Complete Ukulele a Chord Handbook: Fingerings, Transitions, and Strum-Along Songbooks
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
To play the standard A major shape, start with standard GCEA tuning, where the fourth string sits at G4, the third at C4, the second at E4, and the first at A4. The chord itself is an A major triad constructed from three musical notes: A, C#, and E. Because the ukulele has four strings, the root note (A) appears twice: on the fretted G string and on the ringing, open bottom string.
G string (4th) |--(2)-- Middle Finger (Note: A)
C string (3rd) |--(1)-- Index Finger (Note: C#)
E string (2nd) |------- Open (Note: E)
A string (1st) |------- Open (Note: A)
Ukulele chord charts mark this fingering as 2-1-0-0. Execute this by placing your index finger on the first fret of the third (C) string. Next, arch your middle finger directly over it to press the second fret of the fourth (G) string.
Do not squeeze the neck like a baseball bat. Rest the pad of your fretting thumb against the center
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
