How to play F (F Major) on Ukulele
Diagram, notes, and audio for the F chord on ukulele. Free in your browser.
About F on ukulele
F major on the ukulele is a clean two-finger chord. Index finger on the 1st fret of the E string, middle on the 2nd fret of the G string, with the C and A strings ringing open. The notes are F, A, and C. After C and G, F is the third chord every ukulele method book teaches because it completes the I-IV-V trio of the key of C.
F is the I chord in F major, the IV in C major, and the V in Bb major. On the ukulele, F almost always functions as the IV in C-key songs — the chord cycle C-F-G or C-F-Am covers an enormous swath of the pop canon. Because C, F, and G all use simple shapes on the uke, beginners can play hundreds of songs within their first month.
Famous ukulele songs that lean on F include Riptide (which alternates Am-G-F-G), I'm Yours, and large parts of the Beatles' Hey Jude when played in C. The chord's bright, open tone — two open strings still ringing — fits the ukulele's natural voice perfectly, which is why F is among the most-played chords on the instrument.
Frequently asked questions
- Is F major easy on ukulele?
- Yes — two fingers, both in first position. F is one of the three first chords every method book teaches.
- What's the difference between F major on ukulele and on guitar?
- On ukulele, F is a simple two-finger chord with two strings open. On guitar, F typically requires a barre — much harder for beginners. The ukulele simplifies F dramatically.
- How do I switch from C to F quickly?
- Lift your ring finger off the 3rd fret of the A string and place your index on the 1st fret of the E and middle on the 2nd fret of the G. With practice the change becomes nearly instantaneous.
Switch instruments
See F on a different instrument — same chord, new diagram.