MODULE 9
An Introduction To Barred Chords
Barre chords are an essential stepping stone in advancing your ukulele playing. They open the door to playing chords across the entire fretboard, allowing for greater flexibility and a deeper understanding of chord structure. You can put these into practice at level 2, but for now, let's get you acquainted!
BARRED CHORD EXAMPLES
To play a barre chord, you’ll use one finger — most often your index finger — to press down on multiple strings across the fretboard at the same time. This creates a movable foundation, allowing you to form a variety of chord shapes above the barre.
While the index finger is most commonly used, in some chord variations you might use your middle or ring finger to create the barre, depending on the shape and position.
Some commonly used barre chords on the ukulele include Bb, Cm7, D7, and E — all of which are shown in the following diagrams. These chords may feel tricky at first, but they’re a key part of progressing beyond basic open chords and becoming more versatile in your playing.
While the index finger is most commonly used, in some chord variations you might use your middle or ring finger to create the barre, depending on the shape and position.
Some commonly used barre chords on the ukulele include Bb, Cm7, D7, and E — all of which are shown in the following diagrams. These chords may feel tricky at first, but they’re a key part of progressing beyond basic open chords and becoming more versatile in your playing.
|
|
|
|
Barre chords can vary in difficulty depending on how many strings are involved. For example:
For instance, in the E major chord, you’ll notice a “4” next to the barre. This means you should place your barre across the 4th fret. Then, to complete the chord, use your little finger to press down an additional note three frets higher, on the 7th fret.
Understanding these visual cues and finger placements will help you navigate the fretboard more confidently and play a wider variety of songs.
- Bb requires you to barre at least 2 strings
- D7 and E requires 3 strings
- Cm7 involves barring all 4 strings
For instance, in the E major chord, you’ll notice a “4” next to the barre. This means you should place your barre across the 4th fret. Then, to complete the chord, use your little finger to press down an additional note three frets higher, on the 7th fret.
Understanding these visual cues and finger placements will help you navigate the fretboard more confidently and play a wider variety of songs.
BaSIC BArred Techniques
Practicing Barred Chords
Developing a solid barre chord technique takes time, patience, and consistent practice — so don’t worry if it doesn’t feel natural straight away.
To help you get started, watch the video below for useful tips on hand positioning, pressure points, and finger placement. These small adjustments can make a big difference in how comfortable and effective your barre chords feel.
Once you've watched the video, try out the four illustrated barre chords to begin strengthening your technique and building confidence across the fretboard.
Remember — progress comes with practice, so take it slow and celebrate small wins as you go!
To help you get started, watch the video below for useful tips on hand positioning, pressure points, and finger placement. These small adjustments can make a big difference in how comfortable and effective your barre chords feel.
Once you've watched the video, try out the four illustrated barre chords to begin strengthening your technique and building confidence across the fretboard.
Remember — progress comes with practice, so take it slow and celebrate small wins as you go!
16 FRET STRETCH @ 100BPM
This is your final finger gym exercise! If you can now confidently play both exercises at the set speed, then congratulations — you're more than ready to move on to Level 2.
You've built up strength, control, and coordination — all key ingredients for the next stage of your ukulele journey!
You've built up strength, control, and coordination — all key ingredients for the next stage of your ukulele journey!