiment and play along with your favorites!
By learning the G7, C, and D7 ukulele chords, you’ve added three powerful building blocks to your music journey. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to play full songs with ease. Remember—ukulele playing is all about enjoyment, so relax and let the music flow.