Unlock The Power Of Ukulele Voicings and Movable Chords Today

Download Free Ukulele Chords Voicings and Movable Chords (PDF)

• Table of Contents
• What is a chord voicing? A closed chord? A movable chord?
  • What is a chord voicing?
  • What is an open string?
  • What is a closed voicing?
  • What is an open chord?
  • What is a movable chord?
  • Are all closed chords movable?
  • Difference between chord voicing, movable chord, closed chords
• How Ukulele Voicings And Movable Chords Improve Your Playing
  • Tone and Texture 🎵
  • Smooth Transitions 🧭
  • Musical Expression 🎨
  • Arranging & Layering 🧱
  • Barre Chords & Variations 🎸
• Find Ukulele Voicings Yourself — It’s Fun!
  • Detailed intervals between notes
• 12 voicings to improve your repertoire
  • Major chords
  • Minor chords
• Conclusion

Chord voicings let you play the same chord in fun, new ways — making your ukulele sound more colourful, expressive, and totally your own!

What is a chord voicing? A closed chord? A movable chord?

What is a chord voicing?

When I first started playing, I thought there was only one way to play C major. But then I discovered other voicings—same chord, new sounds! It was like opening a door to a colourful new room.

Playing a chord in a different voicing (i.e., using a different shape or fret position for the same chord) can dramatically change the sound, feel, and function of the music. Here's why ukulele players (and musicians in general) use different voicings:

So, what exactly is ukulele chord voicing? It’s how you shape a chord to sound different—even if it’s technically the same chord.

A chord voicing is just the way we arrange the notes of a chord. You can play the same chord in different ways. Each version has a slightly different flavour.

It's like saying the same sentence in a different tone of voice. Still the same words, but it feels different.

Different voicings emphasise different notes in the chord.

What is an open string?

What is an open string? It's when you play a string, in a chord, without pressing any finger on it.

For instance: The string A , in the D chord (the first string), has a 0, all the other strings are pressed.

What is a closed voicing?

A closed voicing is a chord voicing in which no open strings are used.

For instance, in this chord voicing, there is no open string played:

What is an open chord?

An open chord is one that has one or more open strings, where you play the string without fretting it.

Here is an example:

What is a movable chord?

A movable chord is one you can shift up or down the neck by keeping the same fingering shape from the left hand.

It doesn’t rely on open strings.

You keep the shape and just change the fret.

For instance, the Bb is a movable chord. You can play the B, the C, the D, and so on - see the chord voicings below:

You can try them. See how it's always the same shape of the right hand?

Are all closed chords movable?

Yes.

Sometime, they could be harder than others.

However, there are rare exceptions for which the number of fret from a ukulele may be a limitation.

Difference between chord voicing, movable chord, closed chords

Voicing = The way we stack and arrange the notes of a chord. It's a way to play one chord. There could be multiple ways to play the same chord.

Closed chord = movable chord. Even if the concept behing each term is really different. If a chord is closed, it can be movable, and vice-versa.

How Ukulele Voicings And Movable Chords Improve Your Playing

Why chord voicing matters?

It makes your playing sound more personal.

You can match the mood of the song.

It adds variety and keeps things interesting.

It feels like you’re really making the music, not just copying it.

Voicings give you more musical colours to paint with. They're a key part of making your ukulele playing expressive and versatile.

Tone and Texture 🎵

Different voicings make your chords sound brighter, lighter, or warmer. It’s like painting with new colours.

Smooth Transitions 🧭

Sometimes, it’s easier (and sounds better) to use a chord shape that’s closer to your previous or next chord.

If you're playing a progression like G (0232) to C (0003), that’s simple.

But if you're playing chords up the neck, you might use C as 5433 to avoid big jumps.

Musical Expression 🎨

Voicings can add emotion or flavour:

A voicing with more open strings may sound more dreamy.

A tight, closed voicing may sound more jazzy or intimate.

Arranging & Layering 🧱

If you're playing with others:

Using different voicings avoids everyone playing the exact same thing.

It creates depth and a richer sound overall.

Barre Chords & Variations 🎸

Barre chord voicings allow you to:

Transpose easily (same shape, different fret = different chord).

Add extensions like 7ths, 9ths, etc., for more complexity.

Find Ukulele Voicings Yourself — It’s Fun!

How to explore voicings: Find Voicing Yourself!

Explore the fretboard.

Here’s how:

• Pick a chord you know. For instance : C

Add one fret to each string. You have now C#.

Add again one more fret to each string. You have now D !!

You can then find out how to play the D#, then the E, then the F...

Experiment. Play around.

Now you can try out With the F shape too. And then the A shape!!

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Each shape adds something new to your sound. So grab your uke, play around, and see what magic you can find!

If you ever feel stuck, just pick a chord and try to play it differently. Chord voicings are one of the easiest ways to sound unique and creative. Happy strumming!

Detailed intervals between notes

Here is the pattern of tones and semitones (half-tones) from A until we return to the next A (an octave higher). Here's the full sequence, showing the intervals between each note:

A - 1 tone - B - 1/2 tone - C - 1 tone - D - 1 tone - E - 1/2 tone - F - 1 tone - G - 1 tone - A

One fret is half a tone.

12 voicings to improve your repertoire

Download Free Ukulele Chords Voicings (PDF) for major and minor chords.

Major chords

	"regular"	Voicing	Voicing
A
A# - Bb
B
C
C# - Db
D
D# - Eb
E
F
F# - Gb
G
G# - Ab

Minor chords

Conclusion

Chord voicing might sound like a fancy term, but as you’ve seen, it’s really just a fun way to play around with sound.

Try new shapes, move them up the neck, and see how your favourite chords can surprise you. That’s how I learned — just by experimenting and listening.

If you want to go further, you could explore fingerstyle with different voicings. Or try writing your own little songs using just three or four chord shapes. It’s all about having fun and discovering what you enjoy.

I hope I’ve been helpful today — and that your ukulele feels even more exciting now!

If you’d like to get to the next level, feel free to try a one-to-one free ukulele lesson with me. I’d be happy to help you keep growing and grooving!

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Would you like some help on the regular basis?

Why not book a lesson .

You'll have the help of an expert to progress and improve, while keeping it fun.

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I hope this article has helped you :)

Have a fantastic day!