Fretted stringed instruments are fundamentally shape-based by nature. What do we mean when we say “shape-based”? Essentially, there are structured chord shapes and accompanying fingering patterns that can be transposed across the instrument’s neck, allowing players to quickly and easily perform the same chord or scale quality in any key using the same fingering.

For example, if you strum a G major chord, you can play an A major chord simply by transposing the fingering used to perform the original G major chord up two frets. This concept can be applied to instruments ranging from the guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, and also ukulele.

In this online ukulele lesson, internationally-renowned ukulele player and ArtistWorks instructor, Craig Chee, introduces us to the concept of movable chord shapes and teaches a few of the most common shapes on the ukulele to get you comfortable transposing them up and down the neck.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play the ukulele from a master musician like Craig Chee? Try some free online ukulele lessons now!

“When I teach ukulele, I always like to remind students that they know a lot more than they think they do,” Craig explains. “Once you know your chord shapes, you can take these patterns and move them up and down the neck. So, after learning just a few chords, you really have enough knowledge to start utilizing all of the real estate on your instrument.”

While Craig focuses specifically on teaching you major chord shapes that you can transpose across the neck in this particular lesson, this same concept can be applied to minor chords, dominant seventh chords, scales, and beyond. This lesson is really just the tip of the iceberg, but Craig and Sarah dive into tremendous detail on this topic in their comprehensive ukulele course here at ArtistWorks.

“There are four major chord shapes that you can transpose in any key on the ukulele,” Craig explains. “Once you know the shapes of these four major chords, you can perform them cyclically up and down the neck, and apply them in any key. This will unlock your understanding of the fretboard tremendously!”

To learn more about the concept of moveable chord shapes and how to apply them in your own playing, dive into this online ukulele lesson from Craig Chee:

An Introduction to Movable Chord Shapes with Craig Chee:

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Have you always wanted to learn how to play the ukulele? Through our comprehensive ukulele lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Craig and Sarah’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner ukulele to advanced performance techniques, improvisation methods, Hawaiian and popular music tunes, and beyond. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as ukulele players and musicians.

Try out some free sample music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

READ MORE:

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Ukulele Lesson: Basic Picking Technique with Craig Chee

Ukulele Lesson: An Introduction to Barre Chords with Craig Chee