Guitar & Ukulele Reference Guide
Chord diagrams, strumming patterns, tunings, and beginner songs for both instruments.
PART ONE: GUITAR
Reading String Notation
Guitar has six strings. In standard notation, strings are numbered 1 (thinnest, highest pitch) through 6 (thickest, lowest pitch). However, chord notation is written from low to high — left to right — giving six characters, one per string:
String: 6 5 4 3 2 1
E A D G B e
Each character means: - A number (0–12): Fret to press on that string - x: Do not play this string (mute or skip) - 0: Play the string open (unfretted)
Example: x32010 = C major chord
- String 6: x (don't play)
- String 5: 3rd fret
- String 4: 2nd fret
- String 3: 0 (open)
- String 2: 1st fret
- String 1: 0 (open)
Standard Chord Diagrams
Open Chords (Standard EADGBE Tuning)
A major — x02220
E |--x--|
A |--0--|
D |--2--|
G |--2--|
B |--2--|
e |--0--|
Am (A minor) — x02210
E |--x--|
A |--0--|
D |--2--|
G |--2--|
B |--1--|
e |--0--|
B major — x24442 (barre chord — see Barre Chord section)
E |--x--|
A |--2--|
D |--4--|
G |--4--|
B |--4--|
e |--2--|
Bm (B minor) — x24432
E |--x--|
A |--2--|
D |--4--|
G |--4--|
B |--3--|
e |--2--|
C major — x32010
E |--x--|
A |--3--|
D |--2--|
G |--0--|
B |--1--|
e |--0--|
D major — xx0232
E |--x--|
A |--x--|
D |--0--|
G |--2--|
B |--3--|
e |--2--|
Dm (D minor) — xx0231
E |--x--|
A |--x--|
D |--0--|
G |--2--|
B |--3--|
e |--1--|
E major — 022100
E |--0--|
A |--2--|
D |--2--|
G |--1--|
B |--0--|
e |--0--|
Em (E minor) — 022000
E |--0--|
A |--2--|
D |--2--|
G |--0--|
B |--0--|
e |--0--|
F major — 133211 (barre chord)
E |--1--|
A |--3--|
D |--3--|
G |--2--|
B |--1--|
e |--1--|
F major simplified (no barre) — xx3211
Omit strings 6 and 5 for a treble-only version. Easier but thinner sound.
G major — 320033
E |--3--|
A |--2--|
D |--0--|
G |--0--|
B |--0--|
e |--3--|
G7 — 320001
E |--3--|
A |--2--|
D |--0--|
G |--0--|
B |--0--|
e |--1--|
A7 — x02020
E |--x--|
A |--0--|
D |--2--|
G |--0--|
B |--2--|
e |--0--|
D7 — xx0212
E |--x--|
A |--x--|
D |--0--|
G |--2--|
B |--1--|
e |--2--|
E7 — 020100
E |--0--|
A |--2--|
D |--0--|
G |--1--|
B |--0--|
e |--0--|
Barre Chords: The Concept
A barre chord uses the index finger to press down all strings across a single fret, creating a movable "capo" with the hand. The remaining fingers form a chord shape behind it.
Two main barre chord shapes:
E-Shape Barre Chord
Based on an open E major shape. Move the entire shape up the neck, with the index finger replacing the nut.
- Index on all strings at fret X
- Middle, ring, pinky form the E major shape on frets X+1 and X+2
| Fret | Chord |
|---|---|
| 1 | F major |
| 2 | F# / G♭ major |
| 3 | G major |
| 4 | G# / A♭ major |
| 5 | A major |
| 7 | B major |
A-Shape Barre Chord
Based on an open A major shape. Index barres all strings, ring finger (or barring with one finger) forms the A shape.
| Fret | Chord |
|---|---|
| 2 | B major |
| 3 | C major |
| 5 | D major |
| 7 | E major |
Tips for barre chords: - Position the index finger directly behind the fret wire (not in the middle of the fret space) - Roll the index finger slightly onto its bony side — the fleshy pad has joints that buzz - The F chord typically takes 2–6 weeks of consistent practice to nail cleanly - Build finger strength with sustained holds before attempting full songs
Strumming Patterns
Strumming is written with D (down stroke) and U (up stroke). Numbers represent beats; "+" means the "and" (off-beat eighth note).
Pattern 1 — Basic Down Strum (Beginner)
Beat: 1 2 3 4
D D D D
Pattern 2 — Down-Up Pattern
Beat: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
D U D U D U D U
Pattern 3 — Folk/Pop Pattern (Most Common)
Beat: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
D - D U - U D U
Pattern 4 — Reggae / Ska Upstroke Pattern
Beat: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
- U - U - U - U
Guitar Tunings
Standard Tuning: EADGBE
The default tuning for virtually all guitar instruction. From lowest (string 6) to highest (string 1):
6: E (lowest — thick wound string)
5: A
4: D
3: G
2: B
1: e (highest — thin plain string)
Memory aid: "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie"
To tune: Use an electronic clip-on tuner, a smartphone tuner app, or tune by ear using reference tones. Tune from low to high, and re-check after all strings are set (string tension changes affect others slightly).
