Ukulele C chord diagram
C is one of the essential Ukulele chords. On Ukulelearn, this chord appears in 3,151 different songs. On this page, you can find how to play C, alternative positions, and core chord transitions.
To play C, follow these steps: Place ring finger on A string fret 3.
Tips
- Place A string with your ring finger with a vertical finger angle so nearby strings ring clearly without buzz.
- On A string, press fret 3 with your ring finger close to the fret wire (not on top) for a cleaner tone.
- To play C cleanly, every involved string should ring clearly. Make sure both fretted strings (A string) and open strings sound clean. After shaping the chord, pluck each string one by one and confirm there is no muted or buzzing note.
Chord Theory
- Notes
- C - E - G
- Intervals
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Chord Type
- Major — bright and happy character
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Voicings
- 7
Alternative Positions
Different ways to play C on the fretboard, from beginner-friendly to advanced voicings.
Ukulele C chord diagram5-4-3-3
Ukulele C chord diagram5-4-3-7
Ukulele C chord diagram5-7-3-7
Easy Transition Chords
These chords have similar finger positions to C, making them ideal for practice transitions.
1. C → Am7 chord transition
To move from C to Am7, follow these steps:
- While playing C, lift your ring finger from A string fret 3.
2. C → Csus4 chord transition
To move from C to Csus4, follow these steps:
- Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.
- Place index finger on E string fret 1.
3. C → Eaug chord transition
To move from C to Eaug, follow these steps:
- Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.
- Place index finger on G string fret 1.
4. C → Fsus2 chord transition
To move from C to Fsus2, follow these steps:
- Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.
- Place index finger on E string fret 1.
5. C → G#aug | A♭aug chord transition
To move from C to G#aug | A♭aug, follow these steps:
- Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.
- Place index finger on G string fret 1.
6. C → Cadd9 chord transition
To move from C to Cadd9, follow these steps:
- Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.
- Place middle finger on C string fret 2.
Most Common Transitions
The most frequent chord transitions from C across songs on this site.
1. C → G chord transition
To move from C to G, follow these steps:
- Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on E string fret 3.
- Place index finger on C string fret 2.
- Place middle finger on A string fret 2.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing C use the transition to G at 35.4%. You can practice this transition in 1,825 different songs.
2. C → F chord transition
To move from C to F, follow these steps:
- While playing C, lift your ring finger from A string fret 3.
- Place index finger on E string fret 1.
- Place middle finger on G string fret 2.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing C use the transition to F at 15.6%. You can practice this transition in 1,070 different songs.
3. C → D chord transition
To move from C to D, follow these steps:
- Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on E string fret 2.
- Place index finger on G string fret 2.
- Place middle finger on C string fret 2.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing C use the transition to D at 11.2%. You can practice this transition in 819 different songs.
4. C → Am chord transition
To move from C to Am, follow these steps:
- While playing C, lift your ring finger from A string fret 3.
- Place middle finger on G string fret 2.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing C use the transition to Am at 10.2%. You can practice this transition in 840 different songs.
5. C → Em chord transition
To move from C to Em, follow these steps:
- Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on C string fret 4.
- Place index finger on A string fret 2.
- Place middle finger on E string fret 3.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing C use the transition to Em at 7.6%. You can practice this transition in 615 different songs.
Compatible Scales
These scales include C and highlight the companion chords that fit the same key.
Songs Using C Chord
Popular songs that feature the C chord, perfect for practice.
Songs in Original Key of C
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the C chord on Ukulele?
Ukulele C is easy to start with. The shape covers 1 frets. Short daily repetitions will make transitions smoother.
Is there a simpler voicing for C?
You can try an easier Ukulele voicing for C. The alternative voicing uses fingering 5-7-3-7. Use this shape first, then return to the full form as control improves.
What are the most common chord changes from C on Ukulele?
Ukulele progressions often pair C with G and F. Based on our catalog data, C -> G is tracked 21,358 times across 1,825 songs (35.4% share), while C -> F appears 9,397 times across 1,070 songs (15.6% share).
Can you name songs that feature C?
In our catalog, Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me Ukulele Chords is one of 8 songs that include the C chord.