A - Open Position and Movable Forms

'Eh' – the Canadian chord.

Published: 28 Dec 2010 Updated: 23 Jan 2023Visits: 37Code: UL71

Category: ChordsInstrument: Ukulele Subjects: Chords • Beginner • Intermediate • Core

Share A - Open Position and Movable Forms on: Bluesky facebook twitter (X)

A - Open Position and Movable Forms


Open position A and its movable form and variations.

Additional Content
Available for Premium Site Access Plans Only

Sorry, can't give it ALL away!

This content requires a Premium / Gold Access Plan or enrolled in the Study with Curt - On-line or Private Lesson Program.

To view additional content for this page you'll need to either Sign In or Register or Upgrade to a Premium Site Access Plan.

Login or SignUp to View Content

Open Position

UL71-open-position

Movable Form

UL71-open-position
A_open_finger_2_1 A_open_finger_3_2

* An open position, A major chord, can be played with any finger combination. All depends on the context of its use. Typically played with either fingers two and one, three and two, or rarely fingers four and three.

Checkout the Learn a Chord a Day lessons for Open Position A for all the information you can get from a chord.

Movable Form

UL71-open-position
A_open_finger_3_2

Transposing Movable Form Chords

These lessons use the root of a chord to transpose to different keys.

Root-and-Preceived-Root

Root and Perceived Root

Determine what string the root is on or would be on if not present (perceived root) in the chord's voicing.

Chord Transposition Chart

This transposition chart can be used for any chord where the root, or letter name of the chord is on the A string .

transposition chart for A

The root is on string 1, the A string.

rootsUse the Root or perceived root of the chord to transpose to different keys.

Ukulele ChordsA larger sized transposition chart is available in the Ukulele Chords book. This is the book these expanded chord lessons are based on.

Chord Tones – A C# E

The chord tones, the notes of an A major chord are the 1st, 3rd, and 5th scale degrees of the A Major Scale ( A B C# D E F# G# A' ) .

UL71-chord-tones-degrees UL71-chord-tones-names
  • 1 – the Root or letter name of A is A
  • 3 – the third of A is C#
  • 5 – the fifth of A is E

Two Roots?

Root-and-Preceived-Root

In the open position and movable forms of this chord there are two possible locations for the root or letter of the chord.

When using a High G tuning these two roots are the exact same notes. String four and string one both contain the root of the chord and can used for transposition purposes.

Movable Chord Forms

Transpose-Example-A7-D7-E7

Movable chord forms are chords containing no open strings. These chords can be transposed to different keys by moving each note of the chord the same number of frets up and down the neck.

Movable form chords allow you to play in any key and transpose chords, progressions, and songs to any key. From basic movable form chords, more advanced chords can be created.

The functional range of a movable chord depends on the ukulele's size (soprano, concert, or tenor), the number of frets to the body (10, 12, 14, etc.) and whether you have a cut-away for access to higher frets. Not all chords can be transposed a complete octave (12 frets).

Movable form chords can be used along with open-position chords. As you learn more movable form chords, you'll have a variety of alternate voicings for any given chord.

Movable form chords can be transposed up and down the fingerboard using the root of the chord and a transposition chart, or through knowledge of the names of the notes on the fingerboard.

Chord Fingering

Chord fingering is dependent on several factors. The chord you're currently on, the previous chord, the next chord, your hand, and fingers. All chord fingerings shown are recommended fingerings and not mandatory. Most chords have alternate fingerings dependent on the context. The same chord might even be fingered one way in one part of a song or progression and an alternate fingering in another part.

Derived Chords

sus or suspended Chords

A sus chord implies the suspension of the third of a major, minor or seventh chord. The most common and historical use of this suspension involves raising the third of a major or seventh chord to the fourth for a sus4, or 7sus4. In some contemporary music, the suspension can also be accomplished by lowering the third of a major or minor chord to a second for a sus2 chord.

The term is borrowed from the contrapuntal technique of suspension, where a note from a previous chord is carried over to the next chord, and then resolved down to the third or tonic, suspending a note from the previous chord. However, in modern usage, the term concerns only the notes played at a given time; in a suspended chord, the added tone does not necessarily resolve and is not necessarily "prepared" (i.e., held over) from the prior chord.

Technically a sus2 is not really chord as in traditional harmony a sus or suspension only referred to the third of the chords. So, really a sus2 is most likely a power 5 without a third and with an added 2. And, another chord that, at its foundation is not a chord but a DYAD.

add2/add9 Chords

Technically the add 2 and add 9 are different chords.