Drop D Tuning
Lower string 6 from E down to D. All other strings remain the same.
6: D (dropped one whole step)
5: A
4: D
3: G
2: B
1: e
Why Drop D? Power chords (a root + fifth shape) can be played with a single finger across strings 4-5-6. Common in rock, metal, and folk. The open D chord sounds fuller with the low D resonating. Artists: Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, many folk guitarists.
Open G Tuning
Strings are tuned to form a G major chord when played open (no fretting).
6: D (down from E)
5: G (down from A)
4: D (unchanged)
3: G (unchanged)
2: B (unchanged)
1: D (down from e)
Why Open G? Strumming open strings produces a full G chord. Slide guitar (bottleneck) is easier because any single fret barre produces a major chord. Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) famously uses Open G — and typically removes the 6th string entirely. Robert Johnson, many Delta blues musicians.
The Capo
A capo is a clamp that attaches to any fret, pressing all strings down behind it. The effect is identical to shortening the string length: the pitch rises.
What it does: - Raises the key of all chords without changing your finger shapes - Allows you to play in "difficult" keys using easy open-chord shapes - Changes the timbre — capo at high frets gives a brighter, mandolin-like sound
Capo placement reference (capo at fret X, chord Y = actual pitch Z):
| Capo Position | C becomes | G becomes | D becomes | A becomes | E becomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fret 1 | C# / D♭ | G# / A♭ | D# / E♭ | A# / B♭ | F |
| Fret 2 | D | A | E | B | F# |
| Fret 3 | D# / E♭ | A# / B♭ | F | C | G |
| Fret 4 | E | B | F# | C# | G# |
| Fret 5 | F | C | G | D | A |
Example: A song is written in the key of B major, a difficult key. Put the capo at fret 2 and play A major shapes — you'll sound in B.
Tab Reading Basics
Guitar tablature (tab) is a six-line staff representing the six strings. The top line is string 1 (highest), the bottom is string 6 (lowest). Numbers indicate which fret to press.
e |--0--3--0-----------|
B |--1-----1--3--------|
G |--0--------0--2--0--|
D |--2---------0-------|
A |--3-----------------|
E |--------------------|
Special notation in tab:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| h | Hammer-on (e.g., 5h7 — pick fret 5, then hammer finger onto 7 without picking again) |
| p | Pull-off (e.g., 7p5 — pick fret 7, then pull off to 5) |
| / | Slide up (e.g., 5/7 — slide from fret 5 to 7) |
| \ | Slide down |
| b | Bend (e.g., 7b9 — bend fret 7 up to sound like fret 9) |
| ~ | Vibrato (oscillate pitch slightly) |
| x | Muted hit (percussive click) |
Tab does not indicate rhythm by itself. Most tab notation includes note durations above the staff, or you must listen to the recording to learn timing.
10 Beginner Songs (Chord Names Only)
These songs can be learned with a small set of open chords. Practice the chord transitions separately before attempting full songs.
1. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" — Bob Dylan Chords: G, D, Am, C Pattern: Slow, even strumming. Great for beginners.
2. "Horse With No Name" — America Chords: Em, D6 (or Dsus2) — essentially a two-chord song Pattern: Continuous down-up. Easy entry point.
3. "Wonderwall" — Oasis Chords: Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4 (capo fret 2) Pattern: The iconic down-down-up-up-down strum. Intermediate transitions.
4. "Brown Eyed Girl" — Van Morrison Chords: G, C, D, Em Pattern: Upbeat strum. Classic rock feel.
5. "Let Her Go" — Passenger Chords: C, G, Am, F, D (capo fret 2) Pattern: Fingerpicking or strum. Good for practicing F chord.
6. "Stand By Me" — Ben E. King Chords: A, F#m, D, E Pattern: Slow, laid-back strum.
7. "Country Roads" — John Denver Chords: G, D, Em, C Pattern: Waltz feel (3/4 time). Great first song for timing.
8. "House of the Rising Sun" — The Animals Chords: Am, C, D, F, E (6/8 time) Pattern: Fingerpicking or arpeggiated. Develops picking technique.
9. "Leaving on a Jet Plane" — John Denver Chords: G, C, D Pattern: Simple three-chord song in 4/4. Excellent first song.
10. "Wish You Were Here" — Pink Floyd Chords: Em7, G, A7sus4, C, D (with a distinctive intro riff) Pattern: Fingerpicking on intro; strumming on verses.
