How to Play A Minor Chord on the Ukulele: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 9 min read

Learning to play the ukulele can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you start mastering chords like the A minor. This simple guide for beginners will walk you through the steps needed to play an A minor chord on the ukulele, starting with the basics of holding your instrument and working up to playing popular songs that feature this chord. So let's jump right in and start learning!

How to Hold Your Ukulele

Before you can dive into playing the A minor chord on your ukulele, it's essential to know how to hold your instrument correctly. This will ensure that your fingers can easily reach the necessary positions to create the chord and help you develop proper technique.

Positioning Your Fingers

To hold your ukulele comfortably, follow these steps:

Place the body of the ukulele against your chest, with the soundhole facing outwards.
Rest the bottom edge of the instrument on your strumming arm's forearm, near your elbow.
Lightly grip the neck of the ukulele between your thumb and fingers, allowing your wrist to remain relaxed.
Keep your fingers curved and ready to press down on the strings when forming the A minor chord or other chords.

Using a Strap

If you find it challenging to hold your ukulele while playing the A minor chord or other chords, consider using a strap. A strap can provide extra support and stability, allowing you to focus on your finger placement and strumming technique. To use a strap:

Attach one end of the strap to the strap button at the bottom of your ukulele.
Loop the other end around the headstock, just above the nut.
Adjust the strap's length as needed for comfort and proper positioning.

Sitting vs. Standing

When practicing the A minor chord on your ukulele, you can choose to sit or stand, depending on your preference. Here are some tips for each position:

Sitting: Sit at the edge of your chair with your feet flat on the floor. Rest the bottom curve of the ukulele on your thigh, maintaining the same positioning as when standing.
Standing: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain good posture. Hold the ukulele as previously described, and consider using a strap for added support.

Now that you know how to hold your ukulele, it's time to move on to the next step: tuning your instrument and learning the A minor chord.

Tuning the Ukulele

Before you can start playing the A minor chord on your ukulele, you'll need to ensure your instrument is properly tuned. A well-tuned ukulele will produce accurate and pleasant-sounding chords. There are several methods to tune your ukulele, and we'll cover a few of the most popular ones below.

Using an Electronic Tuner

An electronic tuner is a handy tool for quickly and accurately tuning your ukulele. To use an electronic tuner:

Clip the tuner onto your ukulele's headstock or hold it close to the soundhole.
Pluck each string one at a time, starting with the top string (G) and moving down to the bottom string (A).
Check the tuner's display to see if each string is in tune (G, C, E, A).
If a string is out of tune, adjust the tuning peg for that string until the note is correct.

Tuning by Ear

If you don't have access to an electronic tuner, you can still tune your ukulele by ear. This method involves comparing the pitch of each string to a reference note or another string. To tune your ukulele by ear:

Play a reference pitch for the top string (G) using a tuning fork, piano, or another instrument.
Adjust the tuning peg for the G string until it matches the reference pitch.
Press the G string at the 5th fret, and use this note to tune the next string (C).
Continue down the strings, using the 4th fret of the C string to tune the E string and the 5th fret of the E string to tune the A string.

Tuning Apps

Another convenient option for tuning your ukulele is using a tuning app on your smartphone or tablet. Many tuning apps are available, with some even offering additional features like chord libraries and metronomes. To use a tuning app:

Open the app and select the ukulele tuning option (usually GCEA).
Pluck each string one at a time, starting with the top string (G) and moving down to the bottom string (A).
Follow the app's instructions to adjust the tuning pegs and bring each string into tune.

With your ukulele now properly tuned, you're ready to learn how to play the A minor chord!

Learning the A Minor Chord

The A minor chord is one of the simplest chords to play on the ukulele, making it a great starting point for beginners. In this section, we'll cover finger placement, strumming technique, and practice tips to help you master the A minor chord on your ukulele.

Finger Placement

To play the A minor chord on your ukulele, follow these steps:

Place your middle or ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (top string).
Ensure the other strings (C, E, and A) are open, meaning no fingers are pressing down on them.
Check your finger placement and make any necessary adjustments to create a clean-sounding chord.

Strumming Technique

Once your fingers are in place for the A minor chord, it's time to work on your strumming technique. To strum the A minor chord on your ukulele:

Hold your strumming hand above the strings, near the soundhole.
Using your thumb, index, or middle finger, gently brush the strings in a downward motion.
Practice strumming the A minor chord with a steady rhythm, adjusting your finger pressure and positioning as needed for a clean sound.

Practice Tips

Mastering the A minor chord on your ukulele will take some practice, but with a few helpful tips, you'll be well on your way to success:

Take your time and focus on proper finger placement and strumming technique.
Practice switching between the A minor chord and other chords to build muscle memory and dexterity.
Set aside regular practice time and stay consistent to see steady progress.

