If you’re a beginner, start with a simple, familiar chord type such as Dm, G7, C7 (A7 is common too), E7, Am(b3) or Cm. As you get used to different voicings, then you can switch things up a bit and get creative with your fingerings and picking technique. If you’re an extremely good player then it might be better to learn the chords on guitar. Just a general idea of what to go for – if you really want one chord for that section, then use it in that specific chord.
Why is this so important?
It was the guitar’s sound which inspired composers to create music in the first place. As mentioned above the guitar can be an instrument which can be easily used in every sort of musical situation. A chord may be playing a small part or as part of a larger arrangement but it also represents a point in the music where the sound and feel of the music become more important than the music itself.
For example, in C major, the main melody in one of the songs is C sharp major triad (I – IV – vi – III). If you play this chord as a C major chord, then the melody may be more important to the listener than the instrument it’s playing on. Therefore, it’s recommended that you play the C major chord as a C major chord instead (as opposed to a C minor chord).
The most obvious advantage to playing the melody in Bb, is the fact that the Bb notes do not change during the chorus. It helps to have a melody which is recognisable and which doesn’t change – if your main theme has a similar sound and structure, then you may end up switching to your own tune and playing something that you like more than the original tune.
What should I practice on ukulele?
For beginners you can practise the basic chord shapes in the form below in the practice section for each chord type.
The simplest way of playing all the shapes can be done on an old ukulele. Simply hit the notes with your first finger, hold the other one still and press the note with your other finger. This is very easy to teach. If you have any difficulty getting started, then simply practice using a practice app you’ve downloaded on your phone to get some practice in. This can be particularly helpful as you’re going to want to continue practising these patterns in the practice section.
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