PART TWO: UKULELE
About the Ukulele
The ukulele originated in Hawaii in the 1880s, adapted from the Portuguese machête. It has four nylon strings, a warm, bright sound, and is considerably easier on the fingers than steel-string guitar. The standard ukulele is the soprano or concert size; the tenor size offers more volume and a deeper tone.
Ukulele Tuning: GCEA (Re-entrant)
Standard ukulele tuning is:
String: 4 3 2 1
G C E A
A key difference from guitar: the G string (string 4, the "lowest" positioned string) is actually tuned higher than the C and E strings. This is called re-entrant tuning. It gives the ukulele its characteristic bright, cheerful sound when strummed.
Memory aid: "Good Cats Eat Anchovies"
Low G alternative: Some players (especially tenor ukulele) use a wound low G string that sounds below the C string, similar to guitar logic. This gives a fuller range for solo playing.
Ukulele Chord Diagrams
Ukulele chord diagrams show 4 strings (left = G, right = A). Fret numbers are shown vertically.
C major
G |--0--|
C |--0--|
E |--0--|
A |--3--|
0003
Ring finger on A string, fret 3. All other strings open. The easiest ukulele chord.
F major
G |--2--|
C |--0--|
E |--1--|
A |--0--|
2010
Index on E (fret 1), middle on G (fret 2). Very common chord.
G major
G |--0--|
C |--2--|
E |--3--|
A |--2--|
0232
Index on C (fret 2), ring on E (fret 3), middle on A (fret 2).
Am (A minor)
G |--2--|
C |--0--|
E |--0--|
A |--0--|
2000
Middle finger on G string, fret 2. Very easy.
Dm (D minor)
G |--2--|
C |--2--|
E |--1--|
A |--0--|
2210
Index on E (fret 1), middle on C (fret 2), ring on G (fret 2). Or barre index across G, C, and E at fret 2 with middle on E fret 1 — various fingerings work.
Alternative: 2220 (barre all three strings at fret 2 with ring, plus index at E fret 1) — try both.
G7
G |--0--|
C |--2--|
E |--1--|
A |--2--|
0212
Index on E (fret 1), middle on C (fret 2), ring on A (fret 2).
5 Beginner Ukulele Songs
1. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole version Chords: C, Em, Am, F, G This is the definitive ukulele song. Start with the fingerpicking intro pattern, then strum the verses.
2. "I'm Yours" — Jason Mraz Chords: C, G, Am, F Four chords, upbeat reggae-influenced strum. Very beginner-friendly.
3. "Riptide" — Vance Joy Chords: Am, G, C, F Simple chord progression that recycles throughout the entire song.
4. "You Are My Sunshine" — Traditional Chords: C, F, G7 Three-chord classic in 3/4 time. Great for learning chord transitions.
5. "Count on Me" — Bruno Mars Chords: C, Em, Am, F, G Gentle, cheerful feel. Good for practicing smooth transitions between five chords.
Ukulele vs Guitar: Key Differences
| Feature | Guitar | Ukulele |
|---|---|---|
| Strings | 6 (steel or nylon) | 4 (nylon) |
| Standard tuning | EADGBE | GCEA |
| Finger pain | Significant (steel strings) | Minimal (soft nylon) |
| Size | Larger, heavier | Small, lightweight |
| Range | ~4 octaves | ~2.5 octaves |
| Portability | Moderate | Excellent |
| Chord difficulty | Moderate-high | Lower |
| Best for | Wide range of genres | Pop, folk, Hawaiian, sing-along |
Practice Tips for Both Instruments
Building Chord Muscle Memory
- Practice chord transitions in isolation: place chord A, strum once, switch to chord B, strum once — repeat without pausing to "find" the chord
- Use the "one-minute changes" drill: set a timer for 60 seconds and count how many times you can cleanly change between two chords
- Practice chord grips while watching TV to build unconscious hand memory
Left-Hand (Fretting Hand) Technique
- Press the string with the fingertip, not the flat of the finger
- Position fingers just behind the fret, not in the middle of the fret space
- Keep the thumb on the back of the neck (not hooked over the top)
- Use minimum pressure — just enough to produce a clean note
Right-Hand (Strumming Hand) Technique
- Use the nail of the index finger or thumb for strumming, not a pick initially
- Keep the wrist loose and the movement from the wrist, not the elbow
- A metronome (or metronome app) is the most valuable practice tool you are not using
Building a Practice Routine (20 minutes)
- Warm-up: Single-string scales or chromatic exercise (3 min)
- Chord drill: One-minute changes on two pairs of chords (4 min)
- New material: Learn one chord or pattern (5 min)
- Application: Practice in context of a song (8 min)
See also: 21-music-performance/music-theory-basics.md, 21-music-performance/piano-keyboard.md
🥁 Metronome
Practice Metronome