Chords 06: D major
We have completed the first four chords and hopefully can now strum C major, A minor, F major and G major with confidence. The series continues with D major, taking us into the category of slightly more difficult chords. The challenge with G major was forcing the fingers into a somewhat unusual hand position and getting them to the correct places, but once that movement becomes stored in the brain and muscles, it stops being a problem. Similar things can be said about D major, although this chord gives the hand – and especially the index finger – a different type of workout. Why? Because of this:
This chord – the three dots shown in the diagram, written numerically as 2220 – can be fretted in two main ways: using a single segment of one finger, most commonly the index finger, or using the index, middle and ring fingers. I have even seen somebody use the middle, ring and little fingers; if that is comfortable for them, why not... .
D major can also be played by barring at the second fret and putting the little finger on the fifth fret of the first string (2225). I discuss that version in the video too.
Returning to the basic 2220 fingering: fretting it with the index finger alone is difficult, but in the long run it is very worth struggling through and learning the chord this way. It is the fastest fingering because only one finger has to be coordinated, and it leaves the greatest freedom for the other fingers. If we play fingerstyle, for example, three fingers remain completely free for other work. My aim is therefore to guide beginners straight toward the most practical fingering. So, dear beginner ukulele players, the first segment of your index finger is about to receive a serious workout. If somebody prefers to use the upper segment of the middle finger for this purpose, that is fine too . And if at first you would rather fret the chord with three separate fingers, that is not a problem either. The important thing is persistent practice. Instruments in hand – here comes the next chord, D major:
