Introduction

Music theory is a helpful tool for understanding, describing, composing and transcribing music. It can help with your creative process regardless of the instrument you play. In this reference section you find information about musical notes, chords, scales, and key signatures with focus on the ukulele.

Notes

  • The typical ukulele has four strings and the most common tuning is G, C, E, A from string 4 to string 1.
  • Most ukuleles come with a high G string, making the 4th string the 2nd highest in pitch and the tuning re-entrant. With a low G the tuning is linear.
  • Each fret on the ukulele represents a note. For example, pressing down on the 3rd fret of the 1st string will produce a C note.
  • The distance of 1 fret corresponds to a half step and 2 frets make a whole step.

Chords

  • A chord is a combination of 3 or more notes played together.
  • Many different types of chords can be played on the ukulele, including major, minor, and 7th chords.
  • To play a chord, you press down on the appropriate frets and strings. For example, to play a C major chord, you would press down on the 3rd fret of the 1st string.
  • There are different ways and shapes to play chords and their inversions across the fretboard.

Scales

  • A scale is a series of notes played in a specific order.
  • A very common scale on the ukulele is the C major scale, which includes the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.
  • Scales can be used to create melodies and solos.

Key Signatures

  • A key signature is a group of sharps or flats at the beginning of a piece of music that tells you the key of the piece. For example, if a piece of music has 1 sharp in its key signature, it is in the key of G major or E minor.
  • Knowing the key signature of a piece of music can help you understand the structure and chords used in the piece.

By understanding the basic concepts of music theory, you will be better equipped to read sheet music, create your own songs, and improvise on the ukulele. While knowledge of theory helps, the best way to learn is to play and practice your instrument regularly and enjoy the process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different chords, scales, and key signatures to discover new sounds and possibilities. Happy playing!