A common question I see in the Ukulele Strumming Tricks video lesson course, as well as in email, is about how to play a Bb chord. If you aren’t familiar, a Bb chord is played on the ukulele as shown in the diagram to the left.
As normally instructed, to play a Bb chord, use your index finger to hold down or barre the bottom two strings of the ukulele at the 1st fret; place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the third string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the top string, as shown in the following picture.
A common way to play a Bb chord
This position requires you to bend your index finger in what can seem like a really difficult and uncomfortable way. If you struggle with stiffness or even arthritis in your fretting hand, this position can seem near impossible. Not to mention, this way of playing a Bb chord requires quite a bit of strength.
In my conversations with you, a lot of you have found an alternative way to play a Bb chord that works extremely well. To play a Bb chord, rather than barring only the bottom two strings at the 1st fret, barre all the strings with your index finger. This means, you hold down all four strings at the 1st fret with your index finger. Then, position your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the third string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the top string. Check out the following picture to see a Bb chord played in this alternate position.
An alternate way to play a Bb chord
Note: Ensure the end of your thumb is firmly planted on the neck of the ukulele to provide leverage and support.
The benefit to this alternate position is that you are able to keep your index finger extended, rather than bending it in an awkward way. Many find this much more comfortable, and because you are using the entire index finger to hold down the strings, the amount of strength and energy required to fret the strings is a little less.
I want to hear from you. How do you play a Bb chord? Any tips that you have for your fellow ukulele players? Post your comment below!
I use the second method on playing the Bb cord. It is more comfortable for me to bar the whole fret. Also, If you move that shape to other frets you can get other cords. So, it is easier to move to other cords. For me the easier transition is a real benefit.
Dave, I’m so glad you mentioned that. You can definitely slide the chord up the fretboard to play other chords.
For other readers, for example, if you move the Bb chord position up two frets, you are playing a C major chord. If you move the Bb chord position up four frets, you are playing a D major chord. Pretty cool.
I agree with you both about playing the Bb with the barre. However, the barre might be harder for some beginners to play and master. I’ve found with daily practice, about 10 minutes a day, you can master the barre and make it a part of your everyday playing. Brett, do you have any exercises to strengthen playing of barre chords?
I agree with you the barre takes time for a beginner to master. Like you mentioned, one of the best ways to strengthen your fingers, hand, and wrist is to intentionally practice chords (such as setting out 10 minutes a day). For barre chords (and chords in general), building strength throughout your hand is important. Positioning helps, but if you lack the strength, it’s going to be hard to hold those barre chords for extended durations without experiencing soreness.
If you’re looking for exercises apart from practicing chords, there are two I can recommend. For the first one, I recommend using a tennis ball or a stress ball. Hold the tennis ball in your hand, squeeze it with a tight grip for 5 to 10 seconds, release for 10 seconds, and repeat a few times.
For the second exercise, take both of your hands and put them together as if you’re praying. Separate your hands slightly while allowing the tips of your fingers to touch. In that position, press against each hand with a moderate to high amount of pressure for 5 to 10 seconds, release for 10 seconds, and repeat a few times.
Both are pretty simple, but they work the same muscles that you would use when fretting a chord. These exercises can be nice way to practice when you aren’t able to play you’re ukulele. And remember, don’t overdo them either.
I use the second method it allows me to slide up to a C nice and easy or a barred G
7-5-6-5 works well, too, although it takes you into a different register. If you’re playing fingerstyle, you can just go with 7-5-6-x and still end up with a Bb on top, also.
Great tip!
Hi Brett
Thanks for your tips on Bb chord. I struggle with this – using the first method. I have tried the barre method but my fore finger has very little ‘padding’. I even thought of putting some sort of ‘sleeve’ over it to give me more pressure!
Cheers
Polly
I find this barre technique really good if the next chord is Bbm. Just lift the middle finger.
It depends on where I’ve been and or where I’m going with the next chord. The big issue when playing a Bb the traditional way is to get your hand and wrist forward. If you scrunch up on the chord, you will most likely chunk some of the strings.
Thanks, useful to have alternative chord shapes . In my experience some people can do bars straight away, purely becasue a uke is so small, some need time and practice. As well as describing the fingers and strings involved, I find it useful to add the ‘principal’ behind this alternative Bb, i,e, that you are shifting a standard A chord up half a step by barring the first fret. and playing an A chord position on the second fret. By doing so, learners inherit a general way of finding alternative chord shapes, and changing key chords, by being a human capo!
Great comment and insight, Ginny! Thank you for addressing this really useful principle.
HI Brett I use a variation on both types I place my index finger on strings 1&2 then strengthen by placing my 1st finger over the top of index, then use ring finger on 3rd string and pinky on 4th string. I find this system works well for Bb, B , C, C#.
Like the lessons
Ray
Another advantage to the full barre method of making Bb is the easy transition to Bb7 by lifting your ring finger.
Great tip!