In this video
Learn to play Amazing Grace, a simple four chord song on Ukulele. We'll use the chords G major, C major, D major and E minor, plus a simple strumming pattern, which will enable us to play this full song.
Here's how to play Amazing Grace, a simple four chord song on Ukulele!
Here we'll use the chords G major, C major, D major and E minor, plus a simple strumming pattern, which will enable us to play this full song. The video includes a full song demo - so be sure to play along!
Before we start, take a look here at how we can tune the Ukulele! Here are the notes below:
String 4 - G
String 3 - C
String 2 - E
String 1 - A
Chords - Fretboard finger positions
All four strings are strummed for each chord. Where there is no fretted note, we play an open string to get that full chord sound.
First finger - 2nd fret - String 3
Second finger - 2nd fret - String 1
Third finger - 3rd fret - String 2
Third finger - 3rd fret - String 1
All fingers for a D chord are on the 2nd fet
Second finger - String 4
First finger - String 3
Third finger - String 2
Third finger - 4th fret - String 3
First finger - 2nd fret - String 1
Strumming tips
Each chord is played on the first beat of the bar but every bar for this song has a count of three rather than four.
After the third beat or pulse, if we play a quick up strum, this helps create a stronger sense of the rhythm that we can lock in to.
Then, as demonstrated in the video when changing between chords, we up-strum all open strings. This is an important concept as it allows us to transition between chords faster and smoother.
Chord changing tips
Learning to change chords smoothly takes time. It is always a good idea to keep the chord making hand relaxed and loose to avoid having too much tension in the fingers.
Try hold the shape of the chord loosely over the strings and press the chord down with only the pressure that is needed to sound the chord out but also what feels comfortable for you.
Chord playing tips
Use our finger tips, with fingers bent slightly to fret our chords and sound out the notes
Place our fingers on the side of the fret closest to us
Strum slightly in front of the sound hole, towards the headstock for a softer and more comfortable playing style
Need more help than this video provides? Check out Andy's comprehensive online Ukulele Course here!
Course Outline
Chords, Rhythm and Scales for Ukulele