Types of Chords Available on Ukulele

Somewhere in the mix of the above four chord categories, triads should be explored. Triads are the foundation of most chords. They are amazing versatile chords that can be used harmonically as chords or melodically in solos. The student and the type of music determines when triads are introduced.

A triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four traditional triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. And four contemporary triad chord types: sus2, sus4, add2 and add9.

Triads can be used harmonically, as chords and melodically, as single notes. Triads are a great way to get started with creating melodic solos and improvising.

In my personal experience as a teacher and musician, I have found that triads pose a significant challenge after mastering the basic open position chords and basic movable chords. They can be even more challenging than 4-part jazz chords. However, by dedicating time and practice, you can conquer them and unlock a whole new level of musical exploration on the ukulele.

1
Types of `Ukulele Chords
That is what you'll be doing the most of when playing the ukulele - "Playing Chords".
2
Learning `Ukulele Chords
There are two approaches to learning chords, the song based approach and learning the fundamentals approach. I'm a big advocate of building a solid base of the fundamentals. A lot of players new to the ukulele like to jump right in and learn songs.
3
Open Position Chords
The basic first chords most players learn. There are the chords in the first, second, third, and fourth frets of the ukulele and include at least one open string.
4
Basic `Ukulele Chord Fingering
The art and science of chord fingering. Learning your basic open position chords in common keys.
5
Basic Movable Form Chords
Sometimes called barre chords, these chords venture beyond the third fret.
6
Traditional and Contemporary Triads
A Triad is a three note chord. In traditional chord theory there are four traditional triad chord types: major, minor, diminished and augmented. And four contemporary triad chord types: sus2, sus4, add2 and add9.
7
4-part Contemporary Chords, a.k.a. Jazz Chords
Core Chords is a series of lessons for building your 4-part chords. These chords commonly called jazz chords, are really just 4-part chords used in a wide range of musical styles.
8
Free Form Chords
Free Form chords are those chords that do not fall into one of the other categories. They typically don't show up in chord dictionaries or software programs.