Ukulele · Chapter 12 of 24

G, D7 and Em: the Key of G

A second key opens up a new set of songs. In G, the main chords are G, C and D7, with E minor for color.

In the key of G, G is home, C is the IV chord, and D7 is the V7 chord that pulls back home. You already know C. Here are the new shapes.

G (0232)

Index (1) on the 2nd fret of the C string, middle (2) on the 2nd fret of the A string, ring (3) on the 3rd fret of the E string. A small triangle, like G7 turned around.

D7 (2223)

Lay the index finger flat across the 2nd fret of the G, C and E strings, and put the middle finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. Many players also use an easier D7, 2020: two fingers only, on the 2nd fret of the G and E strings.

Em (0432)

Ring (3) on the 4th fret of the C string, middle (2) on the 3rd fret of the E string, index (1) on the 2nd fret of the A string. A diagonal line. It takes a little stretch; let the thumb sit low behind the neck.

G and C, D7 and G

From G to D7 the whole hand changes shape. Practice whichever change gives you trouble on its own: four strums each, back and forth, for a minute.

A song in G

Lightly Row is a two-chord song in G: G and D7. Strum it with down-up eighths, changing to D7 in the middle of bars 7 and 15.

Practice. Play the G, C, G, D7 loop until you can change without stopping. Then play Lightly Row with the song’s player on “Strum only,” and finally pick its tune.

Remember

G = 0232, D7 = 2223 (or the easy 2020), Em = 0432.
In G: G is home, C is IV, D7 is V7.
Practice the hardest change on its own.