Lesson Info

Beyond basic open position chords, basic movable form chords and a core set of 4-part chords. There are just too many chords shapes too memorize. Learning the principles of how chords are constructed and the ukulele fingerboard are the way to go. Then you can create more advanced chords like 9#11, 7#5-9, 13b5, 7+9 on the fly as needed.

Seventh chords are the chords that have the most possible variations. 9th, 11th, 13th, b5, #5, b9, #9. And, combinations of the same.

• Alterted Seventh Chords on Ukulele

Lesson Info

The art and science of chord fingering. Why are some chords harder to finger than others?

This lesson adds some insight into why some chords are harder to learn than others.

• Basic Ukulele Chords

Lesson Info

Beyond learning basic ukulele chords, most ukulele players struggle with advanced chords. These more sophisticated voicings, commonly called “jazz” chords, find a wide use in all forms of music and styles. These 4-part chords are the bread and butter of jazz ukulele.

• Building a Solid Jazz Chord Foundation for Ukulele

Lesson Info

2 Feel, bVImaj7 bIImaj7, Basie Ending, Single, Double and Triple Tags, Chromatic, Take the 'A' Train Ending, Shave and a Hair Cut, Lawrence Welk Ending.

• Classic Endings for Ukulele

Lesson Info

Cool Chords - These are the chords do not typically show up in chord dictionaries or song books. They might show up in software programs that produce chords based on some underlying computer algorithm. These are the chords players ask, “What is that chord?”

• Cool Ukulele Chords

Lesson Info

A cool chord is most likely a Free Form chord. These free form chords typically include open strings, wide stretches, displaced chord tones and or chord voicings. Plus they just sound “cool”.

This is a cool sounding G7 chord.

• Cool Ukulele Chords - G7

Lesson Info

A “jazz” chord is just a 4-part chord used in a variety of contemporary music styles. Versus triads or three part chords such as C Am Dm B° G+ commonly used in more basic rock, folk and country music.

• Core Chords, Level One, Part 1 - Building a Solid Chord Foundation

Lesson Info

When is a Dominant Seventh Chord NOT a Dominant seventh?

• Dominant Seventh Chords?

Lesson Info

There are several ways to finger an open position D major chord. Depending on the context of how the chord is being used one fingering might be better than another.

• Fingering an Open Postion D Major Ukulele Chord

Lesson Info

Four movable form F7 chords. These can build the foundation for all your 4-part, “jazz” chords.

These are taken from the Ukulele Chord of the Week lessons I presented 2007.

• Four Movable F7 Chords Voicings for Ukulele

Lesson Info

Beyond basic open position chords, basic movable form chords and a core set of 4-part chords. There are just too many chords shapes too memorize. Learning the principles of how chords are constructed and the ukulele fingerboard are the way to go. Then you can create more advanced chords like 9#11, 7#5-9, 13b5, 7+9 on the fly as needed.

Seventh chords are the chords that have the most possible variations. 9th, 11th, 13th, b5, #5, b9, #9. And, combinations of the same.

From these four core seventh chords you can build ALL your altered seventh chords. From these core seventh chords you can build ANY 4-part chord you will even need.

• Learning Core Seventh Chords on Ukulele

Lesson Info

A series of weekly lessons presented in 2009 in movable ukulele chords.

Beyond memorizing the basic open position, movable form chords and a basic set of core 4-part chords. You create all other chords on the fly as needed. With a knowledge of how chords are constructed and the notes of the fingerboard this is possible. Heck, with this knowledge you can write you own dictionary, software or series of chord lessons.

• Movable Ukulele Chords

Lesson Info

A Chord can only be named in the context of how it is being used and after determining how it is functioning within that context.

• Naming Chords on Ukulele

Lesson Info

The types of chords possible on ukulele.

open position chords, movable form chords, 4-part, a.k.a. “jazz” chords and free from chords.

• Types of Ukulele Chords

Lesson Info

Major “Quick Four” Progression - Example D

From the book A Guide to Blues Progressions for Ukulele from A to Z

To break up the monotony of six measures of a I chord when the progression is repeated. A V chord is added to measure twelve turning the progression back to the I chord. A IV chord is added to measure two, returning to the I chord in measure three. This change is often referred to as a “Quick Four” change. A IV chord can also be added to measure ten.

• Ukulele Blues, Example D

Lesson Info

Diminished Seventh Passing Chord - Example J

From the book A Guide to Blues Progressions for Ukulele from A to Z

A common linking substitution is to use a diminished chord as a passing chord on beats three and four of measure six.

• Ukulele Blues, Example J

Lesson Info

The basic chord diagram as used for ukulele is explained.

• Understanding a Ukulele Chord Diagram

Lesson Info

Upper Partials or extensions are the 9th, 11th, and 13ths of a chord. The 9, 11 and 13 can be altered chord tones depending on chord type: examples b9, #9, #11, b13.

• Upper Partial Chord Tones

Lesson Info

Triads can be used harmonically, as chords and melodically, as single notes.

Triads are a great way to get started with creating solos and improvising.

These lessons will explore both. Using triads as chords like any other chord and using triads as a basis for creating melodies and improvising.

• Using Triads on Ukulele