Now that you've got the A minor chord under your belt, let's explore some popular songs that feature this chord on the ukulele.

Popular Songs with A Minor Chord

Now that you've learned how to play the A minor chord on your ukulele, it's time to put your skills into practice by playing some popular songs that feature this chord. Here are three songs that will give you the opportunity to practice the A minor chord and improve your overall ukulele skills.

Song One: "Riptide" by Vance Joy

"Riptide" is a catchy tune that features the A minor chord along with C and G chords. With its simple chord progression and upbeat tempo, this song is a great choice for beginners to practice their A minor chord skills. The strumming pattern for "Riptide" is also relatively easy, making it a fun and accessible song for new ukulele players.

Song Two: "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz

"I'm Yours" is a popular song that showcases the A minor chord along with other basic chords like C, G, and F. This song has a laid-back vibe and an easy-to-follow strumming pattern, making it a perfect choice for practicing the A minor chord on your ukulele. As you become more comfortable with the chord progression, you can experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques to make the song your own.

Song Three: "House of Gold" by Twenty One Pilots

"House of Gold" is another great song for practicing the A minor chord on your ukulele. In addition to A minor, the song features C, G, and F chords, making it a well-rounded choice for beginners looking to build their chord repertoire. The catchy melody and upbeat tempo of "House of Gold" will make practicing the A minor chord an enjoyable experience.

Additional Resources

As you continue to develop your ukulele skills and master the A minor chord, you may find the following resources helpful in your journey:

Ukulele Brands

Investing in a quality ukulele can make a significant difference in your playing experience. Some popular and reputable ukulele brands include Kala, Lanikai, and Cordoba. These brands offer a variety of ukulele sizes, materials, and price points to suit your needs and preferences.

Online Lessons

Online lessons can be an excellent resource for learning the ukulele and expanding your musical knowledge. Websites like Ukulele Underground, Uke Like The Pros, and YouTube offer countless tutorials and lessons covering everything from basic chords to advanced techniques.

Books for Beginners

Books can also be a valuable resource for learning the ukulele. Some beginner-friendly ukulele books include "Ukulele for Dummies" by Alistair Wood, "The Daily Ukulele" by Jim Beloff and Liz Beloff, and "Ukulele Primer" by Bert Casey. These books cover a range of topics from basic chords and strumming techniques to songbooks and practice exercises.

By incorporating these resources and regularly practicing your A minor chord ukulele skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled ukulele player.

Popular Songs with A Minor Chord

Song One: "Riptide" by Vance Joy

Song Two: "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz

Song Three: "House of Gold" by Twenty One Pilots

Additional Resources

As you continue to develop your ukulele skills and master the A minor chord, you may find the following resources helpful in your journey:

Ukulele Brands

Online Lessons

Books for Beginners

By incorporating these resources and regularly practicing your A minor chord ukulele skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled ukulele player.

Additional Resources

Beyond the popular songs and resources mentioned earlier, there are even more ways to continue your ukulele journey and further master the A minor chord. Here are some additional resources to consider:

Ukulele Clubs

Joining a local ukulele club can provide a supportive community of fellow enthusiasts who can help you improve your skills and share their tips and tricks. Playing with others can also help you build confidence, learn new songs, and develop your sense of rhythm and timing. To find a club near you, try searching online or asking for recommendations at music stores in your area.

Songbooks

Investing in a ukulele songbook can be a great way to expand your repertoire and find new songs that feature the A minor chord. Songbooks come in various styles and genres, so you're sure to find one that suits your tastes. Some popular songbook options include "The Ultimate Ukulele Fake Book" and "The Daily Ukulele: Leap Year Edition."

Apps

There are several ukulele apps available that can help you practice chords, learn songs, and improve your overall playing skills. Some popular ukulele apps include Yousician, Ukulele Toolkit, and Ukeoke. These apps offer interactive lessons, chord charts, and even song libraries to help you get the most out of your practice sessions.

Workshops and Courses

Attending a ukulele workshop or enrolling in a course can provide you with hands-on instruction and tailored feedback from experienced teachers. Workshops and courses can be found at local music schools, community centers, or even online platforms like Udemy and Skillshare. These learning opportunities can help you refine your technique, learn new skills, and deepen your understanding of music theory.

By exploring these additional resources and staying committed to practicing your A minor chord ukulele skills, you'll continue to grow as a musician and enjoy the rewarding experience of playing the ukulele.

If you're looking to enhance your songwriting skills and take your music to new heights, don't miss the workshop 'Technique in Songwriting' by Gianna Adams. This workshop will provide you with invaluable tips and techniques to help you craft powerful and emotional songs that resonate with your audience.