Both the 2 and the 9 are the same letters but in different octaves of the scale. On ukulele, for all practical purposes, you can treat both the add2 and add9 chords as the same. Depending on whether you are using a low "G" or high "G", C tuning the added ninth might be a second. Whether you call it an add9 or add2 depends on whether the added note is in the same octave as the root of the chord.

Related to a C Major Scale a D is both a 2nd and a 9th (shown to the right). All depends on where the root is.

Power Five Chords

A Power 5 chord contains the root and fifth of a major scale with an optional octave of the root added for a three note power 5 chord. A power 5 chord is technically not a chord in the traditional sense but a dyad or interval. It's more of an implied chord sometimes major and sometimes minor.

7th (pronounced Seventh)

A partial seventh chord can be created by lowering the Root of a major triad two frets.

A seventh chord as a 4-part chord ( 1 3 5 b7 ) and one of the Big Six core chords used to derive other contemporary and jazz chords.

A Seventh chord along with your basic major and minor chords are the msot common chord you will encounter.

NOTE: A Seventh chord is very often referred to as a Dominant Seventh . This is not always accurate as Dominant — is a chord function and not actually part of a chord name, which is a capital letter and chord type information – not it's harmonic function. We don't call a seventh functioning as a I (one) chord in a Blues a Tonic Seventh or the IV (four) chord a Sub-Dominant Seventh chord, etc...

Major Seventh Chords, maj7

A major 7 chord is created by raising the flat seven of a seventh chord one fret.

A major 7 can also be created from a major triad by lowering the root one fret.

6 or maj6

The major 6 or 6th chord is created by lowering the b7 of a seventh chord one fret. An example would be from C7 ( C E G Bb ) lower the Bb one fret to A for C6 ( C E G A ).

The major 6 can also be created from a major seventh chord by lower the seventh two frets. An example would be from Cmaj7 ( C E G B ) lower the B two frets to to A for C6 ( C E G A ).

Chord Progressions

1_A(practice).png

If your ukulele does not allow access to the higher frets for a particular chord, then substitute another movable form chord lower down the neck or an open position chord.

PRACTICE NOTE: To gain the most from these chord lessons and the practice progressions, memorize the location of each chord and the name of the chord.

I've pulled this trick question on a few of my private students after they have played a chord in a lesson. Typically this happens at the beginning of a lesson before we actually get into the lesson. I'll ask them to play a chord that I just saw them play. I'll say; "Play a D chord." Some will say they don't know chord so and so and yet it's a chord they just played. Don't let a chord get lost in a particular song or progression. Know its name and it belongs to you for using elsewhere.

Sign-IN — it's FREE — to view, un-blur any additional content for this lesson.

End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Videos

Related Videos for A - Open Position and Movable Forms.

Ukulele Chord a Day, January 21th - A

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 21th is A.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for A - Open Position and Movable Forms.

MLQS1CD60a

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Blues Play-along Tracks

Four Premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Blues scale. Suitable for any instrument.

MLQS1CD60b

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Pentatonic Play-along Tracks

Four Premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Pentatonic scale and suitable for any instrument.

MLQS1CD60f

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Ionian Play-along Tracks

Four premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Ionian scale. Suitable for any instrument.

MLQS1CD60d

QuickStart Chord Progressions, Mixolydian Play-along Tracks

Four Premium practice play-along tracks for mastering and exploring the Mixolydian scale. Suitable for any instrument.

UL47c

Common Chord Progressions for the Key of A

Common chord progressions for the key of A. Using the primary and seconday chords for the key explore these common chord progressions for the key of A.

ULCAD0121

Chord a Day, January 21st - A

Learn a new Ukulele chord every day of the year. The chord for January 21st is A.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for A - Open Position and Movable Forms.

Before You Pick Up Your Uke, Getting Started Basics

Updated: 08 Jun 2023

These ukulele lessons are essential for both beginners who are just starting out and seasoned players who have already gained some experience. Even if you consider yourself a seasoned player, exploring this series of lessons can still be highly beneficial. You are likely to discover new insights and perhaps even be reminded of valuable information that can greatly assist you when teaching beginners or further enhancing your own skills.

Basic Ukulele Chords Charts

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

Not so much a series - but the basic chords ALL ukulele players should know.

Common Ukulele Tunings

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

Any tuning is possible on a ukulele as long as the construction supports it and a string is available. There are three somewhat common tunings in popular use today, C, D and G tuning - with C tuning the most popular.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for A - Open Position and Movable Forms.

BC1UKE-C

Ukulele Chords - C Tuning

Updated: 12 Feb 2024

This chord book is a great addition to you music book library. Ukulele Chords covers basic open position and basic movable form chords.

UKEREAD1

Ukulele- Reading Music Series - Primer

Updated: 03 Jan 2020

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position. It is a lot easier than you might think with this step-by-step easy to use approach. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

BC1UKE

A Guide to Ukulele Chords

Updated: 05 Dec 2017

A Guide to Ukulele Chords - covers the basic ukulele chords that ALL ukulele players SHOULD know. Plus, an introduction to movable chord forms, rock chords, how to transpose chords, jazz chords and more.

BC1UKE-L

A Guide to Ukulele Chords for Lefties

Updated: 10 Jan 2020

Covering basic ukulele chords that ALL uke players MUST know, movable chord forms, rock uke chords, how to transpose chords, learning the ukulele fingerboard and an introduction to 4-part jazz chords and more... FOR LEFTIES - Tunings: C, G, or D Tunings. Low or high string four variations.

BC1UKE2

A Guide to Ukulele Chords, 2nd Edition

Updated: 10 Jan 2020

A Guide to Ukulele Chords, Second Edition is designed as a guide to ukulele chords. Covering the basic ukulele chords that ALL ukulele players SHOULD know. A Guide to Ukulele Chords covers movable chord forms, rock chords, how to transpose chords, learning the ukulele fingerboard and includes an introduction to 4-part, a.k.a jazz chords and more...

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets

Related Assets for A - Open Position and Movable Forms.

WEB_CONTENT_ONLY

Basic Ukulele Chord Chart

Updated: 11 May 2019

A chart of the most common ukulele chords in the most common keys of C, G, D, A, and E.

Site Access Plans for LearningUkulele.com

Forever Access - With Forever Premium Access, you get ALL the benefits of a Premium Access Subscription such as Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources, related assets, and ALL books by Curt as FREE downloads. Pretty much everything on the site, and NEVER worry about a subscription or surprise payment again. And jump the queue for responding to any questions.

If you're anything like me (Curt) and getting Subscription overloaded with everything and everybody on-line wanting money from you once a month — I'm with you. For like-minded individuals, this forever plan is a pay once, and you're done.

The price for Unlimited Forever access is right around the cost of a few months of private lessons. I can guarantee there is more than enough material on-line to keep you busy for a long, long time. And, you get all of my books for FREE. That alone is more than the cost of this plan.

Premium Access - This premium gives you Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources and related assets. As well as ALL books by Curt Sheller as FREE downloads.

Basic Access - A limited selection of basic lessons — ( currently over 140 ) and 100+ songs for ukulele as well as basic general music reference material — Completely FREE — Simply Register/Signup. HOWEVER - I've been doing ukulele and LearningUkulele.com since 2003 and probably have given too much away already - as reflected in my income from the site in relationship to the time spent on the site. So help support this site and its continued development by signing up for one of the below Premium Access Plans or buy a few of my books. - Thanks, Curt

NOTE: Each higher access level includes ALL the benefits of the lower levels. Private Lessons include all the benefits of a Premium Access Plans as long as you remain a student on the schedule.

Just browsing over both books, they look fantastic! I'm a guitarist and uke player for over 25 years and was thinking about writing a ukulele book but you've already written what I think are the best, most comprehensive and thorough books I've ever seen for the instrument. I just might end up buying every book you've written and I'll be giving my highest recommendation for your books to my friends and students. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such great books!Peter Rhee

Aloha, Curt, All I can say is WOW! What you have accomplished is simply incredible! All the bestGlen Hirabayashi, The Aloha Boys

Folks, if you haven't stopped by Curt's site, do so right now! ..And get his books, they are fantastic. This guy knows his stuff and is able to pass it along too.Alan Johnson Proprietor, The 4th Peg

I can highly recommend Curt's Uke books — I have four of them and they are excellent.fatveg — Portland

Want to drop LearningUkulele.com & Learning Ukulele with Curt a nice comment . We always like to know how we are and you are doing. We'll post any comment, quotes throughout the site and you can help spread the word .

Thanks for visiting and checking out the site!

curtieAnim.gif rw.vg.gif

Original Curtie Animation from 1987 for my first web site on a Macintosh II, 37 years ago. Man, does time fly.

“Built for myself (Curt), and sharing with the `Ukulele community!”

LearningUkulele.com has one of the largest collections of lessons, songs, and TABS, Luthiers, ukulele builders, ukulele festival and club information, and, ukulele links on the web. Curt has been on the ®Internet since the early 1990's and This site just never stops growing!!!

Content is added and updated daily — so check back often. I really do need to get out more ;-)

Love LearningUkulele.com? • Show your support!
Support development via a monthly membership or a one-time forever